Travel in Bulgaria – Hotels, Bulgaria Vacations, Lodging, Trips, Attractions and Travel Guide

Bulgaria: Traveling Back In Time

Typical old style houses and view from Melnik, located at the foot of Southern Pirin mountain, Bulgaria. Hills of sands at the background are typical for this region. Rich sand soil furthers development of viticulture and make it a famous red wine producing region.

Bulgaria is a state that makes up part of the Balkans in south eastern Europe. Bulgaria shares its border with five other countries. Romania, Serbia, Greece, Turkey, and the Republic of Macedonia make up the surrounding borders of the country. The climate in Bulgaria is temperate, with cold winters and hot summers. The coast of the Black Sea in Bulgaria has a milder climate than the rest of the country. Many ancient cultures have left there mark on the history, customs, and religion of Bulgaria.

The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari was discovered in 1982 near the village of Sveshtari. The tomb was built in the 3rd century B.C. and reflects the fundamental structural principals of Thracian cult buildings. The door of the tomb is decorated with painted murals of half human and half plant caryatids. There are ten female figures carved in high relief on the walls of the central tomb and decorations of a lunette in its vault. The tomb is the only example of this type of decoration done in the Thracian lands. The Thracian Tomb has become one of the World Heritage Sites since its finding.

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo are located in the valley of the Roussenski Lom River. The complex consists of churches, monasteries, chapels, and cells made out of rock. The frescos painted in the complex are noted for there beauty. The medieval frescos are well preserved and have become a World Heritage Site. The caves in this region have been inhabited by monks since the 1220's and was founded by Joachim, who later became the Patriarch of Bulgaria. At the monasteries peak the churches numbered at about 40 throughout the complex. Five of the forty churches have well preserved frescos painted in them. The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo are some of the best examples of Bulgarian medieval art work in the region.

The town of Melnik is the smallest town in all of Bulgaria. The architecture in Melnik has made 96 of the buildings in the town an architectural reserve. The town is popular for its local wine and wine houses. The traditional Melnik wine is a red wine and Sir Winston Churchill is said to have ordered 500 liters of Melnik wine every year. Outside of this well preserved town is the natural wonder of the Melnik pyramids. The unusual rock formations are a Bulgarian phenomenon. Some of the rock formations are shaped like giant mushrooms, obelisks, and ancient towers. This rich historic town and surrounding natural wonders, make a trip to Melnik a must for all.

Sofia is the largest city in Bulgaria and is the capital of this republic. The history of Sofia can be traced back 7,000 years and makes it one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city offers many places of historical value and interests. The museums are numerous as well as the private art galleries. Sofia is famous for its plethora of UNESCO heritage sites. The city has a thriving nightlife with many restaurants and pubs. Sofia is the only city in Bulgaria to play host to many musical concerts over the years. Some of the artist that have played the city are KISS, Iron Maiden, Snoop Dog, Seal, and the late great Ray Charles just to name a few. Sofia offers many choices for visitors and is one of the top destinations for travelers in Bulgaria.

The Arena Di Serdica Hotel is one of the newest five star hotels in Sofia. The hotel has a world class spa and turkish/steam bath available to guests. The restaurant and bar offer first class service and cuisine. Located in the heart of Sofia, make the Arena Di Serdica Hotel the perfect place to stay when visiting to Sofia. The Melia Grand Hermitage sits on a quiet hill away from the hustle and bustle of Golden Sands. The five star hotel is still within walking distance of popular tourist attractions. The Melia Grand Hermitage boasts two pools and private beach access for guests. Each room at the hotel has a private balcony with views of the Black Sea and the surrounding parks and forests. Guests staying at the Melia Grand Hermitage are pampered and provided with the best service in Golden Sands.