Bulgaria · HISTORY TOURS IN SOFIA
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 history tours in Sofia worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Cross into Serbia from Sofia for Roman ruins, Skull Tower, a Nazi camp, Nis Fortress, local food, and Balkan countryside views.
“This is a don't miss excursion. We visited the Red Cross Concentration Camp, the birthplace of Emperor Constantine, as well as Old Town. We rode in nine passenger van and had an amazing experience.”
Explore Sofia’s major churches, Roman remains, royal landmarks, and local tips on a small group walking tour priced at $19.31.
“This tour is a great tour covering all major sights and gems of Sofia. Our tour guide Vasil was great. He was very knowledeable about all sights and history. At the end of the tour , he submits a list including all the best museums, restaurants and bar to make your stay more enjoyable in Sofia. This tour is definiyely the utmost of Sofia. Higly recommended”
Tour Sofia’s communist past in a classic Trabant, with NDK, Socialist Art Museum, secret police history, and hotel pickup.
“Excellent tour - cool, interesting and knowledgeable guide. Adapted tour to suit our interests. Highlight of trip to Sofia. Loved our Trabants 💜💜”
Review of Sofia’s Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave tour, with practical advice on timing, transport, walking, cost, and what to expect.
“With my husband I visited the monastery of Rila and the cave, nothing short of perfect organization and a special thanks to Viator and especially to the guide Zechariah very professional and at the same time nice and pleasant It will remain a beautiful memory of the. Bulgaria, Sofia and the beautiful monasteryAuto-translated”
Cook three Bulgarian dishes, shop Sofia’s Women’s Market, and share a private meal with local host Mariela.
“Mariela was so generous with her time, experiences, history of Sofia and friendship. Of course the cooking was superb, delicious and left us wanting more.”
Review of Sofia’s private half-day tour to Boyana Church, the National History Museum, and central landmarks, with pricing, timing, and practical tips.
“Excellent guide, showed us parts of Sofia we would have missed. He was very knowledgeable about Sofia and Bulgaria history, and very educated in his explanations. Boyana and the National History Museum were impressive and worthwhile Only negative was the small, uncomfortable car.”
Hike Pirin’s Banderishka Lakes, then explore Bansko’s Revival-era streets on a small-group day trip from Sofia.
“The drive from Sofia to Bansko was very comfortable. The hike was incredible; especially the views from above the lakes. Definitely the most beautiful scenery I have seen. Bansko is also a must-visit place in Europe - very charming little town. My guide, Georgi, was the best - definitely ask for him.”
See Sofia’s National History Museum, Boyana Church, and historic center on a private five-hour tour with hotel pickup.
“Le seul point fort de cette activité était la guide au musée d’histoire. Le reste est vraiment de piètre qualité, en commençant par la guide. Elle ne parlait presque pas et à chaque question, elle devait se référer à son téléphone car elle ne connaissait pas les réponses. La visite de l’église est ultra-rapide, environ 5 minutes seulement à l’intérieur avec une guide qui parle vite comme l’éclair.”
Explore Sofia’s communist-era buildings, monuments, trolley buses, and relics on a private three-hour walking tour with an English-speaking guide.
“Amazing guide! Had the best time learning a rich history on this walk through the city.”
Taste four Bulgarian yogurts beneath Sofia’s Roman ruins while learning about Lactobacillus bulgaricus, family traditions, and local history.
“I usually don’t write reviews, but this experience was really amazing. I learned so much about Bulgarian culture from the tour while tasking some delicious yogurt. It’s a family run tour, and you can really feel the love and effort they put into the tour. This was my favorite experience in Sofia and recommend it to everyone!”
Explore Sofia University’s fossil museum with an affordable audio guide, including a 90% original Deinotherium skeleton and four language options.
Explore Plovdiv’s Roman ruins, Old Town, Kapana, and six Bulgarian craft beers on a full-day small-group tour from Sofia.
“The tour was so much fun and I really enjoyed trying local food and beer. I learned a lot too on the drive there and and back and had great company. I would highly recommend this to anyone!”
Review of Bulgaria’s UNESCO tour from Sofia, covering Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, Plovdiv, Nessebar, and practical booking tips.
“Marvelous combination of the beautiful nature and amazing architecture. UNESCO would heritage. Excellent organisation.”
Explore Sofia’s Roman roots, ancient churches, museums, Serdica ruins, and the National Library on this compact English guided tour.
“Very interesting and insightful......Our tour guide was knowledgeable, very friendly and personable.”
See Sofia from Vitosha, visit Boyana Church, ride horses in Plana Mountain, and soak in Sapareva Banya hot springs in one full day.
“Rado and Mitko were brilliant. very helpful and great knowledge. It was an amazing day everything about it was enjoyable. loved the horse riding and the thermal springs especially. Would highly recommend”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
