Plovdiv Review: Exploring Europe’s Oldest City with Free Pickup

So, you want to visit Plovdiv? That’s a very fine idea. It is almost like stepping back in time when you walk around this amazingly old European city. Nestled in Bulgaria, Plovdiv boasts of like layers of history, going all the way back to the Thracians, Romans, and Ottomans. Because of all this cultural history, Plovdiv offers kind of a very unique and very appealing experience. And that is before you even consider the convenience of a tour that includes a free pickup! We actually went to Plovdiv recently. What follows is what we think about seeing the place and doing some of the tours they offer. That is said so that you get a heads up as to whether or not this gem is actually worth it.

First Impressions and the Convenience Factor

Alright, let’s begin with our first impression of Plovdiv. Very different, it’s what we thought. You may be forgiven if you find yourself actually being captivated by its very picturesque Old Town. Now, getting there can sometimes be rather tricky, particularly if you happen to be hauling luggage or aren’t really too familiar with local transport. We discovered that one way to actually resolve this issue? Picking a tour featuring a free pickup. What could possibly be better than that? Actually, you would have someone waiting at your hotel (or maybe some other decided point), which takes a load off.

As a matter of fact, what really stood out was the kind of ease with which the whole thing was arranged. The tour operators seemed really committed to actually making sure things went very smoothly from the beginning. It made us kind of relax. Because you would know everything was cared for. So that you could just concentrate on the main attraction: the beauty and all of that ancient history that is just there, waiting for you in Plovdiv.

Must-See Attractions: What to Expect

Ok, Plovdiv has got loads to offer! So, you need a tour that actually covers all the amazing spots. But, anyway, there were a few that particularly grabbed us. First, the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, which is a place you will very much have to see to believe. Can you believe that the thing was actually constructed in the 1st century AD? As I was saying, what makes it even better is how incredibly well preserved it is. When we went, it still hosted performances. Thinking that we were sitting in the same spot as audiences did thousands of years ago? That actually sent a chill down our spine. I am sure that like your tour will take you through this experience. And, you know, it might leave you very impressed.

After that, we headed to the Ethnographic Museum, housed in a really stunning house from the Ottoman period. Anyway, you’re talking hours to fully explore! This one kind of displays Bulgaria’s very rich cultural heritage, showcasing like traditional costumes, tools and art. That would be very cool if you want to kind of get a feel for Bulgaria’s past. Then there is the Roman Stadium. Just a section is actually visible above ground but if you let your thoughts take over? You’ll have a clear mental picture of what it would have been like way back when.

A Walk Through the Old Town: Sensory Overload (in a Good Way!)

Now, the Old Town of Plovdiv? It might almost be worth the entire trip all by itself. Walking through its very narrow cobbled streets is genuinely such a treat! Every other corner that we went to revealed some new and kind of interesting architectural wonder, you know? Houses from the Renaissance period were all very brightly colored, decorated with timber frames. Everything kind of screamed ‘photo opportunity’. We found all these artisan shops and charming cafes that you might wanna dive into when you need to chill or if you’re keen to find a unique memento.

What really makes Plovdiv unique? That might actually be its amazing ability to blend history with very modern life. So, it’s a pretty great scene that is actually pretty cool. Just so you get an understanding? Walking around the remains of a Roman ruin and seeing a contemporary art gallery all on the same street? Very stunning. Plus, just being able to drink an amazing coffee somewhere where civilization began centuries ago? That’s very cool too!

Food and Drink: Tasting Plovdiv

No travel is really fully complete without going for local food. Anyway, Plovdiv, of course, is certainly no exception. In fact, Plovdiv may be an exemplary exception! If you wanna try genuine Bulgarian dishes, there’s a very fine choice of restaurants dotted all around the city. Just imagine that! One day, we actually decided to try a ‘Kapama’. Just so you know? That’s a local stew cooked with different meats and sauerkraut; slow-cooked. Pretty yummy I have to say. What you will probably find is how they seem to almost celebrate tradition.

Bulgaria is, you see, very well known for its like quality wines. Naturally, so too does Plovdiv exploit that gift. One popular activity is going on a wine tasting tour. That allows you to actually sample a selection of amazing regional varieties. Also, that comes with learning something about the nation’s kind of old wine making customs.

Is a Guided Tour Worth It? Considering the Free Pickup

Should you then just take the tour? This will possibly very much depend on your own travel style and preference, is what I think. I think you ought to do a solo exploration if you just like to be on your own when travelling, is what I think. Yet you’re talking getting a bigger and really deeper grasp of Plovdiv’s heritage with just a really good guide. Guides can bring the past actually back to life, is what they tend to do! They also help you grasp what you’re seeing. Plus, with that free pickup perk, all you need to stress about is showing up.

Another potential advantage from picking out tours might almost be when it involves less known sights outside just the center. We did a tour. Actually, it took us to places that aren’t even really mentioned in the tourist brochures, is what happened. I should let you know! Those hidden treasures? Well, they give, that is to say, these offer, another depth to the trip that actually lets you better appreciate everything about this very interesting city.

Some things to be aware of, very like it’s worth remembering!

So, it would possibly be very smart to remember the coming tips that will probably assist you enjoy Plovdiv the most:

• The best time to visit: Maybe just consider scheduling your trip through the months from May through September. Then you get, well, the temperatures and the weather just correct for just simply visiting spots by walking.
• Just dress pleasantly: Well, put on some just comfortable footwear if you will discover on your own travelling by foot the previous Area’s uneven and cobbled streets.
• Make sure to test conventional dishes: Attempt kind of a number of meals like kebapche, banitsa, and Shopska greens for pretty real style activities.
• Have just a tour manual in hand: Make things smooth with yourself when understanding and navigating by usually bringing round kind of a dependable tour manual.