One-Day Trip to Sandanski

Type of transport: Bus
Duration: 1 day
Route: Sofia - Sandanski - Sofia


Program:
8:00 AM – Departure from Sofia, Serdika Bus Station, to Sandanski. The journey follows the Lyulin and Struma highways with a short break along the way.


Around 11:00 AM – Arrival in Sandanski and visit to the Sandanski Monastery "St. St. Cosmas and Damian". The monastery is situated on the right bank of the Sandanska Bistritsa River, in the picturesque Smilovo area, surrounded by natural meadows and centuries-old chestnut trees.


The early history of the monastery is not well-documented, but its origins date back to ancient times. Archaeological research indicates that a monastery existed on this site as early as the Early Christian era (4th-6th century). Around the church, the remains of old walls and late antique architectural details, such as column bases and stone blocks, can still be seen today. Clay pipes, which likely supplied water to the monastery, have also been discovered.


Evidence of the monastery’s existence during the medieval period is found in a 15th-century inscription discovered in an old printed book preserved in the Belgrade Library. However, during the Ottoman period, the monastery was destroyed and left in ruins.


The current monastery was restored in 1928 when a new church was built on the foundations of the original one. Today, "St. St. Cosmas and Damian" remains an active monastery, though without resident monks. It is famous for its sacred spring “Miroto”, which is now housed in the chapel of St. Petka.


Tour of Sandanski
After visiting the monastery, we head towards the center of Sandanski. Our guided walking tour begins at Bulgaria Square and continues along the pedestrian street, passing by the Tourist Information Center, various shops, and cafes.


Next, we arrive at the Early Christian Complex, an architectural and cultural monument of national significance from the 5th-6th centuries. The site includes a basilica, stoa, and an ancient street, all displayed outdoors. Remarkable floor mosaics found here are preserved in the Sandanski Archaeological Museum.


We will visit the Archaeological Museum of Sandanski, home to a unique collection of Roman marble tomb sculptures (1st-3rd centuries) – the largest in Bulgaria, gathered from the entire municipality over the past 80 years. The museum also houses votive reliefs dedicated to Artemis, Aphrodite, Zeus, Tyche, and the local deity Theos Selenos. Additionally, it features mosaic collections from the early Christian period (4th-6th centuries).


Visit to the Episcopal Basilica
Discovered in 1989 by archaeologist Vladimir Petkov, the Episcopal Basilica is part of a larger religious complex, including a baptistery, atrium, and auxiliary church buildings. The basilica itself is a grand three-nave structure with impressive floor mosaics and frescoes. Built with river stones and bricks in the opus mixtum (mixed masonry) technique, it features Corinthian-style columns reaching up to 5 meters in height, while the outer walls once stood at 11 meters.


One of the basilica’s most remarkable features is the "Ambo", a raised pulpit used for preaching, which was discovered in its original location. The presbytery, separated by a unique chancel screen decorated with Gospel scenes, played a crucial role in the religious and administrative life of the city during the Early Christian period.


Leisure Time & City Park "St. Vrach"
We continue our walk past the Old Fountain, located under a centuries-old plane tree. The fountain, built in 1854 and brought from Serres in 1918 by soldiers under General Todorov’s command, features an intricate marble relief, the meaning of which remains a mystery. Some believe it represents the planetary system according to the ancient Bulgarian calendar.


Reaching the fountains near Interhotel Sandanski, the group will have free time for lunch and a stroll in "St. Vrach" Park – one of the largest city parks in Bulgaria, covering 344 acres on both banks of the Sandanska Bistritsa River.


Founded in 1916 by General Georgi Todorov and his soldiers, the park was designed to combat malaria by planting trees such as cedars and sophoras imported from Italy. Today, it features over 160 plant species, including Mediterranean cypresses, pines, laurels, and even rare trees from the Far East and the Americas.


The park includes an artificial lake with swans and ducks, several fountains, children's playgrounds, and even a Pirin miniature landscape model. The Rope Bridges, also known as the "Swinging Bridges," are among the park’s main attractions and have been recently renovated with colorful lighting.


For those who prefer a more relaxed tour, a small sightseeing train is available for a leisurely ride through the park’s scenic alleys.


Return to Sofia
4:30 PM: Departure from Sandanski
After 7:00 PM: Arrival in Sofia


Price Includes:
Transportation by bus
Visit to Sandanski Monastery "St. St. Cosmas and Damian"
Guided sightseeing tour in Sandanski
Tour leader from the agency


Price Does Not Include:
Personal expenses and meals
Entrance fees to tourist sites


Additional Information:
Payment:


Full payment is required at the time of booking.

Notes:

The travel agency reserves the right to change the program’s order.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Minimum number of participants: 30 people.
Notification in case of cancellation due to insufficient participants: 2 days before departure.

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