Highlights of the trip

Sofia – The capital of Bulgaria!
Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Sofia is one of Europe’s oldest cities and has changed hands many times. It’s also been rebuilt many times. So while the city – on the surface – looks modern with its large boulevards and grandiose Soviet-era buildings and monuments, you’ll also see Roman ruins and early Christian churches. You’ll also see a mosque and some very impressive Orthodox churches.

There are many theatres, an opera, an operetta, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries in Sofia. They offer a daily varied and rich cultural life to be local people and visitors. Sofia is proud of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the National Opera and the Sofia Philharmonic which are the leading names in the performing arts. Galleries and exhibitions attract art connoisseurs. The dozens of museums keep precious collections tracing Bulgarian culture. All year round, a varied and rich cultural life is an integral part of Sofia.

Sofia is renowned centre of business and congress tourism furnishing excellent opportunities for international congress, symposia, meetings, conferences and fairs. Special business centers and deluxe hotels are in the proximity of the bustling city centre. The National Palace of Culture (NDK) is the largest convention centre in Sofia. It is a member of internationally renowned organizations, therefore, quality of service is guaranteed. Bulgaria’s capital is the perfect place to mix business with pleasure.

Sofia is the city of youth. That’s why its motto is: ‘Ever growing, never ageing’. The greenery that fills the city’s streets and squares is connected – through the town parks – with Vitosha Mountain – a truly unique location of a town. Young people are everywhere: in the parks, at sports playgrounds, among unique monuments of culture standing here from the time of ancient Thracians and later Romans.

There is no other capital of city in Europe demonstrating such close co-existence of different religions. Here the curios eye will find out that the Christian orthodox churches almost touch the mosque and the synagogue.

Sofia is a city of the four seasons and attracts tourists not only when Nature boasts with her beauty but in winter, too, when not far from its center one can find excellent conditions for practicing all winter sports.

It is up to everybody to decide on whether the days or the nights are more beautiful and pleasant. The numerous restaurants and entertainment spots offer tasty national and international cuisine. The most interesting and attractive however, are the folklore programs. Of course, like in every modern European city in Sofia too, there are casinos, music-halls with variety shows, and many other places of most diverse entertainment.

Plovdiv – European Capital of Culture for 2019

Captivating and different from any other town! Picturesquely situated on hills, which rise unexpectedly in the Thracian plain along the quietly flowing waters of the Maritsa River.    More ancient than Bulgaria itself, the city preserves the eternal values of its six-millennia-long history like a huge pantheon.

The center of the modern town is the huge main square across which the Post Office and the faded elegance of the Hotel Trimontium face each other. Trimontium is the old name of the city. From the square, the main street leads to Freedom Park, with its fountains and coloured lights, this is the route of the twice daily promenade. It is fun either to watch from a café or to join the walking, chatting crowd. 

In this part of Plovdiv the few remaining ruins of a Roman stadium are visible below street level. The Dzhumaiya and Imaret Mosques, with their distinctively patterned minarets also catch the eye. It is, however, the Old Town which attracts most visitors.

No one should miss the Roman theatre, an astonishing archaeological discovery made in the early 1980s. These impressive ruins would have part of the acropolis of Trimontium, built when the Romans made it a provincial capital in the 2nd century. 

Along some streets, ancient fortress walls form Byzantine times can be seen, and high up on the hill is the even older ruined citadel of Nebet Tepe. This stronghold was fortified first in the 5th century by a Thracian tribe, and was subsequently seen as an essential target by every successive conqueror of this region. 

Plovdiv is a paradise for each and every wine-lover and some of the world top events in this branch are held here. It also has one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, which is a perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy. With its central location, Plovdiv is perfect for day-trips or even more. 

The city of Plovdiv combines an interesting past with a lively present, it is the home of various arts festivals and trade fairs each year. The first international trade was held in 1892, nowadays there are two fairs each year, the largest events in the Balkans. 

There are many beautiful cities around the world, but anyone who has visited the Eternal City on Trimontium is bound to return.

Program of the trip

Day 1

Welcome to Bulgaria -a country with an impressive history and unique natural and anthropogenic landmarks. Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. It is the 14th largest city in the European Union, with a population of 1,241,675 people. Here you can dive into the atmosphere of old historic buildings and monuments, and take advantage of the nightlife of the capital.

You will be meet at Sofia Airport by our representative and drived to your chosen 3,4 or 5* hotel in the center of Sofia.  

Your guide will show you the most significant sights in Sofia like Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Saint Sofia Church, the famous rotunda of Saint George, the symbol of the city St. Sofia statue and Vitoshka square where you will have a time for shopping. 

The best places for shopping tours:

• Vitoshka square – Vitosha Boulevard is the main commercial street in the centre of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, which is abundant in posh stores, restaurants and bars. It extends from the St Nedelya Square to the Southern Park. Many high-end fashion labels have outlets on Vitosha boulevard and the neighbouring streets: Versace, Escada, Bulgari, D&G, La Perla, Lacoste, Van Laak, Ermenegildo Zegna, Tru Trussardi, Moreschi, Marella, Max Mara, Gianfranco Ferré, Emporio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Boss, Baldinini.
• The central department store (TZUM) – The Central Department Store, known by its acronym TZUM, is a large department store in Sofia, Bulgaria. In the past, it was considered the largest commercial center on the Balkan Peninsula. It is located on Knyaz Alexander Dondukov Boulevard and overlooks Knyaginya Maria Luiza Boulevard. 
• Mall Paradise – Fashion has a new name – Paradise Center, where the most famous brands have located their best stores. The commercial part is on three levels – two above ground and one underground. 

Among the key tenants are the brands from the Inditex group – Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, the fashion giant LPP – Reserved, Mohito, Cropp, House. The leading fashion chain H&M is also present with a key object in the shopping center. The leading cosmetic chains SEPHORA, MAC, DOUGLAS, as well as the anchors NEW YORKER and LCW are also presented. For the first time in Bulgaria monobrand stores opened DIRK BIKKEMBERGS, ORIGINAL MARINES, FOLLI FOLLIE, COLLECTIVE, VERSACE, HUGO BOSS, LOVE MOSCHINO and other international brands.

We recommended dinner in one of the most delicious restaurant in the center of Sofia, named “Moma”. There you will be able to taste all the traditional Bulgarian dishes. 

Overnight  in Sofia.

Recommended hotels for your accommodation in Sofia:

3* Hotel Hotel Niky or similar in the heart of the city

Day 2

After breakfast departure by bus or private car to Plovdiv. Accommodation near the town in Spa hotel or accommodation in the heart of the vibrant city for one night.

City tour of Plovdiv – the town is one of the most appealing cities in Bulgaria and the Balkans with its first foundations laid here between 6-8000 years ago thus making it older than Rome or even Beijing. Plovdiv is a great combination of real historical and archaeological treasures with the liveliness of a modern city and great cultural and night life. The most visited and admired is the hilly Old Town, built on three hills called “tepeta”. The maze of cobbled streets which meander the area and contain the cuddled up revival houses with their colorful facades and ornate decoration don’t fail to impress and take you back in time. 

On the tour you will see the Roman theatre from the 2nd century, the Roman Stadium and Djumaya Mosque. You will walk along the narrow cobbled streets in the picturesque Old Town of Plovdiv; admire the panoramic view of the city from the Three Hills  called “ tepeta” . You are gonna explore the oldest living city in Europe and capital of culture for 2019, also you will stroll along the main pedestrian street, dotted with many cafes and shops, where you can feel the unique and laid back atmosphere of the city.  For lunch you will have the chance to eat in a typical Bulgarian restaurant, with wonderful meals and great atmosphere.

Plovdiv Old Town – Plovdiv was the place of many first beginnings in the 19th c. – here in 1881 the Bulgarian professional theatre was brought into existence, Bulgarian printing and publishing were born, one of the first secular schools in the country was established, the Day of the Slavonic alphabet and Bulgarian culture was first celebrated, the Movement for an independent Bulgarian Church was set up. Some of the famous Bulgarian enlighteners, writers, translators and journalists have lived and worked in the town. After the Liberation (1878), quite deservedly, Plovdiv was named the cultural capital of Bulgaria. These traditions are still alive. Many theatre performances, concerts and festivals take place all year round. Such are The Opera Open festival at the Ancient Theater, the International Folklore Festival, the Autumn Arts Salon, different biennales and exhibitions, literary premieres and music evenings. In 1999 Plovdiv has hosted the European Month of Culture and in 2019 will be  European capital of culture 2019.

After the tour you will have an organized lunch in the center of Plovdiv. 

Free time for shopping and other activities. 

Overnight.

Recommended hotels for your accommodation in Plovdiv:

Day 4 

After breakfast private transfer to Sofia airport.

Price per person valid for min.2 travelers : 695 €  

The price includes:

• All private transfers described in the program (Sofia airport-hotel in Sofia-Sofia-Plovdiv-Bachkovo Monastery-Sofia-Sofia Hotel- Sofia airport)
• 2 overnights in 3* hotel in Sofia with breakfast
• 2 dinners in recommended Bulgarian restaurants in Sofia
• Private English speaking guide in Sofia, Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery  
• Lunch in Plovdiv old town
• 1 overnight in Plovdiv SPA 4 * hotel with breakfast and dinner

Bulgaria Travel Tips

• The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev. 1 Lev = 0.6 USD = 0.45 GBP = 0.81 AUD.
• Tipping is standard practice – aim for 10%.
• Bulgaria is typically a very safe country 
• Bulgaria is 2 hours ahead of GMT in the winter and 3 hours ahead in the summer.
• You’ll need a European style 2 prong plug to travel Bulgaria.
• You can arrive into Sofia airport from various destinations around Europe, or you can cross the border overland from Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia or Romania.