Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the oldest European
States with 20-century-old history and traditions. Modern Bulgaria
is situated in South-eastern Europe, in the Balkan Peninsula - a
busy crossroad of ancient cultures.
Bulgaria is also known for its picturesque
nature and rich cultural heritage. According to statistics, the
country ranks third in Europe only after Greece and Italy for its
number of valuable archaeological monuments.
For most foreign holidaymakers, Bulgaria's main allure is its
long, sandy Black Sea Coast - which boasts swathes of stunning
beaches and picturesque bays but there is so much more to this
country, and so much of it remains largely untouched and unvisited
by overseas tourists.
Networks of well-maintained hiking trails and horse-riding
routes allow you to discover Bulgaria's lush mountainous and
forested landscapes, especially around the Rila and Pirin
Mountains, inhabited by bears, lynx, rare birds and other kinds of
wildlife now becoming scarce elsewhere in Europe.
You'll also discover multicoloured monasteries, filled with
fabulous icons and watched over by bushy-bearded priests, and
impossibly pretty timber-framed villages with smoke curling lazily
over the stone-tiled roofs and donkeys complaining in the
distance.
The cities, too, are often overlooked highlights, from dynamic,
cosmopolitan Sofia with its lovely parks, sociable alfresco bars
and fascinating museums, to the National Revival architectural
treasures and Roman remains of Plovdiv, and the youthful maritime
cockiness of Varna .
Sofia
At the foot of the Vitosha Mountains lies the laid back capital
city, Sofia , boasting a great number of architectural monuments
and museums. Other major attractions are Alexander Nevski
Cathedral, Banya Bashi Mosque, The Baths, Boyana Church,
The Cyril and Metodius Library, Eagles Bridge, Hallite, The Holy
Synod, Ivan Vazov National theatre, The Law courts, Lions Bridge
and many others. Connecting services to other Bulgarian cities
including Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Sliven, Bourgas, Varna, Shoumen,
Veliko Turnovo, Gabrovo, Pleven are also available.
Visit Bulgaria's Eurolines website: www.eurolines.bg