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Day trips · Sofia

Top 10 day trips things to do in Sofia

When Sofia is your base but the destination is somewhere else for the day. Fully-organised round trips with private transport, guides, and the reservations sorted before you leave the hotel.

  1. The Eyes of God natural wonder Saeva Dupka cave and Glozhene Monastery day trip from Sofia, Sofia1

    1. The Eyes of God natural wonder Saeva Dupka cave and Glozhene Monastery day trip from Sofia

    5.0· 14 reviews

    Three of the most stunning Bulgaria's attractions within a day trip from Sofia! Explore the natural wonder of Prohodna cave, named by the locals “The Eyes of God” because of the two deity-eye-shaped holes on the ceiling. Experience Saeva Dupka, among the most decorated tourist adapted caves in Bulgaria and visit the unique Glozhene Monastery, built like a bird’s nest on the cliffs of a mountain peak. All this within a group day trip from Sofia!

  2. Day tour to the Natural wonders Belogradchik Rocks & Venetsa cave, Sofia2

    2. Day tour to the Natural wonders Belogradchik Rocks & Venetsa cave

    4.9· 16 reviews· 11 hours

    Step into a world where time has carved legends into stone and silence whispers through crystal chambers. Nestled in the mystical northwest of Bulgaria, the Belogradchik Rocks rise like ancient sentinels—scarlet and ochre giants shaped by wind, rain, and imagination. These surreal formations tell tales of medieval fortresses, monks, and mythical creatures, each silhouette more otherworldly than the last. As sunlight dances over the towering spires, venture deeper—beneath the earth—into the Venetsa Cave, a hidden gem of luminous beauty. Here, nature unveils her masterpiece: a kaleidoscope of stalactites and stalagmites, glowing in delicate hues of violet, emerald, and gold. The cave pulses with quiet magic, a sanctuary of mineral wonders frozen in eternal stillness. This tour is not just a journey through Bulgaria’s wild northwest—it's an encounter with the sublime, where stone becomes story, and darkness reveals its own dazzling light.

  3. Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery, Sofia3

    3. Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

    4.8· 174 reviews· 9 hours

    During this day tour, you will be able to visit one of the must-see places in Bulgaria, not surprisingly elected European Capital of Culture for 2019, as well as two of the highlights in the region - Asen's fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

  1. Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia, Sofia4

    4. Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia

    4.8· 39 reviews· 8 hours

    This day tour perfectly combines history, culture, and nature experiences. Enjoy a comfortable ride through the beautiful green countryside as you head toward the majestic Rila Mountains. Discover Bulgaria’s most famous UNESCO site, the Rila Monastery, with a guided or audio-guided tour. Afterward, take a relaxing walk through the woods to reach the Cave of Saint Ivan. You will also have free time to explore the monastery on your own before we drive back to Sofia.

  2. Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia, Sofia5

    5. Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia

    4.8· 37 reviews· 9 hours

    Guided Tour (English) and free online audio-guides in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, Ger, Rus. Rila Monastery UNESCO site and the healing powers of Bulgaria's mineral springs in a relaxing spa!

  3. Day Tour to Nis, Serbia - Small group with pick-up and tickets, Sofia6

    6. Day Tour to Nis, Serbia - Small group with pick-up and tickets

    4.7· 143 reviews· 10 hours

    If you want to understand better the Balkans with all its complexity, rich history and colorful mixture of different cultures and habits, we recommend you to visit Nis with us.  During this day tour you will travel through history with the professional lead of your guide. Our journey through time will start from the Roman period, when Nis gave to the world one great man – The Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Then we will continue through the Middle Ages and the period of Ottoman rule which left constructions like the Nis Fortress and the Skull Tower – a symbol of the struggle for freedom and independence from the Ottomans. In the end we will pay attention to the Modern history and the period of Nazi occupation of former Yugoslavia, visiting the Nazi Concentration Camp. Of course after all the impressions that you get, it will be time for some rest. You will have the chance to taste the famous Serbian cuisine - one of the most delicious on the Balkans.

  4. Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group, Sofia7

    7. Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group

    4.7· 466 reviews· 12 hours

    Appreciating the diversity of Balkan culture can be difficult, especially with limited time in the region. Explore Macedonian culture on a day tour to Skopje from Sofia, and tick off another Balkan capital in just 1 day. Enjoy the company of 2 professional guides - one from Bulgaria and one local from Macedonian. Travel the distance with ease via modern vehicle, and discover landmarks including the Skopje Fortress, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, and Old Bazaar, with insights provided by your guides. During this day tour you will have the chance to visit one of the most bizarre cities on the Balkan Peninsula. Skopje is a mixture of authentic monuments from the Ottoman period, and new neo-classical buildings, complete with ornate columns and rooftop figures of nymphs. After the reconstruction of the new center has been done, as per the “Skopje 2014” project, the city became one of the popular destinations in Eastern Europe.

  5. From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip, Sofia8

    8. From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip

    4.7· 55 reviews· 12.5 hours

    See the best of Bulgaria in 1 day. This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park in the morning and then in the afternoon to the city of Plovdiv - the cultural capital of Bulgaria. In the morning the shuttle bus will take you to the Rila Monastery where you have more than 1 hour to explore the site at your own pace. The complex is compact in size so the time allows to see the most important parts of it. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you on a 3.5 hours journey through the scenic mountains of Bulgaria to the city of Plovdiv - one of Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical sites. You have more than 4.5 hours to explore the historical city center on your own. Driver will provide you with a tourist map and tips for what to see.

  6. Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip, Sofia9

    9. Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

    4.7· 183 reviews· 11 hours

    Enjoy a guided combo tour to two of the most fascinating towns in Bulgaria. These are Plovdiv - the European Capital of Culture 2019 and Koprivshtitsa - a picturesque town with an epic history and a striking architecture. Explore all major attractions in the old town of Plovdiv with a professiona English-speaking guide and admire the marvelous heritage left by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Jews, Greeks, Armenians and Bulgarians. The route between Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa crosses rose valleys, charming villages and the gentle hills of Sredna Gora Mountain. Koprivshtitsa is unforgettable with its spectacular Bulgarian Renaissance mansions and filled with battles chronicles. Despite the long and intensive itinerary, there is free time planned for shopping, self-guided wandering and eating.

  7. Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour, Sofia10

    10. Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

    4.6· 1020 reviews· 8 hours

    Join an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to two UNESCO sites – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Enjoy a 40-minute tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of free time for photos, museums, shopping, or lunch. At Boyana Church, admire its stunning 800-year-old frescoes with a brief guided visit. Note: Women must cover shoulders and knees in the monastery. Tip: On busy summer weekends, bring lunch from Sofia to save time. *Boyana Church is closed on Jan 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and Dec 24–25. On these dates, the tour visits only Rila Monastery. This tour offers a perfect mix of cultural heritage, scenic mountain landscapes, and insightful storytelling from your professional English-speaking guide. Transport is provided by a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and the group size allows for a more personal experience. Ideal for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike!

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