Plovdiv-History and Craft beer Small Group Tour

Discover the fascinating blend of Bulgaria’s millennia of history and world-class craft beer on this full-day tour from Sofia to Plovdiv and beyond. For around $104, you’ll spend approximately ten hours exploring one of Europe’s oldest cities, then enjoy behind-the-scenes beer tastings at Bulgaria’s oldest brewery. The tour is offered by BulTrips and includes comfortable transport, a skilled guide, and the chance to sample six Bulgarian craft beers.

What we love about this experience:

• The chance to walk through Plovdiv’s Old Town, with its Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques, offering a genuine taste of Bulgaria’s layered history.
• The beer tasting at a renowned Bulgarian brewery, where you can learn about local brewing traditions and taste their best brews.

A consideration: This tour involves a full day’s commitment with a fairly packed schedule, so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with walking and spending a good portion of the day off the beaten path.

Who this tour suits best: History lovers who enjoy a relaxed pace, beer enthusiasts eager to try local brews, and travelers looking to combine cultural sightseeing with a casual taste of Bulgaria’s craft beer scene.

Key Points

• Historic immersion: Explore Plovdiv, said to be Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
• Authentic experience: Visit local landmarks like the Roman Theatre and Ottoman mosques.
• Craft beer tastings: Enjoy six Bulgarian craft beers with a behind-the-scenes brewery tour.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned vehicle from Sofia ensures a smooth journey.
• Flexible free time: After beer tasting, you get two hours to explore or relax in Kapana.
• Educational guides: Knowledgeable guides make history accessible and fun.

In-Depth Review of the Plovdiv-History and Craft Beer Tour

Starting the Day: From Sofia to Plovdiv

The journey begins early, with pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Sofia around 9:00 am. The drive to Plovdiv takes about an hour and a half, during which your guide will likely share snippets of Bulgaria’s history, culture, and the significance of the cities along the route. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle means you’ll arrive refreshed and ready to explore.

Exploring Plovdiv’s Old Town

Once in Plovdiv, we loved the way the guide immediately began pointing out landmarks with stories that brought the city’s thousand-year history alive. The Old Town is a highlight, packed with Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and colorful Revival-era houses. The Roman Theatre, built in the 2nd century AD, is a must-see. It’s surprisingly intact and still used for performances today, offering a vivid window into ancient entertainment.

Our guide, Maria, kept the history engaging without overwhelming us, making it easy to imagine what life was like centuries ago. She pointed out details like the intricate stonework of the houses and explained how the city’s strategic position in the Balkans made it a cultural crossroads. We really appreciated the way she balanced storytelling with practical info, helping us understand why Plovdiv’s architecture and layout remain so captivating.

Kapana District and a Well-Deserved Break

After about three hours of sightseeing, our walk led us to Kapana, the city’s trendy arts and crafts district. Here, we stopped at a popular beer bar—a local favorite—where a cold craft beer awaited us. The reviews echo our sentiment: “The tour was so much fun and I really enjoyed trying local food and beer,” said Leanne_R.

The beer tasting was more than just a drink; it was a chance to learn about Bulgaria’s brewing traditions. The guide explained how Bulgarian craft breweries have gained momentum, combining modern techniques with old recipes, especially at the oldest brewery in Bulgaria, established in 1881.

Free Time to Explore or Relax

Following the tasting, you have around two hours of free time to explore Kapana further, browse local shops, or simply relax in a cafe. We found this break perfect to soak in the lively atmosphere of the district, which is filled with street art, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. Whether you want to pick up souvenirs or just people-watch, it’s a relaxed window to enjoy Plovdiv at your own pace.

Visiting Bulgaria’s Oldest Brewery

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to Kamenitsa Brewery, Bulgaria’s oldest brewery. Established in 1881, it remains one of the biggest producers today, and the brewery’s microbrewery is located in the remains of historic production facilities—a compelling mix of old and new.

Here, we loved the behind-the-scenes look at how beer is crafted, from fermentation tanks to bottling lines. The guide shared insights into local brewing styles and how Bulgarian beers stand out in the region. The tasting session included six different craft beers, all of which were flavorful and representative of Bulgaria’s growing craft beer scene.

Plus, lunch at their restaurant provided a chance to enjoy Bulgarian dishes that pair well with the beers, though lunch itself is at your own expense. The combination of the brewery’s historic ambiance and modern brewing makes this stop both educational and delicious.

Returning to Sofia

After the brewery visit, it’s time to head back to Sofia. The return trip offers a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights. Many reviews mention how engaging the guides are and how the balance of sightseeing and tasting makes for a memorable experience.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

Transport and Group Size: The use of an air-conditioned vehicle makes the journey comfortable, and with a group limited to 18 people, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere. This small group size allows for more personalized interaction and easier movement through sites.

Timing: The 10-hour day is fairly packed but well-paced, with enough free time at Kapana to stretch or relax. Starting at 9:00 am means you’ll need to be prepared for an early start, but the full day offers good value.

Cost and Value: At $104.18 per person, this tour provides a mix of cultural exploration and beer tasting that many travelers find worthwhile. The inclusion of transportation, guide, entrance fees, and six craft beers makes it a convenient and reasonably priced way to experience two sides of Bulgaria—history and modern brewing.

COVID-19 Precautions: The tour provider emphasizes safety measures, including regular health checks for guides and drivers, masks, disinfectants, and small group sizes. If health concerns are a priority, this setup is reassuring.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to combine cultural sightseeing with a relaxed beer tasting session. History lovers will appreciate the detailed stories and well-preserved sites, while beer enthusiasts will enjoy sampling top Bulgarian brews in a local brewery setting. It’s perfect for those who prefer active days with a good mix of walking, learning, and tasting.

If you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy a bit of everything—history, culture, and craft beer—this tour offers a balanced, engaging day out. However, those with mobility issues or who prefer less walking might find parts of the Old Town challenging.

Final Thoughts

This Plovdiv-History and Craft Beer tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Bulgaria. It’s a smart choice for travelers wanting to see one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities with the guidance of passionate, knowledgeable guides, and then unwind with some of the best local beers. The combination of history, lively districts, and craft brewing showcases Bulgaria’s diverse spirit—both ancient and modern.

The small-group setting ensures a personal touch, and the flexible free time in Kapana lets you tailor the experience a bit. While the full-day schedule might be a lot for some, it’s a great way to really get a sense of Bulgaria beyond Sofia, especially if you love exploring historic sites and tasting regional specialties.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transport from Sofia in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the drive from Sofia to Plovdiv?
The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours each way.

What sites will we visit in Plovdiv?
You’ll see the Old Town, Roman Theatre, Ottoman mosques, and other historic landmarks.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all scheduled site entrances are covered in the tour price.

Can I customize my free time?
The tour includes two hours of free time in Kapana, where you can explore or relax as you wish.

What about the brewery visit?
You’ll get a guided tour of Bulgaria’s oldest brewery and taste six different craft beers.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is at your own expense, but the brewery offers options in their restaurant.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to 18 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

What safety measures are in place?
Guides and drivers undergo medical checks, wear masks, and disinfect vehicles regularly. Tours are small to reduce contact.

Who should avoid this tour?
If you prefer a less active or shorter trip, this full-day experience might be too demanding, especially with walking involved.

This tour strikes a thoughtful balance between cultural discovery and casual tasting, making it a memorable day for those eager to understand Bulgaria’s history and enjoy its crafts. If you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic experience that combines education with leisure, this small-group journey to Plovdiv and the brewery is definitely worth considering.