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Full Day Sofia Tour

4.8 (6)
Sofia, BG
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Full Day Sofia Tour

4.8 (6)
Sofia, BG
Share
Experience the magic of Sofia, one of the oldest cities on the Balkans, on a full-day tour that will take you through its rich history and vibrant culture. Immerse yourself in the ancient traditions as you explore the compact city center, marvel at the stunning St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and admire the Neoclassical beauty of the Ivan Vazov National Theater. Visit the National History Museum, one of the largest on the Balkans, and discover the intriguing stories of the Bulgarian kings and queens at the National Art Gallery and the National Ethnographic Museum. Step into the Saint Sofia Church, which gave the city its name, and be captivated by its timeless beauty. Don't miss the iconic Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its breathtaking frescoes dating back to the 13th century. This unforgettable journey into Sofia's past awaits you.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 7 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore the impressive St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
  • Learn about the history and symbolism of Ivan Vazov National Theater
  • Discover intriguing stories of Bulgarian kings and queens at the National Art Gallery and Ethnographic Museum
  • Visit the iconic Saint Sofia Church, the namesake of the city
  • Witness the beautiful frescoes at the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church
  • English-speaking guide throughout the tour
  • Admission tickets for the Boyana Church and the National History Museum
  • Transportation with modern air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Meals
  • drinks
  • personal expenses.

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More about this experience

Introduction

Welcome to the Full Day Sofia Tour! Get ready for a fascinating journey through time as you explore one of the oldest cities on the Balkans. Sofia, steeped in history, was founded by the Thracian tribe Serdi and has played an important role in the Byzantine, Roman, and Bulgarian Empires. Today, the city boasts a unique blend of architectural styles, from the turn of the century to Ottoman influences. Your adventure begins at the iconic Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the largest Orthodox basilica on the Balkans, where you'll discover its majestic beauty both inside and out.

What to Expect?

During this immersive tour, you can expect a comprehensive exploration of Sofia's cultural and historical gems. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the compact city center, where you'll visit renowned attractions like the Ivan Vazov National Theater, with its striking Neoclassical facade. Discover the intriguing stories of Bulgarian kings and queens at the National Art Gallery and the National Ethnographic Museum, housed in the former royal palace. Marvel at the beauty of the Saint Sofia Church, which gave the city its name, and soak up the historic significance of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Who is This For?

The Full Day Sofia Tour is designed for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and intrepid travelers yearning to uncover the hidden treasures of this enchanting city. Whether you're a solo adventurer, traveling with friends, or on a family vacation, this experience is for anyone seeking an immersive exploration of Sofia's rich heritage. Come with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge as you delve into the wonders of this ancient and vibrant city.

Why Book This?

Embark on the Full Day Sofia Tour to discover the beating heart of Bulgaria's capital. This experience offers a captivating journey through centuries of history, with expert guides sharing fascinating insights along the way. Walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations and uncover the secrets that lie within iconic landmarks such as the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the grandeur of Alexander Nevski Cathedral to the architectural marvels of the National Assembly, each stop on this tour provides a captivating glimpse into Sofia's past. Immerse yourself in the unique charm of this city and create lasting memories as you uncover its hidden treasures.

Good to Know

As you embark on this tour, keep in mind that the total duration is 420 minutes, ensuring ample time to explore each attraction. The meeting point for the tour is behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral, in front of the "La Cattedrale" restaurant. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and cultural landmarks along the way. This tour offers a perfect combination of leisurely walks, enriching history, and architectural wonders. Get ready to be captivated by Sofia's past and present as you immerse yourself in this vibrant city.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on the Full Day Sofia Tour rave about the wealth of historical knowledge gained and the expert guidance provided by the tour guides. They describe the tour as a captivating journey through time, offering a deeper understanding of Sofia's rich heritage. Visitors are particularly impressed by the iconic landmarks visited, such as the Boyana Church with its awe-inspiring frescoes and the grandeur of Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Whether solo travelers or families, everyone agrees that this tour is a must-do for those seeking an authentic and immersive experience in Sofia.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Your day of sightseeing begins with a short transfer from your accommodation to the starting point of the guided walking tour - Alexander Nevski Cathedral. It is considered the biggest Orthodox basilica on the Balkans and it is a true architectural masterpiece It was built in 45 years time and financed only by the private donations of the people of Bulgaria. With your guide, you will explore it from outside and then from the inside.

Ivan Vazov National Theater

(Pass by)

The theatre's Neoclassical building was designed by the famous Viennese architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner. It has a striking and very photogenic facade. Your guide will tell you more about the history of theatre and the symbolism of the figures presented on the facade.

National Art Gallery

(Pass by)

The National Art Gallery and the National Ethnographic Museum are housed in the former Bulgarian king's palace. Did you know that the last Bulgarian monarch became a prime minister after the communist regime in Bulgaria? Some of the stories connected with the Bulgaria kings and queens from the Saxe-Coburg and Gota dynasty are as colourful as of their relatives ruling powerful kingdoms in Western Europe. Some of them will be presented by your guide in an intriguing way.

Saint Sofia Church

This is the church that gave the name of the city of Sofia. You will explore its interior with the guide.

National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria

(Pass by)

The building of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria was completed in 1886. It has been proclaimed a monument of culture for its historic significance

Saint Nikolas Russian Church (Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai)

(Pass by)

The Russian church in Sofia is famous for its beauty. Many people still visit the grave of archbishop Serafim, who served in the church until his death in 1950, praying and leaving notes asking for their wishes to be granted.

TSUM

(Pass by)

TSUM is an iconic shopping center in Sofia, which opened in 1956. it shares the same building with the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria.

Boyana Church

The Boyana church is the closest UNESCO site to the Sofia city center. It was added to the World Heritage list, because of its second layer of frescoes, which dates back to the year 1259.

Admission Included

Reviews

(6)

4.8 (6)

Martin_D

Private tour. My guide was wondetful and on a bonus note spoke perfect french. He knew everything about the city...the history and local stories. 10/10 for him.

John_S

Regarding our tour guide Lubo, It's rare to find a tour guide that goes out of their way to entertain and educate guests beyond the superficial. Lubo, not only shared historical facts but also amazing personal anecdotes that blended well with the theme. All I can say is that if you book this tour ask for Lubo and it's a guaranteed good time. Resident expert that's super chill and knowledgeable!

Gavin_S

Lubo was an excellent guide and proved to be very knowledgeable about Bulgarian history and culture. The tour was worthwhile and we saw many beautiful parts of Sofia that I would otherwise have not fully appreciated. The museum and Boyana church were definitely highlights including the California Sequoia in the gardens near the church.

SuzieWong_T

We had a fabulous tour of Sofia's highlights with Chris. He is extremely knowledgeable and gave us brilliant insight into the long and varied history of Bulgaria. We can't recommend highly enough!

TeddyLuProductions

Walking around central Sofia with Lubo was a special treat on Sunday ( but sorry he had to work) since the streets were empty until noon and the traffic was minimal. Lubo shared interesting Bulgarian history and personal life stories that enhanced our understanding of this beautiful city and country. He was very responsive to our quirky humor which added to our enjoyment. We had a delightful day with Lubo!

jinweiwhu

Thanks for todor's good guide work, sofia is a beautiful and long-history city, we really like here. The lifestyle is great, and people are wealcome. You will find it's a peaceful and confortable,and plus, the food is beautiful.索菲亚很漂亮，这里的人们生活方式很悠闲，你可以享受生活，阳光很好，天空很好看，最重要的是，我们非常喜欢这里的人们的生活态度，感觉都很看重家庭和享受生活。最后，非常感谢导游todor，工作认真，态度非常好。
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-24 16:51
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