Get to know Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s oldest city. Honoured as the European Culture Capital of 2019, it’s the oldest inhabited city in Europe. The Romans, Greeks, Thracians, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called Plovdiv home.
On your private tour of Plovdiv, you’ll visit the historic Bachkovo Monastery, Asen’s Fortress, and have a personal walking tour so you can fully experience everything this ancient city has to offer.
- Pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Sofia
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide for the whole day
- Spacious, air-conditioned minivan
- Choose to stop at a traditional local restaurant for lunch
- Unlimited photo stops and coffee breaks
Get to Know Plovdiv
Located in the skirts of the Rodopi Mountains, Plovdiv has survived for thousands of years at the crossroads between the Middle East and Western Europe.
With a history of more than 6,000 years, Plovdiv is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Different eras of history are reflected in the city’s architectural landmarks, with Ottoman, Thracian, Roman, Greek, and Byzantine cultures all being present.
The city is also known for its ethnic diversity. Many of its inhabitants belong to the Armenian, Jewish, Turkish, Roma, and Greek ethnicities, all of which have a strong influence on the city’s cultural life. Plovdiv was also named among The New York Times’ list of 52 places to go in 2019.
Your Plovdiv tour itinerary
- Transfer to the Plovdiv area and Bachkovo Monastery (approximately 2 hours).
- Guided tour of the Bachkovo Monastery (approximately 30 minutes).
- Transfer to Asen’s Fortress and exploration of the site.
- Transfer to Plovdiv (20-30 minutes).
- City tour of Plovdiv (2-hour walking tour of the city centre).
- Visit the Old Town of Plovdiv (dating from the 19th century), featuring the exterior of the Ethnographic Museum (it’s said to be the most beautiful building in Plovdiv).
- Visit the Balabanov house, the Ancient theatre of Philippopolis (an Ancient Roman-style amphitheatre), the Ancient stadium of Philippopolis (the biggest and best preserved in the Balkans), the Roman Forum, the Church of the Holy Mother of God, Plovdiv, the St. Constantin and Elena Church, the Djumaya Mosque and square, Glavnata (the main pedestrian street), Kapana (“The Trap”, a famous neighbourhood) and Nebet tepe (a hill with a great view of the whole city).
- Transfer back to Sofia (approximately 2 hours).
Total duration: 7-8 hours
Total driving distance: 142 km
PRICE:
– 290 EUR for 1-3 people
– 410 EUR for 4-7 people
INCLUDED:
+ Transportation with an AC vehicle, fuel, road taxes, parking fees;
+ Taxes and VAT, Local English-speaking tour guide/driver;
+ Entrance for Bachkovo monastery and Asen’s fortress;
+ Pick up and drop off from/to the hotel.
NOT INCLUDED:
Food, personal expenses, tips.
The full day tour from Sofia to Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo is an all-seasons tour and can be organised at any time of the year. Each season has its own charm and will give you the opportunity to learn more about the magnificent history of the European Capital of Culture 2019 – Plovdiv.
Plovdiv Attractions to Visit
Plovdiv invites you to explore its ancient places, monuments, and artefacts as you unfold its rich historical and cultural heritage. One of the symbols of Plovdiv is the Roman Odeon, the ancient theatre which seats 350 people. The Odeon was restored in 2004. In ancient times, it was built to serve as the seat of the local town hall. Then it became a place for staging performances.
The most imposing monument from the ancient settlement, which stood where Plovdiv now does, is the antique stadium. It was modelled on the stadium at Delphi. The facility could accommodate up to 30, 000 spectators.
Plovdiv Old City Tour
No visit to Plovdiv would be complete without venturing into the Old City. The picturesque buildings here are a real lure for keen photographers. Their designs are characteristic of the Bulgarian Revival period, with roofs covered with the easy-to-spot tiles.
There are also the typical townhouses of the 17th century, sometimes simply referred to as “Plovdiv houses”. These are symmetrically built, have tanks for storing rainwater, spaces for shops, and wells in their yards. Some of the old houses even have Turkish-style bathrooms with clothes-washing facilities. Most of the older houses are also decorated with murals. Some of these can be seen from the outside, but many more are viewable inside. The ceilings have wood-carved decorations, which are true works of art.
As well as the architectural points of interest the Old Town offers, it’s also a place of old-fashioned charm. You’ll find not only eye-catching buildings and museums but also eateries that welcome connoisseurs of cuisine of all kinds.
Plovdiv’s Roman Past
Plovdiv’s Roman monuments offer a whole world of fascination. They include the Roman stadium and the Roman forum.
The Roman forum was the hub of activity for townspeople and a thriving centre for commerce, shown in the host of shops and public buildings nearby. It’s one of the places that demonstrates the significance of Plovdiv to the ancient world and dates back to the first century. It’ll be part of your Plovdiv city tour, located in the centre, close to the Roman Odeon.
Experience the beating heart of this ancient city
Plovdiv’s peculiar atmosphere can be felt as soon as you step into the pedestrian zone. You’ll be instantly surrounded by fascinating sites, including the city’s largest park, founded in the middle of the nineteenth century. Here you’ll find the Singing Fountains, a unique attraction which combines the freshness of water and an interplay of music and light. Close by, you’ll also find “The Buttons”, another fountain which is a symbol of the city.
Outside of the park, fans of shopping will find opportunities galore. The diverse shops lining Plovdiv’s main street offer an abundance of souvenirs, essentials, and luxury goods.
If you’re taking the time to visit some local shops, you’ll by necessity pass by the ancient Roman stadium. This divides the main shopping street into two and features a fully restored archaeological complex.
It’s not something you’ll want to miss.
Book your tour of Plovdiv
Find out more or book your tour of Plovdiv today via our booking form. You can also call us or email us at your convenience.
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