How to Plan Your Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress from Sofia

Are you looking for a perfect day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Sofia? Look no further than a full-day tour to Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress. This tour offers breathtaking scenery, an opportunity to explore the ancient town of Plovdiv, and more – all in just 5 hours!

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan this tour, including itinerary, highlights, and the convenient meeting point.

Experience

On this full-day tour to Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress, travelers will enjoy a small-group excursion that will take them on a journey through one of Europe’s oldest towns, with a guided tour of Plovdiv and free time to explore the area. Travelers will then visit Asen’s Fortress, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, and take memorable photos from the top.

Itinerary

The itinerary for this tour is as follows:

1. Meeting point: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
2. 2-hour drive to Plovdiv
3. Guided tour of Plovdiv (1.5 hours)
4. Free time to explore Plovdiv (2 hours)
5. 30-minute drive to Asen’s Fortress
6. Sightseeing at Asen’s Fortress (30 minutes)
7. 2-hour drive back to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Highlights

The tour includes several exciting highlights, such as:

– Discover Plovdiv and its 19th-century houses churches and Roman Theater.
– Explore the Roman Theater, Roman Stadium, and church with virtual reality glasses.
– Take two hours of free time to walk around and have lunch and coffee along the main pedestrian street.
– Admire the beautiful medieval Asen’s Fortress and take memorable photos from the top.
– Enjoy a small group excursion where the guide is ready to answer all your questions.

Full Description

The tour starts at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, where the guide will meet you. You will then take a 2-hour drive to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest towns, where you will get a guided tour of the area from your experienced guide. You’ll learn about the town’s rich history, including how it played a vital role in trade, culture and religion from ancient times to the present day.

The tour includes a visit to a 19th-century house where you can learn about local production of alcoholic drinks and rose oil products. You will also explore the Roman Theater and Stadium, which are well-preserved and give great insight into ancient Roman culture. With the aid of virtual reality glasses, travelers can even experience what the Roman Theater looked like in its prime!

Following two hours of free time, where you can have lunch, coffee and explore the pedestrian shopping precinct, you’ll reconvene with your guide to make the 30-minute drive to Asen’s Fortress. Admire this beautiful medieval fortress while taking photos and learning about its history from your guide.

The tour lasts for 5 hours in total, finishing up back at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. During the tour, travelers will enjoy the benefit of being led by an experienced guide through a small group excursion.

Booking the Tour

Now that you know the details of this incredible tour, book your tour by visiting the following link: book the tour here. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience some of the most magnificent views and attractions that Bulgaria has to offer.

In conclusion, this full-day tour to Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress is an ideal way to explore Bulgaria’s ancient town, with its rich history and stunning views. With the help of an experienced guide and a small group, you’ll enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

An Insider’s Guide to Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, is an ancient city with a modern feel. Known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, diverse culture, and excellent cuisine, Sofia offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a culture vulture, or a nature lover, you won’t be disappointed by what Sofia has to offer.

Attractions

The city of Sofia has a plethora of attractions that are sure to interest tourists of all ages and backgrounds. One of the most popular attractions is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This stunning Orthodox Cathedral is a must-see for its impressive size and breathtaking art that includes intricate icons.

Another must-see attraction is the National Palace of Culture. Located in the heart of Sofia, this cultural center is home to various events, exhibits, and performances that showcase Bulgarian art and culture.

If you’re interested in the history of Sofia, then you should definitely visit the National Museum of History. This museum houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, including some 650,000 objects from the prehistoric, ancient, and medieval periods.

Lastly, Sofia’s beautiful architecture is certainly worth exploring. One iconic example is the neo-Byzantine-style St. Sofia Church, which dates back to the 6th century.

Dining Spots

Sofia has a diverse culinary scene that ranges from traditional Bulgarian cuisine to international dishes. One of the most popular dining spots in Sofia is Niko’las. This fine-dining restaurant offers a fusion of Bulgarian and Mediterranean cuisine and has won numerous awards for its innovative dishes.

For a more casual dining experience, check out Made in Home. This cozy restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients and homemade cooking, making it the perfect place to try traditional Bulgarian dishes like banitsa (a savory pastry) and kavarma (a hearty stew).

If you have a sweet tooth, then you can’t miss out on trying some traditional Bulgarian desserts like baklava or kadaif. For the best selection, visit Divaka. This dessert shop offers a wide variety of authentic Bulgarian sweets, including honey cakes and chocolate truffles.

Cultural Experiences

Sofia’s rich culture is evident through its many festivals, museums, and art galleries. One of the most popular cultural festivals in Sofia is the Sofia International Film Festival. This week-long event attracts filmmakers and movie buffs from around the world and screens a diverse selection of films from all genres and countries.

For a unique cultural experience, check out the Ivan Vazov National Theater. This distinguished theater is one of the oldest and most prestigious theaters in Bulgaria and hosts various productions of Bulgarian and international plays.

Additionally, Sofia is home to numerous art galleries that showcase Bulgarian art, such as the Sofia Art Gallery and the National Art Gallery.

Local History

Sofia’s history is a mixture of ancient, medieval, and modern. One fascinating historical site is the Roman Ruins of Serdica. These ruins date back to the 2nd century AD and can be visited in the city’s main pedestrian zone.

Another historical site worth visiting is the Boyana Church, which is a Bulgarian Orthodox church that dates back to the 10th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its stunning frescoes that depict Biblical scenes.

Lastly, for a unique glimpse into the country’s communist past, visit the Museum of Socialist Art. This museum houses a collection of art and artifacts from the communist era and provides visitors with an insight into the country’s complex history.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path to do in Sofia, why not visit the Dragalevtsi Monastery? This beautiful, secluded monastery is nestled in the foothills of the Vitosha mountain, just outside Sofia. The monastery has stunning frescoes and peaceful gardens and provides a tranquil escape from the city.

Another off-beat attraction is the Museum of Broken Relationships. This unusual museum displays items that have been donated by people who have experienced the end of a romantic relationship. The museum provides an interesting look at how love and relationships have changed throughout history.

Lastly, if you’re a nature lover, head out to the Vitosha mountain. This mountain is the perfect place to go hiking, skiing, or even just enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

In conclusion, Sofia is a city full of rich history, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine that is sure to leave a lasting impression. With so much to see and do, you won’t be disappointed by what this ancient city has to offer.