From Plovdiv: Sofia - A Story of an Ancient State Day Tour
Plovdiv Province, Bulgaria
Explore Sofia, the capital of the ancient state of Bulgaria. Uncover 13,000 years of history at the National History Museum, discover Sofia's Roman ruins, visit Boyana Church, and much more.
Highlights
- Explore the modern capital of Bulgaria, Sofia
- Discover the history of multiple civilizations
- See Communist era monumental architecture
- Visit Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Description
This full-day tour starts with a 09:00 hotel pickup in Plovdiv, followed by a 2-hour drive on a modern highway tracing the ancient Silk Road connection to Rome.
On arrival in Sofia, the tour begins with a 3-hour walking exploration of the city center. Visit the Sofia History Museum to learn about the 20th-century monarchy period and Sofia’s development as Bulgaria’s capital.
Explore the Roman ruins of Serdica including the St. Sofia Church and the Rotunda of St. George. See key landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Monarchy Palace, Sofia University’s main building, the Bulgarian Parliament, and the Communist administrative center.
After the city center, travel to the outskirts to visit the National History Museum, housed in the former Communist residence. The museum covers 13,000 years of history, highlighting medieval artifacts such as weapons, armor, and religious icons from the Bulgarian Middle Ages.
The tour continues at Boyana Church, built in the late 10th century and famous for its 13th-century frescoes depicting saints, Bulgarian nobles, and church dignitaries. The church's architecture blends Byzantine and Bulgarian styles with distinct frescoed sections: the nave, apse semi-dome, and narthex.
The final stop is Park 'The Bells,' a significant Communist-era monument established in 1979. Created by the daughter of Bulgaria’s last Communist leader, it symbolizes peace with bells made by children from both sides of the Iron Curtain.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Plovdiv
- Highly educated professional guide
- Entrance fees
- Transportation in a modern vehicle
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For a smooth experience, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn when the weather is mild.
