Koprivshtitsa and Starosel Tour

The Koprivshtitsa and Starosel Tour offers a captivating journey through Bulgaria’s rich heritage. Travelers can explore the charming 19th-century architecture of Koprivshtitsa, including a renowned house-museum, before delving into the ancient Neolithic ruins of Starosel, home to the largest underground temple in the Balkans. The tour culminates with a delightful wine tasting experience, providing a perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary delight. With its blend of historic sites and local flavors, this tour promises to immerse visitors in the heart of Bulgaria’s unique identity.

Good To Know

• This full-day tour from Sofia explores 19th-century architecture and historical monuments in Koprivshtitsa, as well as the ancient Neolithic ruins at Starosel.
• Visitors can marvel at the largest underground temple in the Balkans and learn about the significance of the Starosel site.
• The tour includes a guided wine tasting experience at a local winery, providing a culture through historical insights and local experiences.
• The package includes professional guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, and modern vehicle transport, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
• The tour offers a comprehensive itinerary that highlights the importance of both Koprivshtitsa and Starosel in Bulgaria’s cultural heritage.

Tour Overview

This full-day excursion from Sofia takes visitors to explore the charming town of Koprivshtitsa and the ancient ruins of Starosel, offering an enriching glimpse into Bulgaria’s vibrant culture and history.

Travelers will wander through Koprivshtitsa’s well-preserved 19th-century architecture and historical monuments, learning about the town’s significant role in the country’s struggle for independence.

The tour then continues to Starosel, home to the largest underground temple in the Balkans, where visitors can marvel at the Neolithic ruins.

The day concludes with a visit to a local wine cellar for tastings, providing a delightful way to cap off the culture.

Itinerary Highlights

The guided tour of Koprivshtitsa showcases the town’s charming 19th-century architecture and historical sites.

Visitors will marvel at the ancient Neolithic ruins of Starosel, home to the largest underground temple in the Balkans.

The tour concludes with a visit to a local wine cellar, where guests can enjoy a wine tasting experience.

This comprehensive itinerary allows travelers to enrich their knowledge of Bulgaria’s rich culture and history, from the well-preserved architecture of Koprivshtitsa to the impressive archaeological site of Starosel.

Inclusions and Pricing

For this tour, the package includes a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and transport by a modern vehicle.

The price starts from $102.05 per person and varies depending on the group size. This tour also covers entrance fees to one house-museum in Koprivshtitsa.

Some additional inclusions are:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
• Maximum of 15 travelers per tour
• Not wheelchair accessible, but near public transportation
• Infant seats available, though not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions

Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup from any address in Sofia city is provided for this tour, which kicks off at 9:00 AM.

The group size is capped at a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour operator offers convenient hotel pickup, allowing you to embark on the day’s adventure with ease.

Whether you’re staying at a centrally located hotel or a more remote accommodation, the professional guide will ensure a seamless start to your cultural exploration of Koprivshtitsa and Starosel.

With thoughtful inclusions and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour provides a hassle-free way to discover Bulgaria’s rich heritage.

Koprivshtitsa Exploration

Koprivshtitsa, a charming 19th-century town nestled in the heart of the Balkan Mountains, serves as the first stop on this captivating tour. Guests will embark on a guided exploration of this historical gem, marveling at its well-preserved architecture and significant monuments.

The tour highlights include:

1. Visiting the house-museum of Lyuben Karavelov, a prominent Bulgarian writer and revolutionary.
2. Admiring the ornate National Revival-style houses that line the town’s cobblestone streets.
3. Learning about Koprivshtitsa’s pivotal role in the April Uprising against Ottoman rule in 1876.
4. Exploring the Oslekov House, a stunning example of traditional Bulgarian craftsmanship and design.

This immersive experience provides travelers with a deeper understanding of Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage.

Starosel Ruins

Departing Koprivshtitsa, the tour proceeds to the archaeological site of Starosel, home to the largest underground temple in the Balkans.

This Neolithic ruin dates back over 6,000 years and provides a fascinating glimpse into Bulgaria’s ancient history. Visitors are awed by the sheer scale and intricate design of the temple complex, with its carefully aligned chambers and impressive stone structures.

The guide explains the site’s significance, shedding light on the religious practices and technological advancements of these early civilizations.

After exploring the ruins, the tour concludes with a visit to a local winery, offering the opportunity to sample the region’s renowned wines and further immerse in Bulgarian culture.

Winery Visit and Tasting

After exploring the ancient ruins of Starosel, the tour culminates with a visit to a renowned local winery. Here, visitors can savor the rich flavors of Bulgaria’s finest vintages.

The winery tour includes:

1. A guided walk through the cellars, where rows of oak barrels house the maturing wines.
2. An educational tasting session led by a knowledgeable sommelier, who’ll share insights into the winemaking process.
3. The opportunity to sample a selection of the winery’s award-winning red, white, and rosé offerings.
4. Time to browse the on-site shop and purchase bottles to take home as souvenirs.

This winery visit provides a delightful conclusion to the day’s exploration of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage.

The Sum Up

The Koprivshtitsa and Starosel Tour offers a captivating day exploring Bulgaria’s rich heritage. Travelers enjoy the 19th-century charm of Koprivshtitsa, explore the ancient Neolithic ruins of Starosel, and indulge in a local wine tasting, providing a well-rounded cultural experience. This tour is a must-do for those seeking to uncover the fascinating history and traditions of this remarkable region.