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Trips Starting from Sofia
4.25 (10 reviews)
34 Tours
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Discover Bulgaria trips visiting Sofia
See Sofia’s landmark sights, then branch out to Bulgaria’s classic highlights
Sofia is an excellent starting point for a trip in Bulgaria, with straightforward connections to historic towns, famous monasteries, and the mountain landscapes that frame the capital. Many itineraries blend time in the city with well-planned day trips, so you can take in the headline sights while still leaving space for cafés, local markets, and unhurried evening walks. On The Go Tours offers a range of Bulgaria trips that include guided tours, city breaks, and self-drive journeys. Some programmes stay in Sofia for several nights, while others use it as a key stop on a wider route through the country. Many routes also extend into Serbia, Romania, Croatia, or Greece, yet even a short stay in Sofia can give a strong introduction to everyday Bulgarian life and culture.
Bulgaria trips starting from Sofia
New
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
$175From
$1,075pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
$648From
$11,330pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
$423From
$2,640pp
New
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
$203From
$3,425pp
New
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
$150From
$690pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
$405From
$8,090pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
$550From
$8,240pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
$420From
$4,195pp
Travel with confidence
Real reviews from our travellers
Balkan Treasures Cities, Cultures and Landscapes - 10 daysEmbark on a 10-day journey from Zagreb to Sofia, exploring the heart of the Balkans. Start in Croatia's vibrant capital, then venture into Bosnia and Herzegovina, admiring Banja Luka's Orthodox cathedral and Jajce's stunning waterfall. Absorb Sarajevo's rich diversity and Mostar's iconic stone bridge before discovering Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed charms. In Montenegro, Kotor's Venetian walls and Budva's seaside allure await. Delight in Tirana's vibrant history, and on to Lake Ohrid's breathtaking views and Macedonia's rich heritage. Experience Greece's dramatic Meteora and Thessaloniki's vibrant culture before crossing into Bulgaria, where wine and history merge in Melnik. Conclude with Sofia's striking architecture and lively ambiance.Worldwide Touring10Places visited great, including smaller cities that were quite unique. Sandanski stands out, as the resort was truly beautiful. Tour guides good, in particular, Boris who was our main tour guide.. Hotels good, except Belvedere due to incline and Ibis Styles too many smokers. Tour provided by a supplier and found out after official booking confirmation from OTG tours. The supplier offers transfers (included with their packages) we purchased our own as OTG tours did not offer. Different tour operators and groups. Multiple languages we did not expect. Did not like this
Central Balkans Explorer - 19 daysTake in the central belt of countries in the Balkan region, journeying from Belgrade in Serbia to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Uncover the highlights of Bulgaria and Romania including Bucharest, Sofia, Plovdiv and Dracula's Castle. In Bosnia, take in the highlights of Sarajevo and see the famous bridge of Mostar, and uncover the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. In Croatia, discover the highlights of Dubrovnik with guided sightseeing and free time.Worldwide Touring19The best part of the tour was visiting places I had never heard of. Long distances on some days & lunch break until mid afternoon
Central Balkans Explorer - 19 daysTake in the central belt of countries in the Balkan region, journeying from Belgrade in Serbia to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Uncover the highlights of Bulgaria and Romania including Bucharest, Sofia, Plovdiv and Dracula's Castle. In Bosnia, take in the highlights of Sarajevo and see the famous bridge of Mostar, and uncover the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. In Croatia, discover the highlights of Dubrovnik with guided sightseeing and free time.Worldwide Touring19Itinerary was comprehensive and very interesting. Guide/driver Nemanja had an outstanding knowledge of all sights and his willingness to do all the little extra things increased the enjoyment of the tour. We had a comfortable roomy van and a small group. A small number of the 11 hotels were disappointing.
Southern Balkan Discovery - 14 daysUncover the best of the Southern Balkans on this 2-week tour which travels from Belgrade to Sofia. Tour the Serbian capital, ride a heritage train in the mountains around Zlatibor and visit Mostar and Sarajevo in Bosnia. Discover the Adriatic gems of Dubrovnik and Budva, take a day trip to Kotor and enjoy an agrotourism experience in Albania en route to Tirana. Visit Skopje in Macedonia before ending your journey in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia.Worldwide Touring14Dejan was an excellent driver and guide. Highly recommended tour and guide
Sofia trips at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Trips that visit Sofia come in several styles, including fully guided, partly guided, and self-guided options, so you can match the structure to your travel preferences. Many itineraries include a guided tour in Sofia, with support through planned transport and clear day-by-day schedules that reduce the need for on-the-spot logistics.
Accommodation
Hotel standard varies by trip and may include 3-star, 4-star (upgrade offered), or 4–5-star stays. If a particular property is unavailable, an alternative accommodation of similar standard may be used, and star ratings can differ between countries so they are not always like-for-like.
Trip pacing
Pace varies across Sofia trips, from intensive days with multiple stops to more balanced programmes with extra free time built in. Some itineraries involve early starts and longer driving days, especially on multi-stop routes that aim to cover a lot of ground in a limited timeframe.
Popular tours visiting Sofia
Why start in Sofia
A capital stay with easy links to culture, history, and day-trip sights
Sofia suits travellers who want a capital that feels authentic and lived in, while also serving as a practical base for seeing more of Bulgaria without constant packing and unpacking. In the city, you can move between grand churches, broad boulevards, and distinct historical layers, then add easy day trips when you want a change of scenery. That might mean the quiet courtyards of a monastery, or an old town of cobbled lanes and traditional architecture. Trips that include Sofia also work well for different travel styles, which makes it easier to choose the level of independence that suits you. Group tours are ideal if you prefer shared sightseeing and smoother travel days, whereas private or self-drive options offer more flexibility and personal pacing. Many trips include guided touring in Sofia, helping the stories behind the landmarks come to life while saving you time on route planning and practical details.
Frequently asked questions
What types of trips visit Sofia, Bulgaria?
Trips that visit Sofia include guided tours, city breaks, and self-drive holidays, depending on how much structure you want. Some itineraries focus on Sofia and nearby highlights, while others use Sofia as the start or end point of a broader Bulgaria route.
Are trips to Sofia fully guided?
Guiding depends on the trip and is designed to suit different travel styles. Some are fully guided with a tour leader throughout, while others are partly guided with guided visits at key stops, and there are also self-guided options where hotels and transport are arranged but most sightseeing is independent.
Do Sofia trips include a city tour?
Many itineraries include guided sightseeing in Sofia, often featuring major landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. On some trips this is a standalone group activity, while on others it forms part of a wider guided schedule across Bulgaria.
Can Sofia be used as a base for day trips in Bulgaria?
Yes, and it is a popular approach for travellers who prefer fewer hotel changes. Some itineraries are designed as Sofia city breaks, using the city as your base for day trips to places such as Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, and Plovdiv, before returning to the same accommodation most nights.
What is a city explorer tour in Sofia?
A city explorer tour typically uses one base, so you stay in the same place each night and take day trips out and back. In Sofia, this often combines guided city sightseeing with nearby highlights, giving you variety without the disruption of frequent hotel moves.
What is the typical group size on trips visiting Sofia?
Group size depends on the specific itinerary, as some departures run in smaller groups while others operate as larger coach tours. If group size is important to you, it is best to check the trip notes for the programme you are considering.
Is Sofia suitable for travellers who want an easier pace?
Yes, although the overall feel will depend on the itinerary you choose. Some routes cover many destinations in a short time and can feel fast-paced, while others build in more free time and a steadier rhythm, particularly on shorter trips or city-break style itineraries.
What is accommodation like on Sofia trips?
Accommodation varies by trip and can differ from one route to another, even within the same destination. Where a hotel level is shown, a similar standard property may be used if availability changes, and star ratings can vary by country so they do not always match the same criteria elsewhere.
Do trips visiting Sofia include meals?
Meals depend on the itinerary and the overall travel style. Some trips include breakfast plus selected lunches or dinners, while others include few or no meals to give you more flexibility each day, so it is worth checking the trip details for what is included.
Are there multi-country tours that include Sofia?
Yes, several itineraries that include Sofia also travel into nearby countries such as Serbia, Romania, Croatia, or Greece. Even on multi-country routes, time in Bulgaria typically focuses on key places, with Sofia as a major highlight alongside other classic stops.
Bulgaria guides
Our useful travel guides for Bulgaria, to help you plan your trip to the Baltics.
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