Plovdiv Tour

Plovdiv’s history is a captivating tapestry woven with the threads of Thracian, Roman, Ottoman, and Slavic influences. This full-day tour from Sofia offers travelers a chance to uncover the city’s rich heritage, from the ancient Roman stadium to the historic Old Town. With round-trip transportation, lunch, and expert guidance, it’s an enriching experience that promises to transport visitors back in time. But what hidden gems await those who embark on this journey?

Key Points

• A full-day group tour from Sofia to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, covering 8,000 years of history and key landmarks like a Roman stadium and historic mosque.
• Includes a walking tour of Plovdiv’s picturesque Old Town, with round-trip transportation, lunch, snacks, and beverages provided.
• Showcases the city’s Thracian, Roman, Ottoman, and Slavic influences, with an expert local guide offering engaging commentary.
• Offers a personalized and immersive experience, with a maximum group size of 40 travelers.
• Receives 5-star ratings from travelers for its value, convenience, and opportunity to explore Plovdiv’s rich history and culture.

Tour Overview

This full-day group tour from Sofia offers an in-depth introduction to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city.

Explore this ancient city with a walking tour of the Old Town and visit landmarks like a Roman stadium and a historic mosque.

Learn about Plovdiv’s 8,000 years of history, from the Thracians to the Ottomans and Slavs.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, lunch, snacks, and beverages.

With a maximum of 40 travelers, this small-group experience provides a personalized and immersive way to discover Plovdiv’s rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for round-trip transfer between Sofia and Plovdiv.

A walking tour of Plovdiv’s historic Old Town is also included. During the tour, lunch, snacks, bottled water, coffee/tea, and alcoholic beverages are provided.

Gratuities are included in the tour price, so there are no additional out-of-pocket expenses. The tour has a maximum group size of 40 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

The meeting point is at St Alexander Nevski Square in Sofia, and the tour returns to the same location at the end of the day.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the Plovdiv Tour is at St Alexander Nevski Square in the Old City Center of Sofia, Bulgaria.

The tour starts behind the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, at the beginning of Oborishte Street. The tour ends back at the original meeting point.

The tour departs at 8:30 AM. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation. The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Thracian History

Plovdiv’s history stretches back over 8,000 years, with the Thracians playing a significant role in its early development. This ancient civilization left behind a rich cultural legacy, evidenced by:

Plovdiv’s history stretches back over 8,000 years, with the Thracians playing a significant role in its early development. This ancient civilization left behind a rich cultural legacy.

• Impressive fortifications and burial mounds scattered throughout the region

• Remnants of Thracian temples and sanctuaries, offering glimpses into their religious practices

• Intricate gold and silver jewelry, showcasing the Thracians’ advanced metalworking skills

• Unique pottery and ceramics, decorated with symbolic motifs and geometric patterns

These archaeological treasures provide invaluable insights into the Thracian way of life and their lasting impact on Plovdiv’s storied past.

Roman Legacy

Following the Roman conquest of the region in 46 AD, Plovdiv’s role as a strategic crossroads flourished.

The Romans built an impressive stadium that could seat up to 30,000 spectators. Its ruins still stand today, a testament to the city’s rich Roman heritage.

The Plovdiv Roman Theater, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world, is another highlight. Visitors can explore its impressive seating areas and imagine the lively performances that once took place.

These archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into Plovdiv’s Roman past, showcasing the architectural and cultural influence of this powerful empire.

Ottoman Influence

After the Ottoman conquest in the 14th century, Plovdiv’s architectural landscape underwent significant changes. The city became an important administrative and economic center within the Ottoman Empire.

Key Ottoman landmarks include:

• Dzhumaya Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Balkans

• Imaret, an Ottoman social welfare complex

• Clock Tower, a prominent landmark overlooking the city

• Old Baths, historic public bath facilities

These structures showcase the Ottoman architectural style, blending elements of Byzantine, Persian, and Islamic design.

The city’s diverse heritage reflects its strategic location and the various civilizations that have shaped Plovdiv over its 8,000-year history.

Slavic Heritage

The Slavic influence on Plovdiv’s heritage dates back to the 6th century when Slavic tribes settled in the region. They left a lasting impact on the city’s architecture, customs, and culture.

Many of Plovdiv’s historic buildings showcase Slavic design elements, from ornate woodcarvings to colorful patterns. Traditions like folk music, dance, and cuisine also have strong Slavic roots.

Today, Plovdiv’s Slavic heritage is celebrated through festivals, museums, and historic sites that allow visitors to enjoy this rich cultural legacy. It’s a vibrant thread woven throughout the city’s 8,000-year history.

Traveler Reviews

What do travelers have to say about the Plovdiv Tour? The tour earns high praise, with a perfect 5-star rating across 2 reviews.

Travelers highlight several standout aspects:

The expert local guide’s engaging commentary, bringing Plovdiv’s 8,000-year history to life, the opportunity to explore the picturesque Old Town, and the convenience of round-trip transportation and included lunch, snacks, and drinks.

• The expert local guide‘s engaging commentary, bringing Plovdiv’s 8,000-year history to life

• The opportunity to explore the picturesque Old Town, including iconic landmarks like the Roman Stadium

• The convenience of round-trip transportation and included lunch, snacks, and drinks

• The overall value, with the tour offering an immersive experience at an affordable price point

The Plovdiv Tour seems to deliver an exceptional sightseeing experience that leaves visitors with a deeper appreciation for this ancient Bulgarian city.