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Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv

5 (13)
Asenovgrad, BG
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Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv

5 (13)
Asenovgrad, BG
Share
Experience the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Bulgaria on this day tour from Plovdiv. Begin your journey at Asen's Fortress, a remarkable 13th-century structure perched on a hill in the Rhodope Mountains. Marvel at the well-preserved Christian Orthodox church and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Next, visit the Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria, founded in 1083. Explore the main church of Virgin Mary with its valuable miracle-working icon and original frescoes. Optional visits to the monastery refectory and the nearby Red Wall Nature Reserve offer opportunities to delve deeper into the monastery's history and discover the region's natural beauty. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in Bulgaria's cultural and natural treasures.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Not Included
  • 3 hours
  • Suitable for 1-8 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Visit Asen's Fortress with panoramic views
  • Explore the Bachkovo Monastery, founded in 1083
  • Marvel at the Christian orthodox frescoes from 1643
  • Discover the valuable miracle working icon of Saint Mary
  • Optional nature walk to a beautiful waterfall
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private tour
  • Professional guide
  • Driver/guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees: Assen's Fortress (2 EUR), Bachkovo Monastery entrance fee (0,50 EUR), Bachkovo Monastery refectory (3 EUR) - optional
  • Food and drinks

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More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Bulgaria on the Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress day tour from Plovdiv. Immerse yourself in the stunning Rhodope Mountains as you explore the remarkable remains of King Asen's Fortress, perched on a picturesque hill. Then, delve into the spiritual and cultural heritage of Bulgaria at the Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in the country, founded in 1083. Marvel at the intricate Christian orthodox frescoes that adorn the monastery's walls, transporting you back to the 17th century. Join this tour to discover the hidden gems of Bulgaria and uncover the secrets of its past.

What to expect?

On this tour, you can expect to be captivated by the ancient ruins of King Asen's Fortress, with its commanding views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the well-preserved remains of the fortress and imagine the stories of battles and triumphs that took place within its walls. Then, venture to the Bachkovo Monastery, where you'll be greeted by stunning frescoes and a serene atmosphere. Learn about the monastery's history and significance as you discover its various chapels and courtyards. You'll also have the option to continue your tour with a walk in the nearby Red Wall Nature Reserve, where you can admire a beautiful waterfall and lush forests. Throughout the tour, a professional guide will provide live commentary, enriching your experience with historical and cultural insights.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Bulgaria's cultural heritage. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore lesser-known gems in Bulgaria. It is suitable for all ages and interests, ensuring that everyone can find something captivating on this journey through history.

Why book this?

Booking this tour is a chance to step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Bulgaria. The combination of Asen's Fortress and the Bachkovo Monastery provides a diverse and comprehensive experience, showcasing both the architectural wonders of the past and the spiritual significance of the present. With the guidance of a professional tour guide, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Bulgaria's cultural heritage and the stories behind these iconic sites. Additionally, the option to explore the Red Wall Nature Reserve allows nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the Rhodope Mountains. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of Bulgaria on a captivating day tour from Plovdiv.

Good to know

It is important to note that entrance fees for Asen's Fortress and the Bachkovo Monastery are not included in the tour price. However, these fees are minimal, allowing you to easily access these historic sites. If you choose to visit the refectory at the Bachkovo Monastery, there is a small additional fee. Remember to bring some cash for these expenses. Additionally, food and drinks are not included, so you may want to bring a snack or plan for a meal during the tour. Finally, gratuities for the guide and driver are not included, so it is customary to tip if you have enjoyed their services.

Reviews

Previous visitors have raved about the Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress day tour, praising the knowledgeable and friendly guides who provided fascinating insights into Bulgarian history and culture. Many were in awe of the stunning frescoes and enchanting atmosphere of the Bachkovo Monastery, describing it as a must-visit destination. Others appreciated the opportunity to explore the beautiful nature reserve and witness the picturesque waterfall. Overall, travelers were highly satisfied with the tour, considering it a highlight of their time in Bulgaria.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)

The remarkable Asen’s Fortress from 13-th century is located on a panoramic hill in the Rhodope Mountains som 30 min south of Plovdiv. Our guide will tell you the history and interesting facts about this impressive structure. There you’ll also find very well preserved Christian Orthodox church dating from the 13-th century painted with some authentic pieces of iconography. At the top of the fortress you’ll enjoy an awesome 360 degrees panorama all over the Rhodope Mountains, Asenovgrad town, The Thracian Valley and the imposing Balkan Range with its highest Botev Peak in the far distance.

Admission Not Included

Bachkovo Monastery

Founded in 1083 Bachkovo Monastery is the second largest in Bulgaria. Inside the monastery you’ll visit the main church of Virgin Mary built in 1604 where a valuable miracle working icon of Saint Mary from 11-12th century AD is being kept together with some very well preserved original frescoes. The monastery refectory is another jewel in the complex which has preserved colorful murals from 1643. The refectory’s visit is optional at an extra charge for a small entrance fee. Inside together with the Doomsday fresco, you’ll witness the images of many prophets, saint-monks, ancient philosophers and writers such as Socrates, Aristotle, Plato etc. In the second monastery yard you’ll finally visit the Saint Nikola church built between 1834 and 1837. Optionally, for the nature enthusiasts you may continue the tour with a short and easy walk in the Red wall nature reserve nearby Bachkovo Monastery where you’ll discover a beautiful waterfall, green meadows and lush forests.

Admission Not Included

Reviews

(13)

5 (13)

Lily_T

Our tour guide was excellent, proficient in English. He is also very knowledgeable, both in history of Bulgaria with its struggle with the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, and the many biblical significance of various paintings in an Orthodox church. Highly recommended.

U1813QVcarolinet

Stoyan is a knowlegable & informative guide who made for an enjoyable day seeing the monastery & fortress. He also was happy to answer any questions regarding Bulgarian life & culture. He went out of his way & above & beyond to help when we had a family emergency & needed to get to the airport quickly to return home. We would highly recommend using Plivdiv Trips whilst you are in Bulgaria.

jackbT5328DU

Bulgaria is a wonderful place to visit and there is so much to see and do. We were taken on a day trip to remember. Kamen was an incredible guide who really goes above and beyond in all aspects. We have never experienced a more knowledgeable guide who brought so much to life and made for such a fantastic experience. First class service from start to end. We would highly recommend!

sfjulesj

We took this tour with Kamen. He is a professionally trained guide and is excellent. He is very knowledgeable about the sites and their history. We highly recommend hiring him for this tour.

silviaeB9110FR

Last week I made a tour to Assen forteress, Bachkovo monastery and the Seven bridges. It was a very nice trip, well organized with a tourist guide who spoke a very good Englisn, very nice and helpful who knew and loved his place, so he transmitted his knowledge with enthousiasm. I highly recommend the tour and the tourist agency. When I go back to Plovdiv I 'll certainly choose them to make other tours. Silvia

Anakha N

Incredible day spent with Kamen! He was punctual, super knowledgeable and provided a really interesting and beautiful tour. Throughout the day he gave us amazing facts about the city and knew so much about the Asen’s fortress and the Bachkovo monastery. This was our favourite day of our 5 day trip to Bulgaria and highly recommend the company. Thank you Kamen!

68tilly

This was a vey enjoyable tour. Kamen , the tour guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable. Both sites are absolutely stunning and well worth the visit. I would definitely recommend Plovdiv tours ! Thank you Kamen for a very lovely and enjoyable trip.!

Carboneras2019

We actually did 3 trips (this one plus Rila Monastery and the Rose Valley, Thracian tombs, Shipka Russian Church and Buzludzha )with Kamen, Stoyan and Dimitar plus 2 airport transfers. Everything was extremely well organised and these guys know their history and stories about all the places. Lunch at restaurants were traditional and fantastic. Everything is relaxed, no pressure to rush and they will also stop for impromptu photos etc. They will also tailor-make trips if requested. We cannot recommend them highly enough and we will be back to do the things that we could not this time. I have visited over 100 countries and these guys are the best by far.

robynwcx

We loved our trip. Kamen, the local guide, was extremely knowledgeable and an interesting guy to chat with. His English was great too. The trip was as described and did not disappoint. The mountains are stunning and the fortress and monastery were beautiful and full of history. It would be a shame to come to Plovdiv and miss these sites, they were the highlight of our trip. Thanks Kamen!

Tom T

This was a great tour with a great guide! We were picked up directly from our hostel and taken to the fortress, with a good overview of Bulgarian history and a friendly chat along the way. We then went to the monastery, then had lunch at a small visitors center, before visiting the amazing bridges. The family that run this visitor's center were also particularly nice and the traditional bulgarian food was the best on the whole trip. Excellent value for money.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-25 07:02
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