Hisarya, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour From Sofia

Uncover the captivating history and flavors of Bulgaria’s past on this full-day tour from Sofia. Journey to the ancient sites of Hisarya and Starosel, where you’ll explore remarkable Roman and Thracian heritage. Marvel at the impressive 2nd-century Roman Baths and the 5th-century Thracian temple complex, before indulging in a guided wine tasting experience at a local winery. This personalized tour offers a rich blend of cultural exploration and regional delights, perfect for enthusiasts seeking to delve deeper into Bulgaria’s remarkable legacy.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Sofia explores ancient Thracian and Roman heritage sites in Hisarya and Starosel, including Roman baths, town walls, and a Thracian temple.

• The tour features guided wine tastings at a local winery, providing an opportunity to sample renowned regional wines and learn about the winemaking process.

• Highlights include well-preserved ruins showcasing the rich history and culture of the regions, as well as insight into the sophisticated Thracian civilization.

• The tour is conducted by a professional guide and has a maximum group size of 15 for a personalized experience, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided.

• Pricing starts at $115.33 per person, with a lowest price guarantee, and the tour is not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions.

Overview of the Tour

The full-day tour from Sofia takes travelers to the ancient sites of Hisarya and Starosel, showcasing the region’s rich Thracian and Roman heritage.

Visitors will explore the 5th-century BC Thracian temple and palace in Starosel, as well as the mineral springs and Roman ruins in Hisarya.

The tour includes wine tastings at a local winery, providing an opportunity to sample the local vintages.

Guests will be picked up and dropped off at their Sofia accommodations, and the tour is conducted by a professional guide.

With a maximum group size of 15, the tour offers a personalized experience for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

Highlights of Hisarya

Typically, the tour of Hisarya showcases the city’s renowned mineral springs and well-preserved Roman ruins. Visitors can explore the remains of a large Roman Bath complex, which dates back to the 2nd century AD. The baths feature impressive architectural details and mosaic floors. Plus, the town walls, gates, and towers of the ancient city provide a glimpse into Hisarya’s storied past. Visitors can also discover the remnants of a Roman villa, complete with hypocaust heating system.

Site	Significance
Roman Baths	2nd-century AD complex with architectural details and mosaic floors
Town Walls & Towers	Fortifications of the ancient city
Roman Villa	Includes hypocaust heating system

Exploring Starosel’s Ancient Sites

After exploring the Roman ruins in Hisarya, the tour moves on to the village of Starosel, home to an impressive array of ancient Thracian sites.

The highlight is the 5th-century BC Thracian temple and palace complex, considered one of the most significant Thracian archaeological discoveries.

Visitors can wander through the remains of the palace, temple, and surrounding necropolis, gaining insights into the sophisticated culture of the Thracians.

The tour also includes a stop at a local winery, where guests can sample the region’s renowned wines.

This immersive experience allows travelers to explore Bulgaria’s rich history and vibrant winemaking traditions.

Wine Tasting Experience

A highlight of the wine tasting experience on this tour is the opportunity to sample the region’s renowned wines.

The tour includes a visit to a local winery, where travelers can enjoy a guided tasting of the region’s finest vintages.

Some key features of the wine tasting experience include:

• Tasting a variety of red and white wines from the local terroir
• Learning about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of the local grape varieties
• Exploring the winery’s facilities and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the production
• Purchasing bottles of the wines tasted to take home as souvenirs

The wine tasting is a perfect complement to the tour’s exploration of Starosel’s ancient Thracian and Roman sites, offering a well-rounded cultural experience.

Transport and Accessibility

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from any Sofia address, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s experience. Transport is provided by a modern vehicle, making the journey comfortable and efficient.

Accessibility	Details
Wheelchair	Not wheelchair accessible
Children	Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infant Seats	Infant seats available
Medical Conditions	Not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions

Given the nature of the historical sites and wine tasting, this tour may not be suitable for all travelers. However, the transport and pickup/drop-off services make it a convenient option for those able to participate.

Pricing and Guarantees

The tour is priced from $115.33 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size.

The tour company offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, ensuring travelers get the best deal.

Booking includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from any Sofia address
• Wine tasting experience at a local winery
• Transportation by modern vehicle
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the tour

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions, and it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, with infant seats available.

Customer Reviews

Overall customer satisfaction with the wine tasting tour from Sofia appears to be positive, though some concerns have been raised.

Based on 3 reviews, the tour receives an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to explore ancient Thracian and Roman sites.

However, some reviewers criticize the winery experience as a "tourist trap".

Despite this, the tour seems to be recommended for history enthusiasts and wine lovers seeking a comprehensive day trip from Sofia.

Prospective customers should weigh the pros and cons based on their interests and priorities when deciding whether to book this excursion.

Key Tour Details

On this full-day tour from Sofia, guests will explore ancient Thracian and Roman sites in Hisarya and Starosel.

The tour starts at 9:00 AM and has a maximum group size of 15 travelers. It’s not wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Infant seats are available. The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions.

Highlights include:

• Visiting the 5th-century BC Thracian temple and palace in Starosel village
• Wine tastings at a local winery
• A tour of Hisarya, known for its mineral springs and Roman ruins
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from any Sofia address

The tour is priced from $115.33 per person, with the price varying by group size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. Participants are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for the tour’s activities, which may involve walking and exploring outdoor archaeological sites.

Can We Take Photographs at the Archaeological Sites?

Photographs can generally be taken at the archaeological sites visited during the tour. However, visitors should follow any instructions or restrictions from the guide or site staff to ensure the preservation of the historical structures and artifacts.

Is Lunch Included in the Tour Price?

No, lunch is not included in the tour price. The tour covers transportation, admission to sites, a wine tasting, and a professional guide, but meals are not provided. Travelers will need to purchase their own lunch during the tour.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour typically follows a set itinerary, but customers can’t customize it. However, they may be able to request minor adjustments if discussed with the tour operator in advance, subject to availability and feasibility.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for group bookings. Larger groups can save money per person, with the greatest savings for the largest group sizes. Specific discount amounts are not provided, but group size impacts the final price per person.

The Sum Up

This captivating full-day tour from Sofia offers a rich blend of history, culture, and local wine. Visitors will explore the impressive Roman and Thracian heritage sites of Hisarya and Starosel, culminating in a guided wine tasting at a local winery. With personalized attention and transportation included, this tour provides an immersive experience for history and culture enthusiasts.