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Early Payment Discount !
Early Payment Discount on Daily Rental Rates on all products!
If you book and pay in full by 3rd September 2010
Only Available for bookings valued over $1,000
(Offer only applies if you pay by Bank Transfer, Cheque or Cash)
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* Terms & Conditions apply, please contact us for details.
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Bulgaria Information
Copyright Used by Permission Neva Micheva
Bulgaria is a country in Eastern Europe on the western side of the Black Sea. It is surrounded by Romania to the north, Serbia to the northwest, the Republic of Macedonia to the southwest, Greece to the south, and Turkey to the southeast. Being located close to the Turkish Straits means the key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia pass through Bulgaria.
Sofia
The capital and a major point of interest in Bulgaria. It features nice parks, a nice town center, many bars, pubs, and disco clubs, over 250 historic landmarks and architectural monuments, and a great deal of cultural places of interest.
Sofia is a dynamic Eastern European capital, distinguished by its unique combination of European and Communist-style architecture as well as many beautiful orthodox churches. Furthermore, it claims to be one of the few European capitals with beautiful scenery and a developed ski-resort so close to it - the Vitosha mountain.
Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe with ruins spread across the city center. It was founded because of the quality of its mineral waters. In the city alone there are 7 independent mineral water springs. An interesting constellation can be seen in the city centre, where a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, a mosque and a synagogue are located at great proximity.
In the administrative center of Sofia the streets are covered with specific yellow pavement.
Churches of interest are the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral (and one of the largest orthodox churches worldwide), the Russian St. Nikolay, and the old ones St. Sofia, St. Petka, St. Georgi rotunda, St. Sedmochislenitsi, St. Paraskeva.
National Museum of History - The National Museum of History in Sofia contains more than 650,000 exhibits and is one of the largest history museums on the Balkans. The aim of the museum is to provide a comprehensive view on Bulgarian history from the prehistory to present, in as broad an European context as possible. Be prepared to spend several hours as the museum is quite large. About half of the exhibits have English captions.
Boyana Church - This small 14th-century church and garden is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The church contains some very well preserved Christian murals.
The Church of St. Sofia, which gave the city its name. It was built over an even older church which can be seen through glass in the floor.
The ruins of the ancient town of Serdica, located in the geographical centre of the city under the flags of the EU.
Plovdiv
The nation's second largest city. Boasts a lovely shopping promenade and many parks, an ancient city with a preserved amphitheater, and many "revival" style Bulgaria homes. Be sure also to take a side trip to Bachkovo Monastery which is about an hour away.
It is located in the large plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range, or Old Mountains (Stara Planina) that runs through the center of Bulgaria. Both ranges are visible on clear days. The Maritsa River flows through the city on its way southeast before forming the Greek/Turkey border to the Aegean Sea.
Plovdiv is an ancient city, with a history stretching at least 5000 years. Originally it had 7 tall hills, some of which were used for quarries. It was controlled by the Romans and was called Trimontium at that time (the Three Hills), and by Philip of Macedonia (father of Alexander the Great), lending the city another old name, Philipopolis.
The old center of Plovdiv is compact and walkable, with the main downtown road blocked to car traffic. There is a good collection of Bulgarian revival buildings in use as museums, hotels, and restaurants etc. and is worth a visit if you have chance. The nearby Roman Amphitheater, discovered in the 1970's during a construction project, is part of the pedestrian zone, and typically has merchants selling art and other items nearby. Wander the cobblestone streets near the downtown to find the centuries old St. Marina church with a unique wooden tower, a mosque from the Ottoman Empire, and on the nearby hill the old town center. The old town center was walled, and has a famous gateway entrance. Nearby Puldin Restaurant has subterranean rooms where the old wall and historic artifacts can be seen. Continuing up the hill several older houses are now museums and the Roman amphitheater with an overlook of the town below is partially restored and still used for concerts and other occasions.
To the south of the city there is the Bachkovo Monastery, still in use. Farther into the Rhodope mountains one can find ski resorts and other natural attractions, such as the impressively narrow gorge and caves leading to Trigrad, not far from the mountainous Greek border.
Varna
The nation's third largest city is a primary beach resort. The night life in Varna is notorious, especially during the summer season.
City landmarks include the Varna Archaeological Museum, exhibiting the Gold of Varna, a cache of chalcolithic grave-goods, which constitute the oldest gold treasure in the world, the large and well preserved Roman Baths, Wladyslaw Warnenczyk Park Museum, the Naval Museum, displaying the museum ship torpedo boat Drazki, the Museum of Ethnography.
The Sea Garden is the oldest and perhaps largest park containing the Varna Aquarium, the Varna Dolphinarium (opened 1984), the Nicolaus Copernicus Observatory and Planetarium], the Museum of Natural History, a terrarium, a zoo, and other attractions. The Garden is a national monument of landscape architecture.
The waterfront promenade underneath is lined by a string of beach clubs offering a vibrant (albeit noisy) scene of rock, hip-hop, American-style pop, house, and chalga (Bulgarian pop folk). The city beaches, also known as sea baths are dotted with hot sulphuric mineral springs and punctured by small sheltered marinas. Additionally, the 2.4 km long, 50 m high Asparuhov Most bridge is a popular spot for bungee jumping.
Notable old Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox churches include the metrpolitan Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral; the early 17th-century Theotokos Panagia; the St. Athanasius (former Greek etropolitan cathedral); the seamen's church of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker; the Archangel Michael's chapel; and the Sts. Constantine and Helena church of the 16th century suburban monastery of the same name.
Varna's centre was rebuilt in late 19th and the earlier half of the 20th century by the nascent Bulgarian middle class in Western style, with local interpretations of Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque, Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
Burgas
Known for its commercial port (Port of Burgas) and oil refinery. Picturesque waterside and nearby downtown and shopping area makes this city popular with tourists.
The city of Burgas developed after the beginning of the 20th century and most of the buildings in the city centre date from this time. The city Gallery of Fine Arts is hosted by a secession style synagogue.
The city has a huge park called Sea Garden (Morska gradina) with variety of green species and fantastic view to the Burgas Bay. The garden starts from the central bus and train station. There are small stairs to the sandy beach and in summer the coast id full of many coffees and nightclubs.
Walking in the garden little by little it becomes wilder and you reach the salt-pans. The 'salt-factories' produce many tons of salt every year. A small train runs across the salt-pans, riding it you can see how salt is made and refined.
Bourgas also has two universities and three colleges. The building of the Burgas Free University (private) is located in the city center and is one of the modern city landmarks. The Asen Zlatarov University main buildings are located at the west entrance of the city.
Rousse
More famous as the "Small Vienna", the city centre offers an unforgettable architectural ensemble that cannot be found any place else within Bulgaria. Present-day Rousse is the fifth largest Bulgarian city and is an important economic, financial and cultural hub. The city boasts various places of interest among which the Sexiginta Prista Roman Castle, The Theatre, The House of Caliopa, The Pantheon and so on.
Stara Zagora
Center of Stara Zagora province. With more than 8000 years of history, it is one of the oldest continuously populated places in Europe. Center of booming industry, remarkable cultural life and numerous tourist attractions, the beauty of the city of linden continue to be an appealing destination for travelers. Don't miss the Roman Villa Mosaics, the Neolithic Dwellings, the Regional Art Gallery, the countless coffee-shops and art-galleries, which give the city the feeling of a small Paris.
Vratsa
One of the most picturesque cities in Bulgaria. The town is an important economic and administrative, tourist and cultural center. It is the biggest city in North-western Bulgaria. Sights include the historical museum, the Ledenika cave and the Mountain Passage 'Vratsata'.
Shumen
Consists mostly of new buildings, but there is a small area with nice older buildings. Half of the boulevard is pedestrian area with a lot of cafes and night life. In the surroundings: See the Madara Horseman carved into the cliff wall. It is one of Bulgaria's UNESCO world heritage sites. There are Thracian tombs and the two of the ancient capitals of the Bulgarian Kingdoms - Pliska and Preslav. South West of Shumen close to Kotel, there is a nice village, Medven, with old wooden houses, a nice little waterfall, and a good restaurant and hotel (30 leva for a double room).
Veliko Turnovo
A beautiful city along a winding river, the former capital of Bulgaria in the middle ages. The original city castle and walls are reconstructed. Be sure also to visit nearby Arbanassi.
A town with rich history, Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and has long traditions in the culture of Bulgaria. The city is rich in museums and historical sites, combined with vivacious night life propelled by the students in one of the largest universities in Bulgaria.
Sliven
Well known for its permanent winds and blue rocks which can be observed from the city. A good place for quality golf at a reasonable price.
Smolyan
Preferred destination for holiday makers and nature lovers, this municipality town is famous for its planetarium center, drama theater, historical museum. Several kilometers away is the ski resort of Pamporovo. Numerous houses and churches from 17th-19th centuries have been preserved up to the present day. Some of them are: "Pangalov’s house" (1860), "Sgurov’s house" (1866), "Alibeev’s town- hall" (1751), "Kelev’s house" (1860), etc.
Vidin
A lovely city on the bank of Danube river situated in extreme North-west Bulgaria. Vidin used to be an important Bulgarian city, a bishop seat and capital of a large province later it became the most important port and fortress on Danube river within the Ottoman empire. Vidin's main landmark - The Baba Vida fortress, was built in the period from the 10th to the 14th century. Vidin boasts two well-preserved medieval fortresses, Baba Vida and Kaleto, as well as many old Orthodox churches such as St Pantaleimon, St Petka (both 17th century), and St Greatmartyr Demetrius (19th century), a Jewish synagogue (1894), a mosque and a library of Osman Pazvantoglu (late 18th century), the cruciform barracks of 1798, and a number of old Renaissance buildings. A boat trip down the river or a walk along its banks is an unforgettable experience.
Belogradchik
See the remnants of an old Roman outpost in the Bulgarian northwest. Interesting rock formations make it a popular destination for avid climbers, even if it is slightly off the beaten track.
Belogradchik Rocks, Bulgaria's most spectacular rock formations covering an area of 90 sq. km. Some of the best views of the rocks are from the main square, the top of the fortress, the town park or along one of the many hiking trails.
Belogradchik Fortress, built into the towering rocks on the hilltop overlooking the town. The fortress, also called Kaleto, was begun by the Romans in the 1st-3rd centuries, continued by the Bulgarians and later completed by the Turks in the 19th century. From the top of the fortress, there are spectacular views of the surrounding hills and rock formations.
Kurdzhali
The city is located below a huge dam, with many historical and ancient sites. Make sure to see the ancient city and fortress Perperikon, the temple and tomb at Tatul and the artificial astronomic cave near the village of Nenkovo. Also of interest is the local history museum and Kardzhali dam.
Velingrad
The city is surrounded by the Rhodope Mountains. There are more than 70 mineral springs nearby, making it the city with the most mineral springs in a country rich with these vital waters.
Gabrovo
A place to visit is the House of Humour and Satire. Be sure to visit also the museum in Etura - an open air museum that is actually an old-style Bulgarian village, displaying traditional crafts and food. The ethnographical village of Bozhenci is located near Gabrovo. There is a monument in honor of a battle for the liberation of Bulgaria visible from the city at Mount Shipka. Not far away is also Dryanovo Monastery, located in a beautiful canyon.
Kazanluk
See the famous Bulgarian rose oil being made - it is best to visit in May or June. There is Thracian tomb near Kazanlak which can be visited. In a village called Shipka near Kazanlak there is a very beautiful Russian church built in memory of the Russian soliders who fell in the battle of Shipka Pass.
Asenovgrad
A small city close to Plovdiv at one of the entrances of Rhodope Mountains, famous for its Pamid red wine. It is also the city with most churches per capita in the country. Be sure to visit the Castle of Asen and Bachkovo Monastery to the south of the city.
Melnik
Sample wonderful red wines from the region, see the sand pyramids, and take the long hike to Rozhen Monastery. The clay ('mel') peaks that surround the town give it it's name. The town has strictly kept the local architecture.
Nesebar
Beautiful small town on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast a few hours south of Varna. Another one of Bulgaria's many UNESCO world heritage sites. A huge part of the ancient city of Messembria (the old city of Nesebar, located on the ex-island) has sunk under water. When counting the numerous sunken ones, Nesebar becomes the city with most churches per capita in Bulgaria.
Sozopol
Together with Nesebur these are two sea towns with traditional houses and ancient dig sites. In the beginning of September the city hosts the well-known Apollonia festival of arts .
Bansko
A beautiful old town in the Pirin mountains with refurbished homes, stone wall, and cobblestone streets, but increasingly being overtaken by resort hotels, as Bansko is a major ski destination in South-East Europe. The highest peak of Pirin Mountain (Vihren - 2916m) is at a day's walk from the city. In the middle of August, the Bansko Jazz Festival is held here. Not far away from Bansko, there are hot-water mineral springs, located at the villages of Banya and Ognianovo.
Semkovo
A mountain resort 17 km to the north of the town of Belitsa. It’s situated south of the main ridges of the Rila Mountains, nestling in a wide field among pine forests.
Chiprovtsi
A quaint mountain town in the Northwest that is famous for its carpets. Known locally as "kilimi", the carpets are hand-woven on vertical looms. Relax and watch a weaving demonstration, participate in a weaving class, or enjoy a hike to the nearby Chiprovtsi Waterfall.
The Historical Museum of Chiprovtsi - A museum featuring exhibitions on goldsmithing artifacts from the 16th and 17th centuries, the development and decline of mining through the centuries, the role of Catholicism during the 17th century, painted icons, and the development of carpet weaving from the 18th century to the present.
The Valley of the Thracian Kings
A region including the UNESCO heritage site The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, numerous other burial tombs from V to II C. B.C., including the Kosmatka Tomb, where several gold and bronze artifacts were found by Prof. Kitov. The Regional Museum of Kazanlak displays enormous amount of finds from more than 12 royal tombs.
Koprivshtitsa
Although its name might be difficult to pronounce for many foreigners, Koprivshtitsa is a beautiful old Bulgarian village - certainly a must to visit if you are in this area.
Pamporovo
One of the most famous winter resorts in south-eastern Europe. It is recommended that it is visited during the summer because of the beauty of the Rhodope Mountains at that time of year. Pamporovo is a favoured destination for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and all those who like holidays amid these beautiful mountains. The view from ski slopes of Mount Snejanke is spectacular. The tower on top of the mountain stands another 110 m providing an even better view. On clear days you can see as far as the Greek coast.
Rila
Home of some of the most beautiful monasteries. The most famous one and a must see is the Rila Monastery. Rila is also the highest mountain in the Balkan pennisula with highest peak mount Musala (2925 m). A very beautiful site to visit is the region of the 7 Rila lakes, which is considered holy to the White Brotherhood and attracts pilgrims in Summer and on their "Days of the New Year" in August.
Balkan
This is the mountain that separates Bulgaria's north from the south. The route runs from its mount Kom to the cape of Emine at Black Sea. Near to its highest mount Botev is located the waterfall of Raiskoto praskalo (Paradise's shower).
Hissar
A nice little town a bit north of Plovdiv, known ever since roman times because of its mineral springs. The water is bottled under the brand name Hissar and you can also visit the local spa for a hot bath. The central parts of the town are surrounded by an impressive city wall from roman times, which is still in good shape. You can easily visit the Balkan mountain range and Koprivshtitsa from this base.
Iskrets
A small Bulgarian village near Sofia (about 50 kilometres in the North direction). There is many caves and beautiful nature. Iskrets is located in sunny valley and surrounded by stately pinewood. Also, there is a sanatorium built in the early XX century by Bulgarian tzar Ferdinand. It's located in the garden of the old monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". Iskrets is a birthplace of the popular french singer - Sylvie Vartan.
Driving in Bulgaria
If traveling by car, it would be helpful if you can read the Cyrillic alphabet at least a bit. Most signs have the direction shown in Latin letters, but some don't.
Driving in Bulgaria can be a bit precarious - many roads do not have defined lanes, are not well marked, and are in poor conditions. Locals often do not observe speed limits and do not signal when changing lanes.
When travelling on the road Sofia-Greece, be very careful. There is extensive road reconstruction and you can meet some really dangerous drivers.
From Sofia to Plovdiv, Chirpan and Dimitrovgrad, there is a highway with 2 or 3 lanes per direction.
If you observe the rules, police will not bother you. Bulgarian police have white Opel Astra patrol cars, marked "POLICE" with blue letters - keep that in mind, because in the past there have been several cases of fake police officers stopping cars and robbing travellers.
Never ever drink and drive in Bulgaria! This is always dangerous, and your first offence will result in a long prison sentence. The once-common practice of bribing a police officer to get out of a speeding or parking ticket is becoming the exception.
Car theft isn't much of a risk, but shouldn't be underestimated. In rural areas leaving your car should be safe, but in the big cities or tourist spots, it is advisable to stay on the safe side by parking either on the major streets or on guarded garages, where fees range from 6 leva a day to 2 leva an hour. If you plan to spend more time in one city, it might be better to rent a parking space, which on the average costs 60 leva a month. Most hotels have their own parking, and even at private lodgings it is often possible to park the car in the garden or so, just ask.
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