Service Description

Discover 2,000 years of Sofia's history with a licensed local guide, then cast a one-of-a-kind ceramic flower in a working artisan studio — all in one half-day. WHAT WE'LL DO We meet at the iconic golden domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and walk through layers of Sofia's history — Roman ruins beneath your feet, Ottoman-era thermal baths, the Russian Church of St. Nicholas, the rotunda of St. George (the oldest building in the city), and the lively Slaveykov Square book market. Along the way, you'll see the National Assembly, the Presidential Office, and Ivan Vazov National Theatre. Before we head to the studio, we'll stop at Slaveykov Square for a traditional Bulgarian breakfast at a local spot Symeon recommends — warm bread with authentic Bulgarian toppings (cheese, lyutenitsa, honey). Optional, paid directly at the venue (~€5-10 per person). Then a short tram ride to the pottery studio in the Lozenets neighborhood. There, you create your own ceramic flower using a traditional gypsum casting technique. No experience needed — Iliyana guides you step by step. Your flower will be ready to take home the same day. WHAT YOU'LL SEE — 13 LANDMARKS Alexander Nevsky Cathedral · St. Sofia Church · St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Russian Church) · the former Royal Palace (viewed from outside) · the National Assembly · the Presidential Office · Ancient Serdica ruins · Banya Bashi Mosque · the historic Thermal Baths · St. Nedelya Church · the St. George Rotunda · Ivan Vazov National Theatre · Slaveykov Square WHAT YOU'LL MAKE A handcrafted ceramic flower, cast in gypsum in a real working studio. You choose your design and finish. The piece dries quickly — no kiln waiting, no shipping. You take it home that same day. WHAT'S INCLUDED · 2.5-hour guided walk through old Sofia · Tram ticket from city center to the studio · 2-hour hands-on ceramic flower workshop · All materials · Your finished ceramic flower to take home · Water and a soft drink · Memorable photos taken during the experience WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW · Total duration: ~5 hours · Two daily start times: 9:00 AM or 3:00 PM · Meeting point: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral · Group size: 3-8 people · Wear comfortable walking shoes · Conducted in English · Year-round, specific dates listed monthly YOUR HOSTS Symeon — licensed Sofia guide who knows the city's stories inside out. He brings the history to life with details you won't find in guidebooks. Iliyana — professional ceramic artist and owner of Pink Cormorant (Розовия Корморан) studio. She'll teach you the gypsum casting technique she uses for her own collections. PRIVATE BOOKING Book the experience exclusively for your group: €200 total for up to 2 adults, or 2 adults + 2 children. Same experience, just for you and your people.