Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country, small in size but rich in ancient culture, scenic splendour, friendly people and old-fashioned warmth and hospitality.  Situated in the south east of Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is not not only popular for its ski resorts but also for its Black Sea resorts, with their sandy beaches and sunny climate.

The essential character of the country is to be found in its spectacular mountainous regions. The six very different ranges vary from high, snow-covered peaks to gentle green slopes and forests, harbouring thermal springs and mineral spas, and valleys where the air bears the fragrance of flowers and herbs. The Valley of Roses lies in the heart of Bulgaria and is the largest producer of rose oil in the world, giving root to Bulgaria's nickname 'Land of Roses'. At the foot of the Vitosha Mountains lies the laid back capital city, Sofia, boasting a great number of architectural monuments and museums. The rugged heights of the Rila and Pirin mountains form a spectacular setting for ski resorts, as well as the famous Rila Monastery and the majestic landscape of the Pirin National Park, a World Cultural and National Heritage site. Crossing the entire country is the Balkan Range, a 435-mile (700km) chain that offers some of the best hiking in Europe.

As varied as the different mountain ranges are the people who dwell in them, with distinctive customs, crafts and colourful festivals, folklore, religious beliefs and speech. Small picturesque villages welcome guests with typical warm-hearted Bulgarian hospitality, sharing age-old traditions and traditional cooking, and a delight in their pastoral environment.

Bulgaria's history is displayed across the country in its old towns, ancient Thracian relics and treasures, decorated churches and monasteries, and in the rustic settlements that have preserved the traditional beliefs of its people. One of the country's biggest assets for visitors is its variety, but whatever aspect one chooses to explore, there is always the assurance of a warm welcome.

dancing bear reserve

The reserve is located 16km away from the town of Belitsa a 40 minute drive from Bansko.  Opened 5 years ago and sponsored by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and an Austrian Conservation group, the park hosts 13 bears and offers a natural habitat. 

sandanski

Sandanski is an internationally renowned climatic and health resort situated in the foothills of the Pirin Mountains and is one of Bulgaria’s best spa resorts. A combination of clean air, mild climate, beautiful surroundings and natural mineral springs makes it an ideal town for rehabilitation, recreation and spa treatments. The town is famous for its treatment of respiratory problems, particularly bronchial asthma, but the comprehensive balneo-climatic treatments also have beneficial effects on numerous other conditions. Sandanski hosts several festivals throughout the year and is a point of departure to various attractions in the Pirin Mountains.

rila monastery

The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains and is one of the most significant monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Rila Monastery was founded by a hermit, St John of Rila, in the 10th century, and eventually became a monastic complex that played a primary role in the spiritual history of medieval Bulgaria. Having survived fire, abandonment and plunder, the monastery fascinates visitors today with its exquisite architecture, rich murals and icons and valuable museum collection, including old manuscripts, jewellery, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books.

belogradchik castle

Belogradchik, is most famed for its amazingly gothic and surreal rocks and fortress it is also a city and can be reached by either road or train.

banya geyser and geothermal spas

One of the most active geysers in the world, is located in the town of Banya, erupting approximately every 10 minutes.  Its also one of the hottest in Europe at a staggering 103C.  This heated water was tapped in 1957 and used to fill municipal baths.