Ever celebrated New Year in Bulgaria? Their festivities are like nothing you’ve ever experienced! Known for keeping their folklore traditions beautifully alive, the Bulgarians love nothing more than welcoming travellers with open arms, and sharing everything they’ve learnt for generations with warm local hospitality. This short, jam-packed city break invites you to soak up the festive mood of Sofia and feel the spirit of New Year in a place that’s got all those wintery feels.
Extras
After landing at Sofia airport, meet your Solos Tour Leader and local guide and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After a short break and welcome drink, we feast on dinner in a local modern restaurant with nice contemporary, yet traditional meals.
After breakfast, we visit the UNESCO listed Rila monastery – one of the cultural-historical highlights of Bulgaria. Its 11 centuries of rich history and its unique architecture and arts are unmatched. Our guide will tell us about the development of the holy monastery through the ages. Next is light lunch in a nearby tavern and we return back to Sofia.
In the afternoon, we have some free time to prepare for the welcoming of the New Year.
We head to a local restaurant, where we will participate in a beautiful folklore evening with a traditional dinner and, of course, a party. There will be a traditional New Year’s Eve dinner (always with ‘sarmi’, pork chops and sweets), there will be a Banitsa (traditional pastry) with fortunes and dogwood branches with buds, which we throw into the fireplace. There will be a live folklore show (dancing and singing) and, of course, champagne.
Late return to our hotel.
Today we enjoy a late start, allowing time to rest after last night’s festivities.
In the early afternoon, we transfer to Plovdiv, the second city of Bulgaria, to visit the most remarkable landmarks from the antiquity. Before the tour of the city, we visit a local family and their restaurant, where we enjoy lunch. Our hosts will tell us more about the traditions of the first day of the New Year.
Next is the tour of Plovdiv! The oldest city of Europe offers amazing cultural-historical monuments, including a visit to the Ancient Roman Theatre, Stadium and Odeon, a stop-off at the Old Town (a UNESCO site), and we also explore ‘The Trap’ – a vibrant little district with the best cafés and art shops). In the late afternoon, we return to Sofia and to our hotel.
In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner together.
After breakfast we join the walking tour of the historical centre of the city: visit to the Alexander Nevski cathedral, Basillica St. Sofia, Parliament square, National Theatre, Royal Palace, Rotunda St. George, Banya Bashi Mosque, Sofia Synagogue and more. After the walking tour we transfer to the airport for our return flight home.
The Astoria Grand Hotel, is situated in the heart of Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria.
The hotel’s central location is one of its key attractions. It’s within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions, including a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as the main convention centre, NDK. This makes it a perfect base for exploring the city, whether you’re interested in its rich history, vibrant nightlife, or thriving business scene.
One of the tallest buildings in Sofia, the Astoria Grand Hotel offers stunning views of both the city and the surrounding mountains. Guests can unwind in the comfort of their cosy rooms while taking in these breathtaking vistas. The hotel’s rooms, renovated in a modern classic style, provide a comfortable and stylish retreat after a day of sightseeing or business meetings.
Hotel offers accommodation with a Atrium restaurant serving rich buffet breakfast, Allegro lobby bar and Djanam Sky club restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a tour desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a mini bar, Tea & Coffee making facilities, bottle of water on arrival, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer and toiletries. Each room is equipped with bed linen and towels.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Sofia Airport to our hotel takes approximately 25 min, depending on weather and traffic.
Bulgarian Lev
The dress code for during the day is casual. In the evenings the dress code is smart casual. Comfortable warm shoes for walking and sightseeing are recommended. Winters in Bulgaria can be extra chilly, so be sure to bring layers that will keep you cozy and warm. Bring a comfortable coat, thick scarf, hat and gloves. Insulated boots and thermal tops are also good idea.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €15.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate percentage on.
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Bulgaria Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.
Compulsory vaccinations: None
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Bulgaria
We take part in the hotels festivities and events may be subject to change.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 °C | -5 °C |
| February | 5 °C | -3 °C |
| March | 10 °C | °C |
| April | 16 °C | 5 °C |
| May | 21 °C | 10 °C |
| June | 24 °C | 14 °C |
| July - August | 27 °C | 15 °C |
| September | 23 °C | 11 °C |
| October | 16 °C | 7 °C |
| November | 9 °C | 3 °C |
| December | 4 °C | -2 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
