Set deep in the gentle hills of the Sredna Gora Mountains, Koprivshtitsa is a museum-town that has charming 19th-century architectural ensembles and captivating history. The elegant 200-year-old mansions with lively colors and frescoes blend in with the mind-blowing landscape surrounding the town. Couple this with a maze of melodious mountain streams, clean air, tranquil cobbled streets and deeply hospitable people to get a vision of the tourist appeal of Koprivshtitsa. Ahh..and to make things even better, the food there is delicious, inexpensive and organic. Come with us on a picturesque ride to this fabulous town for an amazing and very diverse travel experience.
Plovdiv was established 7 000 years ago and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements. The town has been Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Turkish and then now it is Bulgarian again. It has always been ethnically and culturally diverse. Due to this and other reasons, Plovdiv was selected to be Cultural Capital of Europe in 2019. With this tour, Plovdiv will win your heart and make you its lifetime fan. There is plenty for everybody and something for everyone: ancient Thracian ruins, immense Roman structures, Revival period mansions, museums, art galleries and events, chic cafes, bohemian bars… well, the trip will offer you a travel experience more diverse than you can imagine. Give it a try!
8:00 am The tour starts from the parking lot behind Al. Nevski Cathedral. Be there at least 15 minutes in advance. 2-hour transfer to Koprivshitsa.
10:00 am Arrival in Koprivshtitsa. 1.5-hour guided tour of the town. All main museum-houses are included.
11:30 am Departure from Koprivishtitsa for a 1.5-hour transfer to Plovdiv.
01:00 pm Arrival in Plovidv. Free itme for lunch and shopping.
02:00 pm Guided tour of the central Plovdiv and the Old Town. All major sights are included in the guided walk.
04:30 – 05:00 pm Departure for Sofia.
06:30 – 07:00 pm Arrival at Alexander Nevski Cathedral
The times in the above itinerary are tentative and can be changed by the guide depedning on the group size, the weather and other conditions.
This is a tour with an intensive itinerary. Your day trip starts with an 8:00 am departure from Al. Nevski Cathedral. With one of our air-conditioned minibuses you will be taken on a 2-hour drive to Koprivshitsa. The road meanders between the magnificent Balkan Mountains and the gentle pastoral hills of the Sredna Gora Mountains. Your first stop will be in the centre of Koprivshtitsa. A 1.5 hour guided walking tour in English will introduce you to the towns Revival-period history and how the local merchants and craftsmen lived at that time. Entry to some 19th-century prestigious mansions, which are now turned into museum-houses is also included. Go back and aboard your minibus to head further south through the rose valleys of Strelcha and reach after about 1.5-hour drive the town of Plovdiv and its delightful Old Town neighbourhood. Explore it on foot (bring comfortable shoes, the streets are cobbled) with your guide to fully admire the Ancient fortification complex at Nebet Tepe, the gilded iconostasis of St. Konstantine and Helena church, the interesting Ethnographic Museum, the iconic and well preserved Roman Theater and Ancient Stadium; different Revival Period houses and religious temples. You will hear many fascinating tales that will spice the many historical facts up. You will have a little time to stroll around the cobbled streets at leisure. After 2-hour transfer you will be back at Al. Nevski Cathedral at approx. 7 pm.
There are recommendations on what to do in Plovdiv in our article: One day in Plovdiv – top things to do.
TOUR DURATION:
12 hours (approx.)
DAYS OF OPERATION: Wednesday & Sunday
PRICING: 45 euro per adult; 40 euro per child (6-12 years old)
Audio guides for Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa in Spanish and Italian!
INCLUSIONS:
– Professional and friendly English-speaking guide throughout the tour
– Transfers with a comfortable air-conditioned minibus
– Parking fees
EXCLUSIONS & EXTRAS:
– Admission tickets (optional)
+ Roman Theater – 6 lv (approx. 3 euro)
+ Plovdiv’s Ethnographic Museum – 5 lv (approx. 2.5 euro)
+ Koprivshtitsa combined ticket – 6 lv (approx. 3 euro)
– Hotel pick-up
+ 5/10 euro (depending on location) per reservation (not per person). The pick-up must be reserved during the process of reservation.
– Meals & beverages
– Gratuities (optional)
WHAT TO BRING ON THE TOUR
Dress appropriately for the season. The weather in Plovdiv is usually sunnier and warmer than in Sofia, while in Koprivshtitsa is usually cooler. Wear comfortable walking shoes /no high heel!/.
DEPARTURE TIME:
8:00 am (hotel pick-ups are prior this time)
DEPARTURE & RETURN POINT
From from the parking lot in front of “La Cattedrale” restaurant located at the south-east corner of Al. Nevski square (behind Al. Nevski Cathedral).