Bulgaria is situated in South-eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey

Terrain: mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast

Bulgaria may not be everyone’s first choice for a holiday destination, but is ideal for those who want to appreciate the beautiful scenery, the incredible mountains, romantic architecture and some of the largest beaches in Europe.

Bulgaria is an interesting experience for anyone, whether you want warm sandy beaches, historic monuments, or snow covered ski slopes, it has something to offer.

Sofia, the Bulgarian Capital is the only big city in Bulgaria. It is an attractive city that like any other capital is a cosmopolitan mix of political and business life, with many theatres and museums.

Plovdiv is the second largest town in Bulgaria. Visitors can see the remnants of Greek, Romanian and Thracian civilizations. The Ancient Theatre is a large and impressive structure of Roman times, still used today for concerts, operas and theatre.

Travellers have described the town of Veliko Turnovo as perhaps the most beautiful Bulgarian town. With its exquisite architecture, palaces and markets it is a fascinating place to visit.

The ski season runs from December to April, Borovets is probably the largest ski resort, while the smaller, less commercialised resort of Bansko is in the Pirin Mountains. Package holidaymakers are likely to find themselves in the resort of Pamporovo in the Rhodopi Mountains, which is also popular with those interested in hiking and mountain climbing.

Mt Vitosha on the outskirts of Sofia is considered to be the most popular resort for those coming to Bulgaria for the skiing in winter, during the summer the chair lift still operates to provide a ‘leg up’ for holiday makers wanting to do some sightseeing.

For those in search of beach holidays, Varna and Burgas are the main beach holiday resorts situated on the Black Sea. Throughout July and August holidaymakers can have up to 10-11 hours sunbathing and the sea is incredibly calm, making it ideal conditions to take part in the volleyball, swimming, diving, water-skiing and windsurfing that are on offer.

Bulgaria is a great place for families and singles alike, with plenty of beach activities and guaranteed sun, sea and sand, as well as skiing, hiking and mountain climbing for the more adventurous.

Bulgaria has cold, damp winters and hot and long continental summers. The average temperature in January is about 0 degrees centigrade. In the summer time, the temperature rarely gets above 30 degrees.

If you are visiting one of the beach resorts, there is a choice of many activities whether it is windsurfing, water-skiing, paragliding or volleyball, basketball or riding, there is something to keep everyone entertained.

However, if a break from the beach is needed then take a trip into Varna and see some of its historical buildings, galleries or museums. The Natural History museum, zoo and planetarium are all situated in the Marine Gardens, an impressive park near the sea front, which is also worth a visit for those wanting to get away from the beach for a while.

Being the capital there are many places of interest in Sofia. Major landmarks worth seeing are the St George Rotunda, the Alexandar Nevski Cathedral and the Boyana Church.

The National History Museum and Banya Bashi Mosque are popular tourist attractions, not to mention the fun that you can have splashing around in the famous Turkish baths.

Plovdiv has the Ancient Theatre, various Roman mosaics, mosques and churches, all of which are worth a visit for any ‘culture vultures’ wanting to get a taste of Bulgarian history.

The bustling flea market in Sofia along with the many antique shops will keep those window shoppers out there entertained for hours, whilst no doubt their partners can leisurely wait in the cafes.

The Rough Guide to Bulgaria ~ Jonathan Bousfield, Dan Richardson (Paperback - 24 June, 1999)

AA Essential Bulgaria ~ David Ash (Paperback – 2 January 1997)

DK Eyewitness Travel Phrase Book: Bulgarian (Paperback – 3 September 1998)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN BULGARIA

14th February - Trifon Zarezan is the festival of the wine growers

1st March Bulgarians give one another martenitsi, red and white tasselled threads that are worn for health and happiness at the coming of spring. When wearers see their first stork of the season, the martenitsa is tied to the nearest tree. These symbolize the awakening, of spring, health and happiness.

3rd March – Bulgarian Liberation Day

June (the 1st Sunday every year) The Festival of Roses is celebrated with carnivals, processions, folk songs and dances in Karlovo and Kazanluk on the first Sunday in June. This coincides with the start of the picking season, whilst Koukeri is celebrated in the Rodopi Mountains, yet another spring Festival of the Bulgarian people

Midsummer Day (24 June) - "ladouvane" - a festive ritual for young girls Shrovetide and Mummers' Games

Festival of Roses in Kazanluk, normally at the start of June for 3 days and the 1st Monday of every July

Christmas Day is celebrated on both the 25th and 26th December by Bulgarians due to the Communist regimes attempt to forbid its celebration and their invention of a secular and very familiar holiday! Christmas and New Year are big celebrations in Bulgaria, 'sourvakari' make the round of houses with wishes for health and prosperity.

New Years Day - "ladouvane" - a festive ritual for young girls Shrovetide and Mummers' Games.

HOTELS IN BULGARIA

Prices in Bulgaria are relatively low due to the exchange rate, expect to pay from £40 pppn night for a 5* hotel in Sofia such as the Princess Hotel Sofia. There are however very few high quality hotels in Bulgaria, but a plethora of 3-4* throughout the country.

Expect to pay £45 per night for a double room in a 3* hotel for example the Hotel Bulgaria in Plovdiv.

VISAS AND INNOCULATIONS

British nationals are allowed to visit Bulgaria as tourists without visas for up to thirty days. For visits for other purposes, please seek further official advice at the Bulgarian Embassy, 186-188 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5HL; Tel: 020 7584 9400.

Hep A, Polio and Typhoid are all strongly recommended. Please seek professional advice. If you have not previously been immunised against diphtheria, polio or tetanus this is an ideal opportunity to have the immunisations carried out.