Bulgaria · PRIVATE

The 15 Best Private Tours in Bulgaria

28 tours  ·  from $19 a head

The 15 best private tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason, so start there.

Private city walking tour of Sofia - Roman Serdika below the city center
Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sofia, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Sofia

Private city walking tour of Sofia

1.Private city walking tour of Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 141 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $183Our pick

Spend about two hours walking central Sofia with a private English-speaking guide. See Roman Serdika, churches, mosque, synagogue, communist-era Largo, royal buildings, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Guides such as Vasil and Mina bring the city’s difficult and varied past to life, while your private group sets the pace.

“We recently enjoyed a 2-hour city center tour of Sofia with Vasil, and it was a highlight of our stay. Although we had been exploring the city center on our own for the past two days, Vasil brought the history and culture of Sofia to life in a way we hadn’t experienced. His deep knowledge, backed by his academic background in tourism, made the tour both informative and engaging. Vasil was exceptionally friendly and enthusiastic, and his passion for the city was contagious. My wife and I learned so much during our time with him. We highly recommend Vasil for anyone looking to explore and truly understand the majestic city…”

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Sofia Walking Private City Tour - Starting at St. Nedelya and walking into old Sofia
City Tours, City Tours in Sofia, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sofia, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Sofia

Sofia Walking Private City Tour

2.Sofia Walking Private City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 127 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $84

Walk Sofia’s compact center with a private English-speaking guide such as Pavlina, Rumi, Nikolaj, Angela, Gregory, or Venni. You’ll see Roman streets, Orthodox churches, the Russian Church, royal buildings, a mosque, synagogue, and the city’s main squares. It is a strong first-day orientation, though the pace and history can feel brisk.

“Excellent and very pleasant tour guide. I would highly recommend her. She explained Sofia sites in detail”

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Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery - The art inside Boyana Church
1-Day Tours, Boyana Church Tours, Private, Rila Monastery Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sofia

Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery

3.Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $193

You’ll visit two UNESCO-listed Bulgarian sites in one day: Rila Monastery, with its frescoed courtyard and museum, and Boyana Church, famous for its 13th-century paintings. A private English-speaking driver-guide collects you at 9 a.m. and returns you to Sofia around 5 p.m. Past guides have included Alexander, Julian, Maria, Nikola, and Ivan.

“We had a wonderful time with Maria, our guide. She is such a cheerful, delightful person, very knowledgeable and passionate about history and Bulgaria. Her backpack is full of pamphlets, maps, alphabet and little things about Bulgaria. At Boyana Church and Rila Monastery, she took the time to explain everything about the places and even took us to try Mekitza, at the original bakery in front of the monastery. Lunch was also fabulous, in a small locally run restaurant. Overall, we are grateful to meet Maria, and highly recommend this experience!”

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PRIVATE return transfer from Sofia to Borovets - Why the return leg matters just as much
Airport Transfers, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours in Borovets

PRIVATE return transfer from Sofia to Borovets

4.PRIVATE return transfer from Sofia to Borovets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · from $87

Travel between Sofia and Borovets in a prebooked private transfer for groups of up to 15. Your driver meets you with a board showing your name, helps with luggage, and takes you directly to your hotel, apartment, or airport. The trip usually takes 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

“This was my 2nd year running using Balkan and both times were hassle free and very punctual!”

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Private Ski Lesson in Bulgaria - The first two hours on snow
Private, Skiing, Skiing in Borovets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Borovets, Workshops

Private Ski Lesson in Bulgaria

5.Private Ski Lesson in Bulgaria

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet your instructor at Apart Hotel Flora Residence for a two-hour private lesson in Borovets. You can book for up to three people, learn at your own pace, and ask for coaching suited to your ability. Instructors have included Phil, Neil, Lexi, Yuri, and Alexei, with especially strong support for first-timers and skiers needing extra patience.

“I would like to give a huge shout out to Neil Burton of Hunters Ski School. Not only is he a fantastic instructor but a true gentleman. He showed great patience with our Autistic son Toby, he got him on skis and moving and gave him a sense of accomplishment. I can’t thank Neil enough for that and also helping me find my ski legs for the first time in 20 years. He was great craic, both my wife Nadine and my daughter Zoe improved with their skiing my daughter particularly gained huge self confidence. Shout out to Lexi for the beer and laughs (hope Pepe is alright when you…”

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Private city walking tour of Plovdiv - From Milyo the Crazy to the Roman stadium
Plovdiv Day Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Plovdiv, Walking Tours

Private city walking tour of Plovdiv

6.Private city walking tour of Plovdiv

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $184

Walk from Plovdiv’s municipal square through Kapana and the Old Town to the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. Your private English-speaking guide covers Roman ruins, old houses, churches, and city history, with guide Niki among the named guides praised for clear storytelling. Entrance fees are separate.

“Thank you so much for an amazing tour of Plovdiv. My guide Niki was awesome, super knowledgeable, about the city, its history and its story. Thank you for a great day.”

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Borovets: Private Ski or Snowboard Tuition - What beginners can expect from the first session
Private, Skiing, Skiing in Borovets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Borovets

Borovets: Private Ski or Snowboard Tuition

7.Private Ski or Snowboard Tuition

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $90

Learn skiing or snowboarding in Borovets with a licensed English-speaking instructor, in a private group of up to four people at the same ability level. Instructors including Ivan, Dobrin, Dobrimir, Alex, and Gery offer patient, focused coaching for beginners, children, and returning skiers. Equipment and lift passes cost extra.

“The instructor was very very helpful! Really enjoyed our lessons in Borovets. Definitely use this company in the future. Ivan was a brilliant ski instructor, was ready to hit the slopes myself on day 2. Thank you”

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Private City Tour of Sofia - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral sets the tone
City Tours, City Tours in Sofia, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sofia

Private City Tour of Sofia

8.Private City Tour of Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $31

See Sofia’s major sights with a private English-speaking guide, including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Church, Roman Serdica, the Russian Church, and Banya Bashi Mosque. The tour usually takes two to four hours and can include hotel pickup. Confirm transport in advance, since the private option may use public transport or proceed mainly on foot.

“Very good tour and very kind guide! Rumi was perfect! we highly recommend her! thank you very much for this experience!”

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Private Wine Tasting in the UNESCO town of Nessebar - Why the tasting board matters
Food & Drink, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Nessebar, Wine Tours

Private Wine Tasting in the UNESCO town of Nessebar

9.Private Wine Tasting in the UNESCO town of Nessebar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $53

Spend one to two hours tasting Bulgarian wines in old Nessebar with a private hosting team led by Hristo. Walk the cobbled lanes to a traditional cellar or courtyard, hear how the wines are made, and sample four or five pours with cheese and meats. Add a multi-course lunch or dinner if you want a longer meal.

“Me and some friends did the 4 wine tasting, the host was so kind and informative regards the wine and allowed us to really customise the experience to our tastes. Great atmosphere and we ended up ordering a bottle and whiling the hours away. Could not recommend more.”

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Rila Monastery and Boiana church private tour - Boyana Church: a short visit with serious art
Private, Rila Monastery Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sofia

Rila Monastery and Boiana church private tour

10.Rila Monastery and Boiana church private tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 6 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $120

Travel from Sofia in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and bottled water. Your English-speaking guide takes you to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery, explains the murals and Bulgarian history, and adjusts the day to your group when possible. Pickup is available from hotels, apartments, stations, the airport, and private addresses.

“The flexible starting time, the adjustment of per person cost based on group size, vehicle was very clean and comfortable. Vlad our driver was very friendly informative English speaking guide. The Boyana church and monastery were amazing. You do need local currency at tje monastery.”

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Private trip to Bachkovo Monastery and Assen’s Fortress - Planning the morning well
Bachkovo Monastery Tours, Fortress and Castle Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Plovdiv

Private trip to Bachkovo Monastery and Assen’s Fortress

11.Private trip to Bachkovo Monastery and Assen’s Fortress

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $55

Travel from Plovdiv with guide Lyuben to Bachkovo Monastery and Asen’s Fortress in about three hours. See a 1310 icon, colorful monastery frescoes, a 13th-century church, and Ivan Asen’s stone inscription. Pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and English service are included. Fortress admission costs extra.

“Great activity to cover half of the day in Plovdiv. Perfect to do in a day that you want to do any additional plan in the afternoon/evening, if you have a transfer or, just simply want to relax after it :) Bachkovo Monastery is really a wonder that you must visit, and Asen fortress is really impresive, as it is the door to the Rodope mountains, which will really surprise you for their beauty.”

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Private Day Trip to Plovdiv from Sofia - Walking through Plovdiv Old Town
1-Day Tours, Plovdiv Day Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sofia

Private Day Trip to Plovdiv from Sofia

12.Private Day Trip to Plovdiv from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 22 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $198

Travel from Sofia to Plovdiv in a private, air-conditioned car with hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, and an English-speaking driver-guide. Spend about four hours seeing the Old Town, Roman remains, traditional houses, and museums, then explore at your own pace. Guides such as Simon, Poli, Jordan, and Dimitri have led past tours.

“Plovdiv is a must see when visiting Bulgaria. Simon, my guide, was so knowledgeable on all the history of this beautiful town. Don’t forget to whisper your wish in Milyo’s ear!”

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Private Premium One-way Transfer Sofia Airport to Hotel or back - What the airport pickup should feel like
Airport Transfers, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sofia

Private Premium One-way Transfer Sofia Airport to Hotel or back

13.Private Premium One-way Transfer Sofia Airport to Hotel or back

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · 1 hour (approx.)

Book a private, one-way ride between Sofia Airport Terminal 1 or 2 and your Sofia hotel. You get an English-speaking driver, a clean modern vehicle, and a car reserved for your group of up to eight, depending on the option chosen. Hristo and his team also provide an electronic Sofia guide, but confirm your date, time, direction, and any night surcharge carefully.

“Our driver was waiting when we landed at the Sofia airport. He was very professional and told us about Sofia on the way to the hotel. His English was excellent. It was so nice not to have to worry about language or getting to the hotel safely.”

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The Most Affordable Private Sofia Walking Tour - From Ivan Vazov Theater to the city’s public heart
Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sofia, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Sofia

The Most Affordable Private Sofia Walking Tour

14.The Most Affordable Private Sofia Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $22Best value

Walk central Sofia with a private guide or use the supplied e-guide, visiting Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Rotunda of St. George, Banya Bashi Mosque, Serdica ruins, Vitosha Boulevard, and more. Expect a flexible 2 to 4-hour introduction to Bulgaria’s Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Communist past.

“We had a wonderful tour with Jordan. He was totally knowledgeable about Sofia. And what a lovely city, a city tour is necessary to see all the good things.”

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Private Vitosha Mountains Hiking with Black peak & Dragalevtsi Monastery - What the five-hour mountain section involves
Hiking & Trekking, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sofia, Vitosha Mountain Tours

Private Vitosha Mountains Hiking with Black peak & Dragalevtsi Monastery

15.Private Vitosha Mountains Hiking with Black peak & Dragalevtsi Monastery

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 18 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $34

Spend about six hours above Sofia, hiking to 2,290-meter Cherni Vrah from Aleko hut, then visiting Dragalevtsi Monastery. A private guided option includes transport, hotel pickup, and a local guide such as Tony. The self-guided option provides instructions only, so transport planning is up to you. Snowshoes are available in winter at no extra charge.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. Because the lift is not running the police close the road up the mountain after a certain number of cars each day. Our guide, knowing this, contacted us to leave earlier and we arrived be for the road closed and before the trail was busy.”

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New in Private

★ 4.5Private Day Trip to the Vitosha Mountain and Pancharevo LakeFrom $17413 reviews
★ 4.0Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & DinnerFrom $11012 reviews
★ 4.5Private Kayak Tour on the Pancharevo LakeFrom $1811 reviews
★ 5.0Koprivshtitsa – private day tour from PlovdivFrom $1344 reviews
★ 5.0Full Day Private Eco Tour in Koprivshtitsa from SofiaFrom $1378 reviews
★ 5.0Private Horse Riding in the Balkan from SofiaFrom $2398 reviews
★ 5.0Private Horseback Riding the Rila RangeFrom $1404 reviews

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Explore Bulgaria

Pick a monastery, a ridge or a cellar.

Monasteries and old towns

Rila MonasteryBoyana ChurchBachkovoKoprivshtitsaFortresses

The mountains

Seven Rila LakesHikingVitoshaThe RhodopesWaterfalls

Food and wine

Wine TastingsFood ToursSofia Food WalksSofia CellarsThermal Baths

On snow and off road

SkiingSki HireWinter DaysOff-RoadCaves