Sofia City Highlights

Welcome to Bulgaria. On arrival at Sofia International Airport, we will meet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Sofia at your own pace. You might like to wander through the city centre and visit the St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest Orthodox cathedral in Bulgaria, known for its striking gold-plated dome and ornate interior. Your walk could continue to other key landmarks, such as the ancient St George Rotunda, the Russian Church of St Nikolay, and the National Theatre Ivan Vazov. For a taste of local life, you may wish to enjoy a coffee along the lively pedestrian street, Vitoshka, and soak up the city’s atmosphere. If you prefer, you can choose to join an optional evening of Bulgarian culture, with a welcome dinner and folklore show featuring traditional songs, dances, and the unique Nestinari fire dance – a ritual recognised by UNESCO and performed only in suitable weather. This optional dinner includes a four-course meal with wine and runs from 20:00 to 23:00, but does not include a guide or transfers. Overnight in Sofia.

After breakfast at the hotel, we make our way to the meeting point behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral for our included sightseeing tour of Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, departing at 09:00. Please ensure you arrange your own transport to the meeting point and arrive at least 15 minutes early. Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its arcaded balconies, vivid frescoes by celebrated Bulgarian Revival artists, and its gilded iconostasis, all set against a backdrop of striking mountain scenery. You will have around an hour of free time at the monastery to explore the main church and narthex gallery, visit the History Museum, sample local mekitsi with buffalo yoghurt, or take a short walk in the area. Afterwards, we return to Sofia to visit Boyana Church, another UNESCO-listed site. The church’s frescoes are noted for their individuality and psychological depth, marking a significant development in European mural painting. Overnight in Sofia.

After breakfast at the hotel, you are free to discover more of Sofia at your own pace. The city boasts a wide range of museums to suit many interests. You might choose to visit the National History Museum, Bulgaria’s largest, which houses over 650,000 artefacts. Other notable options include the National Museum of Bulgarian Fine Art and the National Ethnographic Museum, both located in the former Royal Palace on Alexander I Square, as well as the National Museum of Natural History and the Earth and Man National Museum, known for its impressive collection of minerals and precious stones.If you would like to explore further afield, you can join our optional shared excursion to Plovdiv, available on Mondays and Fridays. Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second largest city and was named European Capital of Culture in 2019. With a history stretching back more than 6,000 years, it is recognised as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. On this guided tour, we walk through the Old Town’s cobbled streets, visit the Roman Theatre, Nebet Tepe fortifications, the Ancient Stadium, and see examples of street art, galleries, historic churches, mosques, and lively cafés and bars. Our expert guide will share fascinating stories and historical facts throughout the day. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, modern air-conditioned transport, and all travel costs. Please note that entrance fees, personal expenses, meals, drinks, and gratuities are not included.Overnight in Sofia.

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel. A private transfer will take you to Sofia International Airport for your return flight home.