Trip to Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Day 1: Arrival and Old Town Walking Tour

Welcome to Plovdiv, Bulgaria! Upon arrival at the airport or bus station, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. After checking into your hotel, you can take a city tour of the Old Town. It is one of the most preserved towns in the Balkans and the best way to explore it is on foot. This charming historic area is full of winding cobblestone streets and colorful houses adorned with flowerpots. The Old Town is home to many museums, galleries, and cafes, with interesting sights like the Ancient Roman Theater and the Ethnographic Museum.

Day 2: Bachkovo Monastery and Asen’s Fortress

Today, you will take a trip to the Bachkovo Monastery, one of the oldest Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Europe. It is located in the Rhodope Mountains, about 30 km from Plovdiv. The monastery is known for its rich collection of medieval Bulgarian art, which can be seen in its beautiful frescoes and icons.

After exploring the monastery, you will head to Asen’s Fortress, a medieval fortress situated on a hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The fortress was built in the 13th century and is an interesting historical site to visit.

Day 3: Roman Ruins and Shopping

On this day, you will have the opportunity to explore the magnificent ancient ruins of Plovdiv. The Roman Theatre is one of the most famous attractions in the city, which could seat up to 7,000 people; it currently hosts many concerts, plays, and opera performances. Another must-see site is the Ancient Stadium, which was used for sporting events in the Roman Empire.

In the afternoon, you can indulge in some shopping. Plovdiv has a mix of modern shopping centers and traditional markets. You can visit the Municipal Markets, where you can buy fresh produce or souvenirs or head to the Plovdiv Mall, home to many international fashion brands.

Day 4: Wine Tasting and Cultural Explorations

Today, you will get a real taste of Bulgarian culture, starting with a visit to a local winery in the valley of the Thracian Kings. The region is known for its high-quality wines, and you will have the opportunity to visit wineries that still employ traditional methods while producing their wines.

After the wine tasting, you can visit some of the many museums in the city and explore Bulgarian culture in depth. The Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum, the Military Museum, and the Gallery of Modern Art are just a few of the options available.

Day 5: Maritsa River Walk and Kapana District Stroll

You will start the day with a relaxing walk along the Maritsa River. The walk along the riverbank offers stunning views of the city, with impressive bridges crossing the river.

Next, you will visit Kapana District, known as the artistic and creative district of Plovdiv. The old neighbourhood is now home to galleries, studios, cafes and boutique shops. You can indulge in some specialty coffee or try traditional Bulgarian cuisine at one of the many small restaurants available.

Day 6: Roman Baths and Rozhen Monastery

Today, you will first visit the Roman Baths, a unique archeological site in Plovdiv that was the third largest bath in the Roman Empire. The site houses richly ornamented and well-preserved interior parts, impressive mosaics, and marble floors.

In the afternoon, we will take you to the Rozhen Monastery, built in the 13th century in the Pirin Mountains. The monastery is one of the largest and most beautiful in Bulgaria, and it is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

Day 7: Departure Day

This is your last day in Plovdiv, and depending on your departure time, you can choose to explore the city further or indulge in some last-minute shopping. Your hotel will arrange for your airport or bus station transfer, and you’ll depart home with lifelong memories of your trip to Bulgaria.