Right here is the best way to spend 5 days in Bulgaria. This Bulgaria itinerary has one thing for everybody.
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 options are actually worthwhile highlights from my very own time in Bulgaria (additionally, take a look at 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 seek out your self in awe and expertise Bulgaria’s wealthy historical past, wonders, and sweetness. What’s going to you resolve?
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Getting To Bulgaria – Begin In Sofia
Your Bulgaria itinerary will most certainly begin in Sofia if you happen to arrive by aircraft. Hiring a automotive or taxi from the airport is simply a 20-minute drive to Sofia metropolis middle. Alternatively, a prepare service takes slightly below half an hour. Or for others touring by bus is an possibility, as many bus service suppliers have connections from different Jap European cities that journey to Sofia.
There’s lots to see and recognize in and across the metropolis middle, and it’s best skilled on foot. Nevertheless, touring the subway can be an possibility and an thrilling expertise in itself. The metro and prepare companies run continuously; nevertheless, there’s a lack of signage within the metro/prepare stations to information you to the precise platform.
The place To Keep In Sofia
Day 1
Sofia
Right here is how one can spend 72 hours in Bulgaria. First cease, a day exploring Sofia. Listed below are a couple of highlights:
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The outstanding domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands as a noteworthy non secular landmark in Bulgaria and is one in all Europe’s most important Orthodox Christian Cathedrals. The outstanding domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands within the coronary heart of town middle. Development of the Cathedral commenced in 1904, with completion in 1916 in honor and reminiscence of the 1000’s of lives misplaced all through the insurrection in opposition to the Ottoman Empire from 1877 – 1878.
The Byzantine non secular structure from the 11thcentury is adorned with ornate gold leaf domes and gives 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 top of Ottoman rule.
The 17-century Moscow architecture-designed church has 5 golden domes and symbolizes gentle in itself. On the onset of WWII and seeing the Bulgarian Monarchy being overthrown by the Russian Communist Celebration, main to almost 50 years of Communist rule in Bulgaria. Throughout this time, Bulgarian folks had been unable to attend any church companies.
Nevertheless, the foresight of the then-presiding Bishop, Vladyka Seraphim, labored onerous and fashioned a committee that gained him assist for these in want. Throughout his sermons, he appealed to parishioners to donate to assist others who required meals, well being companies, and housing, thus turning into recognized for his reward of being a ‘miracle maker.’
Ivan Vazov Nationwide Theatre
Amongst the various stunning 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, positioned and adjourning the massive leafy treed Metropolis Gardens. The theatre’s neoclassical design is the oldest within the nation. There’s a alternative of cafes; nevertheless, why not seize your self a takeaway possibility and calm down within the gardens listening to the sounds of the dancing ballerina water fountain?
As you roam the internal metropolis middle that’s outlined by yellow-painted cobbled stone pavements and the broader metropolis middle, be aware of the various different stunning 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, be aware the various different statues, monuments, and artwork buildings dotting town middle. You’ll additionally discover a number of open inexperienced areas and public parks all through town middle – a really inviting place to be.
The place To Eat In Sofia
For a tasty breakfast, look no additional than a neighborhood bakery. Many promote freshly baked conventional Bulgarian pastry, Banitza, a standard breakfast snack.
Made In Blue
For a seasonal style sensation, make your approach to ‘Made In Blue’ on Yuri Venelin 6, within the coronary heart of town. The distinctive retro and artsy type décor brings new life to restoring an previous conventional deserted house, with the buildings, a namesake blue exterior, and a pleasant terrace backyard.
The cafés quirky and quaint, and the welcoming environment seems like house. But, you gained’t discover conventional Bulgarian, Italian, French, or Turkish meals. The menu presents a mouth-watering collection of tasty selfmade 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 means by way of Sofia’s largest, busiest, and 140-year-old market, Zenski Pazar (Women Market), in Sofia’s Arabic neighborhood –Automobile Simeon.
After roaming the native markets and experiencing all of the market has to supply, you’ll little doubt really feel a bit hungry. Positioned on a nook near the market’s primary thoroughfare, you’ll discover a extra conventional Center Jap 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 wonderful conventional selfmade Italian Gelataria, and restaurant. The restaurant presents a large alternative of wholesome meals in a relaxed environment. They supply an intensive collection of conventional Italian gelato flavors to noticeably decadent ice-cream creations which might 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 automotive. You may get to those sights with a car – all of them are very straightforward day journeys from Sofia.
Manufacturers We Use And Belief
Day 2
Rila Monastery – Rupite Scorching Springs- Rupite Village – St Petka of Bulgaria Memorial Temple
These areas are approx. 1 hour aside. You’ve got time to spend a couple of hours at every location.
Rila Monastery
Staying in Sofia as a base gives a wonderful alternative to expertise a number of different completely different and numerous 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 under in a rent automotive from Sofia.
Take a 1 ½ hour drive south in direction of the Bulgarian/Greek border alongside the A3, then exit in 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 training middle for college kids following the non secular instructing by the hermit St. John of Rila. Right this moment it is a vital cultural and religious middle of the Balkans and is pictured on Bulgaria’s 1 lev banknote.
Rupite Pure Scorching Springs
A automotive is the one accessible means to go to these lesser-known pure open-air sizzling springs (other than native information). Round a 1 ½ hour drive south in direction of the Bulgarian/Greek border alongside the A3 and following indicators to Petrich.
Then be aware indicators to the Historical Metropolis of Heraclea Sintica. The pure springs are positioned 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 throughout the grounds now referred to 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 claimed to be her outstanding prophecies. Initially from the small village of Rupite, additionally it is claimed that the prophet discovered the world across the pure sizzling springs offered a therapeutic vitality 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 house 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, calm down in one of many backyard’s gazebos, or picnic on the manicured grass lawns.
The prophet’s grave might be seen on the foot of the bell tower adjoining to the church.
Day 3
Plovdiv
Nicely 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 previous 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 referred to as Thracians based the land of contemporary Plovdiv underneath 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 underneath 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 forex – the Bulgarian Lev.
With the various modifications between mates and foes, Plovdiv is now house to a cultural combine left by the assorted ruling occupations. Right this moment, town’s attraction, open public parklands, and a mix of Empire-ruled structure all through its historic previous contribute to town’s prosperity.
With its distinctive mixture of cobbled stoned streets, Plovdiv Outdated City, lined with 150-year-old fantastically restored, painted residences, and its well-preserved Roman Historical Stadium, along with Dzhumaya Mosque, oozes a captivating, charismatic, and calming really feel.
The Historical Roman Stadium runs underneath the primary procuring avenue of the Outdated City. Constructed with fourteen tiers of marble blocks to offer seating for as much as 30,000 spectators through the 2ndcentury, 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 outstanding within the Balkans. The Mosques’ pink painted minaret stands at a towering 23 meters, and the dusky pink brickwork signifies the Mosque was constructed through the 14thcentury.
The Roman Stadium, the Dzhumaya Mosque, and different ornate architecturally designed buildings close by make for a really contrasting 360°view.
Plovdiv’s Outdated 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
Bansko (Outdated City & Ski Resort) –Blagoevgrad Province Day Journey
Subsequent in your Bulgaria itinerary is to soak up the sights of the Outdated City, expertise lunch in a neighborhood/conventional mehana, and maybe take a possibility to deal with oneself to a day spa remedy.
A 1 ½ hour drive south in direction of the Bulgarian/Greek border alongside the A3 and following indicators to Bansko, positioned on the foothills of the Pirin mountains.
Lately, the township of Bansko has turn out to be house to one in all Bulgaria’s prime vacationer locations for snow snowboarding and snowboarding. It’s additionally quick turning into one in all Jap Europe’s extra standard ski resort areas.
As a ski resort location, Bansko is right through the winter; nevertheless, additionally it is a pure haven for out of doors climbing fans through the hotter months within the Pirin Nationwide Park.
Bansko’s location, nestled within the Razlog Valley, additionally gives an ample provide of water reserves flowing from the various 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 encircling space.
For the historical past fanatic, Bansko’s previous city is not going to 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 durations of the Roman Empire.
End up strolling down the primary pedestrian-only thoroughfare of Bansko Outdated City and admire the distinctive structure dotted between many shops and a really trendy monument positioned in Vazrajdane sq.. The monument was inbuilt 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 gentle the inside and shine a golden glow on the gold-gilded frames housing icon photographs.
This humble church was constructed throughout Ottoman rule, taking practically 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 building past regular.
There are various selections of conventional eating places, referred to as mehana, within the previous city. You’ll additionally discover bars, cafés, many creperies, boutique clothes, and naturally, many ski put on shops and conventional ceramic wares and souvenirs.
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Day 5
Sofia
There may be simply no means you possibly can see all of Sofia in at some point – so remember to use day 5 to discover the elements you missed.
Further Thought!
We’ve lined 5 days in Bulgaria, however you probably have time and are in Bulgaria in June, take a look at 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 people dancers, singers, and musicians performing within the rose fields.
Driving from Sofia to Kazanlak is approx. 2 ½ hours; nevertheless, remember to go to the Damascena Ethnographic advanced of Kazanlak, a brief drive on the outer areas of the city middle. Take pleasure in studying extra in regards to the manufacturing of pure natural rose important oil. Expertise the rose distillation course of and the candy scent of delicate Damascenaroses. Cease by the reward store and purchase your self a present to take house.
I belief you’ll get pleasure from your brief 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 a few of the regional highlights and treasures.
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