Bulgaria is one of Eastern Europe’s most rewarding destinations. The country is an architectural treasure trove of gold-domed churches, frescoed monasteries, elegant Renaissance houses and impressive Roman ruins. Bulgaria doesn’t disappoint in the scenic stakes either, with lush forests, gorgeous mountains and pretty timber-framed villages. The nation’s ski resorts are extremely popular in the winter months, while its sandy Black Sea beaches are the perfect place to soak up the summer sun.

Key Highlights

East meets West in Sofia, a vibrant city where exquisite Byzantine architecture shares the skyline with no-nonsense Socialist structures and glittering 5-star hotels. Too often overlooked by travellers, Bulgaria’s cosmopolitan capital boasts 2700-year-old city walls, fabulous museums and the world’s second-largest Orthodox cathedral.

Plovdiv is a charming city of Roman ruins, Renaissance-era buildings and funky bars and cafes. A stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town will lead you to superb galleries, fine restaurants and fabulous old churches, while an opera performance in the beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatre is simply unforgettable.

In Depth

Home to the highest peaks in the Balkans, the Rila mountain range delights visitors with crystalline lakes and fantastic ski resorts. The 10th-century Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s finest buildings, boasting huge domes, elegant frescoes and exquisite gold-plated woodcarvings.