Valley of the Thracian Kings and Augusta Trayana Tour

Discover Bulgaria’s Ancient Heritage with the Valley of the Thracian Kings and Augusta Trayana Tour

This full-day exploration from Plovdiv offers a fascinating glimpse into Bulgaria’s distant past for $115.19 per person. The 10-hour 30-minute tour takes you through UNESCO-listed sites, Roman relics, and prehistoric settlements, all led by a history and archaeology-educated guide.

The tour is ideal for those interested in historical sites and ancient civilizations, providing a well-rounded experience with four carefully curated stops. The small group size (up to 8 travelers) ensures personalized attention, and pickup service adds convenience. While lunch is not included, the tour’s affordability and rich content make it a compelling choice for history enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Visit the UNESCO Valley of the Thracian Kings, home to well-preserved tombs from the 5th century BC.
• Explore Augusta Trayana, an ancient Roman city founded in the 2nd century AD, with original streets and archaeological remains.
• Discover the Eski Mosque in Stara Zagora, built on top of a 7th-century Christian church and layered with Thracian, Christian, and Ottoman relics.
• See Neolithic dwellings, some of the best-preserved prehistoric houses in Europe from the 7th Millennium BC.
• Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with group discounts available, making this a comfortable and cost-effective full-day trip.
• Highly praised for knowledgeable guides who bring history to life, as reflected in a perfect 5/5 rating from a satisfied traveler.

The Tour Starts with a Pickup and a Journey to the Valley of the Thracian Rulers

The tour departs at 8:00 am from Plovdiv, with a pickup service from your hotel. After a roughly 2-hour drive, the journey reaches the Valley of the Thracian Kings, a site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where the most impressive Thracian tombs and burial mounds are located, dating back over 2,000 years.

The guide leads a detailed tour of this ancient necropolis, emphasizing the grandeur of the Thracian civilization and the wealth buried with their kings. You’ll observe impressive tomb structures and learn about the rich culture and burial customs of the Thracians.

Walking Through the Valley of the Thracian Kings

This site visit lasts about 2 hours and features well-preserved tombs and tumulus mounds. Visitors see the wealth of artifacts and the architecture of the tombs, which vividly illustrate Thracian craftsmanship. The guide’s expertise helps translate the significance of these artifacts, making history accessible and engaging.

Given its UNESCO status, the valley is protected, and admission is free, but the experience is deeply informative. The imposing landscape and historical importance make this stop a highlight of the tour.

Exploring Augusta Trayana: Roman City of Trade and Culture

After the Thracian site, the tour moves toward Stara Zagora—the location of Augusta Trayana—an important Roman city founded in the 2nd century AD. Here, the original Roman streets remain visible, and you can walk along routes that served as the center of commerce and governance during Roman rule.

The visit includes exploring the remains of the city council, offering a tangible connection to Roman civic life. The guide explains the city’s history, emphasizing its role in trade and cultural exchange in the Roman Empire.

The Unique Experience of the Museum of Religions in Stara Zagora

Next, the tour features a 30-minute visit to the Museum of Religions, located inside the Eski Mosque, dating from the early XV century. This mosque is one of the oldest in the Balkans and survived the Ottoman destruction of the city.

Inside, visitors observe beautiful decorations and hidden paintings in the Orthodox Muslim style. The building was constructed on top of a 7th-century Christian church, which itself was built upon an ancient Thracian temple. This layering of Thracian, Christian, and Ottoman history offers a rich narrative of cultural change over more than two thousand years.

Visiting the Neolithic Dwellings Museum: Europe’s Well-Preserved Prehistoric Houses

The final stop occurs around mid-afternoon at the Neolithic Dwellings Museum, showcasing two remarkably preserved houses from the 7th Millennium BC. These dwellings are among the best-preserved prehistoric buildings in Europe.

The exhibition provides insight into Stone Age life, highlighting tools, artifacts, and religious objects found in the settlement. The guide explains how these early people lived, worked, and worshipped, connecting visitors with prehistoric Bulgaria in a very tangible way.

The Journey Back to Plovdiv

After the Neolithic site, the return trip to Plovdiv begins, lasting about 2 hours. The group has the opportunity to reflect on the day’s discoveries, with the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Plovdiv, leaving you with a comprehensive understanding of Bulgaria’s ancient civilizations, from prehistoric times through the Roman Empire and Thracian culture.

Practical Details and What Sets This Tour Apart

This tour is priced at $115.19 and includes all fees and taxes, with a mobile ticket option. The small group size of up to 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience, while the pickup service eases logistics.

The itinerary is well-paced, covering a mix of archaeological sites and cultural landmarks. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and storytelling ability, making the history lively and accessible.

One potential consideration is that lunch is not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. The tour runs rain or shine, with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance or due to poor weather.

Discover Bulgaria’s Hidden Layers of History

This tour offers a rich tapestry of Bulgaria’s past, with must-see sites like the Valley of the Thracian Kings and Augusta Trayana. Its highlights—impressive tombs, Roman remains, and prehistoric dwellings—are complemented by expert guides who bring history to life.

Ideal for history buffs and culture enthusiasts, the tour balances depth of content with practical comfort. The cost-effective price, coupled with the small-group experience, makes this a valuable excursion for anyone curious about Bulgaria’s ancient roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from Plovdiv, with pickup from your hotel.

How long does each stop last?
The Valley of the Thracian Kings is about 2 hours, the Roman site in Augusta Trayana takes around 3 hours, the Museum of Religions is 30 minutes, and the Neolithic Dwellings Museum is about 2 hours.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, so participants should plan to eat during the free time in Stara Zagora.

What is the guide’s expertise?
The guide is educated in History and Archaeology, ensuring informative and engaging commentary throughout the day.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund, if canceled in time or due to poor weather.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking at various sites, some of which have uneven surfaces. It’s suitable for most travelers with moderate mobility.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, the rich historical content makes it suitable for older children and history buffs.

This Valley of the Thracian Kings and Augusta Trayana Tour offers a compelling blend of archaeology, history, and culture in Bulgaria. Its affordable price and expert guides make it an excellent choice for those eager to explore the country’s ancient past.