Sofia is a city that surprises many travelers. It’s not just Bulgaria’s political capital but also a gateway to some incredible day trips and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re after historical sites like the Rila Monastery or love the thrill of mountain hikes, Sofia’s full-day tours offer something for every type of traveler. One highlight we particularly enjoy is the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church tour, which combines Bulgaria’s ancient Orthodox architecture with scenic countryside drives. For those craving fresh air and mountain views, the Seven Rila Lakes hike is a must-do, showcasing the country’s stunning natural beauty. Ready to explore? Let’s look at the best options.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of full-day tours that cover Bulgaria’s history, nature, and culture. From visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Rila Monastery and Plovdiv, to exhilarating mountain hikes such as the Seven Rila Lakes, each offers unique experiences. Some include guided walking tours, others focus on scenic drives or outdoor adventures. Read on for detailed descriptions of each tour, along with practical tips to help you pick the best fit.
1. Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour
At number 1, this tour combines two of Bulgaria’s most iconic UNESCO sites: the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. It’s perfect if you’re interested in religious architecture and want a manageable, well-organized day. You get to choose between a guided tour of Rila or exploring independently, which appeals to both history lovers and independent explorers.
Traveling through Bulgaria’s countryside, the scenery alone is worth the trip. The highlight is the chance to admire medieval frescoes in Boyana and learn about Eastern Orthodoxy’s influence in Bulgaria. The typical itinerary includes two different starting points, a 2-hour bus ride, and about 3 hours at Rila Monastery, followed by a visit to Boyana Church. Many reviews praise the well-organized nature of the trip and the knowledgeable guide. One traveler notes, “Simeon was brilliant, and it’s a real pleasure to listen to his stories.” This tour is best for those wanting a deep cultural experience without a full mountain trek.
Bottom Line: A balanced mix of history, culture, and scenic drive, suitable for travelers who want flexibility and a taste of Bulgaria’s spiritual heritage.
2. From Sofia: The Seven Rila Lakes Full-Day Hiking Tour
Number 2 on our list offers an active day immersed in Bulgaria’s mountainous landscape. This hike takes you to the Seven Rila Lakes, famous for their crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain setting. The tour includes a chairlift ride from Panichishte to the top and around 4.5 hours of hiking guided by an expert.
The scenery is breathtaking—snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and panoramic views of the highest mountain range in Bulgaria. Travelers rave about the guide Radi, calling him “fantastic,” and mention the chance to see all seven lakes if you’re up for the challenge. The tour is ideal if you enjoy moderate outdoor activity and want to experience Bulgaria’s rugged beauty. The only downside is the long travel time, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want a full day of mountain hiking with expert guidance and stunning vistas.
3. From Sofia: Belogradchik Rocks Full-Day Tour
Number 3 takes you to the Belogradchik Rocks, a striking natural formation that’s been nominated among the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This trip from Sofia combines spectacular geology with a visit to the Belogradchik Fortress, perched among the rocks, offering both natural and historical insights.
The tour includes a guided visit, a walk into the Veneca Cave, and plenty of time to photograph the incredible pinnacles. Several travelers mention the beautiful scenery and the thoughtful guide who shares stories about the formations and legends. At around 10 hours, it’s a full day but delivers value for the scenery and history combined.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for travelers interested in geology, history, and photography, with plenty of time to explore and enjoy the landscape.
4. From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Town Full-Day Trip
Number 4 offers a cultural whirlwind—visiting the Rila Monastery followed by the charming city of Plovdiv. This tour is ideal if you want to see two UNESCO sites in one day. It includes a self-guided walk through Plovdiv’s Old Town, with its Roman theater, colorful houses, and lively vibe.
The trip features a comfortable roundtrip transfer, and many travelers praise the flexibility of exploring Plovdiv at your own pace. One reviewer says, “It’s a long day, but worth it—they really get to see Bulgaria’s rich past and artistic culture.” The tour is especially suited for those who like combining religious sites with urban exploration.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, time-efficient way to see Bulgaria’s historic and cultural highlights in one day.
5. From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Rila Monastery with Options
Number 5 is a convenient, flexible option for travelers seeking a relaxed day with round-trip transportation. It includes visits to two UNESCO sites—the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church—with ample free time for photos and reflection.
Travelers consistently comment on the good organization and friendly guides. One review states, “The monastery was incredible, and the overall trip was very comfortable.” This tour is perfect if you prefer a stress-free experience with the chance to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for families or those with limited time.
Bottom Line: An easy, reliable choice for culture without the hassle of planning logistics yourself.
6. From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress
Number 6 combines urban history with medieval architecture. It covers Plovdiv’s Roman Theater, 19th-century houses, and the top of Asen’s Fortress, offering a comprehensive look at Bulgaria’s diverse past.
The tour is praised for its small group size and knowledgeable guides. One traveler mentions, “Asen’s Fortress offers breathtaking views, and Plovdiv’s old town is simply charming.” The 9.5-hour schedule balances travel and sightseeing, making it ideal for history buffs or photographers.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those interested in both ancient ruins and medieval sites in a relaxed, guided environment.
7. Full-Day Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress from Sofia
Number 7 is a small-group adventure, limited to just seven travelers, focusing on Belogradchik Rocks, Venetsa Cave, and the Roman fortress. The personalized experience makes it a favorite among those seeking a more intimate outing.
The tour includes hotel pickup, a scenic drive, and exploration of legendary rock formations. Reviewers love the brilliant guide and the breathtaking scenery, often citing it as their Bulgaria highlight.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a more personal experience with nature and history in one day.
8. Seven Rila Lakes – Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain
Number 8 offers a self-guided hiking experience among Bulgaria’s most famous lakes. With two options for the length of hike, it suits moderate hikers who want to enjoy peaceful mountain scenery without a guided group.
The trip includes a cable car ride and scenic views of the lakes, with reviews praising the beautiful landscapes and friendly staff. One reviewer noted, “The scenery was incredible, and I loved the flexibility of choosing my hiking length.” It’s best for independent travelers comfortable with moderate outdoor activity.
Bottom Line: Excellent for hikers eager to explore the Seven Rila Lakes at their own pace.
9. Plovdiv Full Day Tour from Sofia
Number 9 lets you explore Plovdiv’s highlights with a guided walking tour. The trip includes a 2.5-hour guided exploration of the Old Town and free time to soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Travelers comment on the knowledgeable guide and the comfortable bus. It’s a great option if you want to combine history, culture, and architecture in one day. Perfect for those short on time but eager to see one of Bulgaria’s most charming cities.
Bottom Line: A reliable, well-organized day trip that shows you Bulgaria’s second-largest city.
10. Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa 11-hour Full-Day Trip from Sofia
Number 10 is a full-day adventure that covers Plovdiv’s Roman ruins and Koprivshtitsa’s traditional architecture. The guided tour offers a mix of city sights and rural charm.
Travelers praise the engaging guide and the balance of guided tours and free time. The Roman theater and the historic houses are highlights, with reviews noting the beautiful scenery and interesting stories.
Bottom Line: Great for history enthusiasts who want a well-rounded day with time to explore at your own pace.
11. Nis City Tour: Full-Day Trip from Sofia
Number 11 takes you to Nis in Serbia, a city with ancient Roman ruins and WWII sites. It’s perfect if you’re interested in European history and cross-border trips.
The tour includes visits to Medijana, Cele Kula, and Nis concentration camp. Travelers mention the smooth border crossing and knowledgeable guide. It’s suited for travelers seeking a combination of history and culture outside Bulgaria.
Bottom Line: An intriguing border-crossing day for history buffs with a taste for cross-country exploration.
12. Full-day Rila Monastery, Stob Pyramids and St Ivan Rilski Cave from Sofia
Number 12 offers an adventure-filled day combining cultural sightseeing with natural wonders. It includes a tour of the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, then a hike to the St Ivan Rilski Cave, and visits to the Stob Pyramids.
Guests love the variety and the expert guides. The hike adds a unique outdoor element to the classic cultural tour, making it suited for active travelers.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration in one day.
13. Full-day Nis and Serbian History Tour from Sofia
Number 13 is similar to tour 11 but with added focus on WWII history and local landmarks like Skull Tower and Nis fortress. It offers a more in-depth look at Serbian history.
Reviews highlight the engaging guide and timely logistics. It’s ideal for those interested in regional history beyond Bulgaria.
Bottom Line: A detailed historical excursion for those wanting to understand Serbian past and present.
14. Sofia Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Transport
Number 14 covers Sofia’s main sights, including Boyana Church, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and Lake Pancharevo. It’s a comprehensive introduction to Bulgaria’s capital.
Guests appreciate the well-paced itinerary and friendly guide. It’s perfect if you want a full overview of Sofia in one day, especially if your time is limited.
Bottom Line: A thorough city tour ideal for first-time visitors to Sofia.
15. From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery
Number 15 combines art, architecture, and monastic culture. Visiting Bachkovo Monastery founded in 1083, it appeals to those interested in religious sites and historical monasteries.
Guests mention the pleasant guide and the beautiful architecture. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a combination of cultural and religious highlights.
Bottom Line: A nice mix for those interested in monasteries and art in Bulgaria.
16. Full-day Rila Mountains, Seven Lakes Hike, and Hot Springs Tour from Sofia
Number 16 is perfect for those who love outdoor relaxation and mountain scenery. It combines a hike around the Seven Rila Lakes with a visit to the Sapareva Banya hot springs.
Guests praise the flexibility of choosing the hiking duration and the relaxing soak after. It’s ideal for nature lovers who also want some downtime.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded outdoor day combining mountain scenery with thermal relaxation.
How to Choose the Best Full-Day Tour in Sofia
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and budget. If you’re interested in history and culture, Tours #1, #4, or #15 offer in-depth experiences. For outdoor lovers, Tours #2, #8, or #16 provide scenic hikes with natural beauty. If city exploration is your goal, Tours #14 and #9 give a rundown of Sofia and Plovdiv.
Remember to consider travel time—some trips are longer but offer unparalleled scenery, while others are shorter but packed with cultural sites. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the Seven Rila Lakes or Belogradchik Rocks, as they fill up fast.
Final Thoughts
From exploring UNESCO sites like the Rila Monastery to hiking the Seven Rila Lakes, Sofia’s full-day tours cover a broad spectrum. For a mix of culture and outdoor adventure, Tours #1 and #12 are excellent. If you prefer city sightseeing, Tours #4 and #14 will serve you well.
No matter your choice, these tours offer a great way to see Bulgaria beyond Sofia’s city limits. Book early, pack your camera, and get ready for a memorable day of discovery.