Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup in Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia, Bulgaria

Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup

Outty Ranking 74 5.0 · 27 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $95
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup worth booking?

Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup is a 9-hour experience in Sofia, Bulgaria, from $95 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
5/5 (27)
Duration
9 hours
From
$95 per person

Explore the 8000-year history of Plovdiv with ruins from the Roman times, beautiful Revival architecture and cozy restaurants in Kapana district. Enjoy breathtaking views from Asen’s Fortress, perched on top of a hill in the beautiful Rhodope Mountains. Visit the second largest monastery in Bulgaria and see the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary. Take the advantage of this small-group tour with free hotel pickup.

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the 8000-year history of Plovdiv with ruins from the Roman times, beautiful Revival architecture and cozy restaurants in Kapana district. Enjoy breathtaking views from Asen’s Fortress, perched on top of a hill in the beautiful Rhodope Mountains. Visit the second largest monastery in Bulgaria and see the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary. Take the advantage of this small-group tour with free hotel pickup.

    What's included

    Included

    • Transport with minivan or car
    • Entrance fee to House-Museum Hindliyan, Plovdiv
    • Entrance fee to Asen's fortress
    • Licensed English-speaking guide
    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Personal expenses

    What you'll see and do

    1. Plovdiv

      Travel time from Sofia to Plovdiv is about 1h and 45 min

      105 minutes here

    2. Plovdiv Old Town

      Explore the 8000-year history of one of the oldest cities in the world Plovdiv. Travel through the ages just in one day.

      60 minutes here

    3. Archaelogical Complex Nebet Tepe

      Ruins of the old village and fortress where the ancient city was founded 4000 years BC.

      20 minutes here

    4. Ethnographic Museum

      The building of the museum was built in 1847 and is a stunning masterpiece from Bulgarian Revival period. The museum keeps one of the biggest collections of Bulgarian cultural heritage.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. House-Museum Hindlian

      The house of Stepan Hindliyan is one of the few houses in Plovdiv which has preserved its original symmetric design from the Revival period.

      20 minutes here · Admission not included

    6. Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis

      One of the best preserved ancient Roman theaters. It was built in the 1st century.

      20 minutes here · Admission not included

    7. Kapana

      Area with cozy restaurants and cafes.

      60 minutes here

    8. Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)

      The fortress played an important role in defending the route from the Aegean Sea to Thrace. It is perched on top of a hill in the beautiful Rhodope Mountains and reveals breathtaking views.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    9. Bachkovo Monastery

      The second largest monastery in Bulgaria with one of the oldest iconostasis in the country and the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.

      30 minutes here

    10. Sofia

      Travel time from Bachkovo monastery to Sofia is about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

      140 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Sofia

    Meeting point

    Sofia

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 7 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Multi Travel Bulgaria

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Asen's fortress, Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup in SofiaPlovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup in Sofia, photo 3Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup in Sofia, photo 4Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup in Sofia, photo 5Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup in Sofia, photo 6Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup in Sofia, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    10 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    27 verified traveler reviews for Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    27
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    homesweetworld69 · September 2026

    A dive into Ancient Rome presence

    It is the best tour I have had highlighting Ancient Rome occupation. I love Asen’s Fortress point of view and the free time in Plovdiv I have used to visit some ruins. The guide, Anton, looked after me and seemed truly passionate about it.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jamie T · June 2026

    Great day trip option

    The guide was amazing! He was knowledgeable and arranged the tours so we could get the most out of the day. The vehicle was spacious and clean.

    via Tripadvisor

    kldpsa · March 2026

    Great day trip

    Despite cold, rainy weather, it was a great trip. Very glad I went. Guide gave us solid history behind what we saw and good recommendations for lunch. Was also very helpful in the rain and helping with possible slippery steps at the fort. Having been to Plovdiv now, I might want to stay there a couple of nights to be able to explore all of the museums etc, but it was still a great introductory day trip. Beautiful Old Town.

    via Viator

    hansolofh · November 2025

    A very interesting tour

    We really enjoyed seeing the old town in Plovdiv. The museum building was really something. However, it was a shame to see next to very nice buildings others that was in different stages decay. The other big take away was of course the Romen remains that had a very prominent place in the old city and especially the best-preserved Greek theatre that I have seen, and the part of the racing course/stadium. The second stop was not a formal stop but very much an important one. The guide had found a good sandwich shop next to a large coffee place with very nice cakes. This was very appreciated with us. The other highlight of the formal program was the Bachkovo monastery. The garden had very impressing trees, and then I am not talking about a recently planted banana tree. The churches were really beautiful and covered from floor to ceiling with colourful pictures. The last stoop the Asen castle is really a viewpoint, and since it was a really foggy day it was not much to be seen. Our guide was very nice and knowledge man that took us through Bulgari troubled history and took care of us very well.

    via Tripadvisor

    Renee W · July 2025

    Do it if you have the time

    This is a long drive from Sofia, but well worth the trip because of the beauty and uniqueness of the sites. Our guide was very informative and approachable, and adapted exceptionally well to my needs regarding the amount of walking (this, in a “group” of two). If you have the time, I highly recommend this day trip.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $95 to $115
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    9
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Multi Travel Bulgaria, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.1.

    See everything Multi Travel Bulgaria runs

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)51
    Booking momentum (14% weight)42
    Value for money (12% weight)93
    Listing quality (10% weight)69
    Local standing (8% weight)71
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sofia.

    How much does Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup cost?

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    Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sofia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup take?

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    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sofia is not rushed.

    Is Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 27 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sofia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup?

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    Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sofia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sofia and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sofia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Sofia?

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    On Outty we rank every Sofia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour, Communist Walking Tour of Sofia, Museum of illusions Sofia Official Entry ticket. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Sofia?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Sofia?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup?

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    Included: Transport with minivan or car; Entrance fee to House-Museum Hindliyan, Plovdiv; Entrance fee to Asen's fortress; Licensed English-speaking guide; and Hotel pick-up and drop-off. Not included: Food and drinks; and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 182 listed pickup locations in and around Sofia. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup?

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    Across 27 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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