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Private tour in Sofia Philip S

Sofia full day tour, Rila monastery and Boyana Church

5.0

(4) reviews

-
Hours icon 11 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 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 11 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 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

Philip S.

5.0

Guide rating

63

Reviews

Tours delivered

7 hrs

Avg. response time

Dear travelers, It is my pleasure that you are reviewing my profile and tours. I am a licensed tour guide, graduated in International Tourism - MBA. I am also a member of the Association of Bulgarian Tour Guides. Since 2002 I have gained the experience of creating tailor made itineraries and/or routes, professionally organize and do individual tours around Bulgaria, acting both as a driver and a tour guide. In the same time a am a proud father of two young boys, who, hopefully I will be able to show the world once they are grown up enough :) My services include guiding - giving the travelers rich historical and cultural information about the whole of Bulgaria, driving - providing airport transfers, as well as transfers to Bulgaria neighboring countries - Bucharest (Romania), Edirne, Istanbul (Turkey), Thessaloniki (Greece), Skopje, Ohrid (Republic of Macedonia - F. Y. R. O. M) Belgrade (Serbia) By choosing a personal tour guide you are actually choosing to have personal service, caring attitude and to receive up-to-date information about the daily life - a review over the economics, arts, education and health care in Bulgaria. I can also provide interpreting and translating services having more than 10 years experience. Licensed tour guide, licence #00384, issued by Ministry of Tourism of Republic of Bulgaria. Masters degree in International Tourism - University for National and World Economy - Sofia

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Philip S.

Overview of your Sofia tour

This tour is an intensive and very comprehensive on Sofia's history, a sightseeing visit into the UNESCO recognized Rila monastery and to another UNESCO site - the unique for its frescoes Boyana church. Even though the tour is a bit intensive rarely would you experience such a nice combination between historical sites, religious heritage and beautiful picturesque mountain views! We should not forget the traditional meals which also reveal more about the local characteristics that one can taste either nearby the Boyana church or in a small non-pretentious restaurant along the river at Rila mountain!

Recent Reviews

James C.United States
September 2024

Fabulous day tour outside of Sofia. On the outskirts of Sofia we went to the Boyana Church. This is a UNESCO site because of the amazing 12th/13th century frescoes in the church. You only get 10-15 minutes in the church. He timed it so that the tour bus crowds were gone and we had the place to ourselves. He gave an amazing detailed description of the frescoes and their significance and their meaning. Probably one of the best guide experiences ever!! Just an amazing day with an amazing guide.

Kent B.United States
December 2023

Philip was personable, informative, and engaging throughout the tour. He tailored the trip for us and we had a great time. Highly recommended.

Leslie W.Germany
October 2018

We toured with Philip and brought along our three, young children. Philip was very helpful with our children's needs, found us a great restaurant with a play area, and even had videos for us to watch in the van. He was knowledgeable and kind and we enjoyed our day. He was on time to pick us up and even provided water.

Janja L.United States
June 2016

Philip is an excellent guide. Completely professional, exceptionally knowledgeable, attentive, and with a good sense of humor. I recommend him highly.

Your Sofia tour itinerary

Today we will start a little bit early in order to cover two UNESCO sites and Sofia city. - Firstly we are going to take a walk around Sofia - an ancient city with remarkable history and very diverse architecture - old Roman ruins, Christian Orthodox churches as old as from 4th century, modern buildings and neoclassical ones. - At about 10. 30 am we will head off to the outskirts of Sofia, where for more than a thousand years has been existing the small but extremely interesting with its pre-renaissance art Boyana church! - After visiting inside we can then drive for about 2 hours reaching the famous around the world Rila monastery! The magnificent and the larges Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria is nested in a tiny valley in the Rila mountains, and its murals from early 19th century are just as fresh and remarkable as at the time they were painted by the best masters in iconography in Bulgaria! - Surely, time for lunch is planned before visiting the monastery! Do not forget your cameras!!

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: Minivan

You will be collected from your hotel anywhere within Sofia. The car used for 1 to 6 people is a Toyota Previa, airconditioned, in mint condition - sparkling clean and reliable.

What's included
Other: Tour guide and driver services 6+1 seater minivan usage fuel Parking costs In case of a booking for 8 persons a minivan will be rented at extra cost announced BEFORE the booking confirmation!
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Boyana church
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Gratuities
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Airport: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Day Trip
History
City Highlights
Religious Sites
Tour reference number
209553
Languages
English
Bulgarian
Macedonian
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Sofia best suited for?

This private tour in Sofia is perfect for travellers interested in history, architecture, and religious heritage. You'll explore Sofia's diverse architecture, including Roman ruins and Orthodox churches, and visit UNESCO sites like the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. It's ideal for those who want to connect with a local guide like Philip S. for deeper insights.

What should I bring or wear?

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 happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 11 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 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 11 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 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
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!

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