The 14 Best Tours in Sofia
Exploring Sofia isn’t just about wandering its streets— it’s about jumping into its stories, landscapes, and traditions through thoughtfully curated tours. Sofia’s proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Rila Monastery and Boyana Church makes day trips a perfect way to deepen your understanding of Bulgaria’s cultural soul. I personally love how these tours balance historical marvels with scenic drives, offering a window into Bulgaria’s past and natural beauty. For instance, the From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Optional Boyana Church Day Tour combines awe-inspiring architecture with mountain vistas, making it a standout experience.
Whether you prefer exploring ancient monasteries, hiking mountain lakes, or strolling through communist-era landmarks, Sofia has a lot to offer. The city acts as a hub for diverse adventures—rich with history, nature, and culture—perfect for those who crave authenticity and a touch of Bulgaria’s soul.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of tours: from all-day excursions to UNESCO sites like Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, to walking tours exploring Sofia’s communist past. For outdoor lovers, there are hiking trips to the Seven Rila Lakes and adventures to Belogradchik Rocks. Plus, cultural explorations include city monuments walks and day trips to Plovdiv and Skopje. Each offers a different angle on Bulgaria, ensuring you find the right fit based on your interests, fitness level, and time.
Below, I’ll walk you through each of these tours, highlighting what makes them unique and worth considering for your Sofia trip.
1. From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Optional Boyana Church Day Tour
At number 1 on our list, this tour is a favorite for its combination of two UNESCO World Heritage sites in one day. The trip includes a guided visit to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s largest and perhaps most iconic monastery, set in the breathtaking Rila Mountains. You’ll also have the option to visit Boyana Church, renowned for its pre-Renaissance frescoes that are considered some of the best-preserved in Eastern Europe. The tour offers comfortable transportation through the Bulgarian countryside, with time to enjoy local cuisine, like mekitsi, yogurt, or grilled trout. Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guide and the well-paced schedule, though some feel three hours at the monastery might be a bit much. Overall, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a blend of history, architecture, and mountain scenery.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive day trip with expert guides and scenic views, this tour hits the highlights and offers a taste of Bulgaria’s spiritual heritage.
2. Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour
Ranked closely with the previous, this tour emphasizes flexibility—you can choose a guided or independent exploration of the Rila Monastery. The drive from Sofia takes you through picturesque landscapes, and the stop at Boyana Church allows you to admire its stunning medieval frescoes. What sets this tour apart is the option to customize your experience, making it appealing for both history enthusiasts and those who prefer more autonomy. The tour’s reviews highlight a brilliant guide named Simeon, who shares engaging insights. The itinerary balances sightseeing with leisure, making it suitable for travelers who want a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: This tour works well if you prefer some autonomy during your visits but still want the comfort of a guided transport service.
3. Sofia: Communist Walking Tour
Our third pick dives into Sofia’s Cold War era, exploring Lieutenant-era landmarks that shaped the city’s recent past. The tour is just three hours long but packed with stories about how communism influenced Bulgaria’s architecture, culture, and daily life. Led by guides like Stefan or Vasko, you’ll see sites like the Palace of Justice and learn about the rise and fall of communist ideology, along with its lingering effects. This tour offers a unique perspective for history buffs or those interested in Bulgaria’s political past. Reviewers mention how well-balanced the commentary is—neither overly biased nor superficial.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers and curious travelers wanting a deeper understanding of Sofia’s recent history, all within a manageable 3-hour walk.
4. From Sofia: The Seven Rila Lakes Full-Day Hiking Tour
For outdoor enthusiasts, this full-day hike is a highlight. It includes a chairlift from Panichishte to access the mountain trails, where you’ll visit the famous Seven Rila Lakes, known as Bulgaria’s “Blue Pearls.” The adventure combines scenic mountain views with the physical challenge of hiking, with guides experienced in navigating the terrain. Guests rave that the guide Radi is “very nice and kind”, and the experience is both challenging and rewarding. The tour is perfect if you’re comfortable with uphill hikes and want to see some of Bulgaria’s most stunning alpine scenery.
Bottom Line: A must-do for hikers and nature lovers, this trip offers incredible vistas and the chance to walk through Bulgaria’s highest peaks.
5. Day Tour from Sofia to Skopje, North Macedonia
This full-day trip transports you across Bulgaria’s southwestern border into North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje. The tour covers both the old and new sections of the city, including its famous statues, bridges, and the Stone Bridge. The trip includes a smooth border crossing, thanks to an experienced driver, and a local guide who shares insights into Skopje’s complex history. It’s an excellent choice for those craving a short international adventure with comfortable transport and culture.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want to combine a city visit with Sofia’s scenic countryside without a long haul.
6. From Sofia: Plovdiv Guided Day Tour
Ranked among Bulgaria’s top destinations, Plovdiv’s Roman ruins, Revival architecture, and artsy atmosphere make it an ideal day trip. This tour features a guided exploration of the Old Town, its Roman theater, and the long pedestrian street. You can opt for a guided or self-guided experience, depending on your preference. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide Simeon, who shares detailed insights into Bulgaria’s history. The city’s colorful houses and lively shops create a perfect backdrop for relaxed sightseeing.
Bottom Line: This trip suits history and architecture enthusiasts looking for a culturally rich experience with a scenic, charming town.
7. From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Optional St. Ivan Cave Day Tour
Number 7 on our list offers a blend of culture and nature, with a visit to Rila Monastery and the chance to explore St. Ivan Rilski’s cave, a sacred site. The tour includes a guided tour of the monastery, time for self-exploration, and a visit to the cave, accessible via a short hike. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to learn about Bulgaria’s spiritual roots. The tour’s flexibility and scenic drive make it suitable for travelers interested in religious history and mountain scenery.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a combination of monasteries and mountain adventure in a relaxed, well-organized package.
8. From Sofia: Belogradchik Rocks Full-Day Tour
At number 8, this tour takes you to the famous Belogradchik Rocks, a stunning sandstone formation that’s part of Bulgaria’s New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign. The day includes a guided tour of Belogradchik Fortress, a walk through Veneca Cave, and time to enjoy the spectacular geology. Travelers love the rich storytelling about the rocks’ formation and the comfortable, well-paced itinerary. It’s a long day but rewarding for geology buffs or anyone who appreciates dramatic natural landscapes.
Bottom Line: Perfect for lovers of geology and scenery, with plenty of opportunities for amazing photos and exploration.
9. From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Rila Monastery with Options
Number 9 offers a hassle-free way to visit two UNESCO sites—Rila Monastery and Boyana Church—via a comfortable shuttle. The trip emphasizes convenience, with live guiding and flexible timing. Guests rave about the expert guide Alex, who shares engaging stories and makes the entire experience memorable. The tour is suitable for travelers wanting a quick, comfortable visit without sacrificing depth.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if comfort and efficiency are your priorities, especially for a first visit.
10. Sofia: City Monuments Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide
This two-hour walking tour is a great way to get an intimate look at Sofia’s landmarks. You’ll visit over 20 attractions while listening to audio guides in your language—a smart way to explore without missing details. Reviewers mention the informative guide Stephie and the convenience of inside visits to temples and government buildings. It’s ideal for first-timers who want a broad overview and don’t mind walking.
Bottom Line: Perfect for an introduction to Sofia’s architecture and city layout in a short, focused session.
11. From Sofia: Plovdiv Day Tour
This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Plovdiv’s Roman ruins, art galleries, and the lively Kapana district. It’s praised for the well-structured itinerary and expert guide. The guided tour of the Old Town and free time in the city give you both context and flexibility. Guests love the relaxed atmosphere and cultural richness of Plovdiv, making this a top choice for history and art fans.
Bottom Line: It’s an excellent blend of guided sightseeing and free exploration in Bulgaria’s second-largest city.
12. From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress
Number 12 combines a visit to Plovdiv’s historic streets with a stop at Asen’s Fortress, a medieval stronghold with panoramic views. Led by a small group guide, this trip offers personalized attention, and guests consistently mention the knowledgeable guides and well-paced schedule. It’s suitable for travelers interested in both ancient ruins and medieval architecture.
Bottom Line: Great for history buffs wanting a full day of cultural and scenic highlights with a small-group feel.
13. From Sofia: Rila Monastery & The Cave of St. John Group Tour
Finally, this tour combines a visit to Bulgaria’s largest monastery with a short hike to the Cave of Saint John. It’s perfect for those who want a bit of spirituality and adventure in one day. Travelers commend the friendly guides and the spectacular scenery. The trip’s flexibility—offering options for self-guided exploration—adds to its appeal.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want an active day with religious insight and scenic mountain views.
14. Sofia: Lovech, Devetaki Cave, and Krushuna Waterfalls Tour
A great scenic escape, this tour takes you north of Sofia to explore Lovech’s historic town, Devetaki Cave, and Krushuna Waterfalls. The trip is praised for friendly guides and beautiful landscapes, especially the waterfalls. Guests enjoy lunch in Lovech plus the opportunity to see Bulgaria’s cascading waterfalls and ancient caves—an excellent option for nature lovers.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a full day filled with history, caves, and waterfalls, with plenty of scenic photo opportunities.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interest, fitness level, and time. If you love history and architecture, the Rila Monastery & Boyana Church or Plovdiv trips are excellent. For outdoor lovers, the Seven Rila Lakes hike offers unmatched mountain scenery, while the Belogradchik Rocks are ideal for geology fans. If you’re short on time but want an overview, the city monuments walk or full-day Sofia excursions strike a good balance.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak season, as popular trips fill up fast. Consider your preferred pace, whether you want guided commentary or flexibility, and special interests like mountain hiking or exploring Sofia’s communist past.
Final Thoughts
Sofia’s array of tours offers something for every traveler—whether you want to soak in monastic serenity, explore ancient ruins, or hike in the mountains. For a deep cultural experience, the Rila Monastery trips stand out. If you’re into history and urban exploration, the city walking tours and Plovdiv excursions are fantastic options. Outdoor adventurers will love the Seven Rila Lakes or Belogradchik Rocks.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early is the best way to ensure a smooth and memorable trip. Each offers a different slice of Bulgaria, helping you uncover the stories behind Sofia’s landscape and people.
Enjoy your trip, and remember— Bulgaria’s history isn’t just in its buildings, it’s in every view, every trail, and every story shared along the way!