Social Program
Wednesday 02 June 2010 Opening
19.00 Welcome party - Royal Hall, Sheraton Hotel
19.00 Garden party - "Lozenetz" residence
21.00 Dance in the night - Camino piano bar
19.00 Gala dinner - Central military club
Sofia walking tour - June 4, 10:00 - 12:30 h
Sofia is located in the Sofia valley at the foot of Vitosha Mountain (2280 m). The town occurred in the 8th - 7th century B.C. around a mineral spring, which is now in the centre of the city. "Ever Growing, Never Ageing" is its motto and since 1879 Sofia has been the capital of Bulgaria. Over 250 archaeological, historical and cultural monuments that the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Proto-Bulgarians and Turks created are part of the cityscape. Part of the main attractions today are the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Public Theatre Ivan Vazov, the Churches St. Sofia and St. George, the St.Nikolai Russian Church, the Sofia University, the Parliament building, etc.
Place of departure: Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan.
Price: 30 EUR (inclusive of transport, English speaking guide, museum fees and VAT)
The price is valid for a group of min. 2 persons and is subject to change for a smaller group. Individual requests for a different date are accepted
Sofia sightseeing tour - June 5, 09:00 - 13:00 h
(with a visit )
The tour starts with a walking tour of Sofia and continues with a visit of the National Museum of History and Boyana church. Situated at the foot of Vitosha mountain, Boyana Church is one of the Bulgarian monuments included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Its frescoes dating back to 1259 are among the most valuable works of medieval European painting for their vivid use of Renaissance techniques and motifs.
Place of departure: Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan.
Price: 42 EUR (inclusive of transport, English speaking guide, museum fees and VAT)
The price is valid for a group of min. 4 persons and is subject to change for a smaller group. Individual requests for a different date are accepted
Rila Monastery tour - June 6, 09:00 - 17:00 h
A full-day guided tour to the largest monastery compound in Bulgaria, a part of the UNESCO's World Heritage. It has been a major Christian, cultural, and enlightenment center. The monastery is the best example of Bulgarian Medieval and National Revival architecture and mural painting. It was founded in the X century by the Bulgarian Saint St. Ivan Rilski as a colony for hermits. It is located at an altitude of 1,100 m. in the heart of the Rila Mountain, 120 km south of Sofia. Today's renewed buildings of the compound date from the beginning of the XIX century. The unique frescoes of the main church were the work of famous Bulgarian master-painters of the National Revival period (XVII-XIX century). A truly unique master-pieces are kept in the monastery's museum.
Place of departure: Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan.
Price: EUR 54 ( (inclusive of transport, English speaking guide, museum fees, lunch and VAT). The price is valid for a group of min. 6 persons and is subject to change for a smaller group. Individual requests for a different date are accepted.