Lovech, Devetashka cave and Krushuna waterfalls

If you’re looking for a day trip that beautifully balances Bulgaria’s scenic landscapes with its historic charm, this tour from Sofia is a compelling choice. It offers a well-rounded exploration of some of Bulgaria’s most captivating natural sites—the Krushuna Waterfalls and Devetashka Cave—and a taste of its rich history in Lovech. With a mix of guided commentary and free time for photography and wandering, it promises an enriching, memorable experience.

What we love about this tour is the blend of nature and culture—you’ll start your day surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls, then step into the grandeur of a massive cave, and end with a walk through an ancient town packed with stories. The licensed guide, Ventsoslav, known for his engaging and knowledgeable manner, enhances the trip with local insights and stories that bring each spot to life.

A couple of considerations, however, are the long travel times—roughly 2.5 hours each way—and the fact that some attractions like Krushuna Waterfalls and Devetashka Cave are not included in the entrance fee, meaning you’ll need to budget extra. Still, for those craving an authentic Bulgarian experience, the overall value and the chance to see multiple highlights in one day make this tour a smart pick.

This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate nature, history, and photo opportunities but also want a comfortable, organized trip that manages logistics seamlessly. If you’re fine with a full day on the road, this tour offers plenty of eye-openers.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: Expect waterfalls, caves, and historic townscapes that will leave your camera busy.
• Expert Guide: Ventsoslav’s local knowledge and friendly approach make the experience more engaging.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off enhances convenience.
• Rich Cultural Insights: Lovech’s old houses and fortress offer a glimpse into Bulgaria’s past.
• Good Value: Entrance fees to caves and waterfalls are included, and the price reflects a full-day, guided experience.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 7 travelers) mean more personalized attention.

A Deep Dive Into the Itinerary

Starting Point: Sofia

The tour kicks off early at 8:00 am from Ploshtad “Knyaz Aleksandar I,” in Sofia’s historic city center. This central location makes it easy to meet your guide, and the early start ensures you’ll beat the midday crowds at some stops. The air-conditioned bus feels like a mini escape from the city, with the driver navigating Bulgaria’s scenic countryside as the guide sets the stage with some background about your day ahead.

Stop 1: Travel to Krushuna Waterfalls

The drive from Sofia to Krushuna takes around 2.5 hours, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the changing scenery. While this may seem lengthy, it’s an opportunity to relax, chat with your fellow travelers, and get excited for the natural wonders ahead. The tour includes free admission to Krushuna Waterfalls—so the focus is on soaking in the landscape rather than queuing or extra costs.

Stop 2: Krushuna Waterfalls

This stop is a highlight for many visitors. The waterfalls are among Bulgaria’s largest cascades, flowing through a thick forest with trees that frame the view beautifully. As one reviewer pointed out, the water’s distinct greenish hue is due to geological effects—something you’ll want your camera ready for. You’ll have about two hours here, which is enough time for a leisurely walk, some photos, and perhaps a bit of climbing if you’re feeling adventurous.

One guest described it as “so naturally lovely” and appreciated the peaceful atmosphere. Keep in mind, there’s a moderate climb involved, but most visitors find it manageable and worth the effort. This spot is especially good for those who love quiet, scenic places where you can unwind and connect with nature.

Stop 3: Devetashka Cave

Next, it’s about an hour’s drive to Devetashka Cave, one of Bulgaria’s most impressive natural structures. The cave’s vast interior, which served as a filming location for The Expendables 2, will wow you. You can expect to see a large open space inhabited by bats—something that adds to the cave’s mystique. Entrance fees are included, so your focus can stay on exploring rather than paying extra.

The cave’s enormity makes it a unique experience. A reviewer mentioned being impressed by the size and the bats, and how the scale of the cave makes you feel tiny in comparison. The highlights here are the grand chambers and the fascinating natural formations.

Stop 4: Lovech

After the caves, it’s time to explore Lovech—a historic town with a charming old town feel. You’ll see the famed covered bridge, which is a symbol of the town, and walk through the fortress, learning about Bulgaria’s Ottoman past. The guide shares stories about the early settlers and historical events, giving depth to the experience. The two-hour visit gives enough time for photos, wandering, and soaking up the ambiance of this picturesque town.

Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to learn about the local history and see the old houses, which help paint a picture of Bulgaria’s cultural tapestry. The free admission to these sites makes it an accessible, enriching stop.

Return Trip to Sofia

The final leg of the day involves about two hours back to Sofia, giving you time to rest, reflect, and perhaps review your photos. The tour concludes at the starting point around 6-6:30 pm, well after a full day of exploring.

Genuine Value and Practical Tips

This tour offers a well-paced, organized way to see Bulgaria’s natural and historic highlights in one day. The price of $91.39 per person covers transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and entry to Devetashka Cave and Krushuna Waterfalls, which are some of the most visited natural sites in Bulgaria.

While the attractions themselves are free or require an extra fee, this comprehensive package saves you the hassle of planning individual trips. The small group size (up to 7 travelers) ensures personalized attention, and the hotel pickup adds convenience—especially if you’re staying centrally in Sofia.

It’s worth noting that the tour is most suitable for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic walks, and exploring historic towns. The moderate hikes and walking at Krushuna Waterfalls and Lovech are manageable for most, but some may want to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera for all the picture-perfect moments.

The reviews also highlight the value of having an engaging guide like Ventsoslav, who is praised for his storytelling and local knowledge. This personal touch makes the experience more meaningful and educational.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a full-day adventure that combines Bulgaria’s nature and history, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s perfect for those who want a stress-free, guided experience with minimal planning, and are eager to see some of Bulgaria’s most beautiful landscapes. It suits active travelers comfortable with walking and moderate climbs but also appreciates chill moments in peaceful settings.

Travelers seeking a small group experience will particularly enjoy the intimate nature of this tour. The inclusion of transportation, guide, and entrance fees makes it a good value, especially considering the quality of the sites visited.

However, if you’re more interested in a leisurely or urban-focused trip, this might feel a bit intensive, given the long travel times and full schedule.

FAQs

How early does the tour start?
It begins at 8:00 am from Ploshtad “Knyaz Aleksandar I” in Sofia’s city center, allowing you to maximize your day of exploring.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy food during the stops.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the long drives more pleasant, especially during Bulgaria’s warmer months.

How many people are on each tour?
The group is limited to a maximum of 7 travelers, promoting a more personal experience.

Are entrance fees to caves and waterfalls included?
Yes, the entrance fees for Devetashka Cave and Krushuna Waterfalls are covered in the price, but additional expenses like food or souvenirs are not.

Is this tour physically demanding?
Most of the walking, including at Krushuna Waterfalls, involves moderate climbs. Comfortable footwear is recommended, but the pace is relaxed enough for most people.

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated snapshot of Bulgaria’s natural beauty and cultural history, all wrapped into one full day. The combination of stunning waterfalls, grand caves, and a historic town makes it an appealing choice for travelers eager to see Bulgaria beyond Sofia’s city limits.

The experienced guide, Ventsoslav, enhances the experience with his storytelling, making each site come alive. The inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and a small group setting delivers good value for the price, especially for those who want a seamless, well-organized day out.

While it involves some travel time and a bit of physical activity, the rewards—breathtaking views, fascinating caves, and the charm of Lovech—are worth it. This tour is especially suited for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone wanting an authentic, manageable Bulgarian adventure.

Ready to explore Bulgaria’s natural wonders and historic towns in a single day? This tour balances adventure and comfort, with plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories.