Bulgaria Travel Guide

Bulgaria OVERVIEW

It's safe to say Bulgaria is a true jack-in-the-box. At first you're taken aback, then laugh your head off to finally discover the real present is still to come. After all, what's it like to see a donkey-drawn cart dodging the traffic in the capital, or observe a barefooted dance on smoldering embers (nestivarstvo ritual), and then kick your shoes off in Varna's Golden Sands to enjoy the bliss that only the Black Sea coast can give?

Situated right at the crossroads, where the East and West intersect, Bulgarian territory has hosted many civilizations, each leaving a distinctive mark on the country's overall character and heritage. Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, and Ottomans, they all contributed to Bulgaria's prominent position among top tourist destinations. UNESCO Heritage Sites, such as the Rila Monastery, ancient Nesebar or the rock-hewed Churches of Ivanovo are gateways to the country's old days while the cities blend the 19th century charm with comfortable modernity. Along mind-boggling architectural highlights, Sofia boasts extensive nightlife scene, Varna spoils tourists with plentiful wine, and Plovdiv hosts countless musical, theatrical and film events.

Geographically, Bulgaria features not less notable diversity with the landscape comprising picturesque bays, fabulous river gorges, snow-capped peaks, continental plains and peaceful wildlife reserves. Climbers scale the granite walls of Rila, Pirin and the Balkan, hikers explore the Rhodopes, bikers pedal through sleepy villages, and nature lovers raise their heads up high to marvel at the ornithological riches of Srebarna Nature Reserve.

And what you get as a bonus to your holiday package is perpetual sun, food that will blow your taste buds (as opposed to your budget), genuine hospitality mixed with Balkan temperament and inherent affection for relaxed, innocuous flirting. It's fun, beautiful, inexpensive, and fairly easy to travel around. Is there anything else you need? We really don't think so.