Full Day Sofia Tour
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It's been an important city for a very long time because it's where the East and West meet, and it's surrounded by mountains, fertile valleys, and mineral springs. Today, Sofia is the liveliest and busiest city in Bulgaria, with a diverse and lively city center.
In the city center of Sofia, you'll find a mix of historical sites, including Roman ruins, Turkish mosques, beautiful neo-Byzantine buildings, Soviet monuments, Catholic and Orthodox churches, bars, cafes, impressive public buildings, and peaceful parks. This tour will give you a great overview of Sofia's attractions, including a visit to the National History Museum and an exploration of the significance of the Boyana Church (a UNESCO World Heritage site) in European art.
During the tour, you'll have the chance to see and learn about Sofia's most important highlights, guided by an expert. You'll also explore the history of Bulgaria through a visit to the National History Museum and discover the importance of the Boyana Church's famous frescoes. Additionally, you'll learn about various interesting monuments along the yellow pavement boulevard and their stories.
The price includes: English-speaking guide throughout the tour, entrance fees to Boyana church and National history museum, transportation from/to your hotel.
The price does not include: Food and beverages, personal expenses, gratuities.
Duration 7h / Physical difficulty level Easy
1.Your day of sightseeing begins with a short transfer from your accommodation to the starting point of the guided walking tour - Alexander Nevski Cathedral. It is considered the biggest Orthodox basilica on the Balkans and it is a true architectural masterpiece It was built in 45 years time and financed only by the private donations of the people of Bulgaria. With your guide, you will explore it from outside and then from the inside.2.The theatre's Neoclassical building was designed by the famous Viennese architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner. It has a striking and very photogenic facade. Your guide will tell you more about the history of theatre and the symbolism of the figures presented on the facade.
3.The National Art Gallery and the National Ethnographic Museum are housed in the former Bulgarian king's palace. Did you know that the last Bulgarian monarch became a prime minister after the communist regime in Bulgaria? Some of the stories connected with the Bulgaria kings and queens from the Saxe-Coburg and Gota dynasty are as colourful as of their relatives ruling powerful kingdoms in Western Europe. Some of them will be presented by your guide in an intriguing way.
4.This is the church that gave the name of the city of Sofia. You will explore its interior with the guide.
5.The building of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria was completed in 1886. It has been proclaimed a monument of culture for its historic significance.
6.The Russian church in Sofia is famous for its beauty. Many people still visit the grave of archbishop Serafim, who served in the church until his death in 1950, praying and leaving notes asking for their wishes to be granted.
7. TSUM is an iconic shopping center in Sofia, which opened in 1956. it shares the same building with the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria.
8.The Boyana church is the closest UNESCO site to the Sofia city center. It was added to the World Heritage list, because of its second layer of frescoes, which dates back to the year 1259.
Please note: Especially during the summer bring sun hat, sun lotion and sun glasses. Children between 1 year old and 12 years old are entitled to 50%.
