Items | Full Day tour to Sofia A Story of an Ancient State
Full Day tour to Sofia A Story of an Ancient State
Sofia
About
With this day trip, you will visit the capital of a very ancient state- Bulgaria. The modern city of Sofia is combining layers of human culture from the last 10 000 years and each of them has left its marks. Of course, the most significant of them were left after the city became the capital of Bulgaria. During this day you will learn a lot about the turbulent 20th century and how modern Bulgaria was formed. You will also visit some unique but less popular sites like one of the main emblems of the late Bulgarian Communist era- the complex called "The Bells". At the end of the day, you will have enough knowledge to understand why Bulgaria and the Balkans are what they are today.
Highlights
9 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
9 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Important Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
•
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
•
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Full Day tour to Sofia A Story of an Ancient State
Sofia
Select Date & Travelers
From
$117.50
Price varies by group size
About
With this day trip, you will visit the capital of a very ancient state- Bulgaria. The modern city of Sofia is combining layers of human culture from the last 10 000 years and each of them has left its marks. Of course, the most significant of them were left after the city became the capital of Bulgaria. During this day you will learn a lot about the turbulent 20th century and how modern Bulgaria was formed. You will also visit some unique but less popular sites like one of the main emblems of the late Bulgarian Communist era- the complex called "The Bells". At the end of the day, you will have enough knowledge to understand why Bulgaria and the Balkans are what they are today.
Highlights
9 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
9 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Itinerary
1
Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex
Our tour will start with a pick-up from your hotel at 09:00. We will have around 2 hours drive on a modern highway which is covering the ancient road connecting the Silk road with Rome. When we reach Sofia we will head toward the historical center of Sofia. We will park the car and will have around 3 hours walking tour of the city. We will visit one more museum- Sofia history museum where you will learn about our 20th-century monarchy period when Sofia became the center of our country. Also during the day tour, the remains of the Roman city of Serdica will be revealed by visiting the Roman ruins, St. Sofia church, and the rotunda of St. George. Other highlights will be Alexander Nevski cathedral, the symbol of the city, the monarchy palace, Sofia University's main building, a piece of art from the very late 19th century, the parliament, and of course the Communist administrative center.
5 hours
2
National Museum of History
When we finish with the exploration of the center of ancient Sofia we will drive to its outskirts and will visit the main Communnist residence where in modern times is situated the National history museum. The museum's collections span over 13,000 years of history, from the earliest civilizations in the region to the Ottoman Empire and modern-day Bulgaria. As you enter the museum, you'll be greeted by the ancient Thracian artifacts, including intricate gold jewelry and other treasures from the famous Panagyurishte Treasure. The exhibits then progress through the Roman period, with an impressive collection of mosaics and other artifacts from the Roman city of Serdica.
One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of medieval artifacts, including weapons, armor, and religious icons from the Bulgarian Middle Ages. This period saw the establishment of the Bulgarian Empire and the development of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, both important parts of Bulgaria's cultural heritage.
1 hour
3
Boyana Church
Our next stop will be the famous UNESCO site- Boyana church., a medieval church that is considered one of the finest examples of medieval Balkan art. The church was built in the late 10th century but is known for its stunning frescoes, from the 13th century. These frescoes depict scenes from the lives of saints, as well as portraits of Bulgarian nobles and church dignitaries.
The church is also noted for its architectural features, which combine elements of Byzantine and Bulgarian styles. The interior of the church is divided into three parts, each with its own unique characteristics. The nave is lined with columns and has a ribbed ceiling, while the semi-dome of the apse is decorated with intricate frescoes. The narthex, or entrance area, is also adorned with frescoes and serves as a transition between the secular and religious worlds.
1 hour
4
The Bells (Kambanite)
Our final stop before we head back to Plovdiv will be at one of the most interesting and significant monuments from the Communist period- park "The Bells". It was constructed in 1979 by the daughter of the last Communist leader of Bulgaria by the initiative called "The flag of peace". Children from both sides of The Iron curtain were meeting each other and making bells which are presented in the park.