Plovdiv isn’t just another stop on Bulgaria’s tourist map — it’s a city that wears its layers of history and culture proudly. Walking its cobblestone streets, marveling at Roman ruins, or tasting its local flavors, you quickly realize that Plovdiv offers a variety of ways to experience its charm. We especially love the Private city walking tour for its personalized touch and the Food Walk Plovdiv for a deep dive into local cuisine. Whether you’re into history, food, or scenic landscapes, the options below will help you find exactly the right tour for your interests.
Quick Overview
In this list, we cover a broad spectrum of experiences, from private walking tours that explore the city’s ancient and modern sides, to full-day trips outside the city to the Rose Valley and Thracian tombs. For those who want to savor Bulgarian food and wine, there are food and wine tours with tastings, and even trekking adventures up Musala Peak. The variety ensures there’s something for every kind of traveler—whether on a tight schedule or looking for a leisurely deep-dive. Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. Private city walking tour of Plovdiv
At number 1, this Private city walking tour offers a personalized glimpse into Plovdiv’s ancient and contemporary neighborhoods. For around $177.92, your private guide will tailor the 2.5-hour walk to your interests, making it ideal for travelers who want a flexible, intimate experience. It covers highlights like the Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, Balabanov House, and the Ethnographic Museum, providing a balanced mix of historical sites and local stories.
What makes this tour stand out is the flexibility — you decide which sights to prioritize, and your guide’s attention is solely on your group. This is perfect if you cherish a more in-depth conversation or have specific interests like Roman architecture or Bulgarian culture. Reviewers often praise guide Niki for her extensive knowledge and friendly approach, making this a top choice for first-time visitors or history buffs.
Bottom Line: If you want a tailored, in-depth introduction to Plovdiv, this private tour offers excellent value and a chance to ask all your burning questions.
2. Kazanlak-Rose Valley-Valley of the Thracian Kings – private tour from Plovdiv
For those eager to explore Bulgaria’s ancient past and fragrant fields, the full-day Kazanlak-Rose Valley-Valley of the Thracian Kings tour is hard to beat. Priced at about $132.92 per person, it covers the Rose Valley, famous for rose oil production, and the Valley of the Thracian Kings, home to UNESCO-listed tombs like the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak.
This tour stands out because it combines sensory experiences — the scent of roses, the visual impact of ancient tomb frescoes, and the chance to learn about Thracian culture from an expert guide. With visits to the Museum of Roses, the Iskra Historical Museum, and the Golyama Kosmatka Tomb, it offers a comprehensive snapshot of Bulgaria’s ancient civilizations. Reviewers rave about the gold artifacts in the tombs and the guide’s detailed explanations, making it a hit among history aficionados.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in archaeology, local history, and botanical smells, this tour combines culture with sensory delight.
3. Food Walk Plovdiv: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour
A delicious way to explore Plovdiv, this Food Walk offers a 3-hour taste of Bulgarian cuisine through street food, local markets, and a boutique restaurant. For around $50, you’ll sample traditional dishes, enjoy a honey degustation, and learn about Bulgaria’s culinary traditions directly from your guide.
What makes this experience special is its intimate setting — a maximum of 10 people — and the focus on authentic flavors like sausages, dips, and regional wines. Guests consistently praise the guide’s deep knowledge of Bulgarian food and the chance to taste better than average local fare. It’s a perfect choice for food lovers eager to connect with Bulgarian culture through their stomachs.
Bottom Line: If you want a fun, hands-on food experience with expert insights, this tour will satisfy your appetite for both taste and culture.
4. Full Day Eco Private Tour in Plovdiv
For travelers who want to combine sightseeing with sustainability, the Full Day Eco Private Tour offers an eco-friendly way to see Bulgaria’s highlights. Starting from Sofia, this 8-hour journey focuses on responsible travel, with a private guide leading the way through Bulgaria’s natural and cultural sites.
What sets this tour apart is its emphasis on authentic experiences and eco-conscious methods. It includes a guided tour of Plovdiv and ample free time to explore at your own pace. Reviewers appreciate Svetoslav’s knowledge and friendly manner, and the private nature of the trip makes it flexible. The tour is ideal for those who prefer a personalized itinerary that minimizes environmental impact.
Bottom Line: Best suited for eco-aware travelers wanting a private, in-depth day trip, this tour combines Bulgaria’s history with sustainability in mind.
5. From Plovdiv: Sofia – A Story of an Ancient State Day Tour
If you’re leaving Plovdiv and want to explore Sofia’s layers of history, this 9-hour day tour is a comprehensive choice. For about $70, it visits key sites like Boyana Church, the National History Museum, and Roman ruins, giving a full spectrum of Bulgaria’s capital.
This trip is ideal for those interested in seeing UNESCO World Heritage sites and understanding Sofia’s role through time, from ancient settlements to modern architecture. Reviewers mention the excellent guide, Ivo, who brings the city’s history alive with engaging stories. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want a well-rounded introduction to Sofia.
Bottom Line: A reliable, full-day exploration of Bulgaria’s capital, suitable for history lovers and those curious about Bulgaria’s evolution.
6. Plovdiv: Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour
For travelers who value flexibility and independence, the Self-Guided Audio Tour of Old Town is a budget-friendly option. Valid for 1 day, it provides an audio guide and map so you can explore at your own pace.
This tour highlights the best sights of Old Plovdiv, from Revival-style houses to Roman ruins, with the freedom to linger or skip. It’s great if you prefer to avoid scheduled tours and want to customize your visit. Reviewers appreciate its convenience, mentioning that the audio guide is easy to follow and informative.
Bottom Line: Ideal for independent travelers who want a flexible, cost-effective way to discover Plovdiv’s historic center.
7. Plovdiv: Guided Walking Tour
This 2-hour guided group walk is perfect for travelers who want a quick overview of Plovdiv’s main sights. Visiting the Roman theater, old town, and Thracian fortress hill, it delivers a compact yet thorough introduction.
While it’s slightly shorter than other tours, many praise the guide for explaining the city’s multicultural past and pointing out hidden details, like the longest pedestrian street in Europe. It’s best suited for those on a tight schedule or wanting a straightforward tour with a friendly guide.
Bottom Line: A good choice if you prefer a short, guided overview of Plovdiv’s highlights.
8. Plovdiv and Rila Monastery tour in one day
For a full-day adventure, this tour combines Bulgaria’s oldest city with its most famous monastery. Starting early, you’ll see Plovdiv’s ancient sites and then travel to the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site with stunning frescoes.
It’s a long day, but worth it for travelers wanting a broad overview of Bulgaria’s cultural treasures. The itinerary includes visits to Plovdiv’s main monuments and a quick tour of the monastery. Reviewers mention the guide’s knowledge and the comfortable van transport, making the long day manageable.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want to maximize their cultural highlights in one trip, especially those with limited time in Bulgaria.
9. Plovdiv: Old Town Guided Walking Tour & Audioguide & Museum
This comprehensive tour combines guided walking, audio guides, and visits inside key sites. Covering over 20 attractions, it’s perfect for those who like layered experiences and inside information.
While some reviews note the limited number of reviews, the combination of guided insights and audioguide access makes it suitable for history and architecture enthusiasts. It’s recommended for travelers who want an immersive day with multiple formats of exploration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors who want a detailed, multi-layered tour experience with inside access.
10. 3-Day Monastery Tour: Rila, Bachkovo & Rozhen from Sofia
For a leisurely, in-depth exploration of Bulgaria’s monasteries, this 3-day tour is a deep dive into spiritual and historical sites. It includes UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, Bachkovo Monastery, and Rozhen Monastery, combined with a visit to Melnik Town.
This tour is perfect for those with extra time and interest in religious architecture, mountain scenery, and local villages. Reviewers highlight the extensive visits and knowledgeable guides as key benefits, making it a rich experience.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers with time on their hands, especially those interested in Bulgaria’s monastic traditions and scenic towns.
11. From Plovdiv: Musala Peak Full-Day Trekking Tour
If hiking the Balkans’ highest peak sounds appealing, this full-day trek to Musala Mountain offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Starting early, you’ll ride a gondola to near the summit and trek above the tree line, passing glacial lakes and spotting wildlife.
Rated 5/5, this tour is praised for its experienced guides and breathtaking scenery. It’s suitable for fit travelers who enjoy physical activity and want a challenge, with the convenience of transportation from Plovdiv. Expect a long but rewarding day with stunning vistas.
Bottom Line: For active travelers seeking a memorable mountain climb, this trek is a highlight.
12. Plovdiv: Classic one-day tour from Sofia
This 8-hour small-group tour offers a classic experience of Plovdiv’s Roman ruins, old town, and main streets. It includes visits to the Roman Theatre, stadium, and the ethnographical museum.
Guests value the well-paced itinerary and the knowledgeable guide who makes history come alive. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive but manageable day trip from Sofia.
Bottom Line: A solid, all-around introduction suitable for first-timers or those with limited time.
13. Plovdiv: Food and Wine Tour
Finally, the Food and Wine Tour is a short but flavorful experience, tasting three traditional Bulgarian wines and local antipasti over two hours. It’s perfect for those interested in Bulgaria’s culinary traditions and regional wines.
Rated 4.5/5, reviewers note the friendly atmosphere and excellent tastings. The tour offers a tasty way to explore Plovdiv’s food scene and learn about local grape varieties. It’s ideal for wine lovers or those wanting a relaxed evening.
Bottom Line: A charming, intimate experience for foodies and wine enthusiasts.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your ideal Plovdiv tour, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. History lovers may prefer the Private city walking tour or the guided walking tour, while foodies should consider the Food Walk Plovdiv or the Food and Wine Tour. Active travelers might enjoy the Musala Peak trek or the Eco Private Tour, and cultural explorers will appreciate the 3-Day Monastery Tour.
If you’re tight on time, the guided group tours provide a quick yet rundown, but if you crave flexibility, the self-guided audio tour or private options are better. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like the full-day tours.
Final Thoughts
Plovdiv offers a wide array of tours that showcase its rich history, lively culture, and scenic beauty. Whether you want to walk through ancient ruins, taste local wines, or trek high into the mountains, there’s an experience tailored for you. For first-time visitors, the Private city walking tour or classic one-day tour from Sofia are great starting points. Foodies and wine lovers will find satisfaction in the Food Walk or Wine Tour, while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Musala Peak Trek.
To make the most of your trip, consider booking your preferred tours early—Plovdiv’s attractions and experiences fill up quickly, especially in peak season. No matter your choice, you’re sure to leave with new stories, delicious tastes, and a deeper appreciation of Bulgaria’s oldest city.