Excursion from Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and Art Village

Overview

Depart from Sofia for a day of historical exploration aboard an air-conditioned coach. This tour takes you to the ancient city of Plovdiv, the mysterious Thracian temple of Starosel, and the village of Staro Zhelezare, famous for its open-air street art. The itinerary includes a walk through Plovdiv's old town, where you will stroll along cobbled streets and observe Roman ruins, followed by free time for lunch on Europe's longest pedestrian zone. You will then visit the Starosel temple, a Thracian site dating back to the 4th century BC, before heading to Staro Zhelezare to admire its rural murals. Two itineraries are offered: one combining Plovdiv, Starosel, and the art village, and another replacing Starosel with the 19th-century museum town of Koprivshtitsa. Depending on the chosen option, you will have a physical guide (in English, Italian, or Spanish), an audio guide via a mobile app, or logistical accompaniment. Transport is provided by large coaches with 45 to 65 seats. Note that travellers choosing the Starosel option return to Sofia after a stop in Plovdiv to pick up other passengers.

Itinerary

1. Vasil Levski Monument

   Your day trip starts at 08:00 AM from the Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia). Please arrive by 07:45 AM to check in. Board our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to Plovdiv.

   · 15 min

2. Plovdiv Old Town

   Explore one of Europe's oldest cities! Your guide will lead you through the cobbled streets of the Old Town architectural reserve. Marvel at the 19th-century National Revival houses, ancient Roman walls, and historic churches while learning about Plovdiv's 8,000-year history.

   · 2 h

3. Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis

   Visit the spectacular 1st-century Roman amphitheater. Still an active venue for opera and concerts, this UNESCO-listed site offers the most iconic panoramic views of Plovdiv and the Rhodope Mountains. (Entry is optional and paid locally).

   · 30 min· Admission not included

4. Théâtre antique de Plovdiv

   Discover the massive Roman Stadium (2nd century AD) located right beneath the feet of shoppers on the main pedestrian street. You will also have time to explore the vibrant "Kapana" (The Trap) creative district.

   · 30 min

5. Kapana

   Stroll through Europe’s longest pedestrian zone and dive into the trendy, car-free streets of the Kapana creative hub. Enjoy dedicated free time to grab an authentic local lunch at a courtyard café, shop for unique handmade souvenirs, and soak up Plovdiv's artistic energy at your own pace.

   · 1 h

6. Thracian Temple Complex Starosel

   Step inside ancient mysteries as you climb the grand stone staircase of Europe's largest 4th-century BC Thracian royal tomb. Walk through the mystical 10-column dome chamber with an expert guide and uncover secret rituals older than many Roman monuments. Note : The itinerary depends on the specific option you have booked Alternative route : Koprivshtitsa - Spend extra time in the town, exploring its colorful revolutionary houses and the "First Shot" bridge, soaking in the mountain atmosphere.

   · 1 h· Admission not included

7. Staro Zhelezare Street Art Village

   Capture surreal photos in a traditional rural village completely transformed into a vibrant, open-air street art gallery. Walk past local homes and barns where village elders are painted right alongside global celebrities, politicians, and pop-culture icons. Alternative route : Koprivshtitsa - Spend extra time in the town, exploring its colorful revolutionary houses and the "First Shot" bridge, soaking in the mountain atmosphere.

   · 1 h

8. Plovdiv

   After exploring the street art in Staro Zhelezare, we will make a quick, scheduled stop back in Plovdiv to pick up the passengers who chose the Plovdiv-only option. Once the entire group is comfortably back on board, we will head straight back to Sofia.

   · Non-stop passage

9. Vasil Levski Monument

   Sit back and relax on the drive back to Sofia. You will be dropped off at the original meeting point.

   · 10 min

How to use your ticket

Google Maps link for where we will meet the travelers before the tour: View on map | GPS coordinates: 42.695601, 23.333790

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Not recommended for travellers with cardiovascular problems.
• Public transport is available nearby.
• The activity is suitable for all fitness levels.
• The minimum age is 6 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Closed-toe walking shoes are mandatory for the uneven cobbled streets of Plovdiv; sun protection is recommended.
• The Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum is closed on Mondays.
• The excursion operates in all weather conditions, but temperatures in Plovdiv are significantly higher than in Sofia during summer.
• Transport is provided in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle insured and driven by a professional regional driver.
• A valid mobile phone number (preferably WhatsApp) is required at the time of booking for departure coordination.
• For the audio guide option, you must bring your own charged smartphone and headphones and have an active internet connection (a power bank is recommended).
• For Spanish or Italian tours, a local expert will be provided at the historical sites, while the host in the bus from Sofia will generally speak English.
• The itinerary including Starosel and the art village involves a later return as the bus returns to Plovdiv to collect other passengers.
• Return to Sofia is expected late, generally between 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm.
• The activity can accommodate up to 25 travellers.
• Booking confirmation is immediate.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before departure.

• 100% refund up to 1 day before departure.
• No refund possible on the day of departure.

Who is it for?

• Travellers aged 6 and over.
• People wishing to discover the Thracian and Roman history of Bulgaria.
• Travellers comfortable with travel in a large shared coach.
• People with a smartphone and headphones for the audio guide option.

What makes it different

• Choice between two distinct itineraries (Starosel or Koprivshtitsa).
• Option to choose between a physical guide or an audio application.
• Access to diverse sites: ancient ruins, a museum town, and rural street art.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 6992P84

Activity offered by Traventuria via Viator.