Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery in Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria

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

Outty Ranking 80 4.8 · 180 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $89

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$89
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Outty Ranking

80/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 180 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery worth booking?

Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery is a 9-hour experience in Sofia, Bulgaria, from $89 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 180 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
80 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (180)
Duration
9 hours
From
$89 per person

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

What you get

    About this experience

    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

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off from a centrally located address
    • Transport by private vehicle

    Not included

    • Food and drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Plovdiv Old Town

      The tour starts with pick up from your centrally located hotel/accommodation in Sofia. After approximately an hour and a half drive, we will reach Plovdiv. Plovdiv is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. The city has cultural and economic significance both in the past and in the present due to its strategic location. Pieces of evidence of its millennial history can be found all over the place – from the Roman Theatre to the Ottoman mosques. This is the reason why Plovdiv is one of the most charming sights in Bulgaria- wherever you look you will find history, a legend from a different period, traces of glorious past and at the same time, it’s a pleasure to see how vivid is it still and how it continues to develop and writes its new history. There we will visit the highlights – the Roman Theatre, the Roman Stadium, and have a walk in the Old Town with typical for the Revival Period house museums and narrow cobblestone streets. Afterward, we will have lunch.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)

      When we are done with our traditional Bulgarian lunch, we will head towards the final destination of the tour – Asenova Fortress (approx. 25 min drive from Plovdiv). Asen's Fortress is situated on the top of a cliff in Rodopi Mountain, at approx. 20 km distance from Plovdiv. It is a Medieval fortress with a rich history and breathtaking view.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Bachkovo Monastery

      After feasting our eyes on the beauties of nature, we will drive to the Bachkovo monastery. This is the second biggest monastery in Bulgaria and one of the oldest. It was established in the late XI century by a man for Georgia. The monastery later became part of the Bulgarian church. It suffered a lot from the turbulence of the time and keeps a lot of history and drama.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Sofia

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    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
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    BulTrips

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Travelers with flu or cold symptoms will not be taken in the vehicle

    Photos

    PlovdivSmall group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery in Sofia, photo 3Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery in Sofia, photo 4Asen's FortressSmall group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery in Sofia, photo 6Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery in Sofia, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 180 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    180 verified traveler reviews for Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    160
    4 star
    14
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Wilhelm_A · August 2026

    Satisfied

    We were a group of six from different nationalities. Had a very knowledgeable guide, Rosen, who was very kind and efficient, besides a great driver. I think it was very worth!

    via Viator

    Seaside24235141250 · June 2026

    Great experience

    Our guide Daniel was very knowledgeable and charismatic. He picked us at the hotel an returned us safely.

    via Tripadvisor

    Marina_r · June 2026

    Do not recommend

    We did not have a good experience on this tour, unfortunately. I don’t even know our guide’s name. I truly felt like I was listening to an audio guide: ton of information with zero personality or engagement with the group. We were 80% of the group and literally ran thru Plovdiv to not get lost. Didn’t even have time to buy a souvenir. The tour itself was good but the guide was not. I would recommend a different company that does the same itinerary to have a better experience

    Response from the operator: Dear Marina, Thank you for your review. We are happy you liked the tour itinerary, though we feel your description of the guide’s pace misses some important context. Rather than 'running through Plovdiv,' our guide actually extended the duration of the tour to accommodate your family’s pace, as the teenagers in your group frequently separated and requiring extra attention to ensure the tour went smoothly. Our guides always adapt their personality to the energy of the group. We are quite surprised by this review, considering that your group thanked the guide warmly at the end of the trip for the service provided. Wish you many great trips :)

    via Viator

    Efren_R · June 2026

    Nice tour, the guide was very knowledgeable. recommended.

    The VIP travel is recommended. You do not need to rush and the tour was great. I really recommend this tour from Sofia.

    via Viator

    Penny_D · May 2026

    This day trip proved...

    This day trip proved excellent value during our week in Sofia. Our guide Nina was so competent, warm and friendly and simply a wealth of knowledge with regards The Old Town of Plovdiv and Bulgaria in general. Fascinating houses and history. The ancient architectural structures were extraordinary and filled with wonder. I certainly recommend this experience to anyone with a keen interest in their current vicinity and history in general.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $89 to $139
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    63
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 80

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)80
    Booking momentum (14% weight)76
    Value for money (12% weight)82
    Listing quality (10% weight)62
    Local standing (8% weight)61
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery cost?

    +

    Prices start at $89 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 Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery take?

    +

    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 Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 180 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 Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery?

    +

    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 Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery suitable for kids and families?

    +

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

    +

    Around 63 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?

    +

    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 Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Sofia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Communist Walking Tour of Sofia, Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour, Sofia Escape Room - Teorema Rooms. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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