Locations To Go, What To See & Extra

Right here’s the best way to profit from 5 days in Bulgaria with this Bulgaria itinerary. Begin your journey within the capital, spending your days within the capital absorbing its wealthy historical past and vibrant tradition.

Sofia and Plovdiv are must-visits, every metropolis boasting rather a lot to supply, from historic websites to buzzing nightlife. Rila Monastery is likely one of the finest locations to go to and a non secular jewel of the nation.

With worldwide airports facilitating your arrival, embarking on this journey by means of Bulgaria’s most fascinating sights is a breeze.

Bulgaria has a lot to supply. The nation is a pure bridge between East and West, offering pure magnificence and cultural origins from each areas. This turns into evident once you arrive and end up in the nation’s capital, Sofia.

Suppose you solely have 5 days to spend in Bulgaria. In that case, the next recommendations are really worthwhile highlights from my very own time in Bulgaria (additionally, try these relaxed, small-town itineraries).

Expertise a style of Sofia’s wealthy structure and cultural historical past, and luxuriate in touring the open roads for brief drive day journeys exploring additional afield to search out your self in awe and expertise Bulgaria’s wealthy historical past, wonders, and sweetness. What is going to you resolve?

5 Days In Bulgaria – Begin In Sofia

Your Bulgaria itinerary will most certainly begin in Sofia if you happen to arrive by aircraft. Hiring a automobile or taxi from the airport is barely a 20-minute drive to Sofia metropolis middle. Alternatively, a practice service takes slightly below half an hour. For others, touring by bus is an possibility, as many bus service suppliers have connections from different Japanese European cities that journey to Sofia.

There’s rather a lot to see and recognize in and across the metropolis middle, and it’s best skilled on foot. Nonetheless, touring the subway can also be an possibility and an thrilling expertise in itself. The metro and practice companies run steadily; nevertheless, there’s a lack of signage within the metro/practice stations to information you to the proper platform.

The place To Keep In Sofia – The Largest Metropolis In Bulgaria

Planning A 5 Bulgaria Journey Itinerary

Day 1 Of Your 5 day Bulgaria Itinerary: Sofia

So, you are actually in Bulgaria spend your first day exploring Sofia, the capital metropolis of sofia.

Listed below are a number of highlights within the coronary heart of sofia.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The distinguished domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands as a noteworthy spiritual landmark in Bulgaria and is considered one of Europe’s most vital Orthodox Christian Cathedrals. The distinguished domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands within the coronary heart of the town middle. Building of the Cathedral commenced in 1904, with completion in 1916 in honor and reminiscence of the 1000’s of lives misplaced all through the revolt in opposition to the Ottoman Empire from 1877 – 1878.

The Byzantine spiritual structure from the 11^thcentury is adorned with ornate gold leaf domes and offers sanctuary for 5000 worshippers. It’s price stepping contained in the dimly lit inside to admire the ornamental work of excessive columns and detailed frescoes.

Church of St Nicholas, the Miracle Maker – ‘Russian Church’

This candy and ornately designed and coloured church, aptly named the ‘Russian Church,’ was constructed following Bulgaria’s liberation and the tip of Ottoman rule.

The 17-century Moscow architecture-designed church has 5 golden domes and symbolizes mild in itself. On the onset of WWII and seeing the Bulgarian Monarchy being overthrown by the Russian Communist Get together, main to almost 50 years of Communist rule in Bulgaria. Throughout this time, Bulgarian folks had been unable to attend any church companies.

Nonetheless, the foresight of the then-presiding Bishop, Vladyka Seraphim, labored arduous and shaped a committee that gained him help for these in want. Throughout his sermons, he appealed to parishioners to donate to help others who required meals, well being companies, and housing, thus changing into recognized for his present of being a ‘miracle maker.’

Ivan Vazov Nationwide Theatre

Amongst the numerous lovely architecturally designed buildings in Sofia, one that’s hanging is the Ivan Vazov Nationwide Theatre. Bulgaria’s nationwide theatre.

You’ll discover the Ivan Vazov Nationwide Theatre, situated and adjourning the massive leafy treed Metropolis Gardens. The theatre’s neoclassical design is the oldest within the nation. There’s a selection of cafes; nevertheless, why not seize your self a takeaway possibility and loosen up within the gardens listening to the sounds of the dancing ballerina water fountain?

As you roam the inside metropolis middle that’s outlined by yellow-painted cobbled stone pavements and the broader metropolis middle, pay attention to the numerous different lovely architecturally designed buildings, just like the Sofia College, Sofia Metropolis Artwork Gallery, Central Navy Membership, Nationwide Gallery of Theatre and Movie that was previously a Palace and too many extra to listing.

Additionally, word the numerous diversified statues, monuments, and artwork buildings dotting the town middle. You’ll additionally discover a number of open inexperienced areas and public parks all through the town middle – a really inviting place to be.

The place To Eat In Sofia

For a tasty breakfast, look no additional than an area bakery. Many promote freshly baked conventional Bulgarian pastry, Banitza, a conventional breakfast snack.

Made In Blue

For a seasonal style sensation, make your strategy to ‘Made In Blue’ on Yuri Venelin 6, within the coronary heart of the town. The distinctive retro and artsy model décor brings new life to restoring an outdated conventional deserted residence, with the buildings, a namesake blue exterior, and a pleasant terrace backyard.

The cafés quirky and quaint, and the welcoming environment looks like residence. But, you gained’t discover conventional Bulgarian, Italian, French, or Turkish meals. The menu gives a mouth-watering number of tasty home made dishes from the Center East and different in-season salads.

Diwan Iraqi Restaurant

The aroma of Arabic spices fills the air as you make your method by means of Sofia’s largest, busiest, and 140-year-old market, Zenski Pazar (Girls Market), in Sofia’s Arabic neighborhood –Automotive Simeon.

After roaming the native markets and experiencing all of the market has to supply, you’ll little doubt really feel a little bit hungry. Positioned on a nook near the market’s foremost thoroughfare, you’ll discover a extra conventional Center Japanese restaurant, Diwan Iraqi restaurant, simply off a small lane.

It’s a easy menu in a easy setting and good worth scrumptious meals.

Confetti Gelataria

And to fulfill your candy tooth, make a cease at Confetti, a superb conventional home made Italian Gelataria, and restaurant. The restaurant gives a large selection of wholesome meals in a relaxed environment. They provide an intensive number of conventional Italian gelato flavors to significantly decadent ice-cream creations which can be extra like a murals.

Strawberry-topped salted caramel gelato with amaretto biscuits and a swirl of amaretto liquor. Hmmm, mmm, deal with your style buds.

Now it’s time to discover additional afield, and a good way to journey in Bulgaria is by automobile. You may get to those sights with a car – all of them are very simple day journeys from Sofia.

2nd Day In Bulgaria: Rila Monastery – Rupite Scorching Springs- Rupite Village – St Petka of Bulgaria Memorial Temple

These areas are approx. 1 hour aside. You could have time to spend a number of hours at every location.

Rila Monastery

Staying in Sofia as a base offers a superb alternative to expertise a number of different totally different and various areas inside Bulgaria. Bus companies can be found (with for much longer journey instances) and guided day excursions are additionally obtainable. On my Bulgaria itinerary, I made all of those day journeys famous beneath in a rent automobile from Sofia.

Take a 1 ½ hour drive south in the direction of the Bulgarian/Greek border alongside the A3, then exit in the direction of and thru the plush inexperienced Rila Mountains to go to Rila Monastery. The largest Orthodox Monastery in Bulgaria.

Initially, the monastery was constructed as an schooling middle for college students following the spiritual educating by the hermit St. John of Rila. Immediately it is a crucial cultural and non secular middle of the Balkans and is pictured on Bulgaria’s 1 lev banknote.

Rupite Pure Scorching Springs

A automobile is the one accessible means to go to these lesser-known pure open-air sizzling springs (apart from native information). Round a 1 ½ hour drive south in the direction of the Bulgarian/Greek border alongside the A3 and following indicators to Petrich.

Then word indicators to the Historic Metropolis of Heraclea Sintica. The pure springs are situated roughly 2 km from the village of Rupite on the foot of Kozhuh Mountain, an extinct volcano.

RupiteVillage – St Petka of Bulgaria, Memorial Temple

Within the space, take a 5 min drive from the pure sizzling springs and go to the Memorial Temple, St Petka of Bulgaria.

The non-traditional designed church was constructed inside the grounds now often known as the “Vanga Advanced” in 1994 from cash offered by the prophet Vanga, born as Vangeliya Gushterova. Through the prophet’s childhood years, native legend claims that she misplaced her sight in a storm and subsequently had her first imaginative and prescient, unlocking what is alleged to be her exceptional prophecies. Initially from the small village of Rupite, it’s also claimed that the prophet discovered the world across the pure sizzling springs offered a therapeutic power supply that enhanced her intuitive insights.

The prophet Vanga is well-known by the Bulgarian folks, and the St Petka Memorial Temple attracts 1000’s of worshipers in search of solace. Along with many vacationers from different nations worldwide, go to the small museum displaying images of the prophet’s life and her modest residence the place she lived her final years and meet with folks in search of her assist. As you stroll the grounds, benefit from the out of doors backyard areas, loosen up in one of many backyard’s gazebos, or picnic on the manicured grass lawns.

The prophet’s grave could be seen on the foot of the bell tower adjoining to the church.

Place To Go to On Day 3: Plovdiv

Effectively price taking a scenic drive to expertise Plovdiv’s magnificence and spend a complete day right here (that is the longest day of the three days).

1 ½ hour from Sofia, within the western area of the Higher Thracian Valley, you’ll discover one of many oldest cities in Europe and Bulgaria’s second-largest metropolis – Plovdiv.

Plovdiv’s outdated middle is wealthy in historical past and was titled the European Capital of Tradition in 2019. Proof reveals that early habitation dated again to the Stone Age and was discovered within the Bronze and Iron Ages. Round 400BC, the folks often known as Thracians based the land of recent Plovdiv below the title Eumolpius.

The continuing centuries present tumultuous change, change, and extra change with Greek state rule, Roman rule, Slavic settlement, Byzantine rulering Greek Constantinople, varied rebellious uprisings, and defeats of Ottoman rule. Change continued with Bulgaria coming below Russian communism following WWII and the previous 45 years till the collapse in 1989. In 2004 Bulgaria joined NATO and later joined the EU; nevertheless, it retained its nationwide foreign money – the Bulgarian Lev.

With the numerous adjustments between mates and foes, Plovdiv is now residence to a cultural combine left by the assorted ruling occupations. Immediately, the town’s appeal, open public parklands, and a mix of Empire-ruled structure all through its historic previous contribute to the town’s prosperity.

With its distinctive mixture of cobbled stoned streets, Plovdiv Previous City, lined with 150-year-old fantastically restored, painted residences, and its well-preserved Roman Historic Stadium, along with Dzhumaya Mosque, oozes a captivating, charismatic, and calming really feel.

The Historic Roman Stadium runs below the primary buying avenue of the Previous City. Constructed with fourteen tiers of marble blocks to offer seating for as much as 30,000 spectators throughout the 2^ndcentury, it is likely one of the most notable landmarks within the metropolis middle.

Throughout from the traditional stadium within the coronary heart of the pedestrian zone stands Dzhumaya (translated as Friday) Mosque, one of many oldest and most distinguished within the Balkans. The Mosques’ pink painted minaret stands at a towering 23 meters, and the dusky pink brickwork signifies the Mosque was constructed throughout the 14^thcentury.

The Roman Stadium, the Dzhumaya Mosque, and different ornate architecturally designed buildings close by make for a really contrasting 360°view.

Plovdiv’s Previous City Heart has an array of locations to eat, and like different cities and bigger townships throughout the nation, it has pretty out of doors public parklands. Sit some time and watch the locals enjoying board video games, or benefit from the environment of the plush inexperienced lawns and shady bushes.

Day 4 Round Bulgaria: Bansko (Previous City & Ski Resort) – Blagoevgrad Province Day Journey

Subsequent in your Bulgaria itinerary is to soak up the sights of the Previous City, expertise lunch in an area/conventional mehana, and maybe take a chance to deal with oneself to a day spa therapy.

A 1 ½ hour drive south in the direction of the Bulgarian/Greek border alongside the A3 and following indicators to Bansko, situated on the foothills of the Pirin mountains.

Lately, the township of Bansko has turn out to be residence to considered one of Bulgaria’s prime vacationer locations for snow snowboarding and snowboarding. It’s additionally quick changing into considered one of Japanese Europe’s extra well-liked ski resort areas.

As a ski resort location, Bansko is right throughout the winter; nevertheless, it’s also a pure haven for out of doors mountain climbing fanatics throughout the hotter months within the Pirin Nationwide Park.

Bansko’s location, nestled within the Razlog Valley, additionally offers an considerable provide of water reserves flowing from the numerous tributaries of the Mesta River and the pristine glacial lakes. You may also discover plentiful choices to benefit from the many sizzling springs and day spas in Bansko and the encompassing space.

For the historical past fanatic, Bansko’s outdated city won’t disappoint. The world’s wealthy and historic previous has archaeological proof displaying that the Bansko and the Razlog Valley inhabitants date again to 100BC and intervals of the Roman Empire.

End up strolling down the primary pedestrian-only thoroughfare of Bansko Previous City and admire the distinctive structure dotted between many shops and a really fashionable monument situated in Vazrajdane sq.. The monument was in-built honor of the Bulgarian thinker Paisiy Hilendarski in 1976 and commemorated his concepts for nationwide self-awareness and liberation from the Ottoman occupation.

As you proceed previous Vazrajdane sq., you’ll discover a excessive enclosed wall surrounding a easy and well-maintained backyard surrounding the church of “Sveta Troitsa” – Saint Trinity, a Bulgarian Orthodox Christian church.

The standard exterior can seem misleading; nevertheless, step inside from the aspect entrance and feast your eyes on the ornate, colourful, and beautiful inside. Chandeliers mild the inside and shine a golden glow on the gold-gilded frames housing icon photos.

This humble church was constructed throughout Ottoman rule, taking almost 45 years to finish each the church and the free-standing clock tower within the backyard. The native church founders paid heavy taxes to the Ottoman rulers throughout this era, extending the church’s development past regular.

There are numerous selections of conventional eating places, often known as mehana, within the outdated city. You’ll additionally discover bars, cafés, many creperies, boutique clothes, and naturally, many ski put on shops and conventional ceramic wares and souvenirs.

Exploring Sofia – The Capital Of Bulgaria On Day 5

There may be simply no method you possibly can see all of Sofia in sooner or later – so make sure you use day 5 to discover the components you missed in your first day within the metropolis.

Additional Bulgarian Thought!

We’ve lined 5 days in Bulgaria, however when you’ve got time and are in Bulgaria in June, try the Rose Valley.

Rose Valley

Through the first weekend of June, the Central Bulgaria township of Kazanlak is blossoming with roses and the annual rose competition and harvest time are underway. The competition boasts a convention of gathering roses early within the morning by folks wearing conventional clothes, with folks dancers, singers, and musicians performing within the rose fields.

Driving from Sofia to Kazanlak is approx. 2 ½ hours; nevertheless, make sure you go to the Damascena Ethnographic advanced of Kazanlak, a brief drive on the outer areas of the city middle. Take pleasure in studying extra concerning the manufacturing of pure natural rose important oil. Expertise the rose distillation course of and the candy scent of delicate Damascenaroses. Cease by the present store and purchase your self a present to take residence.

I belief you’ll get pleasure from your quick 5-day keep experiencing Bulgaria’s capital – Sofia. Absorbing and admiring the metropolis’s magnificence, historical past, and mix of uniquely fantastically designed structure. Together with sampling among the regional highlights and treasures.

Greatest Time to Go to Bulgaria

The proper Bulgaria journey relies upon rather a lot on timing. To catch Bulgaria at its finest, intention for late spring (Might to June) or early autumn (September to October). These months provide nice climate, fewer crowds, and the pure great thing about Bulgaria in full bloom or the golden hues of fall.

Summer time is incredible alongside the Black Beach if seaside time is what you’re after.

However, if you happen to’re eager on snowboarding in Bansko or exploring the cities with out the chilliness, winter could be magical too. Every season has its appeal, so take into consideration what you need to see in Bulgaria and plan accordingly.

Learn how to Get Round Bulgaria

Navigating Bulgaria could be a part of the journey. Hiring a automobile offers you the liberty to discover at your tempo, good for these wanting to go to the perfect locations scattered throughout the nation.

For metropolis hops, like from Sofia to Plovdiv, contemplate the well-connected buses – they’re inexpensive and provide a glimpse into on a regular basis Bulgarian life. Inside cities, public transport programs are often dependable and simple to make use of, making it simple to see the perfect of what every metropolis in Bulgaria has to supply.

Don’t draw back from utilizing taxis for shorter distances; simply be certain that they’re metered.

Different Locations to Go to in Bulgaria Price Visiting

In case your journey to Bulgaria extends past 5 days, you’re in for a deal with. Past Sofia, Plovdiv, Rila Monastery, and Bansko, Bulgaria is teeming with hidden gems.

The Black Beach is lined with lovely seashores and historic cities like Nesebar, whereas the inside boasts pure wonders just like the Belogradchik Rocks. Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria, gives a journey again in time with its fortress and panoramic views.

Every a part of Bulgaria has one thing distinctive to supply, from historic historical past to pure magnificence, making it simple to fill your days by having fun with every little thing the nation has to supply.

Whether or not you go on a day journey or resolve to spend extra time in considered one of these areas, you’ll discover that Bulgaria is situated completely for many who love a mixture of cultural and pure points of interest.

Discover The Proper Place To Keep In Bulgaria