City tour Sofia and Plovdiv - One day with small group

Sofia , Bulgaria

City tour Sofia and Plovdiv - One day with small group

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About this experience

What makes the trip unique is the authenticity of the places and the combination of a standard tour, experience and small group!

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and the largest city with 2 millions inhabitants. Known as Serdica in antiquity and Sredets in the Middle Ages, Sofia has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC.
Today Sofia is the political, economic and cultural center of the country.

The city tour will take 2.5 hours

Then we head east, enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Rila Mountains, Sredna Gora, the Rhodope Mountains and the Thracian Valley.

Plovdiv is a town older than Athens and Rome- the sixth oldest city in the world. A tour of the historic quarter “the Old Town” will introduce you to millennia of history.

The tour will take 2 hours.

Lunch in local restaurant.

Around 5pm we should be back in Sofia.

Available options

City tour Sofia and Plovdiv - One day with small group

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Plovdiv is on the 8th place for oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Inhabited since 4,000 B.C., beginning with a Neolithic settlement, Plovdiv has been conquered many times throughout the years by the Thracians, the Greeks and the Romans.
Plovdiv contains 13 cultural layers.

Stop 2

You will experience a cultural heritage more than 2000 years old!

Stop 3

The old town of Plovdiv is an architectural reserve!

You will see architecture typical of the Bulgarian Renaissance period.

There are numerous museums recreating the atmosphere of the mid-20th century.

The basilica contains a unique Roman heritage of mosaics

Stop 5

The oldest church in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, dating to the fourth century. The name of sofia was given by the church.

Stop 6

Built in Neo-Byzantine style, it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and it is one of the 50 largest Christian church buildings by volume in the world.

The mosque was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and completed in 1566.
The most outstanding feature of the mosque is that it was actually built over natural thermal spas

Stop 8

The Church of St. George is the oldest surviving building in Sofia 4th centery. It is a red-brick domed rotunda room with a circular plan on a square base.

Stop 9

One of the most beautiful buildings in Sofia in neoclassical style!

The only one Roman stadium in Bulgaria.
Philippopolis(Plovdiv) was the capital of the Roman province of Thracia.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will meet at the main gate of the Cathedral

About Sofia

Sofia is the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions. The city is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and Soviet-era landmarks, all set against the backdrop of beautiful natural surroundings.

Top Attractions

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This iconic cathedral is one of Sofia's most famous landmarks. It was built in honor of the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for the museum and bell tower)

Vitosha Mountain

Vitosha Mountain offers a stunning backdrop to Sofia and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature.

Nature Half day to full day Free (lift tickets for skiing cost around €10-€20)

National History Museum

This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Bulgaria's rich history.

Museum 2-3 hours €5

Boyana Church

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Boyana Church is known for its stunning frescoes dating back to the 13th century.

Historical 1 hour €4

Sofia Central Mineral Baths

This historic building was once a public bathhouse and is now a popular spot for shopping and dining.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Banitsa

A traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough, cheese, and eggs. It's often served for breakfast with a side of yogurt.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Shopska Salad

A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It's a staple in Bulgarian cuisine and is often served as a side dish.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Kebapche

A grilled minced meat sausage made with a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with spices like black pepper, cumin, and coriander. It's often served with french fries or lyutenitsa (a spicy pepper and tomato spread).

Main Course Contains meat

Tarator

A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It's a refreshing dish, especially during the hot summer months.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Vegan (if made with plant-based yogurt)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Vitosha Mountain Skiing in Bansko or nearby resorts Mountain biking and other outdoor activities Visiting spas and wellness centers Strolling through parks and gardens Enjoying a meal or drink at a rooftop bar Exploring museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Sofia for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.

15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Bulgarian
Widely spoken: English, Russian, Romanian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places

Currency

Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sofia is generally a safe city for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. It's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys

Getting there

By air

Sofia Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center

By train

Central Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station, South Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the fastest way to get around Sofia.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yellow Taxi, OK Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Lozenets Studentski Grad Orlov Most

Day trips

Rila Monastery

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

The Rila Monastery is one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Bulgaria. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Plovdiv

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It's known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

Bansko

160 km (100 miles) • Full day or overnight

Bansko is a popular ski resort in the winter and a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities in the summer. It's known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional Bulgarian charm.

Festivals

Sofia Film Fest • March Sofia Pride • June Sofia International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
Try traditional Bulgarian rakia and meze at a local bar for an authentic experience.
Explore the underground caves and tunnels of Sofia for a unique and fascinating look at the city's history.
Take a day trip to the Rila Monastery or Plovdiv for a taste of Bulgaria's rich history and culture.
Visit the National Palace of Culture for concerts, performances, and other cultural events.