Fulbright European Staff Meeting

Sofia, Bulgaria – March 13-15, 2024

Program

By and For Fulbright Staff in Europe

The Bulgarian Fulbright Commission is honored to host this meeting of staff members from all over Europe, representing more than 20 different countries, to foster the exchange of best practices and a foundation for continuing collaboration and knowledge-sharing. We eagerly look forward to meeting you and hearing about your well-honed strategies for success. During the sessions led by staff members across the continent, we hope that you will candidly share about any common challenges we may face together or ideas you have for coping with them. Thank you for joining us!  

Taxi from Sofia Airport

In the Arrivals halls at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Sofia airport, there are stands of Yellow 333 AD, the taxi operator company which is the official contractual partner of Sofia Airport. You can request their services by calling +359 291 119, online at www.yellow333.com/en/ or by following the floor markings in yellow leading to the taxi stand area. The company’s phone app can also be downloaded on Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

To avoid the risk of abuse, it is better to not accept the services of drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall. The fare must be displayed on the window of each cab – it is about 1.07/1.24 leva per kilometer (day/night). Representatives of companies that do not have a contract with Sofia airport can legally charge 3, 4, 5 – up to 10 leva per kilometre. Most taxis in Sofia also charge around 2.19/2.49 lv. initial charge, 0.3 1v. waiting charge and 0.87 lv. call-to-address charge.

Metro from Sofia Airport

The trip costs 1.60 lv, the standard ticket price in Sofia. You can use your bank or Revolut card to purchase a ticket by validating the card at the electronic readers at the entry gates. The ticket is valid to travel in the metro within 30 minutes from the issue hour. Within this time limit, the ticket also entitles you to transfer to any other means of transport.

Please note that you have the right to transport two pieces of luggage for free if the total dimensions do not exceed 140 centimetres. If you carry more than two pieces of luggage, or if your bags are larger than 60x40x40 centimetres, you will need a standard ticket for each additional or bulkier piece. This rule applies to the whole public transportation system in Sofia (buses, trams and trolley buses). Moovit is a popular mobile app to help you navigate public transportation in Sofia.

Conference Venue

Venue

Astoria Grand Hotel, 8 Gen. Totleben Blvd.

The hotel offers an incredible panorama view of Sofia City as well as Vitosha mountain. There are 490 rooms and conference halls on 21 floors. You can use the restaurants, lobby bar, the game room, spa centre and more.

Rila Monastery

UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site

Rila Monastery

Established in the first half of 10 century AD by John of Rila, the heavenly protector of the Bulgarian people, the monastery is a pillar and haven of the Bulgarian spirit and identity.

Koprivshtitsa

An hour and 40 min drive East of Sofia.

Koprivshtitsa

This is the “revolutionary” capital of the Bulgarian uprising during the Revival Period around the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman occupation. You can visit the homes of prominent Bulgarian revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives during the April Uprising and Russo-Turkish War that brought about the liberation of Bulgaria in 1878.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The largest Orthodox temple on the entire Balkan Peninsula

Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky

The cornerstone of the St. Alexander Nevsky cathedral was laid on February 19, 1882. Viewed from the outside, the length of the temple is 72 meters, and the width is 55 meters. Its height is 50.52 meters and the roof bridge is 28 meters above the main vaulted entrance with three doors and a bell tower that ends with a dome.

Retro Tram Around Sofia

One-hour tour guided by a young Bulgarian actor

Retro Tram Around Sofia

The route of the historical tour starts from “Vazrazhdane” Square, passes by “Macedonia” Square, the Courthouse, Maria Louisa Blvd., Lions’ Bridge, Central Station, Hristo Botev Blvd. and returns to Vazrazhdane Square. This is a fun way to know more about the history of Sofia City and to make tons of awesome photos.

Добре дошли! Welcome!

Bulgaria, a nation on the Balkan Peninsula of just over 7 million people, has marked an important crossroads of civilizations since antiquity. One of the oldest states in Europe, it has been a member of the European Union since 2007. The first Bulgarian kingdom was the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet, named for St. Cyril – he is celebrated alongside his brother St. Methodius every year on the 24th of May, the day of Bulgarian enlightenment and culture. The country is well known for its folk music, warm hospitality and natural wonders, not to mention the production of rose oil, yogurt and wine. Its capital, Sofia, boasts architectural gems that reflect the country’s diverse mix of influences and are perhaps best represented by the city’s “square of tolerance. Just a few blocks from one another are a Bulgarian Orthodox Cathedral, Sephardic Orthodox Synagogue, Sunni Mosque and Roman Catholic Cathedral. 

Call us

Contact us

Get in touch with us if you have any questions or in case you might need anything during your stay in Sofia. We are excited to have you!

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