Plovdiv and Bachkovo/Assen Fortress Private Tour
Your Plovdiv and Bachkovo/Assen Fortress Private Tour
This full-day tour from Sofia takes you on a discovery of the city of Plovdiv and the spectacular Bachkovo Monastery or Assen Fortress (you can choose). Enjoy a walk through time as you explore Roman ruins, a medieval monastery, gorgeous 19th century architecture, and a modern city center.
Quick information
Duration:
- Full day tour 10h
- Start: 9:00 h
- End: 18:30 h
- Driving time – 4h and 30 min. approx.
Accessibility:
- Not accessible
Driving time:
- 4h 30m appr.
Important:
- Comfortable shoes (cobblestone streets).
- Women must be with covered knees and shoulders in the monastery.
Overview
Itinerary for Plovdiv and Bachkovo/Assen Fortress Private Tour
- 9:00 We start the journey from your hotel/accommodation in Sofia and we begin our walk in the old town for about 2 hours. In the old cobblestone neighborhood of the town we visit two 19th century astonishing houses, Nebet tepe ancient remains, St. St. Constantine and Helena church, the old pharmacy and the Roman theater (please note some of the sites are closed on certain days).
- The cobblestone streets walk is not suitable for high-heel shoes and disabled people. We finish our tour by the Mosque on the main Djumaia Square and there we let you enjoy a walk by yourselves on the main pedestrian street, offering many shops, ice-cream, coffee, pan cakes, etc.
At this point you will have 3 options (subject to discussion with your guide and other participants in your tour):
- A. You can continue exploring the beautiful central part of the city with the Roman stadium, watch a 3D film (paid extra) about pre-olympic competitions, enjoy a beer in lovely Kapana area, walk to the singing fountains beautiful garden and start your journey back to Sofia at around 16:00. Our guide will pick you up at the end of this street by Trimontsium Ramada Hotel, so that you don’t need to walk back to the vehicle through the cobblestone streets.
- B. A more congested visit of Plovdiv will allow you to have time for a visit of Asen Fortress, a beautiful medieval fortress, allowing for beautiful views over the Chaia river valley.
- C. A 30 min drive will take you to the Monastery of Bachkovo, the second largest and most important monastery in Bulgaria where you will visit for around 45 min the church and monastery dining room with its amazing frescoes.
- 18:30 Return to Sofia after a 2-hour drive.
Plovdiv Overview
Plovdiv is one of the oldest European towns contemporary to Troya and Mikena. It has existed as a settlement for 8000 years and became a town around 3000 years ago during the Troyan war. In 342 BC, it was conquered by Philip ІІ of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, who renamed it Philippopolis or “the city of Philip” in his own honour.
Later, it was reconquered by the Thracians who called it Pulpudeva (a reconstructed translation of Philipopolis). With the establishment of Bulgaria in 681, Philipopolis became an important border fortress of the Byzantine Empire. In 1364, the Ottoman Turks under Lala Shakhin Pasha seized Plovdiv. The Turks called the city Filibe which comes from “Fhilip”.
In the historic quarter of the city you will see beautifully decorated period houses, the ancient fortress-wall, the Roman forum and stadium and magnificent churches. The Old city of Plovdiv with its museums, historical sites, ancient houses and paved streets is a nice place for sightseeing.
- Departure point for this tour is from your hotel or accommodation in Sofia on the condition that it is in the city limits.
Prices:
The private tour price is based on the number of people in your party.
Also you can book our budget group option however available on certain days every week. For larger groups please send us a request at: info@vtravel.bg
1 person
249 € per person
2 persons
139 € per person
3 persons
99 € per person
4 – 8 persons
89 € per person
9 – 18 persons
69 € per person
Included:
- Pick-up and drop-off in your hotel in Sofia
- Professional guide in English
- Parking fees
- Entrance fees for Plovdiv museums and Bachkovo dining room or Assen fortress
Not included:
- Meals
- Personal expenses