Sofia: Full-Day City Tour including UNESCO Boyana Church
ID: GYG165384-249294
Category:
Country: Bulgaria
Duration:
07:00 hours
Description
Explore the compact city center, Boyana Church (UNESCO) and the National History Museum - one of the largest in the Balkans.
Sofia is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans found by the Thracian tribe Serdi. In 29 A.D., Sofia became the capital of the Roman province of Inner Dacia. Through the ages, the city played a role as an important trading center in the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires. Under Ottoman rule, Sofia was the center of Rumelia province. Sofia became the capital of restored Bulgaria in 1879, with a population of only about 12,000. Today many streets, buildings, parks, and even whole neighborhoods preserve the architectural style from the turn of the century.
The day starts with a short transfer to the National History Museum, occupying the residency of the former communist ruler Todor Zhivkov, located on the outskirts of Sofia. You will get a guided tour of the rich museum collection, with special attention drawn to the key dates, facts, and exhibits. Close by is the Boyana Church which you will visit to unravel the global importance of its proto-Renaissance frescoes. The afternoon will be for a gentle walking tour of the center, where you will learn about the National Library, Sofia University, The Parliament, The St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theatre, St. Sofia Church, Sofia's oldest building - St George Rotunda, The houses of the Council of Ministers, the president and the former communist party's headquarters, the ruins of the ancient city of Serdika (dating from the 5th-6th C), the National Palace of Culture, the main shopping streets of Sofia, and more.
The local tour operator, Traventuria, was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative.
Highlights
- Enjoy Bulgarian culture
- See ancient Roman ruins
- Visit Boyana church and National History Museum
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral, in front of the restaurant La Cattedrale, ul. "Oborishte" 1А, 1504 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria. Please arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.