Sofia is the capital and the largest city of Bulgaria, with more than 7000 years of history. The city is located in the western part of Bulgaria in the Sofia Valley, at an altitude of approximately 550 meters above sea level. The valley is situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. Sofia spreads over a territory of 1,311 sq. km. and has many mineral springs.

Explore Sofia, the capital and the largest city in Bulgaria, with more than 7000 years of history. The city is located in the western part of Bulgaria in the Sofia Valley, at an altitude of approximately 550 meters above sea level. The valley is situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. Sofia spreads over a territory of 1,311 sq. km. and has many mineral springs.

Over the years, Sofia has changed significantly. Nowadays, it is a vibrant city with its unique spirit, multicultural environment, and hidden gems. In 2013, Sofia was ranked as the most affordable capital to visit in Europe. Therefore, if you decide to visit and explore Sofia, there are a huge variety of possibilities for your stay. From large international and national hotel chains to small family-run hotels, hostels, and Airbnb, there is something for everyone.

There are many things that you can do, visit and explore in Sofia. For example, in 1979, the Boyana Church in Sofia was included on the World Heritage List, holding much patrimonial symbolism for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Moreover, Sofia is home to the National Opera and Ballet of Bulgaria, the National Palace of Culture, the Vasil Levski National Stadium, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Serdica Amphitheatre. In addition, when you get hungry, Sofia offers many exciting places where you can have a taste of the local or international cuisine.

Nowadays, Sofia hosts some 1.24 million residents within a territory of 492 km, a concentration of 17.9% of the country's population. The urban area of Sofia hosts some 1.54 million residents within 5723 km², which comprises Sofia City Province and parts of Sofia Province. Nonetheless, the Thracian town arose around 7000 years ago from the ancient Neolithic settlements that were established around the thermal springs that have been preserved until today.

Later, the Romans named the town Serdica after its inhabitants, the ancient Thracian tribe of Serdi. Some findings from this epoch give evidence to the presence of a flourishing Thracian settlement in the historical city centre of Sofia, which remains in the same location to present days. The population of Sofia declined from 70,000 in the late 18th century, through 19,000 in 1870, to 11,649 in 1878, after which it began increasing. 

Another interesting fact is that Sofia, unlike many other European capitals, is not located near a large river, but it is surrounded by comparable high mountains in all directions. There are three mountain passes, which have been important roads since antiquity, that lead to Sofia city. Therefore, a fascinating place to visit and explore in close proximity to Sofia is Vitosha Mountain, where you can enjoy stunning views of Sofia from above and participate in many nature activities.

Sofia

Explore Sofia, the capital and the largest city in Bulgaria. The vibrant and ancient Bulgarian capital has more than 7000 years of history

Let's Explore Sofia

Visit Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria, located in the historical region of Thrace. Plovdiv is the cultural capital of Bulgaria and is an important economic, transport, cultural, and educational center. The evidence of habitation in ancient Plovdiv dates back to the 6th millennium BC. Therefore, Plovdiv is considered the oldest inhabited city in Europe.

Plovdiv is situated on the two banks of the Maritsa river, and it is surrounded by a fertile region of south-central Bulgaria. When Bulgarians speak about Plovdiv, quite often they call it by the name "The City of the Seven Hills". The reason is that the city developed on seven syenite hills throughout the centuries. Furthermore, if you decide to visit Plovdiv, you will find that there is plenty to do. The ancient city is a host to numerous cultural events, such as Opera Open, the TV festival "The Golden Chest", Kapana Fest, the international theatrical festival "A Stage on a Crossroad" and the International Fair Plovdiv.

According to some findings, the earliest signs of habitation in the area of ancient Plovdiv date back to the 6th millennium BC. Archaeologists have discovered traces of inhabitation and necropolises from the Neolithic era (around 6000–5000 BC) and objects of everyday life from the end of the 4th millennium BC. Other interesting findings in the territory of Plovdiv include Thracian necropolises from the 2nd–3rd millennium BC. Moreover, archaeologists have estimated that the Thracian town was established between the 2nd and the 1st millennium BC.

The history of Plovdiv spans more than eight millennia. Therefore, when you visit Plovdiv and walk around the city, you will discover many preserved ruins, such as: the ancient Plovdiv Roman Theatre – built at the beginning of the 2nd century; a Roman Odeon – the ruins of the building in its latest layout dated to the mid-3rd century; a Roman aqueduct; the Plovdiv Roman Stadium-with seats for about 30 000 people; the archaeological complex of Eirene from the 3rd–4th century, and others. 

According to historians, at the beginning of the 18th century, the steady economic development of Plovdiv as a major economic center began. During the 19th century, Plovdiv experienced a real National Revival process in the spiritual and economic areas. During that period, the astonishing architectural type of the Plovdiv National Revival House was born. Some of the most notable houses from that period are the Fournadzhiev house, the Klianti house, the Balabanov house, the Kouyoumdjiev house, and others.

Nowadays, Plovdiv is a vibrant and romantic city with many hidden gems where ancient and modern meet. Personally, one of my favorite places to visit in Plovdiv is the Kapana district. This is a place where, after a long walk around the ancient Plovdiv, you can sit and have a taste of the fruitful and magnificent wines made in the local area, accompanied by delicious food.

Plovdiv

Visit Plovdiv and explore this ancient and romantic Bulgarian city. Plovdiv is the cultural capital of Bulgaria and the oldest inhabited city in Europe.

Visit Plovdiv, The Ancient  Bulgarian city

Nestled in the heart of Sredna Gora Mountain is the picturesque museum town of Koprivshtitsa. The charming town is known for the beauty of the surrounding nature, the impressive architecture, and the historical significance for the Bulgarian culture. The Old Town imbued with history attract visitors with various festivals and refreshing atmosphere of the mountain nature.

Nestled in the heart of Sredna Gora Mountain at an altitude of 1,030 m is the picturesque museum town of Koprivshtitsa. The charming old town is known for the beauty of its surrounding nature, its impressive architecture, and its historical significance for Bulgarian culture. Throughout the year, many people visit Koprivshtitsa, attracted by the quintessential atmosphere of the Old Town, imbued with history, the various festivals and events, and the refreshing atmosphere of the beautiful mountain nature. The journey to Koprivshtitsa itself is a beautiful experience through the Sredna Gora mountains and reveals many spectacular and picturesque views.

Koprivshtitsa is located in the valley of the Topolnica River. Therefore, during the summer, the weather is cool and delightful. The sun heats up the mountain but the air in the valley remains cooler. Thus, while walking over the cobbled stone streets, a man can truly find inner peace and relaxation by enjoying the fresh mountain breeze and the tranquil atmosphere of the town. The walk around Koprivshtitsa's museum town feels like a real-time time travel to the past of this beautiful hidden mountain gem. During the summer, there are various festivals and concerts.

Some of the most notable festivals are the celebrations of Koprivshtitsa in the beginning of May, The National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore held once every 5 years between 12th and 15th August, The Golden Bulgarian Gaida, The Master of Arts festival, which was held for the first time in 2021, and throughout the year there are some other festivals. Thus, the quiet, beautiful Museum Town turns into a lively place where a man can hear music and joy from every corner of Koprivshtitsa, made by the many people coming from all over to enjoy the celebrations of the charming Museum Town.

Nevertheless, Koprivshtitsa is suitable for visits throughout the entire year. For instance, in the spring, when nature wakes up after the long winter dream, a man can truly appreciate the beauty of the surrounding environment, the bloom of the mountain flowers, the fresh smell of the lavish green areas of the region, and the divine songs of the birds coming from the forests not far away from the town.

During the autumn, visitors to Koprivshtitsa can experience the pure celebration of colours created by nature while travelling through the Sredna Gora mountain for a walk back to the past around the picturesque and colourful Museum-Town. The winters are cold, the beautiful houses and trees are covered with heavy snow. On sunny days, however, the town reveals its charming atmosphere, and the winter magic takes over the entire Koprivshtitsa.

Some of the most notable people born in Koprivshtitsa are: Nayden Gerov – writer, Yoakim Gruev – teacher and translator, Lyuben Karavelov – writer, Georgi Benkovski – revolutionary, Petko Karavelov – politician, Todor Kableshkov – revolutionary, Dimcho Debelyanov – poet. Nowadays, Koprivshtitsa has preserved the image of the Bulgarian Revival period. It was pronounced a museum town in 1952 and in 1971 became an architectural and historical reserve. Therefore, for every visitor of this charming town that wants to learn more about the history, it is recommended to visit the museum houses that reveal the true significance of Koprivshtitsa.

Koprivshtitsa

Enjoy the beautiful nature and the unique architecture of Koprivshtitsa. The charming museum town is located 100 km East from the Bulgarian capital Sofia

Visit The Beautiful Museum Town of Koprivshtitsa

Ruse is the fifth largest city in Bulgaria. It is known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture. The Ruse-Giurgiu Friendship Bridge, until 14 June 2013 was the only one in the shared Bulgarian-Romanian section of the Danube, crosses the river here. Ruse is also the birthplace of the Nobel laureate in Literature Elias Canetti and the writer Michael Arlen.

Visit Ruse, the fifth largest city in Bulgaria with a population of about 150 000 people. Ruse is located in northeastern Bulgaria on the right bank of the Southern Danube River. Therefore, to the north of Ruse is the Danube River. The river is the natural border between Bulgaria and Romania. The Ruse-Giurgiu Friendship Bridge crosses the river here and connects the two countries.

The city area has an elliptical shape and spans approximately 11 km along the river. Ruse has a distinct central area, residential areas, and two industrial areas. The industrial areas are named the East Zone and the West Zone, respectively, to reflect their location in the city. Furthermore, Ruse is known for its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, built in the 19th and 20th centuries. Ruse is also the birthplace of the Nobel laureate in literature, Elias Canetti, and the writer Michael Arlen.

Ruse (also found with the name Rousse) was established 23 centuries ago as a Thracian port. In the late 1st century, the city became the northern frontier of the Roman Empire under the name Sexaginta Prista (from Latin "port for 60 ships"). During the 17th century, the port of Ruse became an important trade centre between Central Europe and the Balkan area. Today, the ruins of Sexaginta Prista are an open-air museum exposition.

One of the many interesting place to visit in Ruse is the Regional Historical Museum. The Rousse Regional Historical Museum was established in 1904. However, the building of the museum was built between 1879 and 1882. The initial purpose of the building was to serve as the Palace of Knyaz Battenberg. Nevertheless, it never happened. The architect of the Battenberg Palace was Friedrich Grünanger from Vienna. 

Nowadays, the museum stores approximately 140,000 units, including excavations of the antique Danube castles of Yatrus and Sexaginta Prista, and the medieval Bulgarian city of Cherven. Other items include a collection of urban clothing, china, glass, and silver from the end of the 19th through the beginning of the 20th century.

When you visit Ruse and walk around the city center, you can enjoy the notable architectural heritage inspired by the broadminded spirit of its citizens. At the beginning of the 20th century, many well-known architects from all over Europe were invited to shape the remarkable architectural environment of Ruse. Nowadays, many of the preserved, heritage-listed buildings in Ruse have the European Heritage label. Some interesting places to visit and explore in the region of Ruse are the Rock-hewn churches of Ivano part of the UNESCO heritage list, and the Orlova Chuka Cave, located in the Rusenski Lom Nature Park approximately 20 km from the city of Ruse. Other places to visit in the area of Ruse are the Besarabovo Monastery and the medieval fortress of Cherven.

Ruse

Visit Ruse, the fifth-largest city in Bulgaria known for its 19th and 20th century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture

Explore Ruse, The Beautiful Danubian City

Visit Troyan and discover the unnoticed hidden gem of Bulgaria. Even though, Troyan is not among the famous international destinations, there are several reasons why you should visit this charming mountain town. Troyan is a hidden spa treasure where you can connect with nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Troyan is located in the Valley of Osum River in the Central Balkan Mountains.

Visit Troyan and discover the unnoticed hidden gem of Bulgaria. Even though, Troyan is not among the famous international destinations, there are several reasons why you should visit this charming mountain town. Troyan is a hidden spa treasure where you can connect with nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Furthermore,  Troyan offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. The town of Troyan is nestled in the valley of the Osum River in the Central Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria. The town is 155 km from the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, and 120 km from Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria.

When you visit Troyan, you can also visit or stay at the village Chiflik, which is located not far away from the town of Troyan. The village Chiflik is famous for its hot mineral waters and spa. There are many hotels with open and closed pools. The place is popular not only because of the hot mineral springs but also because of the beautiful nature around the village Chiflik and the area. Visitors can fully escape from the busy and stressful lifestyle and find pleasure and relaxation in the tranquil atmosphere of the Troyan region.

Among the other interesting things that you can do and visit in Troyan is the Troyan Monastery. The Monastery was established around 1600 year. It is one of the biggest and oldest Bulgarian monasteries. The Troyan Monastery is surrounded by stunning nature and many mysterious legends.

Moreover, in the region of Troyan, there are several nature reserves: "The Goat Wall", "Steneto", and "The North Djendem". They are part of the famous for its unique flora and fauna national nature park, "The Central Balkans." Furthermore, in the territory of the reserve "The North Djendem", there are approximately 30 waterfalls with an altitude of above 20 metres. 

In the territory of the reserve "Steneto", there are many caves and many interesting and beautiful rock formations. A very famous place in the region, with its fascinating shape and a beautiful mountain view around it, is the rock known as "Krali Markovata dupka". The reserve "The Goat Wall" is the smallest one. However, you can enjoy the beauty of the Edelweiss flower in its natural environment. 

Troyan is also very famous for its centuries-old tradition of pottery and crafts, and for the production of premium-quality plum brandy (rakia). Thus, when you visit Troyan, you will not only enjoy the nature activities and spa facilities, but you will also have the opportunity to try the local "elixir". The Bulgarians called it "Troyanska Slivova rakia". Every year in Troyan, at the end of September, there is a festival of the plum and the famous national plum brandy.

Troyan

Visit Troyan and explore the tranquil and relaxed atmosphere of the Troyan Balkan in Bulgaria. Troyan is located 155 km from Sofia and 120 km from Plovdiv

Visit Troyan | Bulgarian Journey

Visit Shumen and discover the cradle of Bulgaria. The UNESCO site of the Madara Rider from the late 7th century carved into a rock is located not far from Shumen, and the first two Bulgarian capitals Pliska and The Great Preslav are within a 20-kilometers range around the city. Shumen is located 80 kilometers west of Varna in a group of hills in the northern outliers of the eastern Balkans.

Visit Shumen and discover the cradle of Bulgaria. Shumen is located 80 kilometers west of Varna in a cluster of hills in the eastern Balkan Mountains. The reason why the region of Shumen can be considered the cradle of Bulgaria is that the first two Bulgarian capitals, Pliska and the Great Preslav (Veliki Preslav), are within a 20-kilometer range around the city of Shumen. Additionally, about 20 kilometers from the city of Shumen is the late 7th-century rock carving of the Madara Rider, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.

When you visit Shumen, you will discover several places that signify the ancient origins of the city. One of those places is the ancient fortress of Shumen, located in the Shumen Plateau Nature Park. The visit to the ancient fortress of Shumen reveals not just the history of the city but also a beautiful view of Shumen from above. According to some findings, the first settlers of the area around Shumen were the Thracian tribes, who inhabited the land around 3000 years ago. Starting in the 12th century BC, the Thracians constructed the first village that was not fortified. 

However, according to archaeologists, Shumen's initial fortification was not built until the fifth century BC. The fortress of the old Shumen was made of unpolished stones and had walls that were around two meters thick. In the 2nd century AD, when the Romans conquered the territory, they constructed a military fortress over the ancient Thracian town of Shumen. When Khan Asparuh founded the first Bulgarian Kingdom, Pliska served as the capital of the first Bulgarian kingdom from 681-893. The distance between Pliska and Shumen is 27 kilometres. Therefore, the fortress of Shumen evolved from the 7th to the 10th century into a feudal city with a castle and an inner and outer defence zone. The capital of Bulgaria during the reign of Simeon the Great was the Great Preslav. The distance between the Great Preslav and Shumen is 18 kilometers. Thus, during the reign of Simeon the Great, Shumen was established as a cultural and religious centre. The Shumen fortress was built with 28 towers and bastions, three gates, five minor porticoes, and numerous churches and workshops. Furthermore, the Shumen fortress was also a significant military, administrative, and economic centre.

The city of Shumen also played a significant role in the Bulgarian National Revival period during the 19th century. Several notable cultural events were held in Shumen during that period, which were introduced for the first time in Bulgaria. For instance, the first theatrical performance was held in Shumen. The first Orthodox religious school for girls was established in 1828 in the city of Shumen. The first Bulgarian symphony orchestra was founded in Shumen in 1850, and a chitalishte and a girls' class school were established in 1856.

Some of the most interesting places to visit in Shumen are the old fortress of Shumen, the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria with its 1,300 stairs located in the Shumen Plateau Nature Park, the history museum of Shumen, which has a great collection of ancient jewellery treasures, and a short movie presenting the medieval fortress of Shumen. You can also visit the house museum of Pancho Vladigerov (musician, composer, and dirigent). Additionally, the famous Hungarian politician and revolutionary Lajos Kossuth spent part of his exile in Shumen. His home has been preserved and turned into a museum.

Other interesting things to visit in the area of Shumen are the Madara Rider, which, as mentioned previously, is a monument from the late 7th century carved into a rock; it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. The Madara Horserider is located in the small village of Madara, about 18 kilometers from the city of Shumen. Furthermore, when you visit Shumen, you can also visit Pliska, the first Bulgarian capital, and the Great Preslav, the capital of the golden ages of Bulgaria.

Shumen

Visit Shumen and learn more about the first capitals of Bulgaria. Explore the Madara Rider, part of the UNESCO heritage list, located in the area of Shumen

Visit Shumen. Discover the cradle of Bulgaria

Visit Melnik and discover the adorable atmosphere of the smallest town in Bulgaria, known for the grape variety Shiroka Melnishka and the wonderful Earth Pyramids around the town. Melnik is an architectural reserve and it is located 440 m above sea level in the Pirin Mountains, not far away from Blagoevgrad and Sandanski.

Visit Melnik and discover the adorable atmosphere of the smallest town in Bulgaria, known for the grape variety Shiroka Melnishka and the wonderful earth pyramids around the town. Melnik is nestled in a breathtaking area on the foothills of Pirin Mountains and offers a captivating blend of architectural beauty, historical significance, and stunning natural landscapes. 

When you visit Melnik, you will be enchanted by one of the town's most intriguing attractions, the Melnik Pyramids, an extraordinary natural phenomenon. The sandstone formations, with their captivating shapes, create a surreal landscape that invites nature lovers and enthusiasts. Additionally, during your visit to Melnik, as you wander through charming streets, you'll be delighted by the well-preserved traditional houses that seemingly emerge from the sandstone cliffs. 

The Melnik architectural style showcases the craftsmanship of the Bulgarian Revival period and provides a unique experience for your exploration of Bulgarian culture and customs. Take a leisurely walk around the tranquil and charming streets of Melnik and admire the intricate details of the houses, capturing glimpses of the Bulgarian revival period heritage. According to historians, during the Bulgarian revival period, Melnik flourished due to its wine production and exports of tobacco. During that period, Melnik was thriving as a center of craftsmanship and woodcarving. As a result, many schools and churches were built in the town. Nowadays, the population of Melnik is approximately 400 people, and 96 of the buildings in the town are cultural monuments.

Melnik's charm extends beyond its architectural and natural wonders. The town has a rich history, which you can dive into by visiting its historical churches and monuments. Explore the Melnik Museum, located in an old house-museum complex, and uncover the stories of the past. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales that shaped Melnik into the town it is today, from its medieval origins to its prominence as a center of winemaking.

No visit to Melnik is complete without experiencing its wines. The region's fertile vineyards produce exceptional grapes, resulting in the renowned Melnik wine. You can indulge yourself in wine tastings at local wineries, experiencing the distinct flavors that have made Melnik a cherished destination for wine lovers. Additionally, you will be able to learn about the winemaking process, meet passionate vintners, and immerse yourself in the wine culture that has thrived here for centuries.

Beyond its architectural and cultural treasures, Melnik also offers its visitors numerous possibilities for outdoor activities. You can explore the surrounding nature and embark on scenic hikes, where you will have the opportunity to discover the region's diverse flora and fauna and be captivated by the unspoiled beauty of the Melnik region. Moreover, the gorgeous Rozhen Monastery is just a few kilometers away from the adorable town of Melnik. Whether you seek cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, or a tranquil escape, Melnik offers it all. Let the town's unparalleled beauty and warm hospitality enchant you as you create unforgettable memories in this hidden Bulgarian gem.

Melnik

Visit Melnik and discover the adorable atmosphere of the smallest Bulgarian town known for its captivating Earth Pyramids of the Pirin Mountain and unique grape variety

Visit Melnik. Discover The Charm of Bulgaria's Hidden Gem

Visit the historic capital Veliko Tarnovo, nestled in the Balkan Mountains in the heart of Bulgaria, and discover the rich history of the medieval city, often referred to as the "City of the Tsars," the unique architectural styles, and the beautiful landscapes around it. Veliko Tarnovo's cultural heritage is a mosaic of Bulgarian traditions, arts, and folklore.

Visit the historic capital Veliko Tarnovo, nestled in the heart of Bulgaria, located on the Yantra River in the Balkan Mountains, and discover the rich history of the medieval city, often referred to as the "City of the Tsars." Veliko Tarnovo's cultural heritage is a mosaic of Bulgarian traditions, arts, and folklore. Thus, when you visit Veliko Tarnovo, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique architectural styles and the beautiful landscapes around it.

The old part of Veliko Tarnovo is rising between the meanders of the Yantra River and located on three hills: Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora. During the Second Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of Bulgaria. Therefore, when you visit the city, you will discover that the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors are located on Tsarevets Hill, as well as the Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cathedral, and a number of administrative and residential edifices surrounded by thick walls.

The hill Trapezitsa is famous for the numerous churches and his role as the primary residence for the nobles during the middle ages when Veliko Tarnovo was among the main European centers of culture, literature and art. The hill known as Sveta Gora, or Holy Mountain, served as a literary and spiritual center. There were several monasteries on the hill. Among them is the monastery "St. Mother of God Hodigitria", in which Patriarch Euthymius Bulgarian founded the Tarnovo Book School. Several monasteries were located in the "Ustiet" area. 

As Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire  (1185–1396), during that period the city was quasi-cosmopolitan, with many foreign merchants and envoys. Therefore, nowadays, when you visit the city, you will have the opportunity to visit historical museums, where you will encounter beautiful ancient artifacts and intriguing archaeological excavations. However, one of the most spectacular things to be seen is the “Tsarevgrad Turnov – Sound and Light” show.

Nevertheless, surrounded by the Balkan Mountains, Veliko Tarnovo offers not just historical marvels but also natural retreats. When you visit the city, you can explore nature parks, hike to the Hotnitsa Waterfall, and embrace outdoor adventures to connect with nature. In addition, you can visit Samovodska Charshiya, which is considered the city’s craftsmanship hub, where you can discover authentic souvenirs, local delicacies and dive into the charm of traditional Bulgarian folklore.

As you wander around Veliko Tarnovo or through the cobbled streets of Arbanasi Village, you'll encounter art galleries and hidden artistic gems. When you get hungry, you will have the possibility to experience the flavors of traditional Bulgarian cuisine in Veliko Tarnovo's charming cafes and restaurants and taste the local wine. Lastly but not least, you might have the chance to participate in an exciting event or a concert, as throughout the year, there are many festivals, concerts, and exhibitions held in the historic capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo.

Veliko Tarnovo

Visit Veliko Tarnovo, the historic capital of Bulgaria, and discover a gem nestled in the Balkan Mountains. Enjoy Sound and Light show of Tsarevets