Asen Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery Tour with Wine Tasting

4 h 30 min Free cancellation

Asen Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery Tour with Wine Tasting, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the beauty, history, and flavors of the Rhodope Mountains on this authentic Bulgarian experience. Explore the medieval Asen’s Fortress and the historic Bachkovo Monastery, two of the region’s most iconic landmarks. Then visit a small family-owned winery near Asenovgrad to taste handcrafted Mavrud wines, learn about local winemaking traditions, and enjoy warm Bulgarian hospitality. A perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, rich heritage, and homemade wine, offering a genuine taste of rural Bulgaria away from the crowds.

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At a glance

Duration: 4 h 30 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 16 people
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: English
Operated by: Etnotrek travel EOOD

Ages: Children (0–10 years) · Youth (11–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: English-speaking guide
Included: Alcoholic beverages: Wine testing of 3 wines

Not included

Not included: Meals: Food and drinks out of wine testing package
Not included: Privite expences
Not included: Tips (optional)

Itinerary

Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)

one hour Admission included

Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel in Plovdiv. During the short drive to our first stop, your guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of Bulgaria — one of the oldest countries in Europe.

You will pass through the charming town of Asenovgrad, where you will hear interesting stories about the town and what it is famous for.

Our first stop is the medieval Asen’s Fortress — a remarkable example of Bulgarian medieval architecture and a symbol of the power of the Bulgarian Empire during the Middle Ages. Perched high above the valley and surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rhodope Mountains, you will admire the fortress while learning about its rich history.
Stop 2

Passing by

You will also hear the fascinating legends of the Rhodope Mountains — the mystical land of Orpheus. Discover the rich flora and fauna that make this mountain one of the most diverse natural regions in Bulgaria. Surrounded by forests, cliffs, and spectacular landscapes, the Rhodopes reveal their unique beauty, ancient stories, and deep connection between nature and mythology.
Bachkovo Monastery

1 h 30 min Admission included

Your next stop is Bachkovo Monastery — the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. Nestled among the gentle hills of the Rhodope Mountains, this sacred place preserves centuries of history, faith, and legends.

Here you will learn about the Christianization of Bulgaria and the creation and spread of the Cyrillic alphabet, which played a key role in the cultural and spiritual development of the Slavic world. The monastery is also famous for its miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to have healing powers and deeply revered by pilgrims. Walking through the peaceful monastery complex, you will discover beautiful frescoes, ancient traditions, and a spiritual atmosphere that has attracted visitors for centuries.
Asenovgrad

2 hours

Finish the tour with a wine tasting experience in a small family winery near Asenovgrad.

Enjoy a guided tasting of three local wines while learning about the deep traditions of winemaking in this region. Wine has been produced in Bulgaria since ancient Thracian times, when the Thracians were known as skilled winemakers and worshippers of Dionysus, the god of wine.

Discover the story of the famous Bulgarian grape variety Mavrud, strongly connected to Asenovgrad, often called the “town of Mavrud.” Your host will share the traditional methods of wine production that have been passed down through generations.

You will also learn about the cultural connection between wine and Christian traditions in Bulgaria, where wine has played an important role in religious rituals and monastic life for centuries.

This authentic experience offers a perfect ending to the tour, combining ancient history, local culture, and the rich wine heritage of the Rhodope region.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Motel 9th Kilometer
Gallery 37, BW Premier Collection
Khotel Atrim Arena
The Emporium Hotel Plovdiv - MGallery Collection
Hotel & Restaurant Krasen
HillHouse Plovdiv
Park Hotel Plovdiv
Hotel Avion
Villa Antica
Hotel Jagerhof
Hotel Trakart Residence
Park & Spa Hotel Markovo

and 51 more pickup points

Please provide your phone number and pick-up location at least 24 hours prior to the tour.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.