Plovdiv & Koprivshtitsa Day Trip from Sofia with Walking Tours

Summary

Walk ancient streets in Plovdiv then step into history in Koprivshtitsa

You’ll start your day with a local guide in Plovdiv’s winding old town streets before tasting lunch among Roman ruins. Then ride through rose valleys to Koprivshtitsa for stories of revolution and colorful mansions. There’s time for wandering and small discoveries—the kind that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our driver-guide, Stefan, waving at a woman selling sunflowers by the Vasil Levski Monument. He joked about how Bulgarians always find a way to brighten up even the busiest mornings. We set off from Sofia just as the city was waking up—honestly, I thought I’d nap on the bus but ended up watching the fields blur past, little villages tucked between green hills. When we reached Plovdiv’s old town, it was still quiet except for a stray cat stretching on cobblestones. Stefan led us through winding lanes lined with houses painted every color you can imagine—he pointed out a Roman theatre that looked like it just grew out of the hillside. The stones felt warm under my hand (it was already getting hot), and I kept thinking about all the layers of history here—Thracians, Romans, Ottomans… It’s wild.

Lunch was on our own—there’s this tiny place near Nebet Tepe where I tried banitsa and some cold ayran. The owner smiled when I mispronounced “Plovdiv” (I swear it sounds different every time someone says it). After lunch, we had time to wander; I ended up sitting on a low wall just listening to church bells echo across the roofs. Then back on the minibus—windows down, breeze carrying that sweet smell from rose fields—as we headed towards Koprivshtitsa. The road twisted through Sredna Gora hills and honestly, I lost track of time just watching storks in their nests along telephone poles.

Koprivshtitsa surprised me. The houses there are almost too perfect—blue walls with carved wooden eaves and gardens full of geraniums. Our guide told stories about uprisings and poets who hid in these rooms; she spoke so softly at one point that everyone leaned in closer. There’s something about walking those uneven stone streets that makes you feel like you’ve stepped sideways into another century. We had some free time after—enough to buy jam from an old woman with hands stained red from berries—and then piled back into the van for Sofia. I kept thinking about those blue houses long after we left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day tour to Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa

• Depart from Vasil Levski Monument
• Arrive in Plovdiv Old Town
• Guided tour of Plovdiv attractions
• Free time for lunch in Plovdiv
• Depart from Plovdiv to Koprivshtitsa
• Guided walking tour in Koprivshtitsa
• Free time for shopping in Koprivshtitsa
• Depart from Koprivshtitsa to Sofia
• Arrive back at starting point in Sofia

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Sofia to Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa?

The tour lasts around 11 hours including travel time between Sofia, Plovdiv, and Koprivshtitsa.

Is lunch included on this Plovdiv & Koprivshtitsa day trip?

No set lunch is included; you have free time in Plovdiv to choose your own meal.

Are there guided tours in both towns?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads walking tours in both Plovdiv Old Town and Koprivshtitsa.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

The tour departs from a central meeting point at Vasil Levski Monument in Sofia; hotel pickup is not included.

Can I explore at my own pace during the tour?

Yes, there is free time for self-guided wandering and shopping in both towns.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is not recommended for children under 6 or those with walking disabilities due to uneven surfaces.

What languages are available for guides or audio guides?

An English-speaking guide is standard; audio guides are available online in several languages if selected when booking.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat during summer months as it can get hot.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport by air-conditioned minibus from Sofia, guided walking tours of both Plovdiv Old Town and Koprivshtitsa (with an English-speaking guide or optional audio guide), plus plenty of free time for exploring or grabbing lunch wherever catches your eye before heading back to Sofia in the evening.