Trade Visit to Sofia

Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, has a history dating back to the 5^th century BC and is a cultural melting pot with Greek, Slavic, Ottoman, and Persian influences. It is home to many of Bulgaria’s finest museums, galleries, restaurants, and clubs and has become an increasingly popular place to visit in recent years. It is an inexpensive city and it is possible to eat and drink well there for very little money.

As always, our visit enabled members of the group to learn more about the country, enjoy its culture and explore potential business opportunities. During the 4 days they spent there, members could choose on an individual basis the daily emphasis they wished to place on business, culture, touring or simply relaxing and enjoying excellent local food.

All 20 members of the group enjoyed an excellent full programme of tours arranged by one of our members, Radiana Vlahova of Staybridge Suites

Our Executive Director Gerry MacDonagh and Board member Guy Audibert attended a reception given for them at the head office of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce in Sofia and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with that Chamber. For further info on the meeting, click here.

COST:

£326 per person in a double or twin room. Supplement £135 in a single room. (See note 2 below)

Prices included:

• Direct return flights between London and Sofia.
• 4 nights stay with breakfast in 4-star city center hotel
• All business briefings, business to business meetings & business appointment

The itinerary was as follows:

20th October (Day 1):

13.55 Depart London Luton with Wizzair Flight 4306; Arrive at Sofia at 19.05. On arrival, we transferred by private minibus to our hotel: BW Plus Bristol. 

21st October (Day 2 ):

Morning Two LSCC Directors, representing the group, attended a meeting with the President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and an M.O.U. was signed between the two Chambers. As a result of the terms of co-operation agreed, any LSCC member visiting Bulgaria for business or tourism can obtain business contacts and some very attractive hotel rates. 

Afternoon We had a guided tour of Sofia lasting 3 hours and including:  

St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (biggest cathedral on the Balkan Peninsula); Monument of Alexander ||-King Liberator; Parliament, The statue of St Sofia- the symbol of the city; Presidency, The National Theatre; Remains of Serdica and the Rotonda St George 4th c AC; 

Synagogue & Russian Church; St Sophia early Christina basilica & The Holy Synod

22nd October (Day 3 ):

Visit to ancient Plovdiv –Transport plus full day sightseeing of the new and old towns. This tour included the following: The Roman Stadium; The Roman Theatre; Klianti House and the House of Lamartine; Old Pharmacy & St Konstantin and Elena Church; The Hissar Kapia & The Georgiady House; The Ethographic museum; The Balabanov House & The House Hindlyan.  

23rd October (Day 4):

Visit to Rilski Monastery. 

24th October (Day 5):

Transferred to the airport for the return flight.