Five ideas for guided tours in Bulgaria

• Koprivchtitsa, a real open air museum

  Koprivchtitsa is a town located in the heart of the mountains in southern Bulgaria, about 100 km from Sofia. It is a popular tourist destination for its cultural and architectural heritage. The town is famous for its typical colorful wooden houses from the 19th century, which are now museums and hotels.
  Koprivchtitsa is also known for its role in Bulgarian history. It is indeed in this city that took place the revolts of 1876 which led to the independence of Bulgaria. There are several museums dedicated to this period of history, as well as memorials.
  The city is also famous for its folk music and its festivals which attract many visitors each year.many visitors every year. Koprivchtitsa is a pleasant place for walking, with many parks, gardens and young pine forests nearby.

• Veliko Tarnovo

  A three-hour drive from Sofia, the city of Veliko Tarnovo stretches like an amphitheater between the steep banks of the Yantra River. On the Tsarevets hill is the palace of the Bulgarian tsars and the patriarchal cathedral, as well as numerous administrative and residential buildings surrounded by thick walls. It is in this dreamy setting that some of the most glorious pages of Bulgarian history were written. After Veliko Tarnovo, don’t miss to visit the village of Arbanassi, located just 5 km away. The typical old wooden houses from the 19th century and the Byzantine churches complete the scenery full of history.

• Plovdiv

  Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and is located in the southeast of the country, about 200 km from Sofia. It is a popular tourist destination for its cultural and architectural heritage. The city built on six hills is crossed by the Maritsa river. It is known for its numerous ancient monuments, such as the Roman theater, the Roman forum and the walls of the Roman city with its towers and large access doors.
  The city has the remains of the influences of the Thracian people, the Greco-Roman antiquity, the Ottoman Empire and the Slavs.
  Plovdiv is also famous for its historic city center, which houses many typical wooden houses, as well as numerous museums and art galleries. The city is also known for its many parks and gardens, as well as for its lively art and cultural scene.

• Rila Monastery

  Sheltered in a lost gorge of the Rila Mountain, the Rila Monastery is one of the most visited sites in Bulgaria, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. This imposing complex was built in the 10th century during the Renaissance period.
  The architectural edifice will be for you a magnificent discovery with many wooden and stone buildings, as well as gardens and orchards. There are also many churches and chapels, as well as museums dedicated to Bulgarian history and culture.
  It is in these places that the Bulgarian resistance began, which took up residence during the Turkish domination. The monastery of Rila was also the seat of the revolutionary movement of 1876 which led to the independence of the country.

• Sofia’s historical center

  The historic center of Sofia is the oldest and most culturally important part of the city. It is surrounded by historical streets and squares such as Freedom Square, Independence Square and St. Nicolae Church Square.
  A visit will lead you to the most important sites and monuments such as the largest religious center of the city: St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You can visit the former royal palace, the Bulgarian Parliament, the remains of the ancient Serdika fortress.
  There are also many museums within walking distance.
  – Archaeological museum: this museum presents collections of objects dating from the prehistoric period to the Byzantine period. There are gold, silver and bronze artifacts.
  – National Museum of Bulgarian History: this museum is dedicated to the history of Bulgaria, from the origins of mankind to the present day. There are exhibitions on prehistory, antiquity, the medieval period and the modern period.
  – Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions: this museum presents objects and costumes of the Bulgarian daily life during the centuries. There are exhibits on traditional arts and crafts, music and dance, and folk beliefs and traditions.
  The historical center of Sofia is also a very lively area, with many restaurants, cafes, bars and stores. It is a popular place to walk around for locals and tourists alike.