Archaeological tour-From the Neolithic to Modern times in Augusta Trayana

Sofia , Bulgaria

Archaeological tour-From the Neolithic to Modern times in Augusta Trayana

Active

11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

People who are interested in History and Archeology will find this trip amazing. There are not many places that can give you so many archeological sites from so many different periods of human history. You will pass thousands of years of history from the Neolithic age, through the Antiquity when the Thracian and the Romans have lived, the Medieval Bulgarian period, and later Ottoman rule. You will learn also, about the liberation of Bulgaria and the history of the XX century.
On top of everything Stara Zagora is one of the most developed cities in modern Bulgaria and has a beautiful center with nice parks and restaurants. This is one of the most interesting day trips that you can book.

Available options

2018-2019

During this six hour tour you will indulge yourself with a shopping day spared in the best malls in Sofia.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional highly educated guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transport by modern A/C vehicle

Detailed itinerary

At 08:00 your guide will pick you up from your hotel/accommodation in Sofia and your archeological day trip will begin. After 3 hours of driving you will reach Stara Zagora. The first stop will be at the Neolithic houses. They were part of a big Neolithic settlement. These houses are one of the best-preserved prehistorical buildings in Europe. The exposition will bring you back in the VII Millennium BC and your guide will do his best to explain who those people were and how they lived. In addition to the houses, you will also see, an archaeological collection of objects, related to the culture and the religion of the Stone age people, discovered in the Stone age settlements.

Our next stop will be the ancient forum of the Roman city Augusta Trayana. We will walk on the original Decumanus Maximus and Cardo Maximus at the intersection of which is laying the forum, where the city council has taken important decisions and where gladiator fights have taken place. We will visit the Archeological museum where you will see the objects, discovered in the city from the Neolithic period, the Antiquity when the Romans and the Thracians lived, through the Medieval Bulgarian period and later Ottoman rule. After the museum, we will walk to a Late Roman private house where you will see amazing mosaics made in early-Christian style.

After the visit to the remains of Augusta Trayana, we will walk in the modern city center of Stara Zagora. The main street gives lots of opportunities for wonderful lunch.

The last museum that we will visit for the day is one of the most interesting that you have visited- the Museum of Religions. It is situated in one of the oldest Mosques in the Balkans- Eski Mosque from the early XV century. The building is one of the very few that survived the Ottoman destruction of the city during the Russian-Ottoman war in 1877. The Mosque is decorated beautifully but there are some secret paintings implemented in the Orthodox Muslim style. The Mosque was constructed on top of an X century Christian church, which was built on top of an Ancient Thracian temple. This place was spiritually important for more the two thousand years. Every culture has left its mark and all layers are visible in this amazing museum.

After the amazing Museum of Religions, we will start our trip back to Sofia. Your guide will drop you at your hotel/accommodation in the city.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

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.