These destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient history and cultural heritage to enjoying natural landscapes and culinary delights. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, outdoor adventure, or simply relaxing by the sea, Bulgaria has something to offer every traveler. Sofia - Serdica: As the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia is a vibrant cultural hub with a rich history dating back to Roman times when it was known as Serdica. Visitors can explore its diverse architecture, including ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman mosques, as well as modern landmarks like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture. Plovdiv - The Oldest City in Europe: Plovdiv boasts a history spanning over 8,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Its charming Old Town features well- preserved Roman amphitheaters, medieval walls, and colorful Revival-era houses. Visitors can also enjoy its lively arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and festivals throughout the year. Panagyurishte's Golden Treasure: The renowned archaeological find in Bulgaria, consisting of exquisite Thracian artifacts dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Unearthed in 1949 near the town of Panagyurishte, this treasure comprises nine vessels, including a phiale (libation bowl), an amphora, and several rhytons (drinking vessels) adorned with intricate goldwork and delicate filigree. These artifacts showcase the remarkable craftsmanship and artistic sophistication of the ancient Thracian culture. Displayed at the National Museum of History in Sofia, the Panagyurishte Treasure offers a captivating glimpse into Bulgaria's rich archaeological heritage and attracts visitors from around the world who are fascinated by its beauty and historical significance. Varna - The Summer Capital: Situated on the coast of the Black Sea, Varna is a popular summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and archaeological treasures. Highlights include the Roman Baths, the Varna Archaeological Museum, and the nearby Aladzha Monastery, carved into the cliffs. Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets: Veliko Tarnovo is famous for its spectacular hilltop fortress, Tsarevets, which served as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Visitors can explore its medieval walls, churches, and royal palace, as well as enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Yantra River valley. Kazanluk - Museum of Ancient History and Art: Kazanluk is renowned for its Thracian heritage, particularly the Thracian Tomb of Kazanluk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with exquisite frescoes. The city also boasts the Museum of Ancient History and Art, which showcases artifacts from the region's rich history. Kazanluk is also known as The Valley of Rose (Damascena), with the highest quality rose oil of in the world, used by many reputable perfumery brands. Come and have fun on the Festival of Rose in early June, and see the competition for Queen of Rose, event visited by many local and foregn tourists from around the world each year. Nesebar - The Old Town: Nesebar is a picturesque coastal town known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with ancient churches, traditional houses, and charming cafes overlooking the sea. Rila Monastery: Nestled in the Rila Mountains, the Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 10th century, this stunning complex features intricate frescoes, a richly decorated church, and a peaceful courtyard surrounded by wooded hills. The Seven Rila Lakes: Located in the Rila Mountains National Park, the Rila Lakes are a series of glacial lakes renowned for their stunning natural mystical beauty. Visitors can hike along well- marked trails to reach the lakes, which vary in size and color, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Melnik - The Wine Capital: Melnik is Bulgaria's smallest town with only a few dozen inhabitants, but boasts a big reputation for its wine production. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards, Melnik is known for its unique red wines made from the local Broad-leaved Melnik vine. Visitors can explore its historic houses, sample wines at local wineries, and enjoy panoramic views from the nearby sandstone pyramids. Also, if you don’t know, the Melnik grape is named after the town of the same name in southwestern Bulgaria. Melnik himself is said to have been Winston Churchill's favorite wine grape. Belogradchik Rocks: Located in the northwestern part of Bulgaria, the Belogradchik Rocks are a unique geological formation consisting of reddish rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion and weathering. These towering rock formations, some reaching up to 200 meters in height, offer breathtaking views and are a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and photography enthusiasts. Prohodna Cave: Situated in Bulgaria, is a mesmerizing natural wonder that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. Renowned for its striking twin entrances which resemble giant eyes, it has earned the nickname "The Eyes of God." Beyond its unique geological formations, the cave offers a captivating experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Inside, visitors can marvel at the impressive size of the caverns, explore the intricate network of passages, and witness the phenomenon known as the "God's Eyes" - a captivating play of light that occurs when the sun aligns perfectly with the openings, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Prohodna Cave is not only a geological marvel but also a cultural and historical treasure, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Whether you're a spelunking enthusiast, a photographer seeking breathtaking shots, or simply a traveler in search of unique experiences, Prohodna Cave promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Bulgaria's natural wonders.

Beach Resorts: Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, Albena, Kavarna, Nessebar, and Sozopol are popular with the best time to visit in the summer. Ski Resorts: Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo offer fantastic skiing conditions from December to March. Spa Resorts: Velingrad, Sandanski, Separeva Banya, Hisarya, Devin are renowned for their mineral springs, ideal for relaxation year-round. Also if you like natural mud baths, you should visit Pomorie or Burgas and visit their lye and mud basins in open air. Travel Adventure Locations Mountain: Explore the Rila, Pirin and Rhodopa Mountains for hiking and breathtaking views. Seaside: Dive into water sports in Varna or Tsarevo, Lozenets, Sozopol or anywhere else along the seacoast. Cultural Travel Locations: Dive into Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage in places like Plovdiv's Old Town or the Valley of the Thracian Kings.

Foods Shopska Salad: A traditional Bulgarian salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and white cheese (sirene). Banitsa: A pastry made with layers of filo dough, eggs, and cheese, often served for breakfast or as a snack. Kebapche: Grilled minced meat (usually beef or pork) mixed with spices and shaped into sausage-like rolls, served with flatbread. Lukanka: is a type of Bulgarian cured sausage, similar to salami, made from ground pork meat with various spices, usually served sliced thinly as an appetizer or snack. It's a popular delicacy in Bulgaria and can be found throughout the country. Tarator: A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and walnuts, perfect for hot summer days. Lyutenitsa: A spread made from roasted peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant, seasoned with garlic and spices, often enjoyed with bread or as a condiment. Kavarma: A stew made with meat (usually pork or chicken), vegetables, and spices, slow-cooked for rich flavor. Sarmi: Cabbage (or grape) leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, minced meat, and spices, then simmered until tender. Meshana Skara: A mixed grill platter featuring various grilled meats such as kebapche, kyufte (meatballs), and pork chops. Bob Chorba: A hearty bean soup made with beans, onions, carrots, peppers, and spices, often served with a dollop of yogurt. Tikvenik: A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough and a filling of grated pumpkin, sugar, and walnuts, typically enjoyed during the autumn months. Kiselo Mljako (Bulgarian Yogurt): Bulgarian yoghurt is a traditional Bulgarian dairy food, a hallmark of the country and well known worldwide, produced by microbial lactic acid fermentation of pasteurized milk, inoculated with a starter culture of only two lactic acid bacterial species - Lactobacillus bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus) and Streptococcus thermophilus. Kapama: A hearty and festive dish made with slow-cooked meat (usually pork or lamb), sauerkraut, and various spices is ta dish raditionally cooked in the area of Bansko and the region. It's often prepared during special occasions and in the winter season. Tutmanik: A type of savory pastry filled with cheese and often served at breakfast or as a snack.

Drinks Rakia: Very strong (usually 40-42% alcohol) fruit brandy, often made from grapes, plums, or apricots, and considered the national drink of Bulgaria. So, if you don’t try it, it’s like you never been in Bulgaria. Ayran: A refreshing yogurt (see Kiselo Mljako) based drink mixed with water and salt, commonly consumed alongside meals. Boza: A thick, slightly fermented drink made from wheat, corn, or millet, with a sweet and tangy flavor. Menta: A popular soft drink similar to lemonade but flavored with mint syrup, offering a refreshing taste. Mastika: An anise-flavored liqueur typically enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif, often served with appetizers. Bulgarian Wine: Bulgaria has a long history of winemaking, producing a variety of red, white, and rosé wines from indigenous grape varieties like Mavrud and Melnik. Mineral Water: Bulgaria is known for its numerous natural mineral springs, offering a wide range of mineral waters with reputed health benefits. Bozhi Dar: A herbal tea made from a mixture of mountain herbs, believed to have medicinal properties and commonly consumed for its soothing effects. Herbal Teas: Bulgaria is known for its herbal teas made from local herbs like mountain tea (sideritis), chamomile, and sage, often enjoyed for their medicinal properties as well as their taste. Also, Bulgaria is the biggest exporter of herbs in Europe. Rose Liqueur: Produced in the Rose Valley, this sweet and aromatic liqueur is made from the famous Bulgarian roses and is a delightful after-dinner drink.

Average Weekly Budget for Accommodation: Hostel: €100 - €150 per week Hotel: €300 - €550 per week (Depends on season, location and category) Average Daily Budget for Food: Street Food: €10 - €15 Restaurant: €15 - €35 (Depends on season, location and category) Best Season to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October): Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer tourists.

As you embark on your Bulgarian adventure, prepare to be enchanted by the country's diverse offerings. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a food enthusiast, Bulgaria promises an unforgettable journey. Embrace the warmth of its people, savor the flavors of its cuisine, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty that is Bulgaria. Your next great adventure awaits!

Bulgaria