With dramatic contrasts, the northern region of Bulgaria encompasses jagged mountains and pine forests. You can explore the mountain scenery of the Iskur and Vratsata Gorges, discover the impressive early-medieval ruins at Shumen, Madara and Veliki Preslav or visit the medieval capital Veliko Turnovo. To the north of Plovdiv across the Thracian Plain are the glorious Balkan Mountains known as the Stara Planina and the lower foothills of the Sredna Gora. It is in this region you will find the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Roses, ancient tombs and Roman towns.

Nostalgia awaits as you drive through charming, timeless villages and encounter acres of sunflowers and fields of blue cornflowers. The scent of roses during the month of June, the ripening orchards in the autumn and vineyards hanging with grapes awake the senses. Goatherders graze flocks beside the road, donkeys are a viable, efficient alternative to tractors and traditional fruit and vegetables play an important part in the Bulgarian lifestyle. Knowledge of natural medicine is still widespread and herbal pharmacies are still to be found.

Bulgaria is renowned for its thermal and natural mineral springs. In the municipality region of Hisarya, nestled in the foothills of the Sredna Gora, there are several thermal bath complexes’ which provide treatment, hotel and restaurants facilities together with total relaxation. The Roman town of Hisarya, the villages of Starosel and Krasnoskibani are just three of the many places in this area where hot thermal water rises to the surface of the ground. Hisarya is noted for its clean air and mild climate, as it is protected on each side by mountains. Starosel is also famed for its Thracian Tomb Complex which dates to the 5 th Century BC.

Nostalgia awaits as you drive through charming, timeless villages and encounter acres of sunflowers and fields of blue cornflowers. The scent of roses during the month of June, the ripening orchards in the autumn and vineyards hanging with grapes awake the senses. Goatherders graze flocks beside the road, donkeys are a viable, efficient alternative to tractors and traditional fruit and vegetables play an important part in the Bulgarian lifestyle. Knowledge of natural medicine is still widespread and herbal pharmacies are still to be found.

Bulgaria is renowned for its thermal and natural mineral springs. In the municipality region of Hisarya, nestled in the foothills of the Sredna Gora, there are several thermal bath complexes’ which provide treatment, hotel and restaurants facilities together with total relaxation. The Roman town of Hisarya, the villages of Starosel and Krasnoskibani are just three of the many places in this area where hot thermal water rises to the surface of the ground. Hisarya is noted for its clean air and mild climate, as it is protected on each side by mountains. Starosel is also famed for its Thracian Tomb Complex which dates to the 5 th Century BC.

RICH HISTORY & CULTURE

The capital, Sofia lies to the west of the country and is over looked and dominated by Mount Vitosha, one of the many mountains in the Rila and Pirin range. Sofia is a vibrant city where business and commercial enterprises flourish. It hosts a royal palace, government ministries and many buildings from the medieval, Roman and Ottoman periods.

Heritage plays a visible role in Bulgarian society with an abundance of medieval churches, monasteries, ancient Thracian tombs, folk festivals and wine festivals – all of which have helped to retain the culture and the rural lifestyle so important to so many people.

Plovdiv

Heading east from Sofia is Bulgaria’s second largest city Plovdiv. The city’s hills rise majestically up from the Thracian Plain as you approach and is overlooked by the Rhodope Mountains to the south. With its Old Town and cobbled streets, Plovdiv is often considered more appealing than Sofia.

Plovdiv will be the first Bulgarian European Capital of Culture ever. Under the motto “Together”, Plovdiv - with its important Roma communities - aims to highlight the multi-cultural dimension of the city. Formerly known as Philippopolis (named after Philip II of Macedon) and Trimontium by the Romans, Plovdiv has retained its heritage with its classical buildings and historical remains.

Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques and some of the country’s finest National Revival buildings can be found in the city. The Old Town is a delightful part of Plovdiv to visit. Much of its charm lies in the harmony of ancient, medieval and modern architecture which includes a Roman Amphitheatre which sits proudly on the side of a hill.

Just a few steps away are the remains of the Roman Stadium, which sometimes hosts concerts. A short film attempts to recreate the atmosphere of a chariot race or mock sea battle (like the Colosseum in Rome, Plovdiv’s stadium could be filled with water). You can also see well-preserved bits of the stadium in the basement of H&M and the Excelsior shopping centre.

Plovdiv is a city where cultural entertainment is in abundance – whether you prefer an opera, classical music, a pop concert or traditional Bulgarian music and dance, Plovdiv has it all.

To the north of Plovdiv across the Thracian Plain are the glorious Balkan Mountains known as the Stara Planina and the lower foothills of the Sredna Gora. It is in this region you will find the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Roses, ancient tombs and Roman towns.

With dramatic contrasts, the northern region of Bulgaria encompasses jagged mountains and pine forests. You can explore the mountain scenery of the Iskur and Vratsata Gorges, discover the impressive early-medieval ruins at Shumen, Madara and Veliki Preslav or visit the medieval capital Veliko Turnovo.

MULTICULTURAL & TOLERANT

Plovdiv, like Rome, was built on seven hills. Its history spans some 7 thousand years ago, back to the time of Thracians, Romans, ancient Bulgarians, Turks. In Bulgaria many communities – Bulgarians, Romas, Turkish, Armenian etc. have been living peacefully together for centuries, which makes the country quite an exception in the Balkans and in Europe

Plovdiv’s largest mosque towers above the square below and is as much a symbol of the city as any other building, and a reminder that this was for centuries part of the Ottoman Empire. It’s not open to the public (unless you are heading inside to pray) but you can admire it from outside.

You can visit also Russian church, Catholic cathedral, etc.

Universities offer world-recognized education for students from more than 50 countries

EUROPEAN STANDARD OF LIVING & STUDYING AT AFFORDABLE COST

For those who choose to live in Plovdiv, the city offers high standard of living. Bulgaria’s main International Airport is situated in Sofia which provides international flights and is also linked to the country’s excellent rail and bus network system.

It is just 1 hour drive away from Plovdiv Plovdiv’s city airport is situated in the south-east of the city and provides daily flights to many parts of Europe, Asia and America

The city provides first class transport services both in Plovdiv and to all parts of Bulgaria. Daily bus and train links are available to Turkey, Greece and Romania.

Plovdiv is a city which provides something for all ages. Its excellent shopping malls with designer stores, supermarkets and technical retail outlets can be found across the city and provide essential items for today’s fast, modern living.

Plovdiv is a city where cultural entertainment is in abundance – whether you prefer an opera, classical music, a pop concert or traditional Bulgarian music and dance, Plovdiv has it all.

The visitors and the local population, enjoy the vibrant café culture and frequent the many hundreds of restaurants which provide traditional and international cuisine.