Bulgaria 

Since the early 1990’s Bulgaria has morphed into a more modern version of itself, attracting tourists with its cheap skiing, beach holidays on the Black Sea coast, bustling capital Sofia, dramatic mountains, haven-like monasteries, Roman and Byzantine ruins, and excellent coffee. In the villages you can still find folk who ride a donkey to work, eat homegrown potatoes and make their own cheese – the difference now is that dinner is eaten in front of a satellite TV. 

 

April to mid-June (spring) 

 

• Skiing down Bulgaria’s affordable snowy peaks 

• Sipping full-bodied aromatic coffee in a Sofia café 

• Walking through the strikingly beautiful Rila Mountains, encountering deers, wild goats, eagles and falcons among the forests of fir trees and beechwoods. 

• Basking on the beach at Burgas on the Black Sea coast 

• Sampling a glass of dark red wine in Melnik in a centuries-old wine bar cut into the rocks 

• Reflecting and contemplating life at revered Rila Monastery, a significant symbol of national identity 

Eat 

Kyopolou, baked eggplant with garlic and walnuts, a Varna specialty 

 

A glass of red wine, a tradition in Bulgaria since 6th century BC 

 

There are over 160 monasteries; rose oil is a major export; Bulgaria is the world’s fifth larges exporter of wine. 

 

• Breakfast with Sofia 

• Sofia’s food, heritage and culture tour 

 

• Home cooked Varna – enjoy a home cooked meal with a local family