Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress & Bachkovo Monastery Day Trip

Summary

Walk Plovdiv’s old streets then climb to Asen’s Fortress and find quiet at Bachkovo Monastery

You’ll wander ancient streets in Plovdiv, taste traditional Bulgarian food for lunch, climb up to Asen’s Fortress for sweeping mountain views, and end your day soaking up centuries-old peace at Bachkovo Monastery—with a local guide handling all the details so you can just take it in.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Sofia just after sunrise, still half-asleep and clutching coffee. Our guide, Petar, had this gentle way of pointing things out through the window — “That hill there? Romans camped on it once.” The drive to Plovdiv took about ninety minutes, but honestly I barely noticed. Fields blurred by, and suddenly we were winding through the city’s old quarter where the stones underfoot felt older than most countries. There was this faint smell of baking bread mixed with dust from the cobblestones — I kept thinking someone would pop their head out a window and wave (someone actually did).

Walking around Plovdiv Old Town felt like flipping through pages in a history book you could touch. We ducked into the Roman Theatre (Petar told us they still do concerts there — wild), then wandered narrow lanes lined with those wooden Revival houses painted in faded blues and yellows. At lunch, I tried banitsa for the first time — flaky pastry, salty cheese, gone in two bites. The group laughed when I tried to pronounce “Plovdiv” properly; apparently my accent is hopeless.

After lunch we drove up into the Rhodope Mountains toward Asen’s Fortress. The air changed — sharper, piney somehow. The fortress itself clings to this cliff above a river; you look down and it feels like you’re floating. There was a moment where everything went quiet except for wind rattling dry grass against stone walls. I didn’t expect to feel so small up there.

Bachkovo Monastery was our last stop. It’s tucked into green hills, with monks moving quietly between frescoed walls that have seen centuries come and go. Inside, candle smoke hung in the air — sweet and heavy — while outside people bought honey from an old man who nodded at us but didn’t say much. We wandered slowly before heading back to Sofia, kind of full from lunch but also from all that history pressed together in one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress, Bachkovo

• Pick up from Sofia hotel
• Drive to Plovdiv (1.5 hours)
• Visit Roman Theatre and Stadium
• Walk in Plovdiv Old Town
• Have traditional Bulgarian lunch
• Drive to Asen's Fortress (25 minutes)
• Explore Asen's Fortress
• Drive to Bachkovo Monastery
• Visit Bachkovo Monastery

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Sofia to Plovdiv?

The drive from Sofia to Plovdiv takes about an hour and a half each way.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying centrally in Sofia.

What attractions are visited on this tour?

The tour visits Plovdiv Old Town, Asen's Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

A traditional Bulgarian lunch is included as part of the experience.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll walk through Plovdiv Old Town (cobblestones), explore Asen's Fortress, and stroll around Bachkovo Monastery—moderate fitness is recommended.

Are entry fees covered?

Yes, all entry fees are included in your booking price.

Can children join this tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

Is this tour private or small group?

This is a small group tour (up to 7 people), with private options available on request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Sofia, transport by private vehicle with a professional local guide leading you through Plovdiv Old Town, entry fees at all sites including Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery, plus a traditional Bulgarian lunch before returning in the evening.