Bulgaria · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
The good self-guided trips here fill up in the season and stay quiet outside it. Below: 15 to book early, what is included, and how they differ.
Review of Sofia’s Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery day trip, with hiking tips, costs, timing, transport details, and honest advice.
“The tour was perfect we had enough time to do the both activity I did the big tour which normally took a lot of time”
Visit Boyana Church and Rila Monastery from Sofia on an 8-hour self-guided trip with transport, an audioguide, and free cancellation.
“So worth taking this tour to see the Boyana Church with its fabulous frescoes, and then on to the amazing Rila Monastery. Although the tour was self-guided, our driver Lubo was happy to answer questions and pass on interesting information. A good day out, and I thoroughly recommend.”
Review of the Rila Monastery self-guided tour from Sofia, covering price, audio guide, entry concerns, timing, dress code, and value.
“They don’t accept it. They make you buy another one. I guess I was confused to how it works Spoke to Viator said supposed to just download on phone but in a lot of area not allowed to have phone out”
Review of Varna Archaeological Museum’s self-guided visit, with ancient treasures, practical ticket advice, opening hours, value, and tips.
“I never received my ticket to enter the museum. . . Even though we paid in full on Viator. Must be a scam. . .”
Review of Veliko Tarnovo’s private or self-guided tour, with Tsarevets, old-town lanes, practical tips, pricing, and honest drawbacks.
“Velocity Tarnovo is very hilly and cobblestone streets. I needed a shorter tour and decided to cancel. Viator wrote and said it would be adjusted. It was shortened by over an hour annd we did not go to the fortress. Lots of stops ant shops which we anre not fond of. and we were left with a difficult walk back to our hotel. It was not a good value then at $209 US for just a couple of hours. Guide was informative and kind. Just be sure you are up to the walk.”
Review of Burgas Sand Festival, with e-guide details, pricing, timing, entrance tips, itinerary, value, and advice on who should book.
“Unique sand figures. Brought some business customers and they absolutely loved it. Quite different from all the other attractions in the area.”
Explore Sofia’s communist past with a self-guided puzzle quest linking 12 landmarks, flexible phone play, and an engaging city walk.
“Great opportunity to see the city you live in from a totally different perspective and to learn more about communism.”
Review of Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, with practical advice on the e-guide, views, price, timing, access, and value.
“Part of an excursion while sailing on the Danube.”
Explore UNESCO-listed Old Nessebar at your own pace with an affordable audio guide, map, church stops, flexible timing, and practical support.
“Oh wow! How happy I'm from this tour! Cheap, totally worth and super flexible. All the guides info in your pocket to read, listen or follow a map. Totally worth it!”
Explore Plovdiv’s Roman ruins, revival houses, churches, and hilltop views at your own pace with this English audio tour.
“Great service! Enjoyed the walk the whole day! I also visited 3 museums! Small Basilica is a must see!”
Explore Plovdiv’s Roman past with 16 riddles, a 2.5 km self-guided walk, and a smart web game for $10.04.
“This was such a wonderful, fun and educational experience! I completed the quest together with my partner who is English, but even I, originally from Plovdiv, learned so much! The Roman history of the city is so rich, there is so much to explore and this game is the best way to do it! The flow of the puzzles was reallly like no other and the organisers are fantastic people. You wouldn't want to miss out!”
Review of a self-guided Ruse tour from Bucharest, covering costs, stops, transport, timing, caves, museums, and whether the digital guide is worth it.
“Paid nearly 40 euro for a word document...very misleading on the site, why have a meeting point when you have to organize your own transport?”
Review of Nessebar’s Church of Christ Pantocrator self-guided tour, with audio guide, Old Town route, price, timing, tickets, and booking advice.
“Old nessebar is a stunning place and I would highly recommend a visit, full of stunning cobble lanes, old buildings, lots of history and mini markets, finding buna beach bay felt like finding a hidden gem, the audio was interesting though we did hRead more”
Review of Sofia’s Museum of Socialist Art self-guided tour, with practical details on price, exhibits, timing, value, and who should book.
“No recomiendo para nada esta "Guia" ya que se trata de un PDF de 2 hojas y media”
Explore Nessebar’s ancient churches, museum, statue, and fountain at your own pace with an English audio guide and useful local tips.
“Rally amazing experience, so cheap and full of value. Would do it for every destination in Bulgaria. Good job guys! All the guides notes, live map, itinerary to follow at our own pace. Really great to explore Nessebar like that.”
Pick a mountain, a monastery or a table.
