Vitosha is a mountain massif located on the outskirts of Sofia in Bulgaria between 42°34′ N latitude and 23°17′E longitude at an elevation of 2292 meters. It is one of the top tourist destinations in Bulgaria and is ideal for hiking, skiing and alpinism.

Useful bus lines and rope ways are made it easy to access. There is a nature park in territory of the mountain that is the oldest nature park in the Balkans and also there is a meteorological station at the top of Vitosha that was constructed in 1935.

Together with the nature park, Vitosha receives thousands of tourists (especially adventure sport lovers) annually from different countries of the world. Vitosha is situated about 30 km away from the downtown Sofia.

How to reach Vitosha?  

Vitosha is catered by Sofia Airport located about 35 km away from Vitosha and there are many tourist vehicles regularly providing trips between the airport and Vitosha. Also tourists can take taxi or pre booked vehicles from the airport to Vitosha.

There are no major railway station and bus stations in Vitosha, so it is advised for tourists (bus or train travelers) to reach Sofia city first and then can take mini bus or tourist vehicles from the Sofia city.

Food and Shopping in Vitosha:

Most of the hotels placed around Vitosha mountain have inbuilt gift centers, bar and restaurants. Also tourists can reach Sofia city for better shopping experience and tasty and healthy dishes. There are minibuses and tourist vehicles to reach Sofia near Vitosha.

Things to do in Vitosha:

• Hiking
• Skiing
• Walking

What to see in Vitosha?

Vitosha Nature Park:

Vitosha Nature Park is rich in flora and fauna home to around 1,500 species of higher plants that encompasses typical Bulgarian and exotic plant species.

Bistrishko Branishte:

Bistrishko Branishte is a nature reserve on the Vitosha Mountain featuring many natural attractions and measures a surface area of 1061.6 hectares. In 1934, together with Vitosha Nature Park, Bistrishko Branishte was established.

Cherni Vrah:

Cherni Vrah is a crest of Vitosha Mountain and with an altitude of 2290 meters it is the 4^th maximum peak summit in Bulgaria behind Musala, Vihren and Botev Vrah. There is a weather station on Cherni Vrah.

List of other places of interest near Vitosha includes:

• The National Art Gallery
• The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Ivan Vazov National Theatre
• National Palace of Culture
• Cyril and Methodius National Library
• National Museum of Military History
• National Assembly of Bulgaria
• Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
• Earth and Man National Museum
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• National Museum of History
• Banya Bashi Mosque
• National Museum of Natural History
• National Gallery for Foreign Art
• Hagia Sophia Church
• Nicholas Orthodox Church

When to visit Vitosha?

The months between May and October will be ideal to trip Vitosha in Sofia.

Where to stay in Vitosha?

There around 10 well facilitated accommodation centers located around the mountain categorized as hotels, holiday rentals and guest houses. Most of them arrange vehicles for their guest to reach Sofia city and airport and also serve guest with mouthwatering traditional and international dishes other than facilities and services. The famous hotels near Vitosha are listed here below:

• Berlin Park Vitosha
• Park Hotel Vitosha
• Hotel Vitosha
• Vitosha Apartments
• Hotel Vitosha Tulip
• Vitosha Downtown Apartments
• Suite Hotel Sofia
• Nightingale Guesthouse
• BEST WESTERN Premier Thracia Hotel
• Holiday Inn Sofia
• Metropolitan Hotel
• BEST WESTERN PLUS City Hotel
• Les Fleurs Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Maria Luisa
• Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel

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Vidin is a port town as well as the seat of Vidin Province in the northwestern Bulgaria covering an area of 63.218 sq. km. It is placed near the borders of Romania, connected with Calafat in Romania through the New Europe Bridge and is about 195 km north-northwest of the national capital, Sofia. Vidin is basically an agricultural and trade centre famous for its wine.

Geography of Vidin:

Vidin is geographically positioned between latitude 43°59′ in the north and longitude 22°52′ in the east at an elevation of 34 meters above sea level.

History of Vidin:

Vidin originated at Dunonia which was the site of an old Celtic settlement. The current name Vidin which comes from the Slavs who once settled Vidin and the literal meaning of Vidin is ‘fortified hill’.

How to reach Vidin?

Sofia Airport is the closest airport to Vidin located about 230 km from Sofia with scheduled flights to most of the major European cities including Moscow, London, Frankfurt, Berlin, Amsterdam, Milan, Madrid and Paris.

The train station and bus station of Vidin situated in the southern part of the town. There are daily buses available in Sofia, departing from Sofia Central Bus Station from morning to evening.

Taxis are accessible for both short and long distances, generally costing 2.50 lv within the town and 4 lv to ferry terminal.

The major taxi companies in Vidin include:

• Euro Taxi
• OK Taxi
• Tiko Taxi

Culture, Food and Shopping in Vidin:

The major festivals celebrated in Vidin include the Vidin Festival, Dimitrovden, the Bridge Festival, the Milka Festival and Dance along the Danube.

The prime shopping options in Vidin include:

• Central Market
• Lidl
• Kaufland
• Mall Vidin

Tourists can reach following food corners to have tasty traditional and international delicacies:

• Bonomia
• Classic
• Serbian Grill
• Mystique
• Kan Yuen

What to do in Vidin?

• Visiting Historical sites
• Visiting Museums
• Visiting Libraries
• Day tours
• Hiking

Tourist Attractions in Vidin:

Baba Vida Castle:

Baba Vida Castle is a prime tourist attraction as well as landmark in Vida constructed from 10th to 14th century. This medieval fortress features 2 fundamental walls and 4 towers and fortress-museum inside with complete history itself.

Konaka Museum:

Located in the heart of Vidin, Konaka Museum describes the history of Vidin from the prehistoric to the middle ages with different objects. It is placed in the 18th century building and is open for tourists from 9:00-18:00 from Monday to Friday. The entrance fee is 2-5 lv, depending on the age.

Nikola Petrov Gallery:

Nikola Petrov Gallery is situated in Danube Park which was founded in 1961. Tourists can see many renowned Bulgarian painters and sculptors incredible artworks in the museum.

List of other places of interest in Vidin includes:

• Krastata Kazarma
• Dimitar Church
• Osman Pazvantoglu Mosque
• Synagogue in Vidin
• Danube River
• Belogradchik Fortress
• Magura Cave
• Castra Martis
• Danube River Park
• Stadium Georgi Benkovski
• Cinema Nikra
• Drama Theatre Vladimir Trandafilov
• Belogradchik Rocks
• Danube Bridge II

Best time to visit Vidin:

The best time to visit Vidin would be during the months of the summer season from July to September.

Accommodation options in Vidin:

Price for hotel rooms is cheaper in Vidin compared to other regions of Bulgaria, middle range hotels charge around 40 lv for single per night and luxury hotels charge 50 lv/single/night. The prominent hotels in and around Vidin are as follows:

• Anna-Kristina
• Dunav Hotel
• Rovno Hotel
• Vidin Hotel
• Old Town Hotel
• Hotel TangRa
• Hotel Neptun
• Bononia Hotel
• Hotel Avramov
• Hotel Yoanna
• Hotel Skalite
• Guesthouse Geto
• Madona Inn Falkovets
• Artes Guest House
• Family Hotel The Rocks

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Velingrad is a town belonging to the Pazardzhik Province in Bulgaria located 777 meters above the sea level. It is a one of the very famous balneological resorts in Bulgaria as well as the seat of the Velingrad Municipality.

Geography of Velingrad:

Velingrad lies towards the extreme west of Chepino Valley in the southern part of the country, around 45 km southwest of the provincial capital, Pazardzhik and 135 km southeast of the national capital, Sofia. Velingrad covers a total area of 124.955 sq. km.

History of Velingrad:

It is believed that, Slavs were the first settlers of Velingrad, followed by Dragovichi tribe and Thracians. Velingrad is named in the honor of Vela Peeva who was a Bulgarian pacifist.

Connectivity to Velingrad:

Velingrad is served by Plovdiv Airport which is the 2^nd largest airport of Bulgaria catered by Air Contractors, Aviatrans Kiev, Ryanair, S7 Airlines, Jet2.com and Aeroflot with seasonal flights to Rostov, Dublin, Kiev, Belfast, Moscow and Hahn and year round flights to London.

Plovdiv Airport is located about 95 km away from Velingrad and there are taxis and buses available at the airport to Velingrad.

Other than regular buses, there are many tourist vehicles departing towards Sofia and Plovdiv to Velingrad during high season. Visitors can use taxi or bus or car for local travel in Velingrad.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Velingrad:

Velingrad is home to around 8 schools, 3 libraries and many entertainment centers.

Due to the regular visit of tourists, there are numerous branded products showrooms established in recent years in Velingrad and the town also houses many traditional handicraft shops.

The major food corners in and around Velingrad include:

• Tom & Nezi
• Cinarite
• Restaurant Konaka

Things to do in Velingrad:

• Visit mineral water springs
• Hiking
• Shopping
• Visiting Libraries

Places to see in Velingrad:

Mineral water springs in Velingrad:

Velingrad houses around 90 mineral water springs with useful medicinal properties that draw a large number of tourists as well as patients from the different regions of the world.

Kleptuza:

Kleptuza is the largest Karst spring in the country of Bulgaria which releases an average of 1200 liters of ice-cold water/second. This is a must see natural phenomenon.

Equestrian Center Sivek:

Equestrian Center Sivek is an upgraded horse riding complex giving an unforgettable horse riding experience. Tourists can visit with prior permission.

List of other places of interest in and around Velingrad includes:

• Bessa Valley Winery
• Monastery of St. Nicholas
• Lepenitsa Cave
• Plovdiv Roman Theatre
• Plovdiv Old Town
• Djumaya Mosque
• Ethnographic Museum
• Assenova krepost
• Bachkovo Monastery
• Cultural Center-Museum TrakArt
• Chiesa SS. Constantin e Elena
• Archeological Museum in Plovdiv
• Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum
• Dzhia Beach Swimming Pool
• Alyosha Soviet Army Memorial
• Sourp Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church

Ideal time to visit Velingrad:

The months between May and October will be ideal time to visit Velingrad.

Where to stay in Velingrad?

There are around 100 reputed accommodation centers in Velingrad categorized as hotels, motels, guest houses, BB and inns and holiday rentals with tourist favor facilities and services. Grand Hotel Velingrad is one of the five star hotels in Velingrad. The prominent hotels in Velingrad are listed here below:

• Balneo Complex & Spa Aquatonik
• Bor Spa-Club
• Maxi Park Hotel & Spa
• Spa Hotel Dvoretsa
• Balneo Complex Saint Spas
• Hotel Velina
• Grand Hotel Velingrad
• Elbrus Spa Hotel
• Park Hotel Olymp
• Spa Hotel Unikat
• Hotel Astra
• Spa Hotel Light
• Spa Hotel Rich
• Hotel Kamena
• Hotel Vitosha
• Spa Complex Rim

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Veliko Tarnovo is the capital city of the Veliko Tarnovo Province in north central Bulgaria placed geographically at 43°05′N 25°39′ E, about 220 km northeast of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It was earlier called by the different names such as Tarnovgrad and Tarnovo and was officially named as Tarnovo in 1965 and Veliko (Great) was added to Tarnovo to memorialize its rich history.

Geography of Veliko Tarnovo:

Veliko Tarnovo is situated on the Yantra River spread over an area of 30.379 sq. km. at an altitude of 220 meters.

History of Veliko Tarnovo:

Veliko Tarnovo earlier served as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The historical landmarks in Veliko Tarnovo include Patriarchal Cathedral, St Forty Martyrs Church, Veliko Tarnovo Castle and Kolyu Ficheto’s Cathedral.

How to reach Veliko Tarnovo?

There is an airport in Veliko Tarnovo but not served by any airlines presently, so it is advised for international tourists to reach Sofia Airport (about 220 km) or Varna Airport (around 220 km) first and then take train or bus from there to Veliko Tarnovo.

Veliko Tarnovo has a railway station located few kilometers away from the city centre receiving trains from the neighboring cities.

Buses are regular between Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia and Varna, generally costing about 20-22 leva from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo.

Taxis and cars are always ready to serve tourists in Veliko Tarnovo.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Veliko Tarnovo:

Bulgarians form the higher majority of Veliko Tarnovo population, followed by Turks and Gypsies. Soccer, basketball and volleyball are the popular sports in Veliko Tarnovo.

The old market Samovodskata charshiya is ideal site to purchase traditional handicrafts and the prime food corners in Veliko Tarnovo include:

• Pizza Tempo
• Shtastliveca
• Hadji Nikoli Inn

Things to do in Veliko Tarnovo:

• Free Veliko Tarnovo Walking Tour
• Yoga Dharma – Day Class
• Visiting Historical sites
• Visiting Museums

What to see in Veliko Tarnovo?

Tsarevets:

Nestled on the Tsarevets hill in Veliko Tarnovo, Tsarevets is a medieval stronghold which was used by the Second Bulgarian Empire when Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the empire. It is now being a top tourist destination hosting many majestic palaces and ruins.

Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God:

The Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God is a former Eastern Orthodox cathedral known for its typical construction. Placed on the crest of the Tsarevets Hill, the cathedral was initially built in the 11th–12th century and was renovated in 1970s.

Kolyu Ficheto’s Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos:

Built in the year 1844, Kolyu Ficheto’s Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos is one of the prime cathedrals in Veliko Tarnovo which was restored in 1913 with different specialties.

List of other places of interest in Veliko Tarnovo includes:

• Yantra River
• Veliko Tarnovo Old Town
• Samovodska Charshiya Street
• Veliko Tarnovo’s Castle
• Arbanassi
• Historical museums in Veliko Tarnovo
• An art museum in Veliko Tarnovo
• Peter and Paul Church
• Samovodska Charshiya Complex
• Asen’s Monument
• The Book Cave
• Forty Martyrs Church
• Boris Denev State Art Gallery

When to visit Veliko Tarnovo?

Veliko Tarnovo can be visited throughout the year except ending months of the year while heavy rainfall occurs.

Where to stay in Veliko Tarnovo?

Veliko Tarnovo is a historical city famous for its fortress, churches, museums and monuments as well as top class hotels. The major hotels with different tourist favor facilities in Veliko Tarnovo are as follows:

• Meridian Hotel Bolyarski
• Yantra Grand Hotel
• Hotel Panorama
• Guesthouse Veliko Tarnovo
• Sveta Gora Motel
• Arbanashka House
• Veliko Tarnovo Hotel Premier
• Hotel Beiskata Kashta
• Interhotel Veliko Turnovo
• The Loft Hostel
• Family Hotel Silvestar
• Hotel Bela Neda
• Hotel Complex Bryasta
• Arena Tarnovo Hotel
• Guest Rooms Harmony

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Varna is the Bulgaria’s 3^rd largest city as well as the largest city on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast covering an area of 154,236 sq. km. It falls under the Varna province and Varna municipality as an administrative centre and is a tourism centre in the eastern side of the country, holding a popular Golden Sands beach, a seaport, 5 universities headquarters and dozens of museums and galleries.

Geography of Varna:

Varna coordinates with 43°13′ N latitude and 27°55′ E longitude measuring an altitude of 80 meters. It experiences a humid subtropical climate with the summer season from May to October and winter season runs in the remaining months of the year with snowfall partially.

History of Varna:

There are several theories about the origin of the name Varna, one theory claims that, Varna derives its name from Proto-Slavic root ‘Varn’ which means ‘black’ and according to another theory, the name of Varna comes from the Iranian word ‘Var’ meaning ‘fortress’. The history of Varna dates back to the 6th century BC when it was initially established and Varna Necropolis in Varna witnessed the discovery of the oldest golden treasure in the globe.

Connectivity to Varna:

Varna is located around 130 km north-northeast of the Burgas city and east-northeast of the national capital, Sofia.

Varna is accessible with airport, located 8 km away from the downtown Varna. Tourists can take benefit of the regular shuttle bus services (free) between the airport and city centre.

Varna Airport operates air services to Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dublin, London and Moscow (most of which are seasonal).

Varna also has a developed railway network, connected with Sofia, Plovdiv, and Rousse by daily trains. Car, bus, bike and taxis are the ideal options to get around.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Varna:

Varna boasts plenty of museums, churches and theatres. The International Ballet Competition in Varna is the oldest ballet competition in the world.

The shopping centers in Varna are listed below:

• Pfohe Mall
• Central Plaza
• Grand Mall

List of the major food corners in Varna include:

• BM
• Happy Bar and Grill
• Rodna Striaha

What to do in Varna?

• Visit the beaches of Varna
• Varna Green Tour
• Free Varna Tour

Tourist Attractions in Varna:

Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral:

Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral is the Bulgaria’s 2^nd largest cathedral after the Alexander Nevski cathedral in Sofia. It is one of the identities of Varna which was opened in 1886.

Varna Archaeological Museum:

Varna Archaeological Museum displays around 100000 objects including typical Gold of Varna. The large Roman baths and the medieval grotto of Aladzha Monastery are other specials in the museum.

Varna Aquarium:

Varna Aquarium is home to around 140 fish species of Black Sea and other freshwater fish. It was inaugurated in 1932.

List of other places of interest in Varna includes:

• Stoyan Bachvarov Theatre
• Memorial of the Battle of Varna
• The Sea Garden
• Port of Varna
• The Palace of Culture and Sports
• Statue of Tsar Kaloyan
• Euxinograd palace
• Saint Nicholas seamen’s church
• Athanasius church
• Art Nouveau Mansion
• Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy
• The Dolphinarium
• Georgi Velchev Gallery

Best time to visit Varna:

Summer months from May to October will be best time to trip to Varna.

Accommodation options in Varna:

Varna is rich in all the sectors including hospitality industry with around 200 world class hotels ranging from star to 5 stars. Hostels are ideal for those looking for budget option. The prominent hotels in Varna are listed here below:

• Grand Hotel London
• Hi Hotel
• Graffit Gallery Hotel
• Dolphin Hotel
• Splendid Boutique
• Imperial Hotel
• Grifid Hotel Metropol
• BEST WESTERN Park Hotel
• Capitol Hotel
• Grand Hotel Dimyat
• Oceanic Hotel
• Dallas Business Club
• Alekta Hotel
• Hotel Acropolis
• Panorama Hotel

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Sunny Beach is a prominent seaside resort in Bulgaria located on the Black Sea coast of the country. It belongs to the Nessebar municipality in Burgas Province, is situated about 35 km away from Burgas, 90 km from Varna and 415 km from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.

Geography of Sunny Beach:

Sunny Beach is positioned in the eastern part of Bulgaria between 42°41′35″ N latitude and 27°42′30″ E longitude.

History of Sunny Beach:

The construction of the resort began in the year 1958. Together with beach beauty, the Mediterranean climate of the area received a large group of German holidaymakers during the summer months in the middle 20^th century and in later years; it expanded to Russian tourists. Presently, it receives loads of British, Irish, Scandinavian, Turkish and Dutch tourists along with Germans and Russians.

How to reach Sunny Beach?

Sunny Beach is served by Burgas Airport which operates scheduled flights to London, Moscow, Sofia and Varna and seasonal flights to St. Petersburg, Dublin, St. Petersburg, Luxembourg, Catania, Novosibirsk, Ostrava, Prague, Yekaterinburg, Katowice, Poznan and many other European cities. There are buses available outside the airport costing 5 BGN to Sunny Beach and taxis cost 60 BGN per way.

There are plenty of options in Sunny Beach to get around such as bikes, rickshaws, motopeds, segways and gopets. Bus and train services are also accessible.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Sunny Beach:

Other then beach beauty, Sunny Beach is also renowned for grand cultural events such as the Golden Orpheus International Festival, fashion-shows and different beach competitions.

Beach Boulevard is the prime shopping corner on Sunny Beach boasting numerous stalls and shops. Royal Beach Mall is placed near Barcelo Royal Beach Hotel.

List of reputed restaurants on Sunny Beach include:

• Restaurant Musoni
• Star Inn
• Maestro’s
• 100% Family Restaurant

Things to do in Sunny Beach:

• Scuba diving – Nemo Diving Center
• Swimming
• Shopping

Places to see in Sunny Beach:

Sunny Beach:

Measuring a length of 5km and width of 30-60 meters, Sunny Beach is one of the best beaches in the world and the most popular beach of Bulgaria. The beach features two zones such as pay zone and free zone and tourists can rent an umbrella or chair in pay zone for 8 BGN for the whole day.

Action Aqua Park:

Action Aqua Park is a mini zoo and water park spread over an area of 36 000 sq. km. It features thematic bars and restaurants and about 30 water attractions and is generally open from 10:00-18:00 and 9:30-19:00 (peak season). The entrance fee depends on the features, generally park charges 38 BGN for full day and 28 BGN half day.

Aqua Paradise:

Located on the Burgas-Varna road in Nesebar, Aqua Paradise is a water park allowed for tourists from 10:00-18:30. The admission fee is 38 BGN for full day and 28 BGN for half day (130+ cm) and 19 BGN for full day and 14 BGN of half day (90-130 cm).

Other places of interest in and around Sunny Beach include:

• Old Nesebar
• Hagia Sophia Church
• Church of Christ Pantokrator
• Church of St. John the Baptist
• The Basilica of the Holy Mother of God Eleusa
• Church of St. Stephen
• Winery Hristis
• Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel
• Church of St Clement
• Nemo Diving Center
• Church Assumption of the Holy Virgin
• Church of St Spas
• Church of St Paraskevi
• Church of St John Aliturgetos

Best time to visit Sunny Beach:

Between June and September is best, especially from July to mid-August is the ideal time to enjoy your holidays in Sunny Beach while high season runs.

Accommodation options in Sunny Beach:

Being a top tourist destination in Bulgaria, Sunny Beach houses around 800 hotels with 300,000+ beds with amazing amenities and services. Booking hotel rooms in advance will be better; otherwise tourists may get difficulty in finding hotel as per their requirement and budget. Most of the hotels offer advance booking facility through online. Here are some of the best hotels in Sunny Beach:

• Fairies Palace Hotel
• Helena Sands Hotel
• Majestic Hotel & Residence
• Hotel L&B
• Iberostar Sunny Beach Resort
• Dune Hotel
• Hotel Riu Helios
• Evrika Beach Club Hotel
• Aqua Nevis Clubhotel
• Barcelo Royal Beach
• MPM Orpheus Boutique Hotel
• Bora Bora Hotel
• Helena Park Resort
• Laguna Park Hotel
• Rose Village Apartments

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Sofia is the capital as well as largest city of Bulgaria situated in the western part of the country at 42°42′ N 23°20′ E. It is recognized as a Beta−city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. Sofia is home to most of the major business centers, universities and cultural institutions of the country.

Geography of Sofia:

Sofia lies at the foot of Mount Vitosha at an elevation of 580 meters. The city of Sofia covers an area of 492 sq. km. and the urban area occupies 1,344 sq. km.

History of Sofia:

Sofia was earlier known as Serdica which was derived from Serdi named after Celtic tribe and the founders of the town, founded in the 5th century BC. The current name comes from the popular Holy Sophia Church which is the 2^nd oldest church in Sofia. Until 1879, Sofia was a small settlement; it geared up towards development becoming a capital of Bulgaria.

How to reach Sofia?

Sofia hosts most important airport of the country, called Sofia Airport which is situated 5 km away from the downtown Sofia and handles flights to Rome, London, Madrid, Moscow, Frankfurt, Berlin, Amsterdam, Athens and other major European cities.

The major airlines that serve Sofia Airport include Bulgaria Air, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Air France and British Airways.

Sofia Central Bus Station is the prime bus station situated near the heart of the city and it operates buses to Macedonia, Istanbul, Vienna, Belgrade and Nis other than domestic locations.

Sofia is connected by train to international cities like Moscow Vienna, Belgrade, Istanbul, Bucharest and Kiev.

Metro train, bus, marshrutki, taxi and rental car options for local travel.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Sofia:

Sofia is the administrative as well as cultural capital of Bulgaria housing plenty of renowned museum, theatres, churches, universities and libraries.

The major shopping centers in Sofia include:

• The Mall
• Mall of Sofia
• TZUM
• SkyCity Mall

List of the prominent food corners in Sofia is:

• Restaurant Petleto 2
• Panorama Restaurant
• Supa Star
• La Tribuna Restaurant & Garden

What to do in Sofia?

• Arena Cinema
• Sofia Bike Tour
• Sofia Hike Tour
• Custom City Tour of Sofia

Tourist Attractions in Sofia:

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral:

Being an identity of Sofia, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the top tourist destination as well as one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the globe. The cathedral covers an area of 3,170 square meters with a capacity of 10,000 persons inside. It was built in 1912 in Neo-Byzantine architectural style.

National Art Gallery:

The National Art Gallery possesses a 50,000 pieces of artworks of the many renowned Bulgarians, especially authors. It was established in 1934 and presently, it is placed on Battenberg Square. It is open from 10:30 to 18:00 and the entrance fee is 4 leva.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre:

Ivan Vazov National Theatre is located in the heart of the city on Dyakon Ignatii Street and is the main cultural centre of Sofia hosting regular classical performances, frequented by art lovers from all around the Europe.

List of other places of interest in Sofia includes:

• Sofia University
• National Assembly of Bulgaria
• National Palace of Culture
• Cyril and Methodius National Library
• National Museum of Military History
• Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
• Earth and Man National Museum
• National Museum of History
• National Museum of Natural History
• National Gallery for Foreign Art
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Hagia Sophia Church
• Nicholas Orthodox Church
• Banya Bashi Mosque
• Battenberg Mausoleum

Best time to visit Sofia:

Sofia experiences a humid continental climate receiving an average rainfall of 587 mm. From July to September will be the ideal time to enjoy your holidays in Sofia.

Accommodation options in Sofia:

Sofia is home to around 300 well known accommodation centers categorized as hotels, BB and Inns, lodges, hostels, guest houses and holiday apartments. Hostels are the budget options charging around €10/night, mid range hotels- around €50/night and splurge hotels–about €75/night. Here are the reputed hotels in Sofia:

• Residence Oborishte
• Suite Hotel Sofia
• BEST WESTERN Premier Thracia Hotel
• Metropolitan Hotel
• Holiday Inn Sofia
• BEST WESTERN PLUS City Hotel
• Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel
• Les Fleurs Boutique Hotel
• Arte Hotel
• Novotel Sofia
• Hotel Fashion
• Hotel Maria Luisa
• Hotel Aris
• AVEL Guesthouse
• Nightingale Guesthouse

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Smolyan is a town and ski resort situated in the Smolyan province of Bulgaria covering an area of 134.59 sq. km. It is basically an industrial town but in recent years it is developing as a tourist destination in the south Bulgaria with ski resort. The Cathedral of Saint Vissarion is the major landmark in Smolyan.

Geography of Smolyan:

Smolyan is located in the extreme south of Bulgaria near the border of Greece between 41°35′ N latitude and 24°42′ E longitude at an elevation of 1000 meters.

The major suburbs of Smolyan are:

• Belev dol
• Aligovska
• Bostina
• Chereshovska Reka
• Chereshkite

History of Smolyan:

Smolyan was first inhabited in the 2nd-1st millennium BC as of the archaeological evidence. It is believed that, Smolyan derives its name from the Smolyani people, medieval Slavic tribes, inhabited in the region in the seventh century.

In 1960, Smolyan became a town by merging three villages such as Ustovo, Raykovo and Ezerovo.

How to reach Smolyan?

Smolyan is catered by Plovdiv Airport which is located about 88 kms away from the centre of Smolyan and provides flights to Kiev, Belfast, Moscow, Dublin, Rostov-on-Don, Hahn and London.

There are regular buses departing from Plovdiv Airport to neighboring cities and towns including Smolyan. Also there are taxis always available at the airport.

To move within the town, to reach tourist destinations and airport, visitors can use taxi or car or bus in Smolyan.

Food and Shopping in Smolyan:

Smolyan is rich in culture home to the Rhodope Drama Theatre, Regional Historical Museum and Cathedral of Saint Vissarion of Smolyan. The Leon Katz Rhodopi International Theatre Laboratory is the event held during the summer months.

The Bulgarian traditional handicrafts are cheaper in Smolyan compared to the other southern cities. The prominent food corners in Smolyan are listed below:

• Rodopchanka
• Starata Kushta
• Paganranka
• Venus
• Rodopski Kat

What to do in Smolyan?

• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Hiking
• Walking

Tourist Attractions in Smolyan:

Cathedral of Saint Vissarion:

Inaugurated on 2 July 2006, the Cathedral of Saint Vissarion is an Eastern Orthodox Church located in Smolyan. It is southern Bulgaria’s largest church and Bulgaria’s 3^rd largest church. The church features 11 bells, 382 m² main premise and 17 meters (diameter) dome. It is a must see.

Regional historical museum in Smolyan:

The Regional historical museum in Smolyan describes the complete history of Smolyan. It was founded in 1935.

Pamporovo:

Pamporovo is a popular ski resort situated about 18 km away from Smolyan receiving a large group of tourists during the winter months for its skiing and snowboarding activities. It is the best ski resort for beginners and intermediates.

List of other places of interest in Smolyan includes:

• Snezhanka Cave
• Golyam Perelik
• Devils Bridge
• Diavolsko Garlo- The Devil’s Throat
• Fun Park Pamporovo
• Devil’s Throat Cave
• Waterfalls Canyon
• Chepelare Ski Center
• Fairy Waterfall
• Rozhen Observatory

Best time to visit Smolyan:

From December to March is the ideal time to trip Smolyan to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

Accommodation options in Smolyan:

Smolyan is known for its natural destinations and cultural centers as well as world class hotels and resorts with amazing amenities and services like doctor on call, arrangement of vehicle, conference hall, food on request, AC and 24 hour room service. Other than facilities and services, the hotels in Smolyan serve guests with a variety of traditional and international dishes. The prominent hotels in Smolyan are listed here below:

• Hotel Complex Luxor
• Hotel Kiparis Alfa
• Hotel Crystal
• Hotel Smolyan
• Hotel Mon
• Hotel Petko Takovata Kushta
• The Three Fir-Tree House
• Mountain Lake Hotel
• Hotel Spartak
• Family Hotel Smolena
• Charshiata Inn and Tavern
• Guestrooms Sekvoia
• Hotel Rodona
• My Father’s House
• Family Hotel Zora

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Sinemorets is a village and seaside resort belonging to the Tsarevo municipality in Burgas Province in Bulgaria, situated around 20 km from Tsarevo, 80 km from Burgas and 465 km from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The sea resort of Sinemorets was recognized officially in 1989 and presently it is the backbone of Sinemorets’ economy.

Geography of Sinemorets:

Sinemorets is located on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast towards the extreme southeast of Bulgaria, near the border of Turkey between latitude 42°4′ in the north and longitude 27°59′ in the east.

History of Sinemorets:

Sinemorets is also called as Sinemorec and Sinemoretz and the literal meaning of Sinemorets is ‘the place on the blue sea’. Sinemorets was earlier known as Kalanca in Turkish language or Galadzaki in Greek language.

Connectivity to Sinemorets:

Burgas Airport is the closest airport to Sinemorets, located around 90 km from the centre of Sinemorets. This airport operates seasonal flights to Dublin, St. Petersburg, Luxembourg, Copenhagen, Bratislava, Brno, Prague, Yekaterinburg and scheduled flights to Sofia, Varna, Moscow and London.

Varna Airport is situated around 215 km and Sofia Airport is about 465 km away from Sinemorets.

Sinemorets also has good connectivity with the Bulgarian cities and bordering Turkish cities through roadway by both luxury and general bus services.

Food and Shopping in Sinemorets:

Sinemorets is a village housing fewer reputed food corners and shopping centers. So, it is advised for tourists to reach Tsarevo (20 km) and famous Burgas (80 km) for more facilitated restaurants and shops. There are buses generally available to reach Tsarevo and Burgas in Sinemorets.

Things to do in Sinemorets:

• Visit the Beach
• Riverside entertainment
• Church Prayers
• Hiking

Places to see in Sinemorets:

Sinemorets Beach:

Placed on the coast of Bulgarian Black Sea, Sinemorets Beach is one of the best beaches in Bulgaria attracting tourists for its different water sport activities and sea side restaurant’s mouthwatering sea food.

Orthodox Church:

Sinemorets is home to an Orthodox church that is small in size but known for religious importance and solid construction. The church has a nice surrounding environment.

Veleka:

The Veleka is a 147 km long river with a basin area of 995 km². 123 km of the river flows in Bulgaria and the remaining 25 km in Turkey. The river is home to 30 species of freshwater fishes, 5 species of endangered animals and also home to typical plants. Sinemorets is the ideal place to reach the river bank.

List of other places of interest in and around Sinemorets includes:

• The historical museum of Burgas
• Burgas Lake
• Nature and Science Museum in Burgas
• Opera House in Burgas
• Holy Theotokos Orthodox Church
• The Poros Fortness
• The Erkesiya-Border wall
• Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Cathedral
• Ethnographic Museum
• The city Gallery of Fine Arts
• The beaches in Burgas
• Archaeological Museum
• Atanasovsko Lake
• Roman City of Develtum
• The Rusokastro Fortess

Ideal time to visit Sinemorets:

The summer months between June and September are ideal to explore the beach of Sinemorets.

Where to stay in Sinemorets?

Due to the presence of one of the top beaches in Bulgaria, Sinemorets draws a large number of tourists from the different regions of the world during the summer months. Due to this, there are dozens of top end hotels established in Sinemorets with superior tourist facilities and services. List of the major hotels in and around Sinemorets include:

• Quiet Sea-front Villa
• Hotel Burgas
• Hotel Luxor
• Plaza Hotel Burgas
• Primoretz Grand Hotel & Spa
• Hotel Chiplakoff
• Family Hotel Saint Iliya
• Hotel Modeva
• Hotel Gran Via
• R&G Hotel
• Hotel Avenue
• Jasmine Residence
• Hotel Bulgaria
• Green House
• Hotel Prestige

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Simitli is a small city belonging to the province of Blagoevgrad in Bulgaria and positioned at an altitude of 323 meters. It is especially noted for its rafting and kayaking activities and grand regional festivals.

Simitli is seat of Simitli municipality. The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God is the major landmark as well as tourist attraction in Simitli.

Geography of Simitli:

Simitli coordinates with 41°53′ N latitude and 23°7′ E longitude, is situated around 17 km south of Blagoevgrad and 115 km south of Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria.

The major localities of Simitli are:

• Brestovo
• Dolno Osenovo
• Gorno Osenovo
• Mechkul
• Gradevo
• Rakitna

How to reach Simitli?

Simitli is located on the E-79 which is an international highway connecting Sofia to the bordering Greece cities.

Simitli is catered by Sofia Airport which is the most important airport of Bulgaria located around 120 km from Simitli operating flights to major European cities such as Berlin, Vienna, Paris, London, Rome, Larnaca, Munich, Bucharest, Barcelona and Kiev.

Tourists can take taxi or bus to reach Simitli from the airport. Booking vehicle through online will be better to reach Simitli. Also buses are regular between Simitli and Sofia and the bordering Greece cities. To reach airport, tourist destinations and neighboring cities, tourists can use taxi or buses in Simitli.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Simitli:

Simitli attracts some adventure sport lovers from April to July for rafting and kayaking activities. Kukeri or Surva festival is also vary famous in Simitli celebrated in second weekend of January annually.

Simitli houses all the kinds of shops and upgraded restaurants and tourists can also reach neighboring cities for the better shopping experience.

Things to do in Simitli:

• Rafting
• Kayaking
• Participating in local festivals

What to see in Simitli?

Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God:

Being a prime religious site in Simitli, the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God is a white colored church known for its typical construction and holiness.

National Palace of Culture:

Located in 1 Bulgaria Square in Sofia, around 115 km from Simitli, the National Palace of Culture is a huge monolithic communist-style building. It is great to watch.

Boyana Church:

Boyana Church is a beautifully constructed church with history dating back to 14th-century and it also gained place in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is located in Sofia featuring some well protected murals. The admission fee is 10 Lev.

List of other places of interest in Simitli includes:

• The American University in Bulgaria
• South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
• Pirin Golf Resort
• Dancing Bears Park
• Kordopulova House
• Popinolashki Waterfall
• St Teodor Tiron and Teodor Stratilat Church
• Baba Vanga Museum
• Bansko Ice Rink
• Ski Park Kartala
• National Art Gallery
• Museum of Paleontology and historical geology
• National Institute of Archaeology and Museum
• Cyril and Methodius National Library
• National Assembly of Bulgaria

When to visit Simitli?

From April to June is the ideal time to visit Simitli while the weather remains pleasant.

Where to stay in Simitli?

Simitli is a picturesque site housing several well facilitated hotels that serve guests with different facilities and services such as spa, LCD flat-screen TVs, refrigerator, walk-in closet, massage, facials and other beauty services. The reputed hotels in and around Simitli are listed here below:

• DiMario Hotel
• Hotel Nice
• Alpha Hotel
• Hotel Fenix
• Varosha Club Hotel
• Hotel Korona
• Havana Hotel
• Hotel Ezeretz
• Svetigeorgi
• Hotel Ertancom
• Hotel Pilevski
• Hotel City Blagoevgrad
• Rio Family Hotel
• Hotel Apart Blagoevgrad
• Guest House DI-2
• Hotel Park Bachinovo

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