46 days in Sofia & Minsk Itinerary

Spend time in one of Europe's oldest cities, the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Sofia: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Church (in Blagoevgrad), Rila Monastery (in Rila) and Pernik (Underground Mining Museum & Regional History Museum Pernik). Next up on the itinerary: catch all the local highlights with Sightseeing Tours, appreciate the extensive heritage of Vitosha Boulevard, contemplate the long history of Bachkovo Monastery, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple Sveti Nikolay.

To see reviews, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Sofia trip builder website.

Johannesburg, South Africa to Sofia is an approximately 18-hour flight. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Johannesburg in July, with highs in Sofia at 34°C and lows at 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Wed) early enough to travel to Minsk.

As the capital and largest city of Belarus, Minsk represents a cultural center full of churches, libraries, museums, and theatres.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Minsk: Nesvizh (Monument to the Heroes of the Great Patriotic War, Nesvizh Castle, &more), Bison on Route Brest - Minsk (in Brest) and Mir (Chapel and Burial Vault Svyatopolk-Mirskikh, Mir Castle, &more). There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War, head outdoors with Trinity Hill, stroll around Victory Park, and see the interesting displays at Museum Strana Mini.

To see reviews, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read our Minsk travel itinerary planner.

Getting from Sofia to Minsk by flight takes about 7.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. The time zone changes from Eastern European Standard Time to Moscow Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. While traveling from Sofia, expect a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Minsk, ranging from highs of 28°C to lows of 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) so you can travel back home.