Plovdiv-History and Craft beer Small Group Tour

Explore Bulgaria’s Historic City and Craft Beer Scene in One Day

This Plovdiv-History and Craft beer Small Group Tour offers a well-balanced mix of cultural exploration and beer tasting for an engaging full-day experience. Priced at $104.18 per person, it departs from Sofia at 9:00 am and lasts approximately 10 hours, making it ideal for those who want to see the highlights of Plovdiv while enjoying Bulgaria’s renowned craft beers.

One of the tour’s standout features is its small group size, limited to up to 18 travelers, which ensures a personalized experience. The tour’s highlights include visits to Plovdiv’s Old Town, a stop at a lively beer bar in Kapana, and a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Kamenitsa, Bulgaria’s oldest brewery. Review scores reflect a high level of satisfaction, with a perfect 5.0/5 from three enthusiastic reviews.

While the tour includes pickup, entrance fees, and beer tastings of six Bulgarian craft beers, lunch is not included, giving flexibility to explore local dining options independently. The tour is accessible to most travelers, with measures in place for safety and small group sizes. It’s an excellent choice for history buffs, beer lovers, and anyone seeking a full day of cultural discovery and tasting.

Key Points

• Full-day experience combining Plovdiv sightseeing and craft beer tasting
• Round-trip transportation from Sofia in air-conditioned vehicles
• Visits to Plovdiv’s Old Town, Roman ruins, and Kapana neighborhood
• Behind-the-scenes brewery tour and tasting at Kamenitsa, Bulgaria’s oldest brewery
• Small group size capped at 18 travelers for a personalized experience
• No lunch included, offering flexibility for personal dining choices

From Sofia to Plovdiv’s Ancient Old Town

The tour begins with pickup from your Sofia accommodation, then a comfortable 1.5-hour drive transports the group to Plovdiv. Recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, Plovdiv charms visitors with its blend of Roman, Ottoman, and modern architecture.

Upon arrival, the guide leads a 3-hour walk through Plovdiv’s Old Town, where Roman theatres, Ottoman mosques, and charming cobblestone streets showcase its historical layers. The guide shares insightful stories about the city’s strategic location and its enduring significance, emphasizing how the city still breathes with life and history.

Exploring Plovdiv’s Roman and Ottoman Heritage

The Old Town features prominent landmarks such as the Roman Theatre, which dates back to the 2nd century AD, and Ottoman mosques that highlight Bulgaria’s diverse past. Visitors find the architecture vivid, and the streets lively, making it clear why Plovdiv remains a key cultural hub.

This stop offers a chance to see both well-preserved ancient ruins and vibrant street scenes. The walking tour is paced comfortably, allowing plenty of time for photos and exploration. The entrance fees for the sites are included, ensuring a hassle-free visit.

Relaxing Break at Kapana with Craft Beer

From the Old Town, the tour concludes at Kapana, a trendy neighborhood famed for its artistic vibe and lively bars. Here, a cold craft beer awaits at a popular beer bar, providing a relaxed setting to enjoy the local brews.

After the beer tasting, the guide grants 2 hours of free time. Visitors can choose to explore more of Kapana’s boutiques, galleries, or cafés. This break allows for personal exploration and soaking up the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere before heading back to Sofia.

Discovering Bulgaria’s Oldest Brewery at Kamenitsa

The afternoon segment takes the group to Kamenitsa, Bulgaria’s oldest brewery, established in 1881. Located in the remains of historic production facilities, the brewery offers a guided tour of their microbrewery, highlighting their craft process within a historic setting.

Visitors get to sample six different Bulgarian craft beers, including some of Kamenitsa’s best-known brews. The tour provides insight into Bulgaria’s brewing traditions and modern microbrewery practices, making it an appealing experience for beer enthusiasts.

Tasting and Lunch at the Brewery Restaurant

Following the brewery tour, the group enjoys a lunch in the brewery’s restaurant, a chance to savor local flavors alongside the beers. While the menu options are not detailed, the combination of food and beer tasting offers a satisfying conclusion to the day’s activities.

The brewery visit and tasting are included at no extra charge, giving an authentic taste of Bulgaria’s brewing heritage. The brewery’s historical setting and quality beers add a special touch to the experience.

Comfortable Transportation and Safety Measures

Throughout the day, travelers benefit from air-conditioned transportation that ensures comfort during the transfers between Sofia, Plovdiv, and the brewery. The tour provider, BulTrips, emphasizes safety measures, including regular medical checks for guides and drivers, mask-wearing, disinfectant sprays, and small group sizes.

The tour’s small-group format enhances safety and personal attention, making it suitable even in current health circumstances. Bookings are flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Unbiased, Practical Experience for History and Beer Fans

This tour is ideal for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and tasting, combining Bulgaria’s historic sites with its brewing traditions. The knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with stories about the city’s past and present, making history engaging and accessible.

While lunch is not included, travelers have the freedom to choose where to dine in Plovdiv or at the brewery. The small group size and well-organized itinerary ensure a smooth, enjoyable day without rushing.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience works best for history enthusiasts, beer lovers, and culture seekers alike. It’s perfect for those wanting to see Plovdiv’s highlights without the hassle of independent planning. The tour suits most fitness levels, as walking is moderate, and the schedule offers ample free time.

It’s also a great choice for small groups or private tours, given the limited group size and flexible booking options. The overall high review score reflects satisfaction with the mix of activities and the quality of the guide.

Summary of the Tour’s Best Features

• Full-day cultural and beer experience starting at $104.18
• Visits to Plovdiv’s Old Town and Roman ruins
• Tasting of six Bulgarian craft beers at Kamenitsa, Bulgaria’s oldest brewery
• Behind-the-scenes brewery tour with lunch included
• Small-group size for personalized attention
• Excellent safety protocols in place
• Not suitable for those requiring lunch included or with mobility issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, entrance fees to scheduled sites, beer tastings of six Bulgarian craft beers, and a guided tour at Kamenitsa.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, giving travelers the flexibility to choose their preferred dining options in Plovdiv or at the brewery.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to Sofia in the late afternoon or early evening.

What transportation is used?
Travel is in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the transfers between Sofia, Plovdiv, and the brewery.

How many people are in each group?
The tour maintains a small group size, with a maximum of 18 travelers, which enhances the personal experience and safety.

Are the sites accessible for most travelers?
While specific accessibility details are not provided, the moderate walking and focus on major landmarks suggest suitability for most visitors.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is offered by BulTrips, a trusted provider known for organizing small-group excursions.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of historic city exploration, craft beer tastings, and brewery behind-the-scenes access makes it a distinctive choice for those interested in Bulgarian culture and brewing.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate walking and adult-oriented activities suggest it is best suited for adults or older children interested in history and beer.

What safety measures are in place?
Guides and drivers undergo regular health checks, wear masks, and the tour maintains small group sizes, aligning with current health safety standards.