After your delightful breakfast at the hotel, you can start exploring the capital of Bulgaria at your own pace. You may stroll around the city centre and visit the biggest Orthodox Cathedral in Bulgaria - St.Alexander Nevski, with an impressive gold-plated cupola and rich interior. Your walk may continue with the most significant sights in the centre – St. George Rotonda, the Russian church St. Nikolay, and the National Theatre Ivan Vazov. Do not miss having a cup of coffee on the pedestrian street Vitoshka and feel the atmosphere of this vibrant city. Alternatively, if you would like to be guided through the history and the most interesting places in Bulgaria, you can choose to go on one of the following Optional Tours (not included):
Rila Monastery and Boyana church excursion (shared basis):
Rila Monastery is definitely a must-see sight if you are in Bulgaria. The arcaded balconies, the unique frescoes – a work of one of the most famous Bulgarian Revival Period painters, the gilded iconostasis, the fabulous mountain views… and the unique combination of them all, makes the visit to the monastery extraordinary and memorable one. You will have around an hour of free time at the Rila Monastery to explore the most visited UNESCO site in Bulgaria, enter the main church and the narthex’s gallery, admire the exhibits in the History Museum of the Monastery, try the tasty "mekitsi" (Bulgarian doughnuts) with delicious buffalo’s yoghurt (a local speciality) or even have a short walk in the area. Then, drive back to Sofia, where the next UNESCO Monument is awaiting you. The Boyana Church's frescoes bring epochal change in the mural painting and are considered predecessors of the European Renaissance. The majority of more than 240 figures depicted there have individuality, vitality and psychological depth.
Notes: Included: English speaking guide/Spanish audio guide, modern A/C equipped vehicle and all transportation costs along the way. Not included: any entrance fees, personal expenses, food, beverages, and gratuities.
Plovdiv tour (shared basis, available only on Mondays and Fridays):
Take this tour and explore the cultural capital of Bulgaria. Plovdiv is the second biggest city in the country and the oldest European continuously inhabited town with a history that goes back for more than 6 000 years. Have a walk on the cobbled-stone streets of the Old town and stop by the awe-inspiring Roman Theater, the old-style houses, the Nebet Tepe fortifications, the Ancient Stadium, street art, galleries, old churches, ornamented mosques, exotic cafés and chic bars. Enjoy and really get to know the city with our expert guide on your side. On this unforgettable tour, you will learn a lot of intriguing stories, funny urban legends and striking historical facts. Price includes: English speaking guide/Spanish audio guide, a modern A/C equipped vehicle and all transportation costs along the way.
Notes: Not included: any entrance fees, personal expenses, food, beverages, and gratuities.
Private guide in Sofia (4 hours):
If you wish to know more about the secrets of the Bulgarian capital, you can book our optional private tour guide for up to 4 hours.
Notes: Included: private tour guide (English, French, German or Spanish). Not included: transfers, entrance fees.
Overnight in Sofia.
