Bulgaria is a small country, about half the size of the British Isles, but it has a wealth of scenic and architectural beauty. Miles of golden beaches on the Black Sea coast and spectacular mountain scenery combine with a treasure trove of ancient monasteries, churches and unspoilt mountain villages to offer something for most visitors. This is not the definitive guide to every corner of this fascinating country, but my own take on what to see and do, garnered from 27 years of family and professional visits. To put all of this in context, a section of the book called Backgrounds gives you a brief history of the country and its artforms.
Essentials - all you need to know before you go
Backgrounds 1 - The people, an introduction to the country's geography and history
Backgrounds 2 - The arts in Bulgaria.
Sofia - the nation's capital city
The Western Stara Planina - the north-west corner of the country
Stara Planina - the remainder of the Balkan Mountain range
The Danube - towns, ports, fortifications from many ages and the nature reserves
Historic Bulgaria - the medieval capitals of Bulgaria and Veliko Turnovo
Plovdiv and the Rodope Mountains - Bulgaria's second city and the wonderful villages of the Rodope
The Rila and Pirin Mountains - lakes, mountain walks and Bulgaria's most important monastery, Rila