Wonderful Bridges-Bachkovo Monastery-Assen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv
Discover 3 of the most famous 100 National Tourist Landmarks of Bulgaria during this bestselling day tour from Plovdiv to the stunning Rhodope Mountians. First visit the impressive Asen's Fortress from 13th century and the second largest Bachkovo Monastery, founded in 11th century. In the main cloister court yard visit the main church of Virgin Mary, which was built in 1604. Walk around the 45 m high rock bridges named the Wonderful Bridges, situated at 1450 m. a. s. l. in the heart of the mystical Rhodope Mountains. Before exploring the exceptional nature phenomenon have lunch at a small local restaurant in the nearby chalet amid refreshing conifer tree forests.
Note: Often this trip is actually delivered as a private one as there are no other travellers to join the experience.
Options
Wonderful Bridges
Pickup included
What's included in Wonderful Bridges-Bachkovo Monastery-Assen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv
(Subject to Option Inclusions)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. 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.
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.
The Wonderful Bridges
The Wonderful Bridges are situated at 1450 m. a. s. l. in the heart of the lovely Rhodope Mountains. This unique nature phenomenon consists of two rocky bridges (height of 45 m) over a small river. The marble bridges were formed by an earthquake and the erosive activity of the once high-water river and winds. Together with the Bachkovo Monastery and the Assen’s Fortress these outstanding nature bridges are also on the list of the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria. In summer on the weekends the longest zip line on the Balkan Peninsula (240 m) stretching between the 2 bridges is available for the more adventurous travelers. The zip line ride takes place some 50 m above the river flowing through the 2 rocky bridges.
Inclusions
- Professional local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driver/guide
- Fuel surcharge
- Live commentary on board
- Entrance fees: Assen's Fortress (4 EUR)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Additional Information
Travelers are collected from any hotel (accommodation) or location within Plovdiv city. Travelers must provide their pick up location upon booking or closer to their tour date.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 3 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability • Children must be accompanied by an adult • A small amount of walking is involved • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
