About the Port
Sofia sits at the foot of Mt. Vitosha atop the remains of Serdica, a Roman settlement whose excavated walls and mosaics still surface near the city center. Nearby, the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the small stone church of St. George, and the Banya Bashi Mosque reflect layers of Byzantine, Ottoman, and European influence that shaped the capital over centuries.
A rail journey east connects Sofia to Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, where a well-preserved Roman theater and cobbled old-town lanes climb between hills once ringed by ancient fortifications. Restored merchant houses with colorful facades line the historic quarter, offering an easy walk through Ottoman-era streets. Together the two cities present a compact overview of Bulgaria's ancient and layered past.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Sofia.
Step Inside Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Marvel at the gilded domes and dim, icon-filled interior of one of the Balkans' largest Orthodox cathedrals, just steps from Serdica's ruins in central Sofia.
Explore Plovdiv's Roman Theater
Climb into the restored 2nd-century amphitheater tucked into the old town's hillside; it still hosts performances and offers sweeping views over the city's terracotta rooftops.
Wander Plovdiv's Old Town Lanes
Follow cobblestone streets past colorful 19th-century merchant houses with overhanging upper floors, a short uphill walk from the theater that rewards unhurried exploring.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Sofia
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 23, 2026 | Uniworld | S.S. La Venezia | 16 | $25,598 | |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Uniworld | S.S. La Venezia | 19 | $26,398 | |
| Sep 27, 2026 | Uniworld | S.S. La Venezia | 16 | $25,398 | |
| Oct 11, 2026 | Uniworld | S.S. Joie de Vivre | 14 | $25,688 | |
| Apr 29, 2027 | Uniworld | S.S. La Venezia | 19 | $30,649 | |
| May 2, 2027 | Uniworld | S.S. La Venezia | 16 | $29,749 | |
| May 16, 2027 | Uniworld | S.S. Joie de Vivre | 13 | $28,299 | |
| May 16, 2027 | Uniworld | S.S. Joie de Vivre | 14 | $32,499 |