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Tours/Plovdiv/From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village

From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village

4.3(4)Plovdiv10 hours
VIATOR4.5(2)TRIPADVISOR4.0(2)
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
+4 photos
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village

At a glance

Duration
10 hours
Price from
$29 / person
Location
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Rating
4.3 / 5 · 4 reviews
Languages
DE, RU, EN, EN
Group
Small group, up to 25
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Traventuria
Meeting point
IMPORTANTThe meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia). Please, be there 15 min. in advance! | This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5.

Description

Traverse millennia of history on a seamless day trip from Sofia. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, explore ancient Plovdiv, the mystical Starosel Thracian Temple, and the open-air street art village of Staro Zhelezare. - Plovdiv Old Town: Walk through historic cobblestone streets and major Roman ruins. - Lunch & Walk: Enjoy local food along Europe's longest pedestrian zone. - Starosel Temple: Discover an ancient 4th-century BC Thracian site. - Staro Zhelezare: Capture vibrant street art in a unique rural village. - Scenic Drive: Relax through the scenic Thracian Valley. Important Details This tour operates as a large group tour. Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses). You will share the vehicle with other travelers and multi-language guided groups Passengers with different options may share transport; add-ons may require vehicle/guide changes. Closed-toe walking shoes are strictly required for uneven cobblestone streets.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Start times
8:00 AM
Next available
Fri, Oct 9
Adult (ages 12–80)
$29
Child (ages 6–11)
$29

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.

Tour Options

ENG Guide: Kopriv. Combo

➤ You will visit: Plovdiv's historic old town and the stunning 19th-century National Revival museum town of Koprivshtitsa. ✔ Live English Guided Tour: with a dedicated English-speaking guide for both the bus transfer and on-site walking tours at Plovdiv & Koprivshtitsa. Starosel Completely SKIPPED: You visit Koprivshtitsa instead! ⚠ Fast-paced day. Vehicle change in Plovdiv MAY occur. Plovdiv free time is limited. Vehicle & Group Size:: Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses).

Audio App Tour

➤ You will visit: Plovdiv's old town, the ancient Starosel Thracian Temple, and the famous Staro Zhelezare street art mural village in one day. ➤ Audio App Requirements: This is a self-guided phone tour. Bring a charged smartphone & headphones. No live English guide is included on this tour. ➤ Return Route Logistics: mean after Starosel and the art village, the bus must return to Plovdiv to collect other passengers before heading to Sofia. ⚠ Large shared Bus Logistics: mean you may share a bus with a Spanish or Italian guided group. Their live guide commentary may interfere with your app.

App: Koprivshtitsa Combo

➤ You will visit: Plovdiv's historic old town and the stunning 19th-century National Revival museum town of Koprivshtitsa. ❌ NO Live Guide In ANY Lang.: This is an AUDIO app tour on a shared large bus. Foreign commentary may be audible. Bring headphones! Basic English host. Starosel Completely SKIPPED: You visit historic Koprivshtitsa instead! ⚠ Fast-paced day. Vehicle change in Plovdiv MAY occur. Plovdiv time is cut short. ⚠ Large shared bus Logistics: mean you may share a bus with a Spanish or Italian guided group. Their live guide commentary may interfere with your app.

Italian Local Guide

➤ You will visit: Plovdiv's old town, the ancient Starosel Thracian Temple, and the famous Staro Zhelezare street art mural village today. Local Italian Guide: is included for the Plovdiv and Starosel tours. Note: Sofia bus transfer is accompanied by an English or Spanish coordinator. ➤ Return Route Logistics: mean after Starosel and the art village, the bus must return to Plovdiv to collect other passengers before heading to Sofia. Vehicle & Group Size:: Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses). You will share the vehicle with other t

Spanish Local Guide

➤ You will visit: Plovdiv's old town, the ancient Starosel Thracian Temple, and the famous Staro Zhelezare street art mural village in one day. Local Spanish Guide: is included for the Plovdiv and Starosel tours. Note: Sofia bus transfer is accompanied by an English or Italian coordinator. ➤ Return Route Logistics: mean after Starosel and the art village, the bus must return to Plovdiv to collect other passengers before heading to Sofia. Vehicle & Group Size: : Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses).

English Guided Tour

➤ You will visit: Plovdiv's old town, the ancient Starosel Thracian Temple, and the famous Staro Zhelezare street art mural village in one day. ➤ Return Route Logistics: mean after Starosel and the art village, the bus must return to Plovdiv to collect other passengers before heading to Sofia. Vehicle & Group Size: : Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses).

Itinerary

Vasil Levski Monument
15 min

Your day trip starts at 08:00 AM from the Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia). Please arrive by 07:45 AM to check in. Board our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to Plovdiv.

Plovdiv Old Town
120 min

Explore one of Europe's oldest cities! Your guide will lead you through the cobbled streets of the Old Town architectural reserve. Marvel at the 19th-century National Revival houses, ancient Roman walls, and historic churches while learning about Plovdiv's 8,000-year history.

Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Admission not included30 min

Visit the spectacular 1st-century Roman amphitheater. Still an active venue for opera and concerts, this UNESCO-listed site offers the most iconic panoramic views of Plovdiv and the Rhodope Mountains. (Entry is optional and paid locally).

Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis
30 min

Discover the massive Roman Stadium (2nd century AD) located right beneath the feet of shoppers on the main pedestrian street. You will also have time to explore the vibrant "Kapana" (The Trap) creative district.

Kapana
60 min

Stroll through Europe’s longest pedestrian zone and dive into the trendy, car-free streets of the Kapana creative hub. Enjoy dedicated free time to grab an authentic local lunch at a courtyard café, shop for unique handmade souvenirs, and soak up Plovdiv's artistic energy at your own pace.

Thracian Temple Complex Starosel
Admission not included60 min

Step inside ancient mysteries as you climb the grand stone staircase of Europe's largest 4th-century BC Thracian royal tomb. Walk through the mystical 10-column dome chamber with an expert guide and uncover secret rituals older than many Roman monuments. Note : The itinerary depends on the specific option you have booked Alternative route : Koprivshtitsa - Spend extra time in the town, exploring its colorful revolutionary houses and the "First Shot" bridge, soaking in the mountain atmosphere.

Staro Zhelezare Street Art Village
60 min

Capture surreal photos in a traditional rural village completely transformed into a vibrant, open-air street art gallery. Walk past local homes and barns where village elders are painted right alongside global celebrities, politicians, and pop-culture icons. Alternative route : Koprivshtitsa - Spend extra time in the town, exploring its colorful revolutionary houses and the "First Shot" bridge, soaking in the mountain atmosphere.

Plovdiv
Pass by

After exploring the street art in Staro Zhelezare, we will make a quick, scheduled stop back in Plovdiv to pick up the passengers who chose the Plovdiv-only option. Once the entire group is comfortably back on board, we will head straight back to Sofia.

Vasil Levski Monument
10 min

Sit back and relax on the drive back to Sofia. You will be dropped off at the original meeting point.

What's included

Included
Comprehensive tour of Plovdiv Old Town, Starosel and Staro Zhelezare
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Professionnal driver/guide
Not included
Admission tickets (will be paid onsite)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

4.3
4 reviews
5
2
4
1
3
1
2
0
1
0

How it compares in Plovdiv

  • No. 30 by number of reviews among 126 tours in Plovdiv
  • Starting price $29 is 75% below the typical $113 for tours of similar length in Plovdiv

Excurgo comparison of 126 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age is 6 years, children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Features historic cobblestone streets with slight inclines in Plovdiv's Old Town. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection (sunscreen/hat) are highly recommended.
  • The Regional Ethnographic Museum - Plovdiv is closed on Mondays
  • Operates in all weather conditions. During the summer months, temperatures in Plovdiv are significantly higher than in Sofia.
  • Travel safely in a modern, fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle led by a professional regional driver.
  • Please provide a valid mobile number (with WhatsApp preferred) at checkout so our coordination team can easily reach you regarding morning departures if needed.
  • If selecting a self-guided (Audio App) option, please note that you must bring your own smartphone and headphones. Using the audioguide throughout the day requires active internet, and we strongly recommend bringing a power bank to ensure your phone battery lasts the entire tour.
  • For tours booked in Spanish or Italian, you will be met by a local expert at the historical sites. The Traventuria host accompanying you on the bus from Sofia will manage travel logistics and will speak a different language (usually English).
  • The Starosel/Art Village option returns the latest of all routes. This is because the bus must loop back into Plovdiv city center in the late afternoon to collect passengers who remained in the city for "Extra Free Time" before heading back to Sofia.
  • Please note that both the Koprivshtitsa and the Starosel itineraries are long, full-day tours. Expect a late return to Sofia, typically between 18:30 and 19:30.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village take?

From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village lasts about 10 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.

How much does From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village cost?

Prices start at $29 per person for this Plovdiv experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 6 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM.

How much does From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village cost for children?

Children aged 6–11 pay from $29, adults from $29.

Can I cancel From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is IMPORTANT: The meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia). Please, be there 15 min. in advance! | This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village offered in?

The experience is available in DE, RU, EN, EN, IT, IT, FR, ES, ES.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 25 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Minimum age is 6 years, children must be accompanied by an adult

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village worth it?

Travellers rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 4 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Traventuria.

Reviews(4)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

V
Victoria_K
September 10, 2026 · via Viator
Martin is a great tour guide!

Whether you choose to stay all day in Plovdiv or go on the 2 additional excursions (which we did) it was a visually rewarding and educational experience. Martin was an amazing knowledgeable guide who obviously loves leading tours. There is time for a lunch break before the addl side trips and we ate lunch in the theater cafe - very close to meet the bus. Lovely peaceful courtyard right off the main shopping street which provided a quiet place to recharge. Great fresh creative "elevated" salads and we saw lots of people ordering fish & chips -:).

Operator response

Thank you so much for such a lovely review! We are so glad to hear that you had a wonderful day and that taking the additional side trips made the experience even more rewarding. Martin truly pours his heart into leading his tours, and we'll be sure to pass along your kind words to him — he will be thrilled! It's also great to know you found that cozy, quiet spot for lunch near the meeting point (those fresh salads and fish & chips sound like the perfect way to recharge!). It was a real pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you on another adventure with us in the future!

Y
Y5769TLdv
August 24, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
100% Worth It!

An absolutely fantastic experience! It is a full-day tour from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, but it is 100% worth every minute because you get to cover three incredible and completely different destinations in a single day. We started in Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, which is just full of rich history and vibrant energy. Next was a short stop at the Thracian cult complex in Starosel—a mysterious site that honestly gives off major Indiana Jones vibes! We wrapped up the day in Starozhelezare, a charming Bulgarian village famous for its incredible house wall graffiti, which makes for amazing, unique photos. A huge shoutout to both our guide and driver—they were absolutely top-notch! The guide was super knowledgeable and engaging, and the driver kept us safe and comfortable the entire day. If you want a well-organized day trip with diverse highlights, don't hesitate to book this one!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for such an amazing review! 🌟 Reading your feedback truly brought huge smiles to our whole team here at Traventuria! You encapsulated the exact spirit of this tour—it is indeed a long day, but it’s tailored specifically for true adventurers who want to dive headfirst into history, ancient mystery, and modern culture all at once. We’ll be sure to pass along your fantastic compliments to both your guide and driver; they will be thrilled to hear they made your journey so smooth and memorable! Thank you for choosing to explore Bulgaria with us. Keep that adventurous spirit going, and we hope to welcome you back for another epic day trip soon!

M
Miguel_H
August 14, 2026 · via Viator
Very good tour, although not...

Very good tour, although I do not recommend the temple or the city, it is better to stay in Plovdiv. Antonio is a very didactic and good guide; he explained everything to us very well and gave us very good recommendations for Bulgaria.

B
brasov b
March 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Can certainly do better

Far too much time in vehicle, we left at 9:00 am and returned at 7:30 pm. Driver's slow, don't obstruct traffic. So instead of 2 hours of free time, only 1 hour...

$29/ person
4.3(4)
Duration10 hours
LanguagesDE, RU, EN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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