Plovdiv’s rich history and cultural heritage come alive on this full-day tour led by an Italian-speaking guide. Stroll through the city’s well-preserved Old Town, marvel at the impressive Roman amphitheater, and uncover the spiritual significance of the Bachkovo Monastery. With a delicious local lunch and the opportunity to light a candle at the monastery’s altar, this immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into Bulgaria’s past. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an authentic cultural adventure, this tour promises to leave you captivated and eager to explore more of Plovdiv’s hidden gems.

Good To Know

Plovdiv Full-Day Tour in Italian - Good To Know

  • This full-day tour from Sofia takes visitors to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and the 11th-century Bachkovo Monastery.
  • The tour includes a guided walking tour of Plovdiv’s Old Town, which features Roman, Byzantine, and Thracian historical sites, led by an expert Italian-speaking guide.
  • Visitors can explore the impressive Bachkovo Monastery, known for its ossuary and beautiful frescoes, and have the opportunity to light a candle beside the altar.
  • The tour provides transportation via air-conditioned minivan and covers entrance fees, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, but gratuities are not covered.
  • The tour is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers for a more personalized experience, but it is not suitable for children under 5 or individuals with walking disabilities.

Tour Overview

This full-day trip from Sofia to Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery allows travelers to experience Bulgaria’s rich history and religious traditions.

The tour features an exploration of Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited towns, with its Thracian, Roman, and Byzantine sites, including the impressive Roman amphitheater.

Guests will enjoy a guided walking tour with an expert Italian-speaking guide, strolling through Plovdiv’s charming Old Town lined with galleries and cafes.

The itinerary also includes a visit to the 11th-century Bachkovo Monastery, renowned for its ossuary, cathedral, and museum, where travelers can admire beautiful frescoes and learn about the site’s history.

Itinerary Highlights

Strolling through Plovdiv’s Old Town, visitors will be enchanted by the galleries and cafes lining the charming streets.

They’ll have the chance to choose a restaurant for lunch, savoring local cuisine in this historic setting.

The tour then moves on to the 11th-century Bachkovo Monastery, known for its impressive ossuary, cathedral, and museum.

Here, travelers will view stunning frescoes and learn about the monastery’s rich history.

They’ll also have the opportunity to light a candle beside the altar, seeing the spiritual atmosphere of this remarkable religious site.

Inclusions and Logistics

Included in the full-day tour from Sofia to Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery is a professional Italian-speaking guide who accompanies travelers throughout the experience. Transport is provided by an air-conditioned minivan, and entrance fees – approximately 6 euros per person – are covered. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included, though gratuities are not. The tour is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers.

Inclusions Logistics
Professional Italian-speaking guide Maximum of 30 travelers
Air-conditioned minivan transport Confirmation at booking
Entrance fees (approx. 6 euros per person) Not wheelchair accessible
Hotel pickup and drop-off Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Gratuities not included Not suitable for young children or those with walking disabilities

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for this full-day tour is behind the Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, with the GPS coordinates 42.695601, 23.333790.

Travelers will be picked up from this centralized location and transported by air-conditioned minivan to the various sites on the itinerary. At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off back at the original meeting point, completing the day’s adventure.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Children under 5 and those with walking difficulties may find the tour challenging.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It’s not suitable for children under 5 or those with walking disabilities.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers. Gratuities aren’t included in the price.

While some reviewers noted comfort issues with the vehicle’s seating, the overall experience is recommended for those interested in history and culture, with positive comments on the friendly guides and beautiful scenery.

Reviews Summary

There are 9 reviews for this tour, with an overall rating of 4.0.

Travelers praise the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery along the way. However, some note that the historical information provided could be more in-depth.

A few also comment on the comfort issues with the vehicle’s seating. Despite these minor drawbacks, the tour is recommended for those interested in exploring Bulgaria’s history and cultural heritage.

The Plovdiv Full-Day Tour in Italian provides a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to discover the ancient city of Plovdiv and the renowned Bachkovo Monastery.

Exploring Plovdiv’s History

Exploring Plovdiv’s history transports visitors back through millennia, revealing the city’s remarkable resilience as one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited urban centers.

Strolling through the charming Old Town, guests discover:

  • Remnants of Thracian, Greek, and Roman civilizations, including the remarkably well-preserved Roman Amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century AD.
  • The imposing Roman Stadium, one of the largest ever constructed, which hosted grand spectacles for the ancient city’s population.
  • Magnificent medieval churches and Bulgarian National Revival-era architecture that showcase Plovdiv’s cultural evolution over the centuries.

With each step, the city’s rich tapestry of history unfolds, captivating visitors and igniting their imaginations about Plovdiv’s enduring legacy.

Experiencing Bachkovo Monastery

One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the 11th-century Bachkovo Monastery, a renowned spiritual and cultural center in Bulgaria.

Nestled in the Rhodope Mountains, the monastery is known for its ossuary, cathedral, and museum. Guests can explore the beautiful frescoes and learn about the monastery’s rich history from the expert Italian-speaking guide.

Visitors have the opportunity to light a candle beside the altar, a meaningful ritual that connects them to the monastery’s spiritual traditions.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to gain insights into Bulgaria’s religious heritage and appreciate the serene beauty of this sacred site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Tour?

The tour is a full-day trip, departing from Sofia and exploring the historic towns of Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery. The itinerary includes guided walking tours and visits to Thracian, Roman, and Byzantine sites, lasting approximately 8 to 9 hours.

Is a Vegetarian/Halal Meal Option Available?

The tour overview does not specifically mention vegetarian or halal meal options. However, it states that participants can choose a restaurant for lunch, suggesting some flexibility in dining choices during the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to meet individual preferences, though flexibility may be limited. Travelers can discuss dietary needs and interests with the tour operator to see if accommodations can be made within the existing itinerary.

Are Audio Guides Provided During the Tour?

Audio guides aren’t mentioned, but the tour includes an expert Italian-speaking guide who leads the walking tour. Travelers can ask questions and get explanations about the sites during the guided portions of the experience.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour details don’t mention any discounts for seniors or students. However, visitors should check with the tour provider to see if any discounted rates are available at the time of booking.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour in Italian allows visitors to enjoy Plovdiv’s rich history and culture. From the ancient Roman amphitheater to the stunning Bachkovo Monastery, the guided experience offers a comprehensive glimpse into Bulgaria’s past. With a local lunch and the chance to light a candle at the monastery, the tour provides an authentic and memorable way to discover one of Europe’s oldest cities.