Today Sofia is an important educational and cultural center and falls among the top tourist destinations on the Balkan penisula due to its outstanding sights and surrounding natural beauty. Sofia preserves many valuable monuments and visitors exploring the city’s streets can see remnants of the Eastern Gate from the days when Sofia was the Roman administrative center of the region, between the 1st and 6th-century. The most popular sights are Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - the second biggest cathedral in the Balkans, Saint George Rotunda - the oldest church in the town dating back to the 4th-century and Saint Sofia Basilica - the medieval symbol of Serdica, built in the 6th-century. Other interesting places that will be seen are the Parliament, National Theater "Ivan Vazov"- one of the most beautiful buildings in the town, the former Royal Palace, the administration of the President and the mineral springs. You will then take a break to eat some traditional Bulgarian breakfast called banitsa (pastry prepared from dough and cheese) and ayran (salty yogurt drink). It is a well-known and very popular breakfast in Bulgaria. You will also try some "kozunak" (a sweet bread) and "mekitsa".