When traveling in Bulgaria, we recommend that our clients spend at least a couple of days in the capital Sofia, exploring its numerous museums, churches, and enjoying the entertainment and shopping this vibrant city has to offer. In Sofia, we definitely recommend visiting the National History Museum which holds, among other exhibits, a remarkable collection of Thracian gold vessels and jewelry. Not far away, the medieval Boyana Church, protected by UNESCO for its well-preserved frescoes, is also worth a visit. Sofia is also a perfect base for a day-trip to the famous Rila Monastery - a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive Christian monuments on the continent with its size, unique architecture and unsurpassed abundance of frescoes.
Only a few-hours-drive south-east of Sofia, Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second largest city and the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century. In Plovdiv, we recommend spending a night at the small boutique Hebros Hotel, located in a Baroque house in the city’s Old Town, among historic buildings dating from the period of the Bulgarian Renaissance. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant prides itself as being a ‘slow-food’ establishment and is a great place for a quiet and relaxed dinner.
In addition to visiting Sofia and Plovdiv, we recommend a couple of days in and around the former capital of the medieval Bulgarian Kingdom in the 13th - 14th Centuries – Veliko Tarnovo, to explore its majestic Tsarevets Castle Hill, the surrounding beautifully preserved churches, and the tower where Baldwin of Flanders – one of the leaders of the Fourth Crusade and conqueror of Constantinople, was imprisoned and found his end. In Veliko Tarnovo, we suggest staying at the 4-star Grand Hotel Yantra, which is located in the city center with modern facilities and excellent service. Some of its rooms and suites have gorgeous views toward the Castle Hill. We also use the new and centrally located Bolyarski Hotel offering splendid views over the Yantra River and the Old Town.