Sofia is Bulgaria's capital and biggest city. With a population of about 1,5mln, it is a busy city that is the hub of the country's business, cultural and administrative activity. While one can enjoy a great urban experience in the city downtown, Sofia's proximity to the Vitosha mountain and surrounding national park offers ample opportunity for weekend hikes and time well spent in nature. Sofia has a rich and interesting history. The modern city is constructed over the site of ancient Thracian and Roman cities. Today, one can see those ruins all over the city center, which holds an exquisite mix of diverse historical and cultural sites. To find out more about the city, view the City Info Guide. In Sofia we work with two foster homes.
Dolna Banya is a small town located near Plovdiv. It offers the advantage of living in a closer community and a calmer environment while always being able to visit the bigger city that is about 20min away by car. In Dolna Banya volunteers will work at a Daycare Center where local children from underprivileged families and the town foster home come in everyday to learn English and engage in creative educational activities. More information about this location is available here.
Dren is located 45 kilometers to the southwest of Sofia. Situated at the foot of the Verila mountain, pine forests surround Dren and make it a perfect location for those who enjoy hiking. The Monastery of the Saint Virgin Mary, which was built at the end of the 16th century, is a magnificant site, as is Saint Petka, the oldest church in the region. Volunteers will be working at the SOS Children's Village in Dren.
