Thracian Valley Wine Tours Plovdiv Province
Discover Bulgaria's ancient wine region with guided tours through Plovdiv Province's renowned vineyards and wineries.
The Thracian Valley, a region steeped in millennia of winemaking history, offers a compelling proposition for oenophiles and curious travelers alike. Plovdiv Province, at the heart of this ancient viticultural landscape, is home to a constellation of wineries, from established, large-scale producers to smaller, artisanal estates. These Thracian Valley wine tours provide an immersive gateway into Bulgaria's rich winemaking heritage, a tradition that predates even some of the most famous European wine countries. Imagine strolling through sun-drenched vineyards, understanding the terroir that shapes each unique grape, and then stepping into cellars where centuries-old practices meet modern innovation. Beyond the tasting glass, these tours offer a deeper appreciation for the culture and history woven into every bottle. You'll learn about indigenous grape varietals like Mavrud, a robust red that is the pride of the region, and learn how winemakers are reviving forgotten grapes and experimenting with new blends. Many tours extend beyond the cellar door, often incorporating visits to historical sites within the Thracian Valley, connecting the ancient Thracians' reverence for Bacchus with today's vibrant wine scene. It's an exploration that engages the senses and the intellect, revealing why this corner of Bulgaria is increasingly recognized on the global wine map. For anyone seeking an authentic, flavorful journey through a lesser-explored wine region, Plovdiv Province's Thracian Valley wine tours present an exceptional opportunity.
Featured Thracian Valley Wine Tours Tours
Discover our top picks for thracian valley wine tours in Plovdiv Province
Enjoy a Memorable Day Trip to Plovdiv – Europe’s Oldest Living City! Join us for an unforgettable journey to Plovdiv, the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. Nestled among picturesque hills, this vibrant city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and charm. Stroll along the longest pedestrian street in Europe, explore the beautifully preserved Revival-era Old Town, and marvel at the impressive Roman Theater. Your local guide will bring the city’s fascinating history to life during a 2-hour guided tour, followed by 2 hours of free time to discover Plovdiv at your own pace. Total tour duration: 8.5 to 10 hours. A perfect day trip filled with culture, sights, and unforgettable experiences!
Travel hassle-free from Sofia to Plovdiv and back in the comfort of a modern and air-conditioned minibus. Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in the world. More ancient than Rome! With an expert guide at your side, explore and experience its millennia of epic history, monumental attractions, unique Bulgarian culture, and way of life. Your guide will take you to the most interesting sites and pinpoint fascinating details missed by the general public. Still, you will have ample free time to stroll on your own along the longest pedestrian street in Europe and sample local food and drinks.
Enjoy a guided combo tour to two of the most fascinating towns in Bulgaria. These are Plovdiv - the European Capital of Culture 2019 and Koprivshtitsa - a picturesque town with an epic history and a striking architecture. Explore all major attractions in the old town of Plovdiv with a professiona English-speaking guide and admire the marvelous heritage left by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Jews, Greeks, Armenians and Bulgarians. The route between Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa crosses rose valleys, charming villages and the gentle hills of Sredna Gora Mountain. Koprivshtitsa is unforgettable with its spectacular Bulgarian Renaissance mansions and filled with battles chronicles. Despite the long and intensive itinerary, there is free time planned for shopping, self-guided wandering and eating.
Tempting wine journey to explore one of the most modern wineries in Bulgaria situated at the foothill of the Rhodope Mountains. The local wine experts combine millennia of experience with the latest wine making technologies to create top notch wines. Some 5000 years ago the ancient Thracians inhabiting the territory of the present-day Bulgarian lands began to grow vines and make wine. Nowadays Bulgaria produces some of the finest wines in the world and is a reviving country on the global wine market. Local Bulgarian sorts of wines as Mavrud, Melnik, Gamza, Dimiat, Rubin and more are famous around the world and have won many international awards.
This is an unique product offering you to experience horse riding in the Thracian Valley and the Valley of Roses. Jump on a horse and get guided for your best trek ever in the area. The fee charged is a small deposit to block a specific date and time and the rest is paid on the spot. The rate is 40 BGN leva per person for 45 minutes riding. Please, advise how many hours you would like to ride after booking.
The tour includes a visit to vineyards, observation of the process of the production and tasting of several types of local wine. The tour proceeds with walk in the Old Town of Plovdiv, proclaimed as an architectural open-air museum. The tour includes a hotel pickup and drop-off.
Visit the remarkable remains of King Asen's Fortress and church from 13-th century, located on a picturesque hill in the Rhodope Mountains. Explore the Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria, founded in 1083. Enjoy the wonderful Christian orthodox frescoes from 1643. Note: Often this trip is actually delivered as a private one as there are no other travellers to join the experience.
Enjoy a memorable day by entering the Thracian valley! Walk through the streets of Unesco World Heritage of the ancient and eternal city of Plovdiv - the European Capital of Culture for 2019. Be in the company of a professional local guide and capture memories from the Bulgarian lands.
Tour Plovdiv's Central area, where all the city's most significant landmarks are within walking distance of each other. Learn about Bulgaria's history from a local guide with insight into the country's culture. See ancient Roman and Thracian ruins, architecture and art from the Bulgarian Renaissance and learn about life in Bulgaria's rural past.
Travel through the notorious Rose Valley where the best rose oil in the world is being produced. In Kazanlak discover the unique Rose Museum and the local museum of history keeping more than 50 000 original exponents. The museum protects, examines and popularizes the entire rich historical heritage of the Kazanlak region, including all Thracian tombs and treasures from the Valley of the Thracian kings. In the same valley visit the first Bulgarian UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site – the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (from 4 century B. C.) and the impressive Golyama Kosmatka temple/tomb (from 5 century B. C.). Finally visit the outstanding Christian Orthodox temple named Shipka Memorial Church built in memory of the soldiers who died during the Russian Turkish War of Liberation from 1877-1878.
The best price/quality ratio of a wine tour showing you 2 wineries in the Thracian valley - Villa Vinifera and Villa Yustina. All wine tastings and tours of the winery are included. This trip is the best for wine lovers which adds also some culture and history from one of the best sights in Bulgaria. Choose between a privately-guided or self-guided tour.
In Starosel is located one of the biggest Thracian cult complexes. Archaeologists presume that the most powerful Odrissy king - Sitalk -was buried here. Starosel Winery Complex offers not only the opportunity to taste wine grown in the land of the Thracians but only to immerse yourselves in the atmosphere of an age long gone. Hissarya is famed for its hot mineral springs, significant Roman ruins, archeological museum, green parks, and swimming pools. Our private day trip would bring you to 2 of the best destinations in proximity of Plovdiv. Your private local guide would make your trip unforgettable.
Near Starosel village discover the largest Thracian temple-tomb from 4-5 centuries B.C. belonging to a Thracian ruler. Visit the peaceful spa resort town Hisarya, famous for its hot mineral springs, significant Roman remains, green parks and swimming pools.
The top place for horse-riding in Bulgaria - Rhodope mountains! You are picked up from your hotel and transferred to one of the most beautiful parts of the Rhodope mountains. From there your leader will start the horse riding tour for 2 hours showing you the best of the area with breathtaking views, flora and fauna. You will have the opportunity to stop on the way, take photos, enjoy the scenery and the mountains at their best. On the way back you will pass Asenovgrad before reaching your hotel in Plovdiv.
Bulgaria is home to two fascinating valleys - the Valley of the Thracian Kings, strewn with millenia-old tombs, and the Rose Valley, home to spacious rose fields. See ancient tombs, among which is the UNESCO protected Kazanlak tomb, known for its remarkable ceiling frescoes. Visit the beautiful Damascena Ethnographic Complex, where you'll learn all about the oil-giving rose and the centuries-old traditions surrounding its cultivation.
Why Choose Thracian Valley Wine Tours in Plovdiv Province?
Rich History
Experience a region with one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world, dating back over 8,000 years.
Unique Varietals
Sample indigenous Bulgarian grapes like Mavrud, Rubin, and Pamid, alongside international varieties.
Scenic Landscapes
Enjoy tours set against the backdrop of picturesque Bulgarian countryside and rolling hills.
Local Cuisine
Often paired with traditional Bulgarian dishes, offering a complete gastronomic experience.
Authentic Experience
Discover a less crowded wine region, offering a more intimate and genuine encounter with local culture.
Value for Money
Explore high-quality wineries and enjoy generous tastings at competitive prices compared to Western European equivalents.
Types of Thracian Valley Wine Tours in Plovdiv Province
Vineyard & Winery Visits
These tours typically involve guided walks through vineyards to understand grape cultivation and soil, followed by a visit to the winery. You'll learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle, concluding with a tasting session.
Multi-Winery Excursions
Designed to showcase the diversity of the Thracian Valley, these excursions often cover multiple wineries in a single day. They are ideal for getting a broader sense of the region's wine styles and producers.
Historical & Wine Combos
Combining the region's ancient wine heritage with its rich historical past, these tours may include visits to Thracian tombs or archaeological sites alongside winery experiences.
Gastronomic Wine Experiences
Focusing on the synergy between wine and food, these tours often include guided wine tastings paired with regional cheeses, charcuterie, or full meals.
What to Expect on Thracian Valley Wine Tours
Duration
Tours typically range from half-day experiences (3-4 hours) to full-day excursions (6-8 hours), often including travel time to and from Plovdiv.
Weather
Plovdiv Province experiences warm summers and cool winters. Vineyard visits are most pleasant from spring to autumn. Dress in layers, especially for cellar visits where temperatures are cooler.
Group Size
Tours can range from intimate private experiences for couples or small groups to larger organized tours. Smaller groups often allow for more personalized interaction.
What's Included
Generally includes transportation (if specified), guided tours of vineyards and cellars, explanations of the winemaking process, and guided wine tastings. Some may include snacks or lunch.
Meeting Point
Most tours depart from and return to Plovdiv, often from a central meeting point or directly from your accommodation. Specific details are provided upon booking.
Additional Costs
While tastings are usually included, purchasing wine directly from the winery is an additional cost. Lunch, if not explicitly included, will also be an extra expense.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Book in advance, especially for popular wineries or during peak season, to secure your spot.
Consider visiting during harvest season (late August to October) for a unique perspective on grape picking and early fermentation.
Learn a few basic Bulgarian phrases; while English is spoken at many wineries, a little effort is always appreciated.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain in vineyards and cellars.
Stay hydrated between tastings, especially during warmer months.
Don't hesitate to ask questions about the wine, the history, and the winemaking process. The locals are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
If you plan to purchase wine, inquire about shipping options back home, as many wineries can arrange this.
Check if the tour includes transportation from Plovdiv. If not, factor in the cost and logistics of getting to the wineries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are the main grape varietals to try in the Thracian Valley?
A: You absolutely must try Mavrud, a bold red that's a signature of the region. Other local grapes worth seeking out include Rubin and Pamid. Many wineries also produce excellent international varietals, so there's a wide range to explore.
Q:Is it possible to buy wine directly from the wineries?
A: Yes, it's very common. Most wineries have a cellar door shop where you can purchase bottles. Some may even offer shipping services, which is handy if you find something you love but can't carry it all back.
Q:What's the best time of year to visit for wine tours?
A: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are fantastic. Spring offers budding vineyards, while autumn is harvest season. Summer (June-August) is also popular but can be quite warm, so tours with shade or indoor components are preferable.
Q:Do I need to speak Bulgarian to enjoy these tours?
A: Not at all. The guides and winery staff at most tourist-oriented wineries speak good English. However, knowing a few basic phrases like 'hello' (zdraveite) and 'thank you' (blagodarya) is always a nice touch.
Q:Can I arrange a private Thracian Valley wine tour?
A: Definitely. Many tour operators offer private tours, which allow for a more customized itinerary and personal attention. This is a great option if you have specific interests or a preferred pace.
Q:What is the typical cost of a wine tasting?
A: A standard tasting at a winery usually ranges from $10-$25 USD per person, often including 3-5 different wines. Tours that include vineyard walks, cellar visits, and transport will naturally cost more, typically starting from $35-$70 USD.
Q:Are there vegetarian or vegan options for food pairings?
A: It's best to check with the specific winery or tour operator in advance. Many wineries are becoming more accommodating and can arrange vegetarian or vegan options if notified ahead of time, especially for curated food pairing experiences.
Q:How far is the Thracian Valley from Plovdiv?
A: The main wine-producing areas are quite close to Plovdiv. Some wineries are just a short drive (20-30 minutes) away, while others might be an hour or so into the countryside, depending on which part of the Thracian Valley you're visiting.
Why Visit Plovdiv Province?
Immerse yourself in the ancient history of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city, Plovdiv, right here.
Discover charming villages and lush vineyards dotting the picturesque Thracian Valley landscape.
Experience genuine Bulgarian hospitality and delicious, farm-fresh regional cuisine that delights.
Explore Roman ruins and Ottoman-era architecture blending seamlessly with modern life.
Enjoy vibrant local festivals and witness traditional crafts still practiced today.
Uncover a land where millennia of history meet the warmth of contemporary Bulgarian culture.
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Bulgaria experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm to hot, especially inland, while winters are cold with snowfall, particularly in the mountainous regions. The Black Sea coast offers a more moderate maritime climate.
Best Months
May, June, September, and early October are ideal for visiting. These months offer pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with less extreme heat than mid-summer and fewer crowds.
Peak Season
July and August represent the peak tourist season. Expect warmer weather, particularly on the coast, and higher prices for accommodation and flights, as this is when most international tourists visit.
Off Season
November through March is the off-season, characterized by cold weather and snow, making it suitable for winter sports enthusiasts. Many coastal resorts and attractions may be closed during this period.
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Plan Your Plovdiv Province Trip
Transportation Tips
Navigating Plovdiv Province is quite straightforward. Within the city of Plovdiv itself, walking is ideal for exploring the Old Town and Kapana creative district. For longer distances or exploring surrounding towns and villages, local buses are frequent and affordable. Taxis are readily available in Plovdiv, but agree on a price beforehand or ensure the meter is used. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, especially if you plan to visit more remote natural sites or wineries in the Thracian Valley. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way of getting around Plovdiv Province for most visitors.
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Where to Stay
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