Stage 3
Plovdiv / Пловдив > Sofia / София
The grand finale on Bulgarian soil links the two largest cities in the country
Plovdiv
The stage starts in Plovdiv, which proudly displays the grand monuments of its Roman past, such as the Theatre, the Forum and the Stadium. Long a major economic and strategic centre, Plovdiv still preserves traces of the many peoples who ruled it over the centuries. Visiting the city offers frequent surprises, from Byzantine churches to mosques, as well as characteristic wooden architecture and synagogues. Not to be missed is Knyaz Alexander Street, a pedestrian avenue nearly two kilometres long, lined with the most significant buildings constructed by wealthy local merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the cobbled streets of the old town, visitors will find art galleries, museums, music academies and antique shops, where it is easy to lose oneself among Soviet uniforms, Turkish carpets and traditional costumes.
After passing through the historic towns of Pazardzhik and Dolna Banja, the road climbs towards Borovets, Bulgaria’s most important winter sports resort, which has hosted World Cup events in alpine skiing and biathlon. The network of trails winding through the extensive conifer forests surrounding the resort invites visitors to enjoy a cool and peaceful walk in a quiet and unusual setting.
Sofia
Before reaching Sofia, the route runs along Lake Iskar, the last opportunity to stop before the final sprint. The Bulgarian capital does not disappoint and, despite its size, is best explored on foot. Only then can one fully appreciate the grandeur of Nezavisimost Square (Independence Square) or the distinctive yellow paving stones of the historic centre, known as zhaltite paveta, laid for the wedding of Tsar Ferdinand in the early 20th century. Must-see landmarks include the Cathedral of St Alexander Nevsky - one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, with its imposing gold-plated domes and richly decorated interior - and the Basilica of St Sophia, built under Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, featuring a three-nave interior, barrel vaults and a grand dome. A final stop before diving into the city’s lively atmosphere is the Boyana Church, a medieval masterpiece renowned for its well-preserved 13th-century frescoes.
