Citybreak in Sofia

   Sofia is your typical European city, comparable to quite a few others, and yet anyone can discover something unique for themselves. A great number of direct scheduled flights to Sofia, including those of low-budget airlines, make the city easily accessible.

   Rucksack on back, part of a busy business agenda, sight-seeing party or free to wander entirely on your own, you are sure to become aware of the earliest BC settlements in the area, the superb goldsmith craftsmanship of the Thracians, whose gold and silver vessels and jewelry have been a ceaseless source of wonder for visitors from across the world, as well as the glamorous life in the then Roman province. The newly unveiled Ancient Serdica Complex and St George Rotunda will take you to where and when it all began. St Sophia Basilica will lead you further along the history trail- it is here that you’ll learn first-hand why the capital city was named Sofia as well as view in its underground premises rare exhibits, pagan tombs, Christian symbols and mosaics, all ample testimony to the evolution these parts underwent in the course of time. As well as St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the numerous monasteries and cloisters, domiciled in Sofia’s Holy Mount, will let you in on the story of the faith and spirituality of the Bulgarians that have survived down the ages.

   In present-day Sofia, classical architecture masterpieces exist side-by-side with glass-and- steel architectural creations; you’ll come across austere monuments and street buskers whose street performances add vigour and colour to the city. The city’s rich cultural agenda will not allow you to get bored. The uninterrupted view to Vitosha Mountain will definitely prompt a trip there to enjoy the riot-of-colour meadows and refreshingly cool woodlands. Further, the adventurously inclined can choose from an ample list of adrenaline boosters- hang-gliding, rock climbing, mountain bike and snow skiing pistes. For their part, golf afficionados can practice their favourite pastime in Sofia’s immediate environs.

   On your way to Vitosha Mountain make sure you visit Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the way back make time for a walk around Sofia’s Zoo.

   Luxury hotels and restaurants, cozy hostels, bijou bistros, high-decibel discos and live-music clubs- the night is yours. There’s something for everyone- you can choose to relax in the hotel, enjoy yourself at some place or try your luck at a casino or eventually, throw in all three together.

   Garden parks in Sofia will give you the piece and quiet you need, meanwhile offering free Wi-Fi so that you can keep in touch with friends and business partners.

Sofia is also an excellent starting point for a day trip to Bulgaria’s most fascinating landmarks- Rila Monastery and the Valley of Roses and Thracian Kings.