Sofia City Exploration
Start location: Sofia End location: Sofia Total number of days: 3 Key experiences or destinations: Sofia’s vibrant city centre, St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, St. George Rotonda, Vitoshka pedestrian street, optional folklore dinner with Nestinari fire dances, Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, Plovdiv’s Old Town and Roman Theatre Set off on a 3-day adventure beginning and ending in Sofia, where you’ll soak up the lively atmosphere of Bulgaria’s capital. Expect to see grand cathedrals, charming old churches, and bustling streets lined with cafés. There’s the chance to witness mesmerising Nestinari fire dances or explore UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. If you fancy, you can wander Plovdiv’s ancient streets and Roman ruins. With a mix of culture, history, and local flavour, this short break is perfect for anyone keen to experience Bulgaria’s highlights at a relaxed pace.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
3 daysHotel Rating
3 star hotelsStarts
SofiaEnds
SofiaMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Bulgaria that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guide.Country
BulgariaPassengers
£435.00
£217.50
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guide.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Sofia
Welcome to Bulgaria. On arrival at Sofia International Airport, we will meet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring Sofia at your own pace. In the evening, you may wish to join an optional dinner featuring traditional Bulgarian cuisine and a folklore programme, including the Nestinari fire dance – a unique ritual recognised by UNESCO and rooted in the region’s Orthodox and pagan traditions. This experience takes place in a local restaurant, with a four-course menu and a glass of wine included. The dinner runs from 20:00 to 23:00 and is subject to weather conditions for the Nestinari performance. Please note that a guide and transfers are not included with this optional activity. Overnight in Sofia.
Day 2 - Sofia
After breakfast at the hotel, you are free to discover Sofia at your own pace. You might like to wander through the city centre and visit the largest Orthodox cathedral in Bulgaria – St Alexander Nevski – known for its striking gold-plated dome and ornate interior. Your walk could also take you to other key landmarks such as the St George Rotunda, the Russian Church of St Nikolay, and the National Theatre Ivan Vazov. For a taste of local life, consider stopping for coffee along the lively pedestrian street, Vitoshka.If you prefer a more structured experience, you can choose from several optional tours. The Rila Monastery and Boyana Church excursion offers the chance to visit Bulgaria’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites. At Rila Monastery, you will have time to explore its arcaded balconies, remarkable frescoes, and the main church, as well as the monastery’s museum. You may also wish to sample traditional mekitsi with buffalo yoghurt or take a short walk in the area. The tour continues with a visit to Boyana Church, famous for its medieval frescoes that are considered precursors to the European Renaissance. This excursion includes an English-speaking guide or Spanish audio guide, travel in a modern air-conditioned vehicle, and all transportation costs. Entrance fees, meals, and personal expenses are not included.Alternatively, you may opt for a shared tour to Plovdiv, available on Mondays and Fridays. Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second largest city and is recognised as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. With an expert guide, you will explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, see the Roman Theatre, Nebet Tepe fortifications, the Ancient Stadium, and discover the city’s vibrant mix of street art, galleries, churches, mosques, cafés, and bars. The tour includes guiding and transport, but entrance fees and meals are not included.If you would like a more personalised introduction to Sofia, you can book a private guide for up to four hours. This service is available in English, French, German, or Spanish, and does not include transfers or entrance fees.Overnight in Sofia.
Day 3 - Sofia
After breakfast, we check out from the hotel. A private transfer will take you to Sofia International Airport for your return flight.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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