15‑Day Sofia, Bulgaria Adventure (Sept 10 – Sept 24, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival & Introduction

Morning: Arrive at Sofia Airport and transfer to Novotel Sofia Hotel. After check‑in, refresh with a quick walk around the hotel’s garden.

Afternoon: Explore the nearby Vitosha Boulevard for a first taste of local shops and cafés.

Evening: Dine at the hotel restaurant and get an early night to prepare for the week ahead.

Day 2: Historical Heart of Sofia

Morning: Visit the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its stunning golden domes and interior mosaics.

Afternoon: Stroll through St. George Rotunda and the ancient ruins behind it, soaking up Roman‑byzantine history.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant on Vitosha Boulevard and sample local wines.

Day 3: Museums & Culture

Morning: Delve into Bulgaria’s past at the National History Museum with its extensive exhibitions.

Afternoon: Explore the quirky Museum of Socialist Art, seeing towering statues and socialist‑era murals.

Evening: Attend a classical concert at the Sofia Opera & Ballet, offering a night of music.

Day 4: Religious Heritage

Morning: Visit the UNESCO‑listed Boyana Church, famed for its medieval frescoes.

Afternoon: Wander the atmospheric streets of the **Sofia Central Market Hall** for local foods and souvenirs.

Evening: Relax with a light dinner and a walk along the illuminated Roman Plaza.

Day 5: Green Escape

Morning: Take a short bus ride to Vitosha Mountain, start a gentle hike to the Boyana Waterfall.

Afternoon: Picnic on the mountain’s plateau with panoramic views of Sofia.

Evening: Return to the city and enjoy a casual dinner near the hotel.

Day 6: Art & Street Life

Morning: Explore the colorful murals and graffiti in the Tsarichina Art District.

Afternoon: Visit the boutique galleries on Ivan Mihailov Street and sip coffee at a local bar.

Evening: Try Bulgarian meze at a tavern in the historic Koprivshtitsa quarter.

Day 7: Day Trip to Rila Monastery

Morning: Depart early for the breathtaking Rila Monastery, a UNESCO heritage site.

Afternoon: Tour the painted interior, the monks’ quarters, and the surrounding mountain scenery.

Evening: Return to Sofia; relax with a light dinner near the hotel.

Day 8: Science & Shopping

Morning: Visit the interactive Planetarium for a show on the cosmos.

Afternoon: Shop for Bulgarian design items at the modern Serdika Center.

Evening: Attend an evening performance at Sofia Dance House for contemporary dance.

Day 9: Day Trip to Plovdiv

Morning: Travel to Plovdiv, the country’s second‑largest city, known for its Roman theatre.

Afternoon: Explore the ancient theatre, the Old Town, and the Kapana creative district.

Evening: Return to Sofia and unwind with a relaxed dinner.

Day 10: Animal Lovers

Morning: Spend the morning at the Sofia Zoo, visiting its diverse animal habitats.

Afternoon: Take an easy stroll through the nearby Zaharna Villa Park.

Evening: Dine on fresh grilled fish at a Riverside restaurant.

Day 11: More History

Morning: Discover the historic St. John of Rila Church and its Byzantine mosaics.

Afternoon: Visit the National Art Gallery for Bulgarian artwork from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Evening: Try a traditional “mehana” dinner with live folk music.

Day 12: Nature & Relaxation

Morning: Take a leisurely bike ride around the Lake Pancharevo for birdwatching.

Afternoon: Picnic by the water and try local cheese and fruit.

Evening: Return to the hotel for a spa session at the hotel’s wellness center.

Day 13: Modern Sofia

Morning: Visit the contemporary National Palace of Culture (NDK) and its surrounding park.

Afternoon: Explore the modern Gulliver’s Park with its whimsical sculptures.

Evening: Sample craft beer at a local micro‑brewery in Rakitna Gora.

Day 13: Cultural Closing

Morning: Visit the Church of St. Sava, a modern architectural marvel.

Afternoon: Enjoy farewell shopping for souvenirs on Vitosha Boulevard.

Evening: Celebrate with a farewell dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, taking in views of the city lights.

Day 15: Departure

Morning: Pack and check out of Novotel Sofia Hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to Sofia Airport for departure.

Evening: End of the Bulgarian adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – 2 hours – 0 BGN
• St. George Rotunda – 1 hour – 0 BGN
• National History Museum – 3 hours – 15 BGN
• Museum of Socialist Art – 2 hours – 10 BGN
• Sofia Opera & Ballet (evening show) – 2 hours – 30 BGN
• Boyana Church – 2 hours – 5 BGN
• Sofia Central Market Hall – 1.5 hours – 10 BGN
• Vitosha Mountain (hiking & waterfall) – 4 hours – 5 BGN (transport)
• Rila Monastery (day tour) – 6 hours – 30 BGN (tour & transport)
• Plovdiv day trip – 8 hours – 40 BGN (travel + guide)
• Koprivshtitsa day trip – 6 hours – 30 BGN (travel)
• Sofia Zoo – 3 hours – 9 BGN
• Lake Pancharevo (bike & picnic) – 3 hours – 5 BGN (bike rental)
• Various meals & snacks – 15 hours – 100 BGN
• Total Estimated Cost: 289 BGN

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a coastal escape to the Black Sea coast (e.g., Sunny Beach) for a couple of days, or extend the mountain explorations with a full‑day trek on Vitosha. To shorten the trip, reduce the day trips to Rila and Plovdiv and replace them with shorter, local excursions such as the Museum of Socialist Art and the Sofia Zoo, which will still provide a rich experience of Bulgarian culture while leaving more leisure time at the hotel.