Tour guide in Sofia Mihail R.

Sofia, Bulgaria

English, Bulgarian, Russian

Tours Delivered,
Since Jan 16, 2019

4.0

Hours, Avg. response time

I'm Mihail R., your private tour guide in Sofia

Guide #32063

4.9 (7)

Hello! I would like to welcome you to Sofia and Bulgaria! :) Since 2008 I have organized a number of international events such as conferences, seminars, and visits of official delegations to the country. It is for this reason why I have started guiding. By doing this, I not only offer high quality of services but also share my passion for Bulgarian history, traditions, politics and economics, and how Bulgarians are connected to the rest of the world. A few words about Sofia and Bulgaria: Sofia was a Roman provincial capital and played a significant role in the first centuries of Christianity. The city was positioned on the Via Militaris (aka Via Diagonalis) road from Antiquity until the twentieth century. In the fiftieth century, the Ottomans chose it as the capital of their Balkan provinces. From the field of Sofia, the joined Asian and European troops of the Ottoman army marched west. For this institutional tradition, Sofia continued to be the capital of the re-established Bulgarian princedom by the first Bulgarian Grand Assembly in 1879. In the last 140 years, it experienced an economic and demographic expansion. Bulgaria, on the other hand, has to offer not only a rich history in which one finds Kimmerians, Scythians, Persians, Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Bulgars, Byzantines, Crusaders, and Ottomans gaining control and establishing states but also their heritage in terms of cuisines, religions, arts, and cultures. I am sure Bettany Hughes' recent film about Bulgaria will help you discover the archaeological treasures of Bulgaria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNtoLTU6kuA Do you know that the best Bulgarian wines remain in the country? Or, that Bulgarian cuisine has not only entirely Bulgarian dishes but also is a confluence of Ottoman and Greek, Eastern and Western recipes and meals? Well, I welcome you to discover all these historical facts and enticing tastes with me. . . . Any of the tours I offer could be customized upon your request with visits to religious sites, galleries, traditional restaurants with homemade food, and limited-production wineries with delicious wines and rakia (Bulgarian and Near Eastern sort of brandy). I try to accommodate weekend tour requests since I have my permanent full-time job over the business weekdays. Tourist guide license No. E-01213 / 12.03.2018 issued by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria and valid for the territory of Bulgaria. Language: English. The license could be verified at: http://ntr.tourism.government.bg/Web/Certificates.nsf/guides.xsp Between 1996 and 2012 I have studied Master and Ph.D. programs in History, Slavonic Studies, and Economics in Bulgaria and the United Kingdom. I have a standard unrestricted driving license (Bulgarian classification is Class B). I am fully vaccinated and offer a safe tour environment. I have no restrictions and can offer walking tours as well as by car in Sofia and other cities.

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  • Sofia

Tours by Mihail R.

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4.9

Traveller reviews for this guide

7 reviews

  • Donald L.
    October 2024

    The tour guide was exceptional, was waiting for us, he had endless knowledge and information was very interactive, he was extremely flexible in modifying the tour to accommodate our particular interest, the day included everything from beautiful scenery, astounding, history, architecture,, art, and Lots of fun in the process, I highly recommend Mihail or any tour he might...

    Replied from Mihail R.

    Dear Donald, Our travel enriched me with Elizabeth's and yours vast experiences! Thank you! Mihail

  • Victoria N.
    January 2024

    Michael has an extensive knowledge of history - it was a pleasure walking around Sofia with him as he's able to place things within their historical context. His English is also excellent. Thank you for a wonderful tour.

    Replied from Mihail R.

    Thank you very much for your rating, Victoria! Your feedback is much appreciated! I am grateful also for your comment on the relationship between the statues of horsemen and how they passed away - it is a peculiar connection indeed!

  • Carl S.
    May 2023

    Samokov is a less visited trip from Sofia, but well worth a visit, specially if interested in Jewish history. The Arie family house has been well restored. The Old House restaurant has great local food. The convent is a little fussy about visitors, so best to skip it. The royal hunting lodge near Borevits is also a lovely location. Check closing days to avoid...

    Replied from Mihail R.

    Thank you for your feedback, Carl!

  • Denese D.
    May 2022

    Mihail was a great guide. He was incredibly knowledgeable and very fun to talk to. He really brought Sofia to life for us. We just felt well-informed and well-guided. His English was incredible and he really has a deep interest in history and archaeology that made him incredibly engaging. If you love history and archaeology and want to really know what happened, he's your...

    Replied from Mihail R.

    Thank you very much for your kind words, Denese! Hope you enjoyed your trip in Bulgaria! Please feel free to ask if you need any info about the Balkans! I have also spent great day with both of you!