Sofia – The capital of Bulgaria, this compact city with its mix of architectural styles was largely rebuilt after WWII. Fortunately not all the beautiful old buildings were destroyed and today all who care to visit can appreciate them.The city’s largest cathedral, Sveta Nedelya, was restored after a 1924 bomb attempt killed most of the cabinet. The 14th century church of St Petka Samardjiiska with its lovely frescoes in the nave is a ‘must see’, so too is the National Museum of History. From churches and mausoleums to fashionable avenues and parks this lovely city has something for everyone.

Nesebar - Once an active trading post, today this little town survives on fishing and tourism. Located on a rocky peninsula connected to the mainland, the cobbled streets are lined with stone and timber houses. Due to its quaintness and relaxed atmosphere, the town is filled with tourists during summer.

Rila Mountains – Having the highest mountain in the Balkan Peninsula, Musala Peak, these mountains are a hiker’s dream. Rila Monastery nestled in a narrow valley 74 miles from Sofia, helped to keep Bulgarian culture alive during the Turkish rule of the area from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The magnificent Church attached to the monastery has three great domes, 1200 frescoes depicting biblical figures and gilded iconostasis depicting biblical scenes.

Veliko Tarnovo – Picturesque houses cling to the cliffs of this university city as the Yantra River winds through a gorge in the city centre. Seeped in history and tradition with its churches, museums and cobble streets, it is also a buzzing and exciting town with its huge student population.

Rodopi Mountains - Home to Bulgaria’s most isolated, ethnically diverse communities, the landscape is spectacular with its gorges, steep rocky slopes, tiered fields and pine forests. The ski resort of Pamporovo is very popular with English and German tourists.

 

Varvara - Every summer the beach in this tiny fishing community is transformed when artists and alternative lifestylers move onto the fields above to spend their holidays in stick and leaf shelters. Buying their supplies of fish and vegetables from the locals, the beach is turned into a ‘hippie’ party all summer long.

 

 

The bus and train networks are cheap and extensive but totally illogical. Timetables often do not correspond with arrivals and departures, there are mysterious cancellations and the office staff can be rude and unhelpful. In spite of this, as long as you’re not holidaying to deadlines these modes of transport are the best way to get around. Look past the filthy seats, the soft-porn wallpaper and the pop music from yesteryear. You will arrive at your destination, eventually.