Private tour in Sofia Mihail R

Kyustendil - a sense of Bulgaria - full day tour from Sofia

-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Mihail R.

4.9

Guide rating

7

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

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.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mihail R.

Overview of your Sofia tour

Kyustendil, a town in the direction of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, has been a focal point of Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Serbian, and Ottoman interests over the centuries! The town was founded due to its hot mineral springs in pre-Roman times and has served its citizens and guests ever since as a place where they may heal their bone and skin illnesses. In recent history, the movement to save Bulgarian Jews during World War II sprang up spontaneously from there. Departing from Sofia and driving for about 1 hour, we will reach Zemen monastery, famous for its fescues and architecture. After another hour of driving, we will reach Kyustendil and visit the medieval church of St. George, the medieval fortress of Hissarlaka, the Ottoman mosque, and the city museum.

Your Sofia tour itinerary

- 8:30 am - Departure from Sofia - 9:30 am - Arrival at Zemen Monastery. Tour of the monastery and church frescoes. - 10:30 am - Departure to Kyustendil - 11:30 am - Arrival at Kyustendil - visit the medieval church of St. George and the medieval fortress of Hissarlaka - 1:00 pm - Lunch in Kyustendil city-centre - 2:00 pm - city walk - 3:00 pm - visit Kyustendil city museum - 4:00 pm - departure from Kyustendil - 6:00 pm - arrival at travellers' hotel. The tour can be customised and extended, and the itinerary can be changed upon the visitor’s request, with a spa.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan

with private car or rented minivan (8+1)

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: for Kyustendil museums and Zemen Monastery
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation With Driver
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Tastings
Classes Workshop
Services
Meeting location

Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

at the travellers' hotel

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Day Trip
City Highlights
Architecture
Tour reference number
791289
Languages
English
Bulgarian
Russian
Activity level
Moderate

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Sofia best suited for?

This private tour is ideal for travellers who want to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Bulgaria, particularly those interested in Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Serbian, and Ottoman influences. It's perfect for those who appreciate historical sites and want to experience the healing properties of Kyustendil's hot mineral springs. Additionally, it suits travellers looking to connect with a local guide like Mihail R. for deeper insights into the region.

Can this private tour in Sofia be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Explore more of Sofia
The best tour featuring Sofia's history, archaeology and culture in Bulgarian and European contextBulgaria in Short | Private Cultural Tour with Local GuidePlovdiv in a dayRila Monastery and Boyana Church - Eco Private Tour from SofiaSkopje - a full day tour with a local guideFrom Sofia To Boyana Church and Rila MonasteryAntiquity - Thracian and Roman heritageRIla monastery and Boyana church classic one-day tourBulgaria - nature and cultureThe Real Spirit of Sofia, Private TourSofia walking tour - feel the past to understand the present!Wine n Roses Essence of Sofia walking tourSofia City Classic WalkSofia Private Walking TourPrivate Sofia - Half Day Eco TourThe magnificent Rila Monastery, the best full day tourFrom Sofia to Plovdiv, Private One Day TourSofia city full daySofia to Plovdiv with Thracian Sanctuary or Rila / Bachkovo Monastery or Assen's Fortess Private Eco Tour in Koprivshtitsa from SofiaLost in Plovdiv - a full day trip from SofiaPlovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery - a full-day tour from SofiaSofia full day tour, Rila monastery and Boyana ChurchExplore Sofia - a half-day private tourBelogradchik and Venetsa caveDevetashka Cave, Krushuna waterfalls and Troyan MonasteryFrom Ancient to modern Bulgaria - walking tour in SofiaSamokov trip, a blend of Balkan culturesVeliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi village tripThree caves and a city break tourRocks & Water: Dragoman Marsh and Chepan RidgeThe Thracians - history, customs, burials, Multi day Tour from SofiaExclusive Bulgaria Round Tour | Private 10-Day Cultural JourneyPrivate UNESCO Tour in Bulgaria | World Heritage JourneyPrivate day tour of Koprivshitza and Starosel, winetastingWorld famous Prohodna "Eyes of God" Cave and moreBulgaria through the centuries, Two-day Tour from SofiaKyustendil - a sense of Bulgaria - full day tour from SofiaMemorials of immortality: UNESCO Tomb of Kazanlak & Buzludzha Monument from Sofia