Excursions

Sofia walking tour
June 8, 14:00 – 16:30 h
June 9, 14:30 – 17:00 h
(with a Gallery visit)

Sofia has been the capital of Bulgaria since 1879 and is the biggest Bulgarian city.  Located in the Western Bulgaria, in the Sofia valley at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, the city is the main administration, industrial, transport and university center. Sofia’s name comes from the greek word for “wisdom”.  The town occurred in the 8th - 7th century B.C. around a mineral spring, which is now located in the city centre. Over 250 archaeological, historical and cultural monuments created by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Proto-Bulgarians and Turks 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. Taking this tour you will visit an art gallery where you will be able to see and buy paintings by old Bulgarian masters.

Departrure from: Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan.
Price: 28 EUR (inclusive of an English speaking guide and VAT)
The price is valid for a group of min. 3 persons and is subject to change for a smaller group. Individual requests for a different date are accepted.

The trip 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.

Departrure from:  Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan.
Price: 55 EUR (inclusive of transport, English speaking guide, museum fees and VAT)
The price is valid for a group of min. 3 persons and is subject to change for a smaller group. Individual requests for a different date are accepted

Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, was built upon 7 hills in the 4th century B.C. The Old Town is an "open-air museum" where the culture of the ancient Thracians, Greeks and Romans mingles with the Christian culture of the Middle Ages. Here you can see the city stadium ruins and amphitheatre of Philip II of Macedonia, antique mosaics and pillars, old cobblestone streets, houses from the National Revival period, churches, museums and galleries.

Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest monastery complex in Bulgaria (after Rila Monastery), nestles in the slopes of the Rhodope Mountains. It was established in the 11th century and boasts of precious icons, manuscripts and engravings from the Middle Ages. Pilgrim flocks here to see the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary Eleusa, a copy of which was granted to Pope John Paul II during his visit to Bulgaria.

During this tour you can enjoy a wine tasting from the region in a Brestovitsa village winery. 
Location: 30 km south of Plovdiv.

Departrure from: Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan.
Price: 90 EUR (inclusive of transport, English speaking guide, lunch with wine tasting of 3 wines, museum fees 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

Koprivshtitsa
June 11, 09:00 – 17:00 h.

Located 110 km East of Sofia the historical town of Koprivshtitsa is situated  1060 m above sea level in the picturesque valley of the river Topolka, surrounded by the highest summits of the Sredna Gora Mountain. It is the most famous museum-town of the Bulgarian National Revival (17th – 19th century) with its unique architecture and lovely nature.  Each house in Koprivshtitsa is a piece of art boasting both original interior and exterior. The town is the birthplace of some of the most distinguished Bulgarians who have had great contribution to the social and cultural life of the country.

Departrure from: Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan.
Price: 60 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.