Day Trips in Sofia

Day trips in Sofia offer travelers the perfect balance of adventure, discovery, and convenience. Whether you are short on time or simply looking for an immersive experience without the need for overnight stays, these tours provide an excellent way to explore the highlights of Sofia and its surroundings in just one day. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, you can uncover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and cultural treasures that bring the destination to life. From exploring scenic countryside and nearby villages to visiting historic monuments and vibrant marketplaces, day trips are designed to maximize your travel experience. They are ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike, offering curated itineraries that combine comfort with unforgettable exploration. You can relax knowing that transportation, guides, and carefully planned stops are all taken care of. Best of all, day trips in Sofia give you the chance to see more in less time, making them a smart choice for travelers who want to make the most of their visit. With a variety of options available, every traveler can find a day trip that matches their interests and leaves them with lasting memories.

Top Day Trips in Sofia

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (839 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 23.90

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Join an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to two UNESCO sites – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Enjoy a 40-minute tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of free time for photos, museums, shopping, or lunch. At Boyana Church, admire its stunning 800-year-old frescoes with a brief guided visit. Note: Women must cover shoulders and knees in the monastery. Tip: On busy summer weekends, bring lunch from Sofia to save time. *Boyana Church is closed on Jan 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and Dec 24–25. On these dates, the tour visits only Rila Monastery. This tour offers a perfect mix of cultural heritage, scenic mountain landscapes, and insightful storytelling from your professional English-speaking guide. Transport is provided by a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and the group size allows for a more personal experience. Ideal for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike!

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Rila Monastery with Optional Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (836 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 29.88

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Entrance fees not included. Important: As of November 2024, Boyana Church now does not take reservations in advance, so we can not guarantee all visits. If entry is unavailable on your booked day, you will be able to visit St. Ivan's Cave at Rila Monastery as an alternative.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Plovdiv - Group Day Trip from Sofia in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (258 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 29.88

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Enjoy a Memorable Day Trip to Plovdiv – Europe’s Oldest Living City! Join us for an unforgettable journey to Plovdiv, the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. Nestled among picturesque hills, this vibrant city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and charm. Stroll along the longest pedestrian street in Europe, explore the beautifully preserved Revival-era Old Town, and marvel at the impressive Roman Theater. Your local guide will bring the city’s fascinating history to life during a 2-hour guided tour, followed by 2 hours of free time to discover Plovdiv at your own pace. Total tour duration: 8.5 to 10 hours. A perfect day trip filled with culture, sights, and unforgettable experiences!

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Plovdiv Full Day Tour from Sofia in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (225 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 23.90

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Travel hassle-free from Sofia to Plovdiv and back in the comfort of a modern and air-conditioned minibus. Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in the world. More ancient than Rome! With a guide explore and experience its millennia of epic history, monumental attractions, unique Bulgaria culture and way of life. Your English-speaking guide will take you to the most interesting sites and pinpoint fascinating details missed by the general public. You will have free time to stroll on your own along the longest pedestrian street in Europe and sample local food and drinks.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
The Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour From Sofia in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (97 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 35.85

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Spend a day exploring the idyllic Seven Rila Lakes on this group hiking tour from Sofia. Accompanied by expert mountain guides, travel from the Bulgarian capital Sofia, to the Rila Mountains - Bulgaria's highest range. Be wowed by sweeping mountain panoramas during a 30-minute chairlift ride, and then set off on foot to explore the lakes. During your 4- to 5-hour hike, you’ll see all seven lakes and enjoy frequent stops to capture photos and rest your legs. Enjoy personalized attention from our professional mountain guides.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Tour in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (69 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 41.83

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Rila monastery shuttle will take you to Bulgaria's most important and visited historical site and even more - two UNESCO places, amongst with Boyana church. Enjoy the wonderful frescoes from 19th century, representing the achievement of the Bulgarian Revival painting school, feel the amazing spirit of the largest monastery in the country, surrounded by the indescribable beauty of Rila mountain. V travel team will represent to you all the secrets of this place. In the afternoon we will visit Boyana church, where murals from 13th century will show you the majesty of the Bulgarian medieval country.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Self-Guided Day Trip from Sofia in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (38 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 35.85

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day self-guided day tour from Sofia. Traveling by minivan, admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a self-guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. This tour is with an English-speaking driver only.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Full-Day Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress Tour from Sofia in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (35 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 35.85

Duration: 9 hours (approx.)

Plovdiv and Asen's fortress tour is excellent way to see in one day Bulgaria's second largest city and Medieval fortress. Plovdiv was one of the two European Capitals of Culture in 2019 and it is more beautiful than ever in its 5,000 years of history.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia  in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (27 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 39.44

Duration: 9 hours (approx.)

The healing powers of Bulgaria's mineral springs, close to the only Gaiser on the Balkans within a day from Sofia and water heated by the Earth's core, popping out to 103 above ground. Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Private Vitosha Mountains Hiking with Black peak & Dragalevtsi Monastery in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (17 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 34.66

Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

The highest peak in Vitosha Mountains – at its foot lies the city of Sofia – is easily accessible. In this trekking tour to the top you will have the opportunity to enjoy fantastic views of the Rila and Balkan Mountains as well as visiting Dragalevtsi Monastery en route. The whole capital of Bulgaria will be just in front of you uncovering its beauty from the top. Enjoy this tour with a private mountain guide at your own pace and time. The tour operates in all the 4 seasons in Bulgaria - summer, autumn, winter and spring. Choose between privately-guided or self-guided tour.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
The Seven Rila Lakes Self - Guided Hiking Tour in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (14 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 35.85

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

This whole-day trek to the Rila Mountains is meant for people, who would like to walk in a leisurely pace among its jewels - The Seven Rila Lakes. You will have enough time to get to the highest of all lakes and enjoy the super scenery revealed from there. Enjoy a self-guided hike among nature Marvel at the views of the Seven Rila lakes Walk at your own pace

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave Day Trip from Sofia, Bulgaria in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (13 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 23.90

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Discover one of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of this medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church. After time to explore independently, visit the Cave of St. Ivan - one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria. Please kindly note that on some dates the free time at the Rila Monastery may be shorter due to traffic, group size, or complementary stop at Boyana church. Below you can find detailed itinerary of the tour: 09:00 - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 12:00-12:15 - Estimated time of arrival at Rila Monastery 12:15-13:00 - Guided visit to the Monastery 13:00-14:00 - Free time for lunch or further explorations of the area on your own 14:00-15:00 - Visit the St. Ivan Cave 15:00 - Depart from Rila Monastery back to Sofia 17:00 - Estimated time of arrival at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi Small-Group Day Trip from Sofia in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (13 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 29.88

Duration: 11 hours (approx.)

Embark on this full-day small-group tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with a professional guide. You will get to discover the way of life of Bulgarian merchants and craftsmen as well as experience scenic architectural reserves. Minimum age for this tour is 6 years old.  

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Rila Monastery Day Tour from Sofia in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (7 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 23.90

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Discover one of the Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, spend some time to explore independently. Entrance fees not included. The tour offers 3 different options: 1. The guided tour option is with an English-speaking live guide. 2. Tour with an an audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English. 3. Transport only (that option might not be bookable for some dates).

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Wind Mills Hydropark Tours & Activities in Sofia

Sofia , Bulgaria

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 39.44

 

Choose from a range of activities in Hydropark Wind Mills - horse riding, paintball, archery, mountain bikes, O2 bar, water ball, zoo, energy pyramid and enormous water park area at your disposal. Pay a small deposit upfront to secure your place and activity and the outstanding amount on spot. Secure your truly incredible activities in Hydropark Wind Mills and get self-guided with our special and personalized e-guides.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.

Why Choose Our Day Trips in Sofia?

Our day trips in Sofia are carefully designed to combine convenience, cultural insights, and memorable experiences. Each itinerary highlights the best of Sofia, led by local guides who know the destination inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips in Sofia

Most day trips in Sofia include transportation, a local guide, and entrance to selected attractions. Some itineraries also provide meals or free time for independent exploration.

Day trips in Sofia typically last between 6 to 10 hours, depending on the destination and itinerary. They are designed to make the most of your day while keeping travel times comfortable.

Yes, many day trips in Sofia are family-friendly, offering activities and destinations that appeal to both adults and children. Be sure to check tour descriptions for age recommendations.

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons in Sofia. Some tours may allow same-day bookings if space is available.
We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. See our Privacy Policy.