Highlights of the stay
- Don Quixote
- Cherubini’s Medea
- 3 nights in the hotel of your choice
- 24/7 M&O concierge service via messaging
At the crossroads of East and West, Bulgaria boasts an astonishingly rich heritage, shaped successively by the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and several centuries of Ottoman presence. Its capital, Sofia, offers a remarkable concentration of this heritage, with the remains of ancient Serdica, Thracian treasures, Orthodox heritage and buildings inherited from the various periods of its history.
Two contrasting stage worlds shape your stay at the Sofia National Opera. Ludwig Minkus’s Don Quixote brings you all the vibrancy of classical ballet in Marius Petipa’s choreography, combining virtuosity, Spanish flair and romantic fantasy. The following day, Cherubini’s Medea takes you into a completely different realm of intensity: Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva is announced in the title role, conducted by Leonardo Sini, in this deeply moving operatic tragedy, in which the characters are torn between passion, duty and vengeance.
Your exploration of the capital will revolve around several themes: Sofia Through the Centuries, the treasures of the Thracian kings, the treasures of Bulgarian Orthodox art, Boyana Church, a medieval gem, and Sofia, a crossroads of cultures and religions.
Let yourself be surprised by Sofia, a still little-known capital where history, art and music come together.
Program
- Friday 5 February 2027: Arrival in Sofia & check-in at the hotel
- Saturday 6 February 2027: Discover Sofia & performance of the ballet Don Quixote at the Sofia National Opera
- Sunday 7 February 2027: Performance of Cherubini’s Medea featuring Sonya Yoncheva, conducted by Leonardo Sini, at the Sofia National Opera
- Monday 8 February 2027: Free time & departure
Arrival in Sofia
- Arrival in Sofia and transfer to your hotel
- Check-in at the hotel
- Free time for a first introduction to the Bulgarian capital
- Dinner at leisure
- Overnight at the hotel
Discover Sofia & Don Quixote
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Morning, private guided tour on the theme of your choice (Sofia Through the Centuries, The Treasures of the Thracian Kings, The Treasures of Bulgarian Orthodox Art,
- Boyana Church, a Medieval Gem, Sofia, a Crossroads of Cultures and Religions)
- Lunch at leisure and free afternoon
- 7:00 pm, Performance of the ballet Don Quixote at the Sofia National Opera
- Overnight at the hotel
Sofia & Medea with Sonya Yoncheva
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Free day (possibility of an additional guided tour)
- 4:00 pm, Performance of Cherubini’s Medea at the Sofia National Opera, featuring Sonya Yoncheva, conducted by Leonardo Sini
- Overnight at the hotel
Departure from Sofia
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer to the airport according to your flight departure time
Guided Tours
Sofia’s religious treasures
In the heart of the Bulgarian capital, Sofia boasts a remarkable religious heritage, bearing witness to the coexistence of different faiths over the centuries.
This tour takes you to some of the city’s most beautiful religious buildings, including St George’s Rotunda, St Nedelya Cathedral, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Sofia’s Great Synagogue and the Banya Bashi Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
The tour continues with the Russian Church of St Nicholas, the Basilica of St Sophia and the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a symbol of the capital. The tour concludes with a visit to the Museum of Christian Art, housed in the cathedral’s crypt, which holds an exceptional collection of icons, frescoes and ancient manuscripts.
Duration: 3 hours
Sofia – Art and History
Set off to discover Bulgaria’s rich artistic and historical heritage through two unmissable museums in the capital.
The tour begins at the National Archaeological Museum, the oldest in the country, which houses a remarkable collection tracing the history of ancient civilisations. Among its treasures are the famous Thracian treasure of Valtchitran, a gold funerary mask and the bronze head of the Thracian ruler Seuthes III.
The tour continues at the Square 500 Museum of Fine Arts, nicknamed the ‘Bulgarian Louvre’, which houses over 1,700 works by Bulgarian and international artists, offering an exceptional overview of art history.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
Accommodations
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Eurostars Sofia City - 4*
The Eurostars Sofia City** is a 4-star hotel situated in the heart of Sofia, close to the Parliament and the famous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It offers 61 modern and comfortable rooms, elegantly and colourfully decorated. The hotel also features dining facilities. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the main tourist attractions of the Bulgarian capital.
190 metres from the Sofia Opera House
Tarifs
Deluxe double room (2 pers)
€985 / pers.Deluxe single room (1 pers)
€1,406 / pers.Programmes and prices are subject to change made by venues and providers.Availability has to be confirmed at the time of booking.
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Grand Hotel Sofia - 5*
The Grand Hotel Sofia is a luxury hotel situated in the very heart of the Bulgarian capital, opposite the magnificent City Garden. It offers elegant and spacious rooms, as well as top-class facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. With its restaurants, wellness facilities and ideal location, it is the perfect place to explore Sofia in a refined setting.
850 metres from the opera house
Tarifs
Executive double room (2 pers)
€1,138 / pers.Executive single room (1 pers)
€1,690 / pers.Programmes and prices are subject to change made by venues and providers.Availability has to be confirmed at the time of booking.
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Sense Hotel Sofia, a Member of Design Hotels - 5*
Ideally situated in the heart of Sofia, close to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, this elegant 5-star hotel charms guests with its contemporary design and sophisticated rooms. It features a restaurant, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views and a wellness area with an indoor swimming pool and spa.
Approximately 500 metres from the Sofia National Opera House, a 7-minute walk away.
Tarifs
Deluxe double room (2 pers)
€1,300 / pers.Deluxe single room (1 pers)
€1,742 / pers.Programmes and prices are subject to change made by venues and providers.Availability has to be confirmed at the time of booking.
The price includes
- Transfers
- Accommodation
- Show seats
- Excursions
- Entries in the sites
- Music & Opera Concierge Service by Messenger
The price does not include
- Assistance
- Tips
- Flights
- Tax
- Drinks and Meals
Practical information
For each country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs) publishes travel advice sheets on its website. You will find the latest recommendations on safety, formalities and health. We strongly recommend that you consult these sources of information regularly, right up until the day before your departure.