Sozopol Town Tour and Bay Cruise with Ravadinovo Castle

This full day tour features a trio of Bulgaria's southern highlights. You'll explore the ancient town of Sozopol, cruise the bay to see it from afar and enjoy lunch at a folkloric restaurant. The trip finishes up at the fairytale castle of Ravadinovo. Ivaylo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Marble from the Strandzha Mountains contains micro-diamonds, which appear to change colour depending on the time of day. The castle was built with Strandzha marble, so it looks pink in the morning, white in the daytime, while at night it seems to glow.'

Sozopol's up first. This 2,000-year-old town has a long story to tell, not least that the ancient Greeks settled here and christened it Apollonia back in the day. You'll take a scenic boat trip first in Sozopol Bay, passing St Ivan's Isle, to the River Ropotamo and back, then venture into the historic old town for a guided walking tour. Relics from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires jostle for your attention along the cobbled streets. Today, Sozopol serves up old world charm, two fine beaches and lots of cafés, boutiques and galleries.

You'll have lunch at a family-owned restaurant, followed by free time for a spot of sightseeing or shopping. And last but not least, you'll cast your eyes on Ravadinovo Castle, whose turrets and towers that make it look like a scene lifted from a storybook. Admire its gardens, too, which overflow with flowers, peacocks and statues and feature a petting zoo perfect for little ones.