According to legend, when God decided to divide the world among human beings, he first created different peoples. All of them came to Him, except the Bulgarians, because they were working on the field. They would have gone with empty hands, but God's generosity rewards working people, so He gave them a part of his own land - paradise. Bulgaria - small country, but with amazing rich nature: hot, clean and quiet sea, limpid lakes, waterfalls, beautiful woods and mountains, a lot of springs and curative air… Bulgaria has a long history. Monuments of culture and architecture, living folklore - all of this attracts tourists here. Splendid hotels, restaurants and nightclubs make an exciting holiday possible. We can proudly say that harmony and beauty combine in natural and hand-made.
     Bulgaria is situated in southeastern Europe, in the east part of the Balkan Peninsula. Bulgaria occupies 22% of the Balkan's area. Its length is 520km. and the width is 320km. Bulgaria borders on the Black Sea and the river Danube. The area is 110, 9 thousand sq. m., its 0, 08% from the dry land. All length on his limits is - 2245 km., 1281 km. - dry land limits, 668 km. - river limits and 378 km. - sea. The population is about eight million people. Bulgaria is a lively crossroad between Asia and Europe. It borders with Rumania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. The Black Sea on the east separates it from Ukraine and Russia. Bulgaria wins recognition as a country that is perfect for business-meetings and congress tourism. Many international symposiums and meetings are held here.

     The territory of Bulgaria has been inhabited since the earliest historical times: the Stone Age and the Chalcolithic Age. Archaeological discoveries from that time have been made near Karlovo, in the region of the towns of Nova Zagora, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Sofia, Teteven, Troyan and in the Rhodope Mountains. The oldest gold treasure in the world, discovered near Varna, is dated to that time.
     During the Bronze Age the present-day Bulgarian lands were inhabited by the Thracians, mentioned for the first time by Homer. They were engaged in agriculture and stockbreeding, and left evidence of a rich culture (the Vulchitrun gold treasure). The first Thracian state unions emerged in the 11th-6th centuries BC, which flourished in the 7th-6th centuries BC. In the 1st century BC their lands were conquered by Rome, and after the 5th century AD they were incorporated in the Byzantine Empire. The Thracians were later gradually assimilated by the Slavs who settled in the Balkan Peninsula in the 6th century AD.
     In the second half of the 7th century, the Proto-Bulgarians - an ethnic community of Turkic origin - settled on the territory of the present-day Northeastern Bulgaria. In alliance with the Slavs they formed the Bulgarian State, which was recognised by the Byzantine Empire in 681 AD. Khan Asparouh stood at the head of that state and Pliska was made its capital.
     Under the rule of Khan Tervel (700-718 AD), Bulgaria expanded its territory and turned into a major political force. Under Khan Kroum (803-814 AD) Bulgaria bordered with the empire of Carl the Great to the west, and to the east the Bulgarian troops reached the walls of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
     In 864 AD, during the rule of Prince Boris I Michail (852-889 AD), the Bulgarians adopted Christianity as their official religion. This act abolished the ethnic differences between Proto-Bulgarians and Slavs, and started building a unified Bulgarian nation.
     After adopting Christianity, the influence of the Byzantine Empire grew. This is evidenced by the ossuary in the Bachkovo Monastery (1083 AD). Bulgarian church music was created.
     In the second half of the 9th century the brothers Cyril (Constantine the Philosopher) and Methodius created and disseminated the Cyrillic alphabet. Their disciples Clement and Nahum came to Bulgaria, where they were warmly welcomed and found good conditions for work. They developed a rich educational and literary activity. From Bulgaria the Cyrillic script spread to other Slavic lands as well - present-day Serbia and Russia.
     The cities of Ochrida and Pliska, and subsequently the new capital city Veliki Preslav as well, became centres of Bulgarian culture, and of Slav culture as a whole.
     The reign of King Simeon I (893-927 AD) marked the "Golden Age of Bulgarian Culture", and the territory of his state reached the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.
     During the reign of Simeon's successors, Bulgaria was weakened by internal struggles, the heresy of the priest Bogomil spread and influenced the teachings of the Cathars and Albigenses in Western Europe.
     In 1018, after prolonged wars, Bulgaria was conquered by the Byzantine Empire. From the very first years under Byzantine rule, the Bulgarians started fighting for their freedom. In 1186, the uprising led by two boyars, the brothers Assen and Peter, overthrew the domination of the Byzantine Empire. The Second Bulgarian Kingdom was founded, and Turnovo became the new capital. After 1186, Bulgaria was initially ruled by Assen, and after that by Peter.
     The earlier power of Bulgaria was restored during the reign of their youngest brother, Kaloyan (1197-1207), and during the reign of King Ivan Assen II (1218 -1241) the Second Bulgarian Kingdom reached its greatest upsurge: political hegemony was established in Southeastern Europe, the territory of the country spread to the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea, the economy and culture developed.
     Bulgaria reached a new peak, which lasted until the end of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1186-1396). The schools of literature and the arts in Turnovo developed the traditions in Bulgarian culture, which is evidenced by the frescoes in the Boyana Church, the churches in Turnovo, in the Zemen Monastery, the churches hewn into the rocks near Ivanovo, the miniatures in the Gospel that belonged to King Ivan Alexander, kept at the British Museum in London, and Manassiy's Chronicle. In 1235, the Head of the Bulgarian Church was given the title of Patriarch.
     The strife among some of the boyars resulted in the division of Bulgaria into two kingdoms: the kingdoms of Vidin and Turnovo. This weakened the country and it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1396. For nearly five centuries Bulgaria was under Ottoman domination. The initial years were characterised by sporadic and unorganised attempts to win freedom. Later the appearance of the clandestine fighters, the "haydouts", made the emergence of a well-organised national liberation movement possible.
     The formation of the Bulgarian nation and the development of Bulgarian education started in the beginning of the 18th century. One impetus for this was the work of the monk Paissiy of Hilendar History of Slavs and Bulgarians, written in 1762. The ideas of national freedom led to the establishing of an autonomous Bulgarian national Church, and to the flourishing of education and culture. Some of the key figures during the Bulgarian National Revival were Zachary Zograph, Nikolay Pavlovich, Stanislav Dospevski, and many others. That period marked also the beginning of the first amateur theatre performances.
     The start of the organised revolutionary movement for liberation from Ottoman domination is associated with the work of Georgi Sava Rakovski (1821-1867) - writer and journalist, founder and ideologist of the national- liberal liberation movement.
     The main figures in the national liberation movement were Vassil Levski (1837-1873) - strategist and ideologist of the movement and national hero; Lyuben Karavelov (1834-1879) - writer and journalist, leader and ideologist of the movement; Hristo Botev (1848-1876) - poet and journalist, revolutionary, democrat, national hero, and many other Bulgarians.
     In 1876 the April Uprising broke out - the first significant and organised attempt at liberation from Ottoman domination. The uprising was brutally crushed and drowned in blood, but it drew the attention of the European countries to the Bulgarian national issues. In 1878, as a result of the Russian-Turkish War of Liberation (1877-1878), the Bulgarian State was restored, but national unity was not achieved. The former Bulgarian territories were divided into three: the Principality of Bulgaria was proclaimed - with Prince Alexander Battemberg at its head, Eastern Rumelia - with a Christian Governor appointed by the Sultan, while Thrace and Macedonia remained under the domination of the Ottoman Empire.
     After 1878, the first cultural and educational institutions in the Principality began to be built. The St. St. Cyril and Methodius National Library was built in 1878, the St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia opened its doors in 1888, and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre - in 1904. The first film was shown in Rousse in 1897.
     The late 19th and the early 20th century were characterised by remarkable achievements in all fine arts. That was the period marked by the works of the Bulgarian poets and writers Ivan Vazov, Aleko Konstantinov, Dimcho Debelyanov, Pencho Slaveykov - the only Bulgarian nominated for Nobel Prize, Peyo Yavorov and many others. The artists Anton Mitov, Ivan Angelov, Ivan Mrkvicka, Yaroslav Veshin, B. Schatz and others created some of the most remarkable works of art during that time. The late 19th century also marked the beginning of Bulgarian professional musical culture. The first Bulgarian composers were Emanouil Manolov, Dimiter Christov and Georgi Atanassov-Maestro.
     The decision for the fractionation of Bulgaria, taken at the Berlin Congress (1878), was never accepted by the people. The decisions of 1878 triggered the Kresna-Razlog Uprising (1878-1879), which in 1885 led to the unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. The Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising also broke out (1903).
     Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg Gotha, Bulgarian Prince since 1887, proclaimed Bulgaria's independence from Turkey and in 1908 became king of the Bulgarian people. Bulgaria took part in the Balkan War (1912) and fought together with Serbia and Greece for the freedom of Thrace and Macedonia. Bulgaria won that war, but in the subsequent war among the allies (1913) it was defeated by Romania, Turkey and by its earlier allies, who tore from her territories with a Bulgarian population.
     The intervention of Bulgaria in World War I on the side of the Central Powers ended with a national catastrophe. In 1918, King Ferdinand abdicated in favour of his son Boris III. The Neuilly Peace Treaty of 1919 imposed severe provisions on Bulgaria: it lost its outlet on the Aegean Sea, Western Thrace became a part of Greece, Southern Dobroudja was annexed to Romania, and the territories around Strumica, Bosilegrad, Zaribrod and villages around Kula were given to the Serbian- Croatian-Slovenian Kingdom. (Southern Dobroudja was restored to Bulgaria by the Bulgarian-Romanian Treaty of 1940.).
     The 1920s and 1930s were characterised with a continuing flourishing of Bulgarian culture. During that period Vladimir Dimitrov-Maistora, Zlatyu Boyadjiev, Dechko Uzunov and many other artists created remarkable works. The State Musical Academy was founded in 1921. The first steps of the art of Bulgarian ballet were made in 1928. Among the most prominent composers of that period were Pancho Vladigerov, Lyubomir Pipkov and Philip Koutev. Under the Old Sky, The Cairn and Graves without Crosses were among the best Bulgarian films in the 1920s and 1930s. The literary works of Elin Pelin, Yordan Yovkov, Geo Milev, Hristo Smirnenski, Elisaveta Bagryana, Assen Raztsvetnikov, Nikola Fournadjiev, Nikola Vaptsarov, and others, are brilliant examples of Bulgarian poetry and prose during that period.
     In the early 1940s, Bulgaria led a policy in the interest of Germany and the Axis powers. Later the participation of Bulgarian cavalry units on the Eastern Front was discontinued. King Boris III supported the public pressure and did not allow the deportation of about 50,000 Bulgarian Jews.
     In August 1943 King Boris III died and the regency of the young King Simeon II took over the governing of the country. On 5 September 1944, the Soviet Army entered Bulgaria and on 9 September the Fatherland Front Government, headed by Kimon Georgiev, came to power. In 1946 Bulgaria was proclaimed to be a People's Republic. The Queen-Mother, King Simeon ²² and Princess Maria-Louisa left Bulgaria for Egypt via Turkey. The Bulgarian Communist Party came to power. The political parties outside the Fatherland Front were banned, the economy and the banks were nationalised, the arable land was coercively organised in cooperatives. The governing of the state went successively into the hands of Georgi Dimitrov, Vassil Kolarov, Vulko Chervenkov, Anton Yougov and Todor Zhivkov.
     The date 10 November 1989 marked the beginning of the democratic changes in Bulgaria. A new Constitution was adopted (1991), the political parties were restored, the property expropriated in 1947 was resituated, privatisation and restitution of the land started. In 1990 Zhelyu Zhelev became President of Bulgaria - the first democratically elected President.
     The key priorities in Bulgaria's foreign policy became the membership in the European Union and NATO. As a result of the country's considerable progress towards meeting the criteria for EU membership, Bulgaria received on 10 December 1999 the invitation to start the pre-accession negotiations.
     The negotiations started in Brussels on 15 February 2000. On 1 December 2000, the Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs of the European Union decided to remove Bulgaria from the negative visa list.

     Bulgaria is in the North-East of the Balkan peninsula and has a territory of 110 000 sq. km. One third of its territory is covered with woods. The Danubean Plane is in the North, the Thracian Valley - in the South of the country. What lies between, sheltered by the Balkan Range is the Valley of roses. The unforgettable sight of the plants In full blossom and the odour of the roses attract visitors from all over the world in the beginning of June. The "stone forest", the "Lion's head", the Belogratchik rocks - that is only a part of the UNESCO heritage list which also features the Pirin mountains and the Srebarna lake close to the Danube - the only pink-pelican-nestling area on the Balkan Peninsula.
     The Bulgarian Black Sea coast was inhabited centuries ago - the earliest records date from 5th century BC. Nowadays it is a magnet for hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians and foreign visitors every year. In the Black sea is owr limit who is 384 km. long. The sea area is 413 488 sq.m., that is four times more than Bulgarian territory. The middle long is 1245 m., the deepest part is 2245 m. For the often storms In deep antiquity the Skities called Black sea "Ahkena" (dark sea). After this, when comfortable ports were build the Greeks changed the name to "Pantos Evksinos" (hospitable sea). Definitely the name "Black" was given from Slavianians. The water in Black sea is from two parts. On the top is the water who is coming from the rivers and then are going from the Bosfor. The salt is not much: 18g. Salt in 1000 g. water ( in Middle earth sea is 36 g. in 1000 g. water ). Top part includes manganese, potassium and other salts, which has good effect to human organism. Down part of the sea is in more than 200 m. deep includes sulphuretted hydrogen, witch helps to destroy every organisms. The life there is impossible. Black sea is poor to floor and fauna. The plankton on the top of the sea gives life to all who are living there. There are Mackerel, Grey mullet, Sardina, mussels and crabs in Black sea. Here are living and dolphins. There is no dangerous fish here. The Black Sea coast is also one of the best spa areas in the country where the combination of sea climate, mineral baths, hot springs, and curative mud adds to the possibilities of holiday enjoyment. The vast tourist complexes such as Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, newer resorts like Albena, and holiday villages such as Elenite and Dyuni compare favourably with villa settlements in the Mediterranean. The sea is not deep and is hot. The water is clean and oxygenate.

     Sofia - one of Europe's ancient cities.

     Location: The city of Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria with its population of 314,539 people. It is widely called the seaside capital of Bulgaria it is the biggest city at the Bulgarian coast. The city lies in the Bay of Varna, nestled in a deep valley between the Frengen Plateau and the Avren Plateau. Varna is over 11 km long, while its width, including newly erected residential quarters, is nearly 9 km. The city's structure resembles an amphitheatre as it follows the curves of the Bay of Varna. Gardens, vineyards and groves surround it.
     History: The city of Varna is about thousand years old. Due to its favorable geographic location, an ancient Thracian tribe first inhabited the place, Corbisi, witch had a small fisherman settlement there. In the 6th century BC a Greek polis, named Odessos, emerged there. The town became fishing and farming colony, witch soon turned into commercial hub. The town fell under the siege of Alexander of Macedonia's troops in the 4th century BC, but after the siege did not succeed to subject it, the town was given autonomy within the limits of his Empire. Up to the 1st century BC it was an independent polis, which mined its own coins with the image of its god. Later on, conquered by Mark Lukulu's legions, it became a Roman center though gradually it lost supremacy in the region. In the 9th century it is already called Varna. The town was included in the territory of Bulgaria in the beginning of the 13th century during the reign of the King Kaloyan. Despite its strong defence system, the town was conquered by the Turks in 1391 which gradually transformed it into a oriental city with konaks (town halls), Turkish baths and mosques. In 1878 Varna was finally liberated from Ottomanrule and became the most important Bulgarian seaport. Even it the city was industrialized, it also developed into a seaside resort, and a favorite holiday place for the Bulgarian cultural elite. The cared the name of Stalin for a short time, but after 1956 it returned the name of Varna.
     Places of interest:
     In the city: A resorted Roman spa built in the 2nd during the reign of Antony Pii and Roman bath dating back to the 3rd century can be found in the down town. The Holy Virgin Cathedral, considered to be the most impressive monument of the city, rises in the very center of the city. The cathedral's construction started in the second half of the 19th century but it was not sanctified until 1910. Another church, the St. Nicola Church is located near the Sea Garden Park and dates back to 1866. The Clock Tower, built in 1880, rises just across the cathedral. The Theatre of Drama, were the first ever Bulgarian theatre performance was held, is also a must-see place in the city center. It was built nearly a century ago and resembles Vienna buildings of that time. It houses of theatre, an opera and philharmonic halls and stages performances during the entire summer season. Not far away from the Theatre of Drama is the Puppet Theatre, were the Golden Dolphin Festival of puppets takes place each year. The city also has a number of museums, including the Archeological Museum, the Museum of National Renaissance, the Naval Museum, Vladislav Varnenchik Park-Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Nature and Science, the Aquarium and the Black Sea Museum, the Museum of Medicine and the Museum of Art and History of Varna. The latter was a particularly rich collection including the Gold Treasure of Varna, dating back 6,000 years ago, weighing 6 kg. And containing the oldest gold works found in the world. Besides, the cites Art Gallery, opened in 1950, exhibits paintings of outstanding Bulgarian artists as well as works of a number of foreign artists, donated to the gallery, by private persons. There are about ten cinemas functioning in Varna with the best ones being in the city center, including the Mustang Cinema.
     The see garden is another favorite place of visitors of Varna. The garden finally completed in 1908, shelters and amphitheatre, an astronomic site with an observatory, planetarium and a tower, children playgrounds, and a small channel, where once can practice rowing, a pool with water wheels and zoo. The beach were one can find mud and water therapy complexes, two quays, numerous restaurants and disco clubs, is also just beneath the Sea Garden Park. The Dolphinarium is one of the favorite attractions for children and guests of Varna for its regular performances of talented dolphin artists. The festival complex can be found just opposite the entrance of the Sea Garden Park. It is modern building of aluminum, stone and glass and has several stages, conference-halls, and a big bazaar. Another noteworthy place is the Aspsruh Brige (named after the founder of the Bulgarian state, Asparouh), which connects the city center with the residential quarters of Asparouhovo and Galata. It is the longest bridge in Bulgaria and risk lovers can even try a dreadful Bunji jump here.
     Accommodation: Varna offers virtually all kinds of accommodation facilities though traditionally, the bulk of holidaymakers opt out for renting private flats and rooms. The site's hotels are also a good number; with the Black Sea Hotel, Odessa Hotel, and Varnenski Bryag Hotel considered among the highest class ones. The Mousala Hotel and the Orbita Hotel fall in the lower price category. There are about 60 private hotels - most of the being 1 or 2 star ones. Good bargains as regards private lodgings can also be cam across via direct contact with people.
     Transport: the fastest way to get to Varna is by airplane, as it takes less than an hour from the capital city of Sofia while place in both directions fly 6 or 7 times a day during the summer. The sea port offers regular water transport to and from Balchic, Slunchev Briag, Nesebar and Bourgas. Varna is also connected to all main railwaylines in the country with express trains to Sofia and Plovdiv that take 7 and 4.30 hours respectively. The city's main bus station is 1,5 km away from the city centre with buses to all larger cities in Central and Eastern Europe. Besides, Varna's city transport has a network of over 60 bus lines (some of these also traveling to nearby resorts) and trolley busses.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin

     Towering in the very centre of Varna, it is one of the most impressive churches in Bulgaria. It was he who placed the first stone in the foundations of the construction starting on 22 August 1880. The design was made by Maas, an architect from Odessa. The building was completed in 1886 but its consecration was delayed until 1910. The cathedral has three altars. The central one is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, the southern one - to Saint Nicholas of Myra and the northern one - to Alexander Nevski.
     One of the greatest values of the Varna Cathedral are the murals painted under the supervision of the Russian artist Prof. Rostovtsev. The Bishop's throne and the iconostases are genuine masterpieces of the famous Debar school of woodcarving.

     Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, lies in the Sofia plain, enclosed by the Balkan Range Mountain to the north, and Mount Vitosha to the south. A city with a 7000-year-old history where excavations in its very centre bring up objects from Neolithic man, and remnants of the stone and bronze era, Sofia was a settlement for Thracians, Romans, Bulgarians, Byzantines and Ottoman. Nowadays Sofia is the country's leading industrial centre, housing one eighth of the population, the country's political and cultural elite. Several buildings and most of the sites of particular interest are found in the central area within easy walking distance of each other: the Church of St Nedelya, the 13 century Chapel of St Petka Paraskeva- a medieval foundation dwarfed beneath turn-of-the-century buildings, the Banya Bashi Mosque near Sofia's mineral baths, the sunken Church of St Petka Samardzhiiska originally built in the 14 century, the 4th century Rotonda of St George-Sofia's oldest church, the Russian Church, the National Assembly, the National Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum housed in the former royal palace. One of the finest pieces of architecture on the Balkans and certainly Sofia's crowning glory, is the Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral honouring the Russsian casualties of the 1877-78 War of Liberation. Nearby is the Church of St Sofia dating from late Roman times believed to have given its name to the capital. The city's liveliest areas include the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the monument of Cyril and Metodii in front of the National Library, the National Palace of Culture.

     The country's second-largest city, Plovdiv is one of its most attractive and vibrant centers, situated in the Upper Thracian valley, along the two banks of Maritza, scattered upon six unique syenite hills. Certainly, there's plenty to see: the old town embodies Plovdiv's long and varied history - Thracian fortifications overlaid with Byzantine walls, and by great timber-framed mansions erected during the Bulgarian renaissance, looking down on the Ottoman mosques and artisans' dwellings of the lower town. But Plovdiv isn't merely a parade of antiquities: the city's arts festivals and trade fairs rival Sofia's in number, and its restaurants and hotels compare favourably with those of the capital. The Roman Plovdiv revolves around the ruins of a Roman stadium and forum, the Turkish Baths, the 15-century Imaret dzhamiya and the impressive Dzhumaya dzhamiya or "Friday mosque" with its diamond-patterned minaret and lead-sheathed domes. The old Plovdiv, most of which is designated as an Architectural-Historical Reserve, is remarkable with its cobbled, hilly streets, churches and colourful orieled National Revival-style houses that are Plovdiv's specialty. A splendid landmark and a venue for concerts and plays, is the Roman theatre, whose imposing ruins are practically the only remains of an acropolis, which the Romans built when they made the town a provincial capital during the 2nd century.

     The development of the town is a natural result from the preceding social, economical, political and cultural development of the region.
     The sea as a living and a romance has urged the citizens of the ancient Greek colonies Apolonia and Anchialo to look for a living and protection in the comfortable Black Sea bay.
     The earlier signs of life in the crossroad location can be traced back to bronze and the beginning of the iron age.
     A great quantity of finds attests the availability of life activities during the Thracian age which ranges over the second half of the VI century B.C. The name of Bourgas, the administrative centre of the Municipality Bourgas appears for the first time in 1306 in the poem of Byzantine poet Manuil Fill as Pirgos, the Greek equivalent of the Latin word Burgos, which means the Tower. Bourgas appears on the map for the first time in the year 1733. According to the English map issued in 1854, Bourgas occupies an area of 1 sq.km. Áecause of its crossroad position and the comfortable seaport the town starts to grow fast.
     The sea on one side was a natural door and relation to different civilizations through which the settlers established contact with the achievements of peoples from near and far. From the sea they expected to earn their living. On the other side the sea was a point of departure for the export of wooden coal extracted from the Strandja mountain and for agricultural produce mainly grains, which came from the interior of the country. In the second half of the XVII century Bourgas had a brisk trade and in the beginning of the XIX century it acquired a strategic importance.
     In the beginning of 1878 the town was liberated from the Ottoman oppression. After the liberation Bourgas gradually grew as a port and commercial centre of Southern Bulgaria. The town plan, effective since 1891 stimulated the construction of new churches, schools, residential and administrative buildings. The century-long economical and cultural contacts have shaped today's social and economical nature of Bourgas, the spirit of its citizens and the original atmosphere of the town.
     Òhe free spirit, the artistic atmosphere and the creative energy of Bourgas, which distinguish the town among others, are a contribution of its prominent artists in the past and the present but also of its thousands of citizens.
     "This is my life my strange and only verbal scenery" whore the great Bourgas poet Christo Fotev. The contact with the sea, the well-known scent of salt and seaweed, the quietness of the small and neat streets, the silver colour of the fresh caught fish and the dynamic rhythm of the contemporary town have born many pieces of art, which are the pride of the citizens of the town and its cultural institutions. Òhe Art Gallery and the Museum of Bourgas preserve the culture and the achievements of many generations. Òhe archaeological department of the Museum was founded back in the year 1925. The Drama Theatre "Adriana Budevska" has formed stages in the development of Bulgarian theatre, the Opera and the Philharmonic Society, the Puppet Theatre, the Folklore Ensemble "Strandja", the popular Music Band "Hot Sand". The Choir "Rodna Pesen" and other represent the variety of cultural institutions and the richness of the cultural offer in Bourgas. The traditional cultural events in Bourgas are widely and internationally popular: Òhe International Folklore Festival, the National competition of Popular songs "Bourgas and the Sea", the Musical Festival "Emil Chakarov", the National Competition of Children's Songs "Sladkopojna Chuchuliga" and many other.
     Education is an essential part of the past and the present of Bourgas. With its 35 kinder gardens, 55 schools, 2 universities it equals the standard of many European towns. Here one can acquire general and specialized high education with many different specialities. The subject and specialties of education in the two universities. The University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" and Bourgas Free University are also numerous.
     The implementation of the educational environmental, religious and anti-drugs programs make Bourgas a modern cultural and educational centre. The town is a member of the International Association: Towns Against Drugs". The development of a modern health policy and sustaining of good public health services is another part of the image of Bourgas. Health projects like "Environment and Health", "General Practitioners", etc is being implemented in partnership with donators and thus high standards in the health care are achieved. Local, national and international competitions and tournaments are held in the sports facilities and complexes of Bourgas. The most modern Bulgarian stadium is located on the territory of the town. International basketball and volleyball contests, the international eurhythmics tournament "Julieta Shishmanova", the Parabalkan Olympic Games for handicapped people - this is only a part of the sports glory of Bourgas.
     The Municipality of Bourgas is located in the South-eastern part of the Republic of Bulgaria, occupies an area of 468 sq.km. and has a population of 240 000 people. There are many interesting natural and tourist sites on its territory. The mineral spas and the resort by them are 15 km Northerners of the town. To the South of Bourgas is the Park Otmanli. The isle St Anastasia is located in the Bourgas Bay near the cape Atia. The Atanasovsko lake, became a reserve and was included in the list of Ramsar sites in 1976; the site Poda which became protected area in 1989 with the purpose of preserving the natural habitats of a large number of water birds and nest colonies, included in the Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria; the protected area Vaya, included in the list of ornithological important locations in Europe, add to creating the full image of the municipality and the town as a region which successfully combines contemporary urbanism with natural preserved sites.
     In spite of the concentration of a large industrial conglomerate around Bourgas, the conditions are created for serious changes in people's environmental culture, the protection and development of environment. Bourgas is a part of the Union of the European towns for sustainable development. The environmental program of Bourgas provides for the implementation of many projects of local, national and international importance, related to waste management, air monitoring, environmental management, environmental education, biological diversity protection, protected areas management, etc. The "Greener Bourgas" project has given Bourgas not only representation, but contributed its becoming a contemporary, green and well-tended town. Its partnership with Rotterdam Holland, Gomel Byelorussia, Zaporozie Ukraine, Alexandrupolis Greece creates new opportunities for investment and development.

     Lying midway between Veliko Tanovo and Varna, Shumen is the obvious base from which to explore the historical sites at the ancient Bulgarian capitals-Pliska and Preslav, and Madara with the UNESCO protected mysterious Madara Hourseman. The city itself has a fair share of ancient monuments and memorial houses, not least a spectacular medieval fortress that once guarded the road to Preslav. As Turkish Shumla, Shumen was one of the fourth heavily garrisoned citadel towns protecting the northern frontier, traces of which can be still seen in the surviving mosque, the Tombul Dzhamiya, and the Bezisten-a covered market built to cater for the needs of Dubrovnik merchants in the 16th century. Shumen is surrounded to the south and west by the Shumensko Plato national park where the monumental medieval fortress can be found-a real archeological treasure of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Bulgarian traces.

     Veliko Tarnovo is one of the most ancient Bulgarian towns. The picturesque situation and panoramic view of the town, its rich cultural and historical heritage wins Veliko Tarnovo the recognition as a historical, cultural and tourist center of contemporary Bulgaria. The town was founder of the foot of the Northern Fore - Balkan Range. Historians date it back to the 4th millenium B. C. The town of Veliko Tarnovo had inherited centuries-old Prehistoric, Thracian and Antique culture and in 1185 it became a center of the Bulgarian Uprising against Byzantine domination and the capital of the restored Bulgarian state. The medieval town of Tarnovo was rapidly expanding and developed into the strongest Bulgarian fortress during the 12-14th centuries. It becomes the most significant political, economic, cultural and religious centre of Bulgaria. The Tarnovo Schools of Literature and Arts were established and developed here. Remarkable architectural monuments were created; miniature and monumental painting, literature; plastic arts and crafts achieved high artistic level. During the 15th-19th centuries period Tarnovo was a symbol of the former Bulgarian state system and a stronghold of the Bulgarian national spirit, a leading centre of the struggle for cultural independence. During the Bulgarian National Revival period in the second half of the 18th and the 19th centuries the town was an important administrative, trade and industrial centre. The rapid economic boom was set as a favourable premise for a dynamic cultural and educational process. Unique monuments of the material and spiritual culture were created. After the Liberation from Ottoman domination in 1877 until the wars in 1912 - 1913and in 1915 - 1918 as a historical capital Tarnovo played a significant role in the political, administrative and cultural formation of independent Bulgaria. In 1879 Bulgaria was restored for the second time. Then the Constituent Assembly drafted the supreme fundamental laws of the nation - the Tarnovska Constitution in the hall of the former Turkish konak (municipality building). The 1st, The 3th, The 4th and The 5th Grand National Assemblies (in 1879, 1887, 1893 and 1911) were held in Veliko Tarnovo. In 1990 The 7th Grand National Assembly was established in same Town Hall where the Constituent Assembly was in session in 1879. The 7th Grand National Assembly drafted the new Constitution of Bulgaria - the nations fundamental laws for modern democratic changes. Modern Veliko Tarnovo is a town - museum rich in many cultural museums and monuments and architectural preserves. Every year the town is visited by thousands of tourists from Bulgaria and from abroad. It is a prime concern of the whole nation to study and preserve the numerous historical and architectural monuments, the rich museums and the museum stock.

     The city of Russe is located on the high right bank of the Danube River,496 km from the outflow of the big river in the Black Sea, 320 km northeast of Sofia. The largest Bulgarian city on the Danube has a long history - from the 5000-year-old prehistoric settlement, the Roman town of Sexaginta Prista, or the Port of the Sixty Ships, and the important Ottoman harbour and fortress, to the present economic and cultural centre where Art Nouveau-inspired ornamentation drips from delicate turn-of the-century houses. About 200 buildings in Russe are listed in the architectural and historical heritage of Bulgaria, the most outstanding of which are: the 1908 Liberation Monument, the Drama Theatre and High School of Music, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Dohodnoto Zdanie, the Kaliopa house and many others. The ancient places of interest include Leventabia Fortress, the Kyuntukapu Gate, the 1632 Holy Trinity Church, the Mahmoud Column. Russe makes a good base for exploring the nearby Rusenski Lom National Park, home to the dramatic Rock Monastery of Ivanovo and the ruined town of Cherven.

     The town of Gabrovo is situated along the two banks of the Yantra river, at the northern foot of the Central Balkan range or in other words in the immediate proximity of the geographical centre of Bulgaria. Long known for producing leatherwork and textiles, Gabrovo is the starting point for trips to Bozhentsi, or south to the ethnographic complex Etara and the nearby Sokolovo monastery. To the Bulgarians, Gabrovo is primarily known as the home of the House of Humour and Satire which pays tribute to the town's position as the butt of the country's jokes on account of the alleged stinginess of its inhabitants. A Festival of Humour takes place in May every 2 years and the town becomes the centre of the International biennial of humour and satire in arts. The town's highlights include the Aprilov School, the Historical Museum, the 1835 Clocktower and the Baev Bridge.

     With its diverse springs, excellent climate and leafy parks, Velingrad is one of Bulgaria's most popular spa resorts. It is situated amidst the wonderful natural surrounding of the Western Rhodopes, 86 km southwest of Plovdiv. Thracians, Slavs, Byzantines, Romans, and Ottomans have shaped the town's history. However, the greatest treasure of Velingrad are the 80 mineral springs with temperatures varying from 22 to 48C, used for treatment of a number of diseases. The abundance of mineral springs and resort facilities, the mild climate and the beautiful lake near the Kleptuza spring, make Velingrad a desirable destination. Surrounding areas of interest are the small health resort Yundola at the pass dividing the Rhodopes from Rila mountain, notable for its inhabitants' longevity, the village of Dorkovo with the nearby Zepina medieval Bulgarian fortress.

     The nineteenth-century National Revival town of Elena is located 40km southeast of Veliko Tarnovo. During the centuries under the Ottoman power the Turks used the town's population to guard the local mountain passes, giving them a measure of autonomy in return, so painters and woodcarvers of nineteenth-century Elena were able to decorate the churches of the surrounding countryside, and patriotic local merchants could finance the restoration of nearby monasteries like Kapinovo. Although Elena has not been renovated to the same extent as other National Revival towns, the core of nineteenth-century structures grouped around the hilltop church make a visit here more than worthwhile.

     The town of Troyan spreads out along the banks of the Beli Osam river, 35 km south of Lovetch and 25 km northeast of the historical Troyan Pass in the Balkan mountains. It is a characteristic Balkan town producing the specific Bulgarian souvenir pottery and one of the country's most popular plum brandy. Cultural places of interest are the Museum of Folk Crafts and Applied Arts, the St Paraskeva Church, the architectural complex Nunki with restored houses in the traditional Balkan mountain architectural style. The historical Trojan monastery, located 10 km southeast of Troyan, is the country's third largest monastery and a real jewel in the the crown with its frescoes, valuable library, and the miracle-working icon Three-handed Virgin.

     Kazanlak, the capital of the rose-growing region, known as the Valley of the Roses, is located 200 km east of Sofia and 108 km northeast of Plovdiv. Kazanlak is well-known for its production of rose oil, the importance of which is reflected in the Festival of Roses held in early June. Nowadays the city is known also as the centre of the Valley of the Thracian Kings. Once a significant area of Thracian settlement, the vicinity of Kazanlak is spotted with countless burial mounds and tombs. The most famous of the tombs, the Kazanlak Tomb, a late 4th-early 3rd century BC domed burial chamber, lies just outside the town centre and contains unique paintings. The Tomb is one of the 9 cultural and historical sites in Bulgaria included in the UNESCO list of historical and architectural monuments of global importance. Other places of interest include the Church of the Assumption, the Iskra Museum, the Ethnographic complex, and the Museum of the Rose Industry. Lying at the southern end of the Shipka Pass, one of Bulgaria's most spectacular cross-mountain routes, Kazanlak is also a starting point for visits to the historically significant Shipka-Buzludja National Park, with the Shipka Memorial Church, the towering stone Freedom Monument, and the Buzludja peak.

     Kavarna is a small port town, which has a broad outlet on the Black Sea to the Eastern and Southern sides. The coast is varied and there are cliffs combined with beaches and abrasive formations such as caves, fissures, etc. The area lacks surface running water and irrigation is most valuable. There is a steep cape called Kaliakra near the town, famous for the romantic legend about forty 'maidens' committing suicide in the name of Christianity. It is also famous for the caves - once the habitat of the extremely rare Black Sea monk seal.
     Kavarna is one of the ancient towns on theBULGARIAN Black sea cost. First it was situated nearer to the sea but after an eartquake in I c. B.C. the old town Byzone has been partly drawned into the sea and later, in Roman times, it was rebuilt at a new place, 3 km inland. During the times of the First and Second Bulgarian Kingdom it was the administrative centre of Dobrudja. There are mechanical engineering, electrical, food and other industrial enterprises, but agriculture has the leasing position in the local economy thanks to the rich resources of fertile, arable land. The structural specialization is mainly in grain, animal fodder and technical crops.

     The town of Belogradchik is situated between two ridges of the Western Balkan Range, just east of the Serbian border, 182 km northwest of Sofia, and 52 km southwest of Vidin. Belogradchik gives its name to Bulgaria's most spectacular rock formations, the Belogradchik rocks, which cover an area of 90 square km to the west. The towering rocks form a natural fortress whose defensive potential has been exploited by the Romans, the Bulgars, and Turks since ancient times. The fortress at Belogradchik and the Belogradchik Pass were for centuries the main trade route linking the lower Danube with Serbia. Today, the town's landmarks are the fortress or citadel which three levels of fortifications represent different periods of occupation, the 1751 Hussein Pasha mosque, the historical museum, and undoubtedly the marvellous panorama of the Belogradchik rocks. The town is a starting point for trips to the Magura cave, occupied by hunters as early as 2700 BC and best known for its rock paintings.

     With under 300 inhabitants, Bulgaria's smallest town - Melnik, 20 km southeast of Sandanski, is famous for its robust red wine, impressive houses and natural surroundings. Nestled amidst the southwestern fold of Pirin mountain, Melnik combines memories of a prosperous past and unique in its kind countryside with whimsical sand pyramids, sandstone towers and mushrooms, vineyards and orchards. The original Revival architecture of the Melnik houses with their famous sand wine cellars, the ruins of the old-time splendour such as the 13th century Boyar House, and the numerous churches, are the reason Melnik has become an architectural reserve. You can still enjoy the justly famed Melnik wine once traded as far as Western Europe in the numerous taverns and hotels. Moreover, the proximity to the 12th century Rozhen Monastery and the Rupite - home village and burial place of the oracle Baba Vanga, makes Melnik the most popular destination in southern Pirin.

     About 8 million (including Bulgarians, Turks, Gypsies, Armenians, Jews, Russians, etc.)

     Majority of people are east orthodox. Christianity was adopted as early as the IX century a.d. There are also Roman Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, Jews etc. First religious centers - the monasteries - were established as soon as Christianity was adopted. Their role and importance grew during the 13-th and 14-th centuries and especially during the Ottoman domination. One of the oldest, largest and most beautiful monasteries is the world famous Rila Monastery, known as the "Bulgarian" Jerusalem. The orthodox churches possess the charm of art galleries with their unique mural paintings and woodcarvings. The Tombul mosque in Shumen is an exquisite example of the architecture of the Orient and the Synagogue in Sofia is considered to be one of the biggest in Europe.

     Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic. The Parliament has the legislative power whereas the executive power belongs to the Council of Ministers and local communities.

     Bulgarian - which is a Slavic language belonging to the Indo-European language group. Bulgarians are good at foreign languages, Russian in particular which is quite similar to Bulgarian.

     Bulgaria is situated in 42⁰ - 44⁰ in the latitude north. The climate in Northern Bulgaria is moderate continental, while the climate in Southern Bulgaria is intermediate continental tending to Mediterranean. The climate in the regions with an altitude of 1900-2000 m above sea level is mountainous and along the Black Sea coast it is maritime.
     The middle degrees in the coldest month January are from -1⁰ to +1⁰C, while in the hottest July are +23⁰C, +25⁰C. The summer is long and hot and the winter is moderate cold. The highest temperature in Bulgaria had been 50⁰C, while the lowest had been -38⁰C.
     In the middle of the summer is raining much and sometimes hailstorm. The parts of the rains are with snow. The days with snow are not more then 25 - 30 for all the country except the mountains.
     The Black sea resorts are characterized with hot and softly weather. The good temperature for swimming is from May to October. The middle temperatures in May are +20⁰C, in Junå and September are +25⁰C, in July and August are +26⁰C - +28⁰C.

     Bulgarian nature is really unique. With more than 3500 vascular plant species, Bulgaria has one of the richest flora in Europe. This great variety is a result of combination of southern latitudes and variable relief, including sea shore, plains and high mountains (the highest peak on the Balkans - Moussala, 2925m is situated in Bulgaria). What is more important is that Bulgarian flora has one of the highest percentages of endemic species. Among the most important of them are the White-barked pine (Pinus heldreichii), met only on the Balkans and in Southern Italy and the Macedonian Pine (Pinus peuce), met only on the territory of Bulgaria and former Yugoslavia. Luckily, many of the most precious ecosystems are preserved in National reserves and Parks. The most famous are the "Granite oak" (Quercus robur, 1600 years old) and "Baikushevata mura" (Pinus heldreichii, 1300 years old) 96% are all natural - they've not been planted. The average age of the trees is 90 years; almost two-thirds are 100 years or older. The deciduous forests of the Central Balkan National Park are unique for Europe. These are large, all-natural forests, covering 86% of the Park's wooded area. Coniferous forests cover 93% of all wooded areas in Rila and Pirin National Parks. High-mountain meadows are found at altitudes of 2,000-2,500 meters in Rila and Pirin and at 1,500-1,850 meters in Central Balkan National Park. More than 70% of all protected, rare or endemic species of plants in Bulgaria can be found in these high mountain environments.
      The natural forest ecosystems in Bulgaria's National Parks are unequalled in Europe. National Park forests are great natural air filters, oxygen producers and water conservers. They provide habitat for countless species of wild plants and animals.

     A possibility to see many rare European and endemic Bulgarian plants. Bulgaria is the country with the biggest biodiversity in Europe. Many endemic and rare plants can be found on Bulgarian territory. Together with all the other interesting and rare plants and animals Bulgarian wildlife is one of the most interesting in Europe.
     Bulgaria ranks fifth in Europe in the diversity of plants found within its territory, with 3,567 species. Two-thirds of all plant species are represented within the Parks and, of these, one-sixth are of high conservation significance:

• 23 are local endemics, 48 species are endemic to Bulgaria, and 143 are endemic to the Balkans;
• 105 are relicts - left over from the ice age and early;
• 179 species are found in the Bulgarian Red Data Book;
• 92 species are protected under Bulgarian law;
• 56 species are protected under international law;

     In addition, 750 medicinal plant species can be found in Bulgaria. Three-fourths of these can be found in the combined territories of the three Parks, and are protected by the National Parks' management system.
     Over 250 species, or one-eighth of all mushroom species in Bulgaria, grow in the National Parks. Eighteen of these are edible, including several varieties of bolete, chanter Elle, and parasol mushrooms.

     Bulgaria has more animal species within its territory than any other country in Europe. The three National Parks encompass habitats and natural environments necessary for the survival of many of these species.
     Bulgaria's National Parks are home to more than 4,000 invertebrate species, a quarter of which are of high conservation significance.
     Over 300 vertebrates reside in Rila, Pirin and Central Balkan National Parks. Some of the most significant populations of large mammals in Bulgaria and Europe live here. These include the Balkan chamois, brown bear, wolf, and red deer. Twenty-five species of smaller mammals also live in Park territory. Over 200 vertebrate species are protected under both Bulgarian and international law:

• 67% of all species of fishes, amphibians and reptiles are of high conservation significance.
• 90% of all bird species are of high conservation significance.
• Bulgaria has 30 bat species (the second largest number in Europe); 60% of these are found within Bulgaria's three National Parks and all are protected under Bulgarian and international law. Bulgaria has 30 bat species (the second largest number in Europe); 60% of these are found within Bulgaria's three National Parks and all are protected under Bulgarian and international law.

     For each Park the Bulgarian government uses a ten-year Management Plan, required by the Protected Areas Act. Each plan describes the existing conditions of the Park and its surrounding environs, including natural, social, and economic conditions. Using this information, each Management Plan provides direction for activities and investments specified for each Park.      The Management Plan also uses "zoning" as a major management tool-dividing park territory into management areas (or zones) depending on the conservation objectives of the Park. Zones boundaries are generally defined using natural features (mountain ridges, rivers, streams, vegetation zones, and in some cases, roads and trails). The zones vary in their designation and management objectives, so activities and recommendations can differ for each zone.      The recurrent annual costs of each National Park Directorate are funded from the annual budget of the Ministry of Environment and Waters. Capital investments (construction, renovation, new infrastructure, and training and research) are funded by the Enterprise Fund for Environmental Activities Management.

     The rivers in Bulgaria are not big and are not useful for shipping. They begin from the mountains. They are using for irrigation and for this was build hydrostatics and equipments for irrigation for the areas.
     Bulgaria has 526 rivers longer than 2.3 km.
     The rivers in Bulgaria are flow into Black sea and Aegean Sea. These who are flowing into Black sea taking 63 thousand Sq. m. from Bulgarian area, those who are pouring into Aegean Sea - 47 thousand sq. m. The only navigable river is the Danube, which flows along the northern Bulgarian border. Kamchia river is the biggest river from those inside who are flowing into the Black sea. She is 244 km. Long. The high-water river is Maritsa. She is 472 km. long whose 322 km. are on Bulgaria area. The Iskar river is 368 km. long.
     There are not many lakes in Bulgaria and there aren't large by there size. The lakes that are coming from glaciers (more then 150) are situated in Rila mountains. The most of the lakes are situated on the Black sea and Danube river costs. There are few firth-lakes in Bulgaria. The biggest is Bourgas lake, with 28 sq. m. area, who is located in Bourgas town. Tourist interest takes Srebarna lake, who is located near to Silistra town.
     There are good opportunities for adventure tourism: wild water rafting and canoeing, diving, delta- and para-gliding in the valleys of the Vatcha, Iskar, Chepelarska, Struma, and Mesta rivers.
     Arda is a river in Bulgaria which begins in the Rhodope Mountains near the town of Smolyan, flowing 290 kilometre eastward past Kurdzhali and Ivaylovgrad then enters the Maritsa, just west of Edirne, Turkey.
     The Maritsa river is 472 km long. It has its origin in the Rila Mountains in Western Bulgaria, flowing southeast between the Balkans and Rhodope Mountains, past Plovdiv, to Edirne, Turkey, where it turns south to enter the Aegean Sea near Enez. The Tundzha is its chief tributary. The Maritsa's lower course forms part of the Bulgarian-Greek border and the Greek-Turkish line.
     The upper Maritsa valley is a principal east-west route in Bulgaria. The unnavigable river is used for power production and irrigation.
     Ropotamo river springs from a place near to the village of Bosna (some 50 kilometers to the west in the Strandzha Mountains). The mouth of the Ropotamo river is situated in the middle of the coast line stretching between the holiday city of Duni and the town of Primorsko, about 45km to the south of Bourgas.
     The most distinguishing feature of the river is that it is salt. In its beginning it is freshwater, but after a few kilometers it becomes salt. The only place where there was fresh water was the "King well" near to the riverside of Ropotamo.
     The river has a rich and unique variety of flora and fauna. The Ropotamo river is particularly famous for its tender water lilies. A boat trip down the river or a walk along its banks is an unforgettable experience. The tourists are delight from every tortoise, at every heron, sneak and bird. There are 3 species of tortoises in the river and some of those species grew to 35 sm.
     The waters of the river are brown, the water looks dirty, but it is not, and this is because the red plankton reproduced here. In the region of the Ropotamo river the fishing and the hunting are forbidden.
     Kamchia River - The merging of two small rivulets, springing from the eastern Balkan Range - L uda Kamchia and Golyama Kamchia, forms the Kamchia River. It empties some 9000 liters of water every second into the Black Sea. During the spring, that amount can be as much as 30, 000 liters per second. Running down through the Balkan Range Kamchia meanders through unique woodland called Longoza. The Ropotamo River, Dyavolska River and the Veleka River have similar geological structure - sandstone, clay loam formations covered with wild vegetation in the quiet and large firth. Once Kamchia was called Panisos and the Slavs called it Ticha. Its contemporary name is of Kouman origin. The Romans built a stronghold called Erite on its left bank. Nowadays the frequently flooded area is a reserve named after the Kamchia River. The reserve is under the protection of UNESCO. It is 40 km in length and 5 km in width in some of its parts. There are deer, sea hawks and eagles, wild boars, wild cats etc.

GMT + 2

Lev - available in a variety of coins (called stotinki) and notes.

     Having survived the times with the self-confidence of the most zealous guards of the Bulgarian culture and language, the Bulgarian monasteries still fascinate the present-day visitor with the pure and harmonious line of the buildings' exquisite colonnades, arches and vaults, spacious rooms richly decorated with murals and fretwork. There are nearly 120 monasteries on the territory of Bulgaria nestled in the most private parts of the mountains, surrounded with virgin nature. The story of each monastery is quite intriguing and full of heroic moments.

     It was founded in the l0th century by the Bulgarian monk St. Ivan of Rila and was rebuilt in the l3th -l4th century. From that time are the fortress tower (1334), the bishop's throne, richly carved doors and some manuscripts, icon-paintings and church plates. In the l5th century, when Bulgaria fell to the Ottoman Turks, the monastery was abandoned for a short time but in the second half of the same century it was restored to a new life. The Rila Monastery has been listed as a world monument of culture. There is an interesting legend surrounding Rila monastery and its Saint, Ivan, who lived in the 10th century. After his parents' death, he gave away all of his material items, left his village and went to live in a cave in the Rila mountains. One can visit the cave today. Ivan lived without material possessions and grew healthier and stronger than he had ever been. For many years people visited him in his cave when they were sick in order to be healed. Upon Ivan's death, his body was wrapped in a shroud and buried. His body did not decay, however, and all those that visited his tomb were cured of their sicknesses.

     This is one of the few preserved and accessible rock monasteries in Bulgaria, dating from the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th -14th century) and it was most likely inhabited until the 18th century. Monastic cells and a small church have been dug into a sheer rock, 14 km from the city of Varna and close to the Black Sea resort of Golden Sands. Differently colored 13th-14th century frescoes are still discernible on its walls, but only few of them are preserved. The church has a wood-carved iconostasis.
     Visitors today can see in the 40-odd metre high rock separate rooms of the monastery complex- the place of worship, the chapel, a special church for requiescat (mass for the dead), tombs, the kitchen, the dining room, the cells of the monks and work rooms. They all are situated on two natural terraces, one above the other. In the past, the church was richly decorated with wall paintings. Probably that is why the monastery was called Aladzha meaning "motley, multi-coloured". In the 17th-18th century, the monks abandoned the monastery.

     Bachkovo Monastery is located 28 km South-West of Plovdiv city. It was built in 1083 by Grigor Bakuriani, a military in the Byzantine Empire, a Georgian by origin. The ossuary with its exquisite architecture and wall paintings dates from that time. The winter church of the Archangels dates in all likelihood to the l2th century. In the early l6th century the monastery was destroyed by the Turkish conquerors to be restored in the late l6th century. Of great interest are the monastery refectory (1601 ), the church of the Assumption (1604) with murals dating from 1643, and the domed church of St Nicholas (1837), decorated in 1840 by the Revival Period painter Zahari Zograph.

     Trojan monastery must have been in existence long before the l5th century, as legends suggest. It flourished again about the year 1600. From the oldest church it is only the throne stone that has been preserved. Towards the beginning of the l9th century the monastic brotherhood re-erected the monastery. In 1835 master Konstantin built a wonderful main church, which was painted by Zahari Zograph in 1847-1849. The spacious residential wings with roomy verandas were built in 1835-1855. In 1865 a tower was raised in the monastery courtyard with a winter church and a belfry on the last floor.

     Dryanovo Monastery of St. Archangel Michael was founded in the l2th century and is in close proximity to the summer residence of the Bulgarian rulers from the Assen dynasty. It was destroyed several times during the Ottoman domination. In its present-day site the monastery exists since 1845. The main church was built in 1861. Almost ruined after the Ottoman Turks' invasion, the monastery buildings were restored in 1880. Next to the church there is the ossuary raised in memory of the perished insurgents. In the monastery you can also find a museum collection with exhibits from all historical epochs including Neolithic finds from a nearby cave.

     The Monastery of Batoshevo was founded in the 13th century under the reign of King Mikhail Asen. It is located in the hearth of Balkan Range Mountain, near the village of Batoshevo. The monastery had been burned to ashes during the Ottoman slavery. Years of abandonment had followed. In 1831 its restoration had began and new wings with monastic cells had been built up. However, in 1876 the monastery has been burned down again having been a constant hiding place of one of the leaders of the Bulgarian organized revolutionary activity - Angel Kanchev. After the liberation the monastery has been fully restored.

     This monastery is to be found amidst the picturesque Zemen Gorge on the bank of Strouma River about two kilometers southwest of the town of Zemen. The oldest building in the monastery is its church, built of shapely cut tufa blocks. It is a cruciform structure almost resembling a giant cube with a central cupola that stands on four huge pillars of solid masonry; arcades connect them with the exterior walls. According to various sources this temple was built in the 11th century.

     The Monastery of Glojen is situated above Glozhene village, 12 km north-east of the roadside complex "Pravets". It is founded in 1224 by the Russian knyaz Georgiy Glozh. The earthquake in 1913, and later a new one has been built up have destroyed the small church, dating back to 15th - 16th century. Medieval and Renaissance icons, as well as religious books have been preserved to the present day. The monastery had been a hideout of the famous Bulgarian revolutionist Vasil Levski.

     The Monastery of Kapinovo "Sveti Nikola" is to be found 6 km southwest of village of Kapinovo ( 20 km southeast of Veliko Turnovo). It is founded in 1272 by tsar Konstantin Asen Tih. The church is renewed in 1835. Outside in the open narthex one can see the work of Yoan Popovich "Day of Judgement" - one of the biggest mural-painted compositions in Bulgaria. The monastery wings, built anew in 1856, have wide balconies facing the yard and smooth stonewalls facing Veselina River. The woodcarvings of the iconostasis and the altar doors are of high artistic value.

     The chief attraction of the place is the wonderful Botanical Garden, a branch of the University of Sofia. Its ten hectares surround the small summer palace of the Romanian Queen Marie. The attractive villa has the unusual addition of a minaret, said to have been built for the Queen's Turkish over.
     The gardens are the "residence" of 3000 or so plant species of which cacti alone are over 250, and thus Europe's second most important collection.
     The gardens are set on a steep hillside, and descend in six terraces to the sea - supposedly one for each of the Queen's children. There are over three thousand varieties of shrubs, roses and flowers, set among streams, waterfalls, and ornamental channels. There is a rock garden, a formal French one with clipped box cones and geometric beds, and an astonishing collection of cacti. Interspersed are stone thrones, seats, pillars and ornaments collected by the Queen.

     The only one of its kind in Europe, the magnificent bas-relief is cut into the sheer rock at a height of 23 m. A horseman can be seen followed by a dog and a lion pierced by a spear, in their natural size. The composition is comparable to the East Iran triumph scenes and the Ancient traditions as well. The details speak in favour of the Bulgarian origin of the bas-relief.
     There is a supposition that the relief reflects khan Tervel as a winner. The Greek inscriptions give information about the events which occured in Bulgaria and Byzantium in that period.

     Located 18 km westwards from Varna they are one of the most incredible natural phenomena in Bulgaria. The natural stone pillars - some reaching 6 metres high, some up to 12 metres across at their base are known as "the petrified forest".Some columns resemble animals, others remind you of frozen fountains or cascades. Several rows of columns create the impression that each is made up of two cones balancing on their sharp points. The prevailing theory is that the "stone forest" near Varna was formed some 50 million years ago.
     At that time it was a part of the sea bottom. After the receding of the water the inorganic sediments eroded, thus attaining the marvelous forms we admire today.

     Many tourists visit Bulgaria impressed from Black sea and Mountain resorts. The length of Black sea coast is 378 km. From north the Rumanian limits to south turkey's limits are two big cities - Varna and Burgas. Around them are located couple of resorts with names: "Golden sands", "Albena", "Sunny beach", "Riviera", "St. Konstantin and Helena" and etc. The Bulgarian resorts are situated away from town vanity, away from busy town and combine tourism from different kind.
     There are many sights for visiting in towns and villages in Bulgaria. In them reflect many years Bulgarian history, where Ancient Geeks, Byzantines, Old Bulgarians, Slovenians and Turkeys left their own traces..
     The tourists did attracted from many mineral springs, more than 500 situated in all areas in the country. Roman and Visantian imperors looked for healing here and build own places on those places. Today many spa resorts like "Hisaria", "Sandanski", "Kiustendil" are famous all around the world. Bulgarian mineral springs are while mineralize; they are different by their curative effects. Their temperatures are from 10? to 102? C. Òheir chemical components are different too.
     Nearly 2/3 from Bulgarian territory is from mountains. They are variety: from cave massive in Rila and Pirin mountains to circle tops in Rodopies. One of the most Exotic Mountains is located close to the capital of Bulgaria - Sofia.
     Big interest for Bulgarian guests is their monasteries. Straggling all around the country crouching at the foot of the mountains and at the rolling tops they had been ever and will be treasure of national spirit and talent. The guests are impressed from woodcarvings, different icons and iconostases.
      A very popular tourist resource is famous Bulgarian folklore. He manifest in original dances, sings and national dresses.

     The Bulgarian spa resorts have the advantage of being located in vary favorable climatic regions, affording the exceptional possibility of combining balneotherapy with climatic treatment. The Black Sea coast is a sub region of the continental Mediterranean climatic region. Neither the harsh climatic conditions of the northern European coasts, nor the scorching heat of the Mediterranean are characteristic of it. The specific sea climate combined with the curative mineral springs and curative mud offer excellent conditions for treatment, recuperation and holidays throughout the year. All scientific studies agree that in the uniqueness, variety and abundance of hydrothermal, bio climatic, mud treatment, sea cure, and other health resources, Bulgaria ranks among the first in Europe, Climato-balneological treatment traditions in the Bulgarian lands date back to times immemorial. In Thracian times, flourishing settlements sprang up around the hot mineral springs and many nymphaeums were built. In Roman times, spa centers were established, such as Augusta (present-day Hissarya), Dezudava (Sandanski), Pautalia (Kyustendil) and Serdica (Sofia), where even the Roman emperors Ulpius Trajanus, Septimius Severus, Maximilianus and Justinianus sought treatment for their ailments.
     The Bulgarian mineral waters are known for their greatly varied chemical composition and, respectively, their mineralization and type of dissolved mineral salts, curative gases and biologically active micro components. In fact, every kind of known mineral water may be found in the country. The firth mud sources, along the Black Sea coast, the curative peat, spring curative mud and bentonite clays possess a particularly great potential in the treatment of many different diseases. Bulgaria occupies one of the first places in the world with the exceptional diversity of medicinal herbs and the excellent curative properties of its apian products. This enormous wealth of natural factors, combined with country's modern hotels and spa facilities, provide excellent possibilities for the year-round effective treatment of the most widespread diseases of our times and truly make Bulgaria a country of health. The best-known inland spa resorts are: Sandanski, Velingrad, Hissaria, Kyustendil. The best Black-Sea spa centers are: Dobroudja Hotel at Albena resort, Ambassador Hotel at Golden Sand resort, Riviera Holiday Club, Sunny Day and Grand Hotel Varna at St. Constantine resort, Pomorie Hotel in the coastal town of Pomorie. The Bulgarian climatic mountain resorts also offer varied prophylactic and therapeutic possibilities. The lovely scenery, clean air, short-wave ultraviolet radiation, negative air ionization, particularly close to mountain waterfalls, as well as the many mineral springs, different in temperature and composition, are their major assets.

     Situated in the verdant foothills of the Sredna Gora, HISAR (sometimes written as "Hisarya"), 55km east of Panagyurishte, was one of the great watering-holes of antiquity, and the local bottled mineral water is still sold across the country. It was the Romans who founded the spa, building marble baths, aqueducts, temples and - after raids by the Goths in 251 - fortifications to protect the town, which they called Augusta. Subsequently an episcopal seat, it was devastated by Crusaders despite their appreciation of this "fair town", 150 years before its conquest by the Turks, who restored the baths in the sixteenth century and renamed the place Hisar ("the fortress"). Developed as a health resort for factory workers in Communist times, Hisar has fallen on hard times since the democratic changes of the early 1990s, and the elegant tranquility once offered by its (now overgrown) parks and flowerbeds is long gone.

     Bulgaria exists more than 13 centuries in the center of southeast Europe. She is famous with her beautiful cost. The Bulgarian Black Sea coast was inhabited centuries ago - the earliest records date from 5th century BC. Nowadays it is a magnet for hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians and foreign visitors every year. The welcoming climate from late May to late September with average sea temperatures of 25?C, the beaches with fine golden sands, and the modern resorts not surprisingly attract more and more tourists. The Black Sea coast is also one of the best spa areas in the country where the combination of sea climate, mineral baths, hot springs, and curative mud adds to the possibilities of holiday enjoyment. The vast tourist complexes such as Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, newer resorts like Albena, and holiday villages such as Elenite and Dyuni compare favorably with villa settlements in the Mediterranean.

     The resort's construction started in 1957 and in about two decades, the area was transformed into a modern holiday complex with more than 100 hotels, numerous restaurants, bungalows, camping sites, etc.
     The Golden Sands resort is the largest one on the northern Black Sea coast. It is situated 490 km east of Sofia and 18 km northeast of Varna at the foot of hills, covered with virgin forests descending into the prime attraction of the resort - its 4 km long soft, pale golden beach. It is built on more than 1800 hectares of land. Almost the entire coast along the resort falls within the boundaries of the Zlatni Pyasatsi natural park, which stretches over 1320 ha. The Frengenskoto Plato (Frengen Plateau) of limestone structure, liable to landslide and erosion, is perking just above the resort. Summer sea temperatures are only a few degrees below the 27?C air temperature, which together with the ever-growing number of modern hotels and restaurants, make Golden Sands one of the most desirable destinations on the Black Sea.
     The impressive Aladzha rock monastery is one of the best preserved rock monasteries, scattered all over the Dobrudzha region. It is situated only a few kilometers above the resort and is also a part of the Zlatni Pyasatsi natural park. Relatively close to Golden Sands (about 30 km.) is also the town of Balchik with its beautiful palace and botanic garden.
     The resort has a casino, a number of bars, a mini-golf playground, horse-carriages and attractive carts, water slides, outdoor pools, some of which mineral, and plenty of sports facilities and activities such as scuba diving, water-skiing and Para skiing, good conditions and equipment for all kinds of water sports, under the supervision and with the help of licensed instructors. During the peak season, one can attend or participate in the Strongest Man Competition, the Miss and Mister "Zlatni Pyasatsi" Competition, competitions for all breeds of dogs, the Satellite Tennis Tournament, the Old-fashioned Auto Rally, an international dance festival, etc.      The spa centers in Golden sands successfully cure arthritis, chronic pharyngitis, bronchitis, asthma, neurosis and remove the stress. By tradirtional method here are making medication with honey products and methods from traditional Chinese medicine.

     The oldest resort along the Bulgarian seaside is only 9 km away from and Varna.
     The resort's construction began almost a century ago, in 1908, and the origin purpose of the resort was to host patients ill with tuberculosis. The resort is named after the nearby St. St. Konstantin and Elena Monastery, built at the beginning of the 18th century. Today the monastery also offers tourist accommodation and a high-quality restaurant.
     The Evksinograd government residence is located south of St. St. Konstantin and Elena. The residence is built in a New Baroque style with a beautiful garden, fountains, and a staircase going down to the beech though access to it is restricted to particular hours and days of the week.
     More than 50 hotels in the resort offer accommodation. The 5-star Varna Grand Hotel equipped with swimming pools, lobby-bars and confectioneries, an excellent restaurant, bar, fitness halls and many other facilities, stands out as a top high-class accommodation. Besides, a part of the Scientists' Rest Home is used as a hotel called Julio Curie. Other hotels offering excellent conditions are: Prostor Hotel, Roubin Hotel, Coral Hotel, Slunchev Den (a chain of four hotels), and the Vakantsia holiday city with 25 villas and bungalows. It is recommended that tourists book accommodations a few months before the start of the season due to the resort's popularity among local and foreign tourists alike.
     The Euxinograd Palace - The construction of the Euxinograd Palace started in 1882. It was designed by the Viennese architect Ruppelmeyer. In that year the Bulgarian Prince Alexander Battenberg accepted as a present from the Council of senior clergy at the Greek Bishopric the monastery Saint Dimitar with all its fields, vineyards and buildings. Later the prince expanded the estate to its present-day boundaries, some 8 km north of Varna, sprawling on 80 hectares. The palace was first named Sandrovo (after the name of its owner Alexander Battenberg - Sandro) but in 1983, at the request of Princess Maria Louisa, wife of the new Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand, the estate was given a new name - Euxinograd which means a "hospitable town".
     The construction of the famous Euxinograd Park began in 1890. Over 200 different plant species from the Mediterranean, Asia and South America, personally selected by the Tsar grow here in amazing harmony. A deodar (a cedar from the Himalayas) as old as one hundred years is planted in a special fertile soil taken from the mouth of the Kamchia River. Next to it grow tall palm trees. Two exquisite bridges - one made of metal, the other- made of cement imitating the trunk of a felled tree, give the finishing touch to the park architecture.
     Today Euxinograd is a government residence.

     Albena is located only 30 km away from Bulgaria's sea capital Varna on a pretty bay on Black Sea's north coast. It has 5 km long and 150 m wide beach, lying in a picturesque bay surrounded by splendid green forests and the climate that invites to enjoy all outdoor sports. Albena has more than 100 catering establishments, ranging from top class restaurants to fast food outlets, small cosy spots right on the shore, bars and discos, taverns and folk-style places, Chinese and Indian cuisine, to suit any taste and pocket.
     Albena is one of the most beautiful sea resorts on the Bulgarian seaside. Albena is the place where the sea meets the sand. The resort is a delight to people of all ages. With the sand lines, and the crystal sea, Albena offers a pleasure to every taste. The resort is remarkable for its 6-km long beach. It has over 14 900 beds in 43 hotels (2 to 4 stars), situated at the very beach or at the picturesque hills with exciting views of the sea and the "Balata" National Reserve. Hotels are equipped with all modern facilities: cable TV, telephone lines, restaurants, bars, Internet cafes, medical services, rent-a-car, congress halls, swimming pools, sports services, etc.
     The sports center in Albena is one of the largest sport recreation bases in this part of the world. The marvelous combination of urbanized and compactly gathered sports facilities; hotels, spa centers and beautiful nature turn the resort into an attraction center for a lot of athletes and sportspeople all year round. The peacefulness of the countryside in winter attracts clients of sports recreation services in Bulgaria to Albena at all times. As far as sports tourism is concerned, Albena is a worthy competitor of sports centers in Antalia, Cyprus and in Western Europe.
     Albena Resort is one of the most beautiful resorts for family vacations on the Bulgarian Seaside. Wide beach line with perfect sand, Crystal Sea, restricted access of vehicles in the resort makes Albena a perfect place for families and young children.
     Albena resort offers to its young guests 21 children's playgrounds, 15 swimming pools for children. Close to the Natural Reserve is located the greatest attraction - fun fair. Every hotel offers baby-sitting. Children could also go to kindergarten in some of the hotels and all inclusive clubs offer even animation for children.
     The restaurants offer dishes specially made for children.
     Here in Albena we promise you to take care of your unforgettable holiday as well as of your health. We offer you to break off from your everyday life and give yourself to our specialists. They could delete stress and take care of your physical health. We will restore your good shape and vitality.
     Albena Congress Center provides the preparation, organization and holding of congress and business events and coordinates all activities associated with these events within the resort area.
     On the basis of preliminary signed contracts with clients from the country and abroad, the Congress Center organizes international and national events, as follows: congresses, conferences, symposia, seminars, festivals, business meetings, different courses for further qualification, training, anniversary celebrations, professional holidays, High-school graduates balls, Christmas, Easter and New Years Eve parties.

     One of the oldest towns in Europe, located on a small peninsula, not far from the international summer resort "Sunny Beach". The town bears witness to the development of several civilizations. There were more than 40 churches. Some of them are considered to be the most preserved buildings from the Middle ages on the Balkans. Walk through the Old Town with the stone-and-wood houses and a visit to the church of "St. Stefan". Lunch, free time and if the weather is nice - a trip in the sea. Nessebar is included in the UNESCO list of the World heritage.

     In 610 B.C. it was called Apolonia. The Milet Greeks, who founded the state-town, put a bronze statue of the God of health, Sun and beauty Apollo over the city. The remnants of these ancient times are exhibited today at the town museum of the ancient art. Today, one can see the massive wood houses of the Bulgarians from the revival period in picturesque ensembles, sunk in the greenery of the grape and fig trees.

     It is situated 60km south from the city of Bourgas. It is an International Youth Tourism Center, not far from the exotic river of Ropotamo. Two perfect sandy beaches and an oakforest surround everything.

     This is one of the pearls of the Bulgarian Black Sea! Located 90 km to the north of Varna. The Holiday village is located in the nature reserve "Birds' bay" in a picturesque oak forest. Small sandy beaches, interesting caves, crystal sea waters, where dolphins can be seen, a lot of birds - all this creates an unique atmosphere for the tourists.

     Holiday Village "Elenite" is situated at the southern part of the Black Sea coast 10km to the North from Sunny Beach among a picturesque bay. The sea here is clean and calm with gently sloping sand bottom. The nearest International Airport of Bourgas is only 40km away. Holiday Village "Elenite" offers attractive conditions for family relaxation on all-inclusive basis.

     This cozy holiday village is situated 40 km south of city of Burgas in a beautiful bay on Black Sea. You may walk hundreds of meters into the sea and still touch the sea bottom with your feet. The slope is gentle and free of slopes and the water is unpolluted and warm. The architecture of Duni is the first eye -catching feature. Lodgings in the complex include only suites (in total 2000 beds), divided in three zones - Zelenika, Marina and Pelikan and combine the convenience of modern life with the aura of old Bulgarian Revival period architecture. Duni has excellent sport facilities and experienced coaches that will satisfy every water sport fan.
     If Duni Holiday Village is the aim of you travelling, you have made the right choice.
     In the beginning of the 80's the Bulgarian Government decided to build a holiday village under a world standard. Duni Holiday Village has got the charm of a Bulgarian village and it's situated in the bay of Duni, on a territory of a state nature preserved area.
      In 1986,after the teamwork of historians and architects Duni Royal Resort was built resembling the Bulgarian style of the past centuries. The plan was prepared by Bulgarian architects and was carried out by the Austrian building company "Rogner".
     The village is situated on a south mountainside and the area - from the last house to the harbor and the beach - is planned as a pedestrian zone - with shady, narrow alleys, reminding of an old town, sunny terraces and a small harbor.
      At place you could convince yourself of the advantages of the sea resort. Thoroughly renovated in 2000, the complex has preserved the cosiness and romance of the old Bulgarian way of life.
      The carefree days on the beach, children and adults surrounded with care by our entertainment team, the undisturbed walk along the seacoast - isn't it the holiday you have dreamed of?
     Your stay is never long enough to get to know the country and its people. But the direct contact with local people, the interesting atmosphere and architecture of the club, could enrich your impressions.

     The holiday village Kiten bears proudly its name. Its mild climate, intact nature and sea and hospitable native people charm each newcomer to this lovely village.
     Fugitives from Greece and immigrants from the surrounding villages founded the village in 1931. After 1970, Kiten has been developing as a attractive center for many tourists.
     Nowadays Kiten is a prosperous modern tourist village. In its little and cosy private hotel, houses, syndicate stations, camping sites and motel each week come more than 70 000 tourists.
      The numberless restaurants, snack - bars, discos, amusement park, water slides offer numerous attractions.
     As a little gem, Kiten has spread itself along the Black Sea Coast between two municipal centres - Tzarevo 10 km away and Primorsko - 5 km away.
      The north beach, that bears the name "Atliman" is a very beautiful and always calm bay.
      The South beach borders river Kiten whici is rich in grey mullet, carp and barbel. There is also a sea base for sea sports and yachting. The interesting combination of sea and mountain turns Kiten into an attractive and preferred holiday place by thousand of tourists.

     A nice little village situated in a sheltered bay, Kranevo is 25km north of the city of Varna. It lies just beyond the northern end of Golden Sands and at the southern part of a long beach, which extends towards the luxurious resort of Albena to the north. The vast beach, clean sea, gently sloping sea bottom and curative mineral water have propelled the swift growth of the village into a competitive tourist destination.
     Kranevo has succeeded an ancient Roman stronghold, known as 'Ekrene' or the harbour 'Kraneia'. Traces of the Roman fortress, which was exploited during the Middle Ages as well, have been found on the southern plateaus above the village.
     Relatively close to Kranevo is the famous Aladzha rock monastery. On the opposite direction are located the town of Balchik with its beautiful palace and Botanic Garden.
     Despite its relatively small size, Kranevo offers plenty of cozy private hotels (usually family-run ones) and rest homes. Kranevo is a good budget alternative to its more package-oriented neighbours of Albena and Golden Sands, although there is still little there in terms of sights or entertainment. The village hosts a lot of summer camps for children and students.

     The Kamchia resort is 25 km south of Varna and is enclosed by the villages of Staro Oriahovo, Shkorpilovtsi and Bliznatsi. The reserve is named after the Kamchia River along which course this complex protected area is situated, in the immediate vicinity of the Black Sea. The area around the mouth and lower course of the river is remarkable for its variety of habitats - unique flooded forests called "Longoz", wide beaches with sand dunes and old riverbeds. The total area of the protected habitats in the reserve, together with Kamchia Sands Protected Area, adds up to 1.200 ha. The area of the reserve is 842.1 ha, some 764 ha of it is afforested, and the rest 78.1 ha is not afforested (34.5 ha of meadows, 0.4 ha of channels, 3.3 ha of openings, 21.8 ha of swamps, 9.9 ha of marshlands etc.). The "Longoz" forests in the lower course of the river are the best representatives of their kind throughout Europe. They look like a jungle with creepers interweaving with the trees or hanging down like thick draperies. 23 fish species and a lot of mammal species are found in the waters of the river and the adjoining marshlands. But the most interesting of all is the feathered inhabitants of the area. Kamchia is an Important Bird Area situated on the migratory flyway Via Pontica allowing for the observation of various bird species that stop to rest and feed during migration. Many interesting and rare birds breed in the area: Black Stork, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Hobby, Scops Owl, Nightjar, Wryneck, Black, Grey-headed, Green, Middle Spotted, Great Spotted and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Tawny Pipit, Barred Warbler, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Icterine Warbler etc.
     The complex includes post office, restaurants, cafes, disco club, tennis court and playgrounds.

     Bansko is Bulgaria's N 1 ski resort, having the best and most modern ski centre of all Bulgarian ski resorts. During the recente years a multi-million euros investment in a brand new skiing area has been made by Yulen, the company which has the licence to run the skiing area of the resort. Bansko has the best snow record and the longest ski season (15 Dec - 15 May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts. During the last couple of years this resort is under a massive investment process with new hotels and resort facilities being under construction. A brand new resort area with super luxury hotels and holiday apartments is being developed just opposite the Gondola, which also makes Bansko the resort with the best hotels.
     The town of Bansko is situated nearby the river Glazane (left feeder of Mesta River) in the north- eastern foot of Pirin, right bellow the highest and most beautiful part of the mountain. Its name comes from the old Bulgarian word "ban", which means "master". It is just 160 kilometers away from Sofia and 6 kilometers from Razlog. Bansko has developed into a favourite ski & snowboard destination, thanks to the excellent ski facilities combined with the unique architecture and historical significance.
     The town of Bansko is located on 925 m. above sea level, and its skiing area is on 2000-2600 m. The Pirin mountain has a predominantly Alpine character and highest peak in the area is Vihren 2914 m. The ski pistes are located in two main ski - centrs- CHALIN VALOG (1100-1600m) and SHILIGARNIKA (1700-2500m). They are approximately 10 kilometers above the town on the northern slopes of Pirin, and are easily accessible for approx. 25 minutes on the new Gondola lift which starts from Bansko. The total length of the marked pistes is 65 kilometers. Although the resort is world famous for not more than 10 years it has a lot to offer to its guests. The resort has excellent snow conditions with great snow cover from December till May. 44 Technoalpine snow cannons cover most of the slopes and make the ski season last longer. The maximum pleasure from the various ski pistes is guaranteed by 12 Kassbohrer slope maintenance vehicles. Thus the slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers and will suit both beginners and experts. The snowboard lovers can enjoy the first on the Balkans attraction park where people from all over the world are lead by the passion of the extreme. They can build jumps suiting their taste and abilities. Every day skiers and snowboarders can take part in the competitions on the new piste on Shiligarnika. The lifts and pistes operator in Bansko takes care for the maximum comfort of the skier and snowboarders with the exclusive 8-seats Gondola cable car by Dopplemayer, five 4- seat lifts of the latest Doppelmayer models, one 3-seat lift by Poma, 7 drags and 10 baby drags. The total length of the wire equipment in the resort is 26 kilometers. All ski equipment can be used by one chip-card from SkiData. Huge monitors showing pictures from the different pistes is based on the starting station of the Gondola. Thus people will have more information of the wind and temperature conditions before climbing up on the slope.
     Slalom and Giant slalom runs are available. Bansko offers a cross-country track with a total length of 5 km. A 3 km ski run Rollbahn track is situated 2 km far from the town.
     The unique combination of a well developed mountain resort and a living historical town turns it into an elegant place for entertainment. Virtually every house has its own story to tell, which indeed can turn your vacation into a journey to the Bulgarian traditions. The traditional Bansko taverns (called "Mehana"), with their exceptional charm and style offer local atmosphere by their cuisine and good selection of Bulgarian wines. Most of the local "Mehanas" even offer live folk music. Many local cafes and bars offer refreshments. Discos and night clubs work without time limit, and usually close early in the morning.
     Of course there's a lot to see in the town of Bansko itself, with around 120 cultural and history monuments will have a lot to explore. Various souvenir shops offer the creations of the local artists and smiths.
     Bansko is known to be unique site with international significance for the international tourism. Except for the beautiful Pirin Mountain the town possesses rich historical sites. Remains from ancient fortresses in the Staroto Gradishte site, are situated just four kilometers in western direction and the Ulen site along the Demqnica river flow. Nearby Staroto Gradishte site there are Thracian mound hills. South of Bansko is situated the National Park Pirin included in the UNESCO list for cultural and natural sightseeing. The park is rich with its lakes, waterfalls, caves, venerable trees and historical sites. Bansko together with Dobrinishte are also famous for their mineral springs, the reserve Bayovi dupki- Djindjiritsa.

     The oldest Bulgarian winter resort is Borovets with a history from 1896! Today Borovets is the biggest and most modern resort in Bulgaria. It is situated on the conterminous Borovets col and on the northern slopes of the Mousala ridge in the eastern part of Rila. Huddled in venerable pine woods 1390 meters above the sea level (with highest pistes at 2600 m)makes it a perfect place for relax and recreation. The climate is also considered to be healthy. The winter in the resort is mild and of course with loads of snow! The average temperature during the coldest month January is 4.8?C. Usually the slopes of Borovets have snow cover from mid December till April. The air in Borovets is clear, free of any pollutants. Borovets is also easy accessible- 12 kilometers long first class road connects it with Samokov; Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) is just 72 kilometers away. There is a regular bus transport as for Samokov every 30 minutes.
     The real charm of Borovets can be felt during the winter. It is then when the harmony with the nature is complete. The excellent equipment for ski sports attracts thousands of mountain lovers from Bulgaria and from foreign countries. They can use the 45 kilometers various in difficulty and length ski pistes grouped in three regions: Sitnqkovo - Martinovi Baraki - pistes; Markudjik- 4 pistes and Qstrebec- 3 pistes. The pistes on Qstrebets are the best- and all of the competitions in the resort are taking place there! The resort is a regular host of various winter sports competitions. It has twice hosted World Cup competitions in Alpine skiing. Its biathlon track is one of the best in Europe. Borovets was developed into a modern ski resort of high class with luxury hotels, restaurants, discos, shops and a good choice of pistes and lifts. Borovets is a resort of Alpine type and provides very good conditions for snow sports during the winter: skiing, night- skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski jumps and biathlon, ski-doo, ice-skating in the resort, etc.
     There are available ski runs for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers, designed with international markings and multilingual signs. Pistes are bashed and maintained to the high standard. The ski runs of Borovets are located in three different regions. Cross-country and biathlon tracks are located 2 km away from the resort together with the cross-country tuition tracks. Borovets ski centre is serviced by well organized lift system , inclusive Gondola lift. 14 snow cannons for artificial snow are installed to guarantee the snow cover if needed. . The Borovets Borovets ski school has been known as one of the best in Bulgaria. There are more than 200 ski instructors fluent in foreign languages and some of them are former professional skiers. We have received hundreds of positive comments from tourists who used their services. Don't miss:

• 'HELI-SKI'- the resorts offers transportation to the rough ski runs by helicopter. You can ski on unprocessed terrains escorted by qualified ski instructors.
• 'VIEW FLY'-Flight by helicopter above the Borovets area, so you can view & enjoy the beautiful nature of the Rila mountain.
• 'HELI-TRANSPORTATION' by helicopter from Borovets to the skiing areas Yatrebets & Markudjitsi.

     There are ski and snowboard rental services around the Gondola lift station, but we strongly recommend you book your holiday with us and take advantage of our low prices comparing to those on spot in the resort.
     Borovets is full of bars, cafes, night clubs, and discos. The night life is excellent at this resort (Buzz bar, Mamacitas, Bonkers disco, etc). This resort is known as the most interesting ski centre regarding party time. Been catering for foreign tourists for many years now, the staffs are known to be friendly and professional. Most of the places work till the early morning, and offer good prices and special 'happy hour' discounts.
     Music played is mostly international dance music. Very often special shows are presented at the clubs. There are available restaurants and taverns with Bulgarian national folk music and 'horo' dancing, which some people find very interesting. We would certainly recommend the world famous Rila Monastery or the busy city of Sofia for sightseeing or shopping. You can also visit the palace "Carska Bistrica" which is just 10 miniutes walk from the new center of the resort.

     Pamporovo is a modern ski resort in the heart of the Rhodopi mountain, the mountain of the mythical singer Orpheus. It is the most southern skiing resort in Europe. It is the sunniest Bulgarian mountain resort with wonderful snow throughout the whole season. Pamporovo is situated on 1650 m above the sea level at the foot of peak Snejanka (1926 m). It is 240 km far from Sofia and 85 km from Plovdiv.
     Pamporovo has an exclusive climate featuring a soft winter with about 120 sunny days during the skiing period. The significant influence of The Aegean Sea appears here and the skiing season starts from mid - December to mid - April. The average air temperature is - 3 ° C. The gentle profile of the mountain with its rounded slopes and summits makes Pamporovo particularly suitable for beginners. But there are also difficult ski runs like the Giant Slalom run which is an excellent exercise for every skiing expert.
     All ski runs are safe guarded and maintained in a very good condition. More than 100 highly qualified ski instructors fluent in different languages are here to teach both beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Ski rentals are available near the ski runs and the lift stations, you can book ski equipment rental, ski school, lift pass with us. The ski runs in Pamporovo come in all hardship levels. They are located between 1926 and 1450 m above the sea level on the northern, eastern and western slopes of The Snejanka peak The most difficult ski piste is All major ski runs start from the peak of the mountain, where the TV tower is located. Great off-piste skiing and snowboarding is available in this resort, however we recommend using a local guide when going off-piste.

     Chepelare occupies a small valley at the heart of the Rodoppi Mountain. The beautiful Chepelare River passes through the pretty town. Chepelare is 222 kilometers away from Sofia and just 72 kilometers sought of Plovdiv. The Pamporovo resort is just 10 kilometers away. Chepelare is a beautiful mountain town and the nature that surrounds it - venerable fir trees, mountain springs green meadows (in the spring) and deep snow slopes in the winter makes it a place for complete and thorough relax. The longest ski run in Bulgaria is in Chepelare. The skiing infrastructure is basic, but very well maintained; a 2-chair lift with total length of 2471 m and capacity of 700 persons reaches the top of the mountain to Mechi Chal (Bear mountain) peak (1873 m), where the starting points of the ski runs is located, for just 17 minutes. A few smaller drag/towrope lifts are also in favour of the skiers. The ski runs are open from December usually through to April depending on the snow. The resort also offers a lighted piste for children and beginners right in the center of the town.
     The runs vary in difficulty from black to green and are some of the longest in Bulgaria. There are a total of 11,400 meters of runs are three main ski tracks:

• Mechi Chal 1 is a black level run and is 3150 meters long and 50 meters wide with a total elevation change of 720 meters and is qualified to be used for international competitions.
• Mechi Chal 2 (Turisticheska) is a combination red/green run that is 5250 meters long and 25 meters wide with a total elevation change of 720 meters.
• The cross country track is 30 kilometers long located at an elevation of 1,282 meters above sea level.

     Also nearby is a 5 kilometer biathlon track. A tourist would never feel bored because the resort also offers parallel slalom for skiers; ski competitions - Chepelare Cup, Orion Cup and others; ski schools; sledding competitions; outdoor winter carnivals.

     1800 m above sea level, Vitosha is only 10 km far from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. This is the highest ski resort of Bulgaria. The mountain is good for skiing in the winter and trekking in the summer. It is easily accessible both in the winter and in the summer but its weather is very changeable. In Vitosha there are two biosphere preserves - Bistrishko Branishte and Torfeno Branishte. The highest peak of Vitosha is Cherni Vruh (2290 m). The main skiing area is under it.
     Vitosha also offers walls for rock climbing in its eastern part. The mountain is also popular with the longest cave in Bulgaria - Duhlata, which is 17.5 km long, sprawls on seven levels and through it run six underground rivers. Vitosha is also famous for its rock formations, some of which have volcanic origin and others formed as a result of climate changes. The most popular formation is the stone rivers, or "moreni" at Zlatnite Mostove (The Golden Bridges). Vitosha offers excellent conditions for snowsports, with huge skiing areas and many slopes with powder, but last few years the skiing infrastructure and the hotels in the mountain were not developed according to the needs of the tourists. We would recommend it very much for skiing and boarding, but tourists will not find here the night life and apres ski of the bigger resorts in Bulgaria.
     The ski runs of Vitosha are various and would be suitable for skiers and boarders of any level. Vitosha offers six ski runs with various difficulty and length - the green ski run being the easiest and the Vitoshko Lale the most difficult. There is also a trail for ski running - Univerisada, 9600 m long. All ski runs have the necessary facilities. There are a number of chair and drag lifts, as well as a Gondola lift starting from the outskirts of Sofia and reaching almost the top of the mountain near Aleko. The Aleko chalet offers skis for rent and highly qualified ski instructors. Over the weekends in the winter the area and the ski run near the Aleko chalet become overcrowded. It starts to snow heavy in December and it is stable till late spring. The snow cover reaches a thickness of 1.5 m. The duration of the skiing season is 120 days and the average temperature of the air is minus 6 ° C. There are good conditions for slalom and cross-country skiing, as well as for tours on foot throughout the mountain. The mountain is very nice and the its location is a good opportunity to get involved in the dynamic atmosphere of Sofia, to plunge into its history of thousands of years, to feel the pulse of its night life of the big city.
     Concerning the hotels and chalets in the mountain, most of them are basic ones, with very limited facilities and low prices. For guests with higher requirements we recommend the hotels in Simeonovo and Dragalevtsi area of Sofia, which have better facilities and offer very reasonable prices. Ski rents are available near the runs or in the hotels. Apart from the ski runs. Vitosha offers a variety of hiking trails, most of which are accessible throughout the win- ter as well. One of the most popular is the trail, which starts from the Aleko chalet, winds through the plateau and ends at Zlatnite Mostove. The most popular hiking trails are marked by iron poles, which can be seen even in the winter. Along the trails there are resting sites and chalets. Vitosha is easily accessible by car or bus from Sofia, with several city transport lines going to different places in the mountain.

     The newly bred populations of red deer and mountions develop very well, too. Bulgaria ranks second in the world by quality of good throphies. International hunting tourism is a priority of the game and fish enterprise in Bulgaria since it provides good income for their development. It's make tourists become real admirers of the unique Bulgarian nature.
     Over 2000-2500 foreign hunters a year go shooting in Bulgaria, a large part of them being traditional visitors in the country. The natural conditions, the strict observance of the Game Law and the Rules for its application, as well the scince-based game hunting in Bulgaria give hopes that the country will preserve its position of a leader in this field.
     Having a game shooting license in Bulgaria provides a possibility of gaining trophies of brown bear, chamois, ibex and capercaillie. Their prices confirm to the international requirements and are reasonable for hunters who value high trophy collections and hunting tourism.
     Hunting of wolves, jackals and foxes, pheasants, partidges, pigeons and will ducks is full of emotion. The specialised modern equipment of the forestry enterprise, consisting of over 110 huts and hunter's houses, provides more than 1100 beds and all necessary conditions.

     Bulgaria has three National Parks - Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan. They have a total area of 193,049 hectares and comprise more than one-third of all protected areas in Bulgaria. The National Parks belong to the state. They are public property. They are managed and administered by Directorates, operating under the Ministry of environment and Waters.
     Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan are among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. They contain some of Europe's remaining, extant, wild regions. Identified as Category II protected areas by the World Conservation Union IUCN, the Parks are managed in accordance with the latest conservation principles and approaches. The Management Plans for Rila and Central Balkan are the first modern conservation management documents of their kind in the Balkans.
     Worldwide, national parks are generally designated to preserve representative natural features, wildlife and habitats of the country. Their designation is intended to preserve natural processes generally free from human manipulation. Parks are refuges for many rare plants and animals of national and global significance. In Bulgarian national parks, unique samples of natural habitats and elements of ecosystems are preserved within reserves. These strictly protected areas are often buffered by additional territory of the national parks.
     The Bulgarian National Parks offer excellent opportunities for tourism, scientific research and education. Of special importance to Bulgaria are the wide varieties of renewable resources that provide livelihood and cultural value for people living in close proximity. There are also vital links between sustainable non-timber resource harvesting and economic development opportunities for the country.
     The National Parks also include rivers, lakes, natural landmarks, waterfalls, and exceptional landscapes. The National Parks are among the government's most important tools for natural resource husbandry of land, water and air resources, as well as wildlife. They are a source of prosperity for the local people, and a source of national social and economic welfare.
     Over 150,000 people visit the Bulgarian National Parks every year. To accommodate visitors, 57 chalets, as well as car camping and tent sites are set aside for public use within the Parks. Please check with each Park concerning access and rules governing these sites.

     There is no other mountain in Bulgaria, which influences in such a powerful and bold way the human eye. The marble giant peaks, the circus abysses and the emerald eyes of the lakes, the stars of the edelweiss, the whisper of the white firs and the song of the rivers make the memory of the Prinin Mountain unforgettable.
     More than 2000 years ago the Thracians named the mountain Orbelius - the Snow Mountain. Later on, the Slavs named it after their god of storms and thunders - Perun - a name, which has been slightly changed nowadays to Pirin. The main ridge of the mountain goes from northwest to southeast and is about 35 km long. In the north the "Predela" connects the mountain chain with Rila Mountain, in the south Pirin borders with Slavjanka Mountain, in the east with the river Mesta and in the west with the river Struma. The pass leading to the town of Gotse Delchev along the Popovi meadows divides the mountain into two parts - Northern and Central Pirin and Southern Pirin.
     In the most beautiful part of the mountain, which is also a well developed tourist destination, between the regions Predela and Todorova poljana, covering an area of 40332.4 ha is situated the National park Pirin. It was proclaimed as a National park in 1962. At first it was named Vihren and covered an area of 6212 ha and after that it expended several times. In 1974 it was renamed to Pirin. Since the adoption of the Act on protected territories the park was given a statute of a national park.
     Typical for Pirin Mountain are the Alpine type glacier forms. Millions of years nature has sculptured the pyramidal and cone peaks Vihren, Kutelo, Muratov, Baderishki chukar and Kamenitza and the circuses Popovski, Vasilashki, Baderishki, Demjanishki and the narrow, sharp ridges between them, with specific names - the Horse, the Guards, the Ears. In the northern part of the mountain, where the basic stone is marble, in the circuses' beds are formed numerous abysses, caves and pot-holes. In the park there are 50 marble and granite peaks which are 2500 meters above the sea level and Vihren - taking the third place among the highest peaks on the Balkan Peninsula with its 2915 meters, towers above them. From the cliff ridges to the valleys the mountain is furrowed by 35 small and big circuses. At the foot of the peaks which are between 1260 and 2720 meters high, there are more than 180 circus lakes. The biggest groups of lakes are Badarishki, Vasilishki, Strazishki, Todorini, Valjavishki, Popovi, Kremenski, Prevalski, Polenski and Vlahini. The rivers flow in two basic directions - the left feeders of the river Struma flow west and southwest, the right feeders of the river Mesta - east and southeast.The combination of relief and climate conditions make Pirin the most dangerous mountain in Bulgaria because of the avalanches. In 1984 in the region of Cherna livada (Black meadow) fell the biggest avalanche - 700 000 m3. Extremely dangerous was the avalanche which started from Bezbog peak - in 1971 it destroyed the mountain hostel Bezbog. Today the new hostel is built at a safer place. Along the karst ridges the vegetation is scarce but there can be seen the wild goat and the rare edelweiss. The lower belt of the mountain comprises of evergreen forests of spruce, silver fir, Scots, Austrian, Macedonian and Bosnian pine. They give shelter to deer, stags, wild boars, bears, wolves, Capercaillie and other forest animals. There are numerous nature and historic landmarks in the park - near the hostel Bandaritza, an ancient tree, called Baikusheva mura (Bosnian pine), which is 1300 years old, the Wonder tree at the Trionska meadow, the ancient Macedonian pine called Candlesticks in the region Bjala reka (White river), numerous waterfalls and caves.

     The National Park Rila is the biggest among the three national parks with its area of 81 046 ha. The park includes woodless zone along the ridge of the mountain and a belt of coniferous and mixes forests, which represent 30 % of the whole mountain massif.
     On the territory of the park there are more than 100 mountain peaks over 2000 meters in altitude. Among them is the highest mountain peak on the Balkan peninsula - Musala (2 925 ì). Due to the glaciers in the Quaternary in the high mountain parts of Rila Mountain numerous glacial lakes have been formed - more than 120 permanent and 30 temporary, situated primarily in the deep circus beds. The numerous glacial lakes and the lay forms define the alpine landscape, typical for the park. There spring the longest and high-water rivers on the Balkans - Iskar, Maritza and Mesta. The water supplies, which are formed in the confines of the park, are very important source of clear drinking water for the municipalities in the vicinity, the capital and part of the population in Greece and Turkey. The territory of the National Park Rila includes forest ecosystems which are protected from human influence. The most impressive are the ecosystems of spruce and fir combined with endemic white fir, as well as that of mountain pine. About 95% of the forests are natural and their average age is 90 years. More than 1400 high species can be seen in the park. 42 species are protected by the law. 98 species are proclaimed in the Bulgarian Red Book as rare and threatened with extinction, 9 plants are mentioned in the red list of IUSN and 6 in the List of Rare, Threatened and Endemic Plants in Europe. The park is very precious also because of the existence of 105 relict species and numerous endemic species - 36 Balkan, 21 Bulgarian, 3 of which could be found only in Rila Mountain - primrose (Primula deorum), Lady's mantle (Alschemilla pawlowskii) and Marygold (Rheum rhaponticum). At the territory of the park are registered: 282 species of moss, 130 species of algae and 233 species of mushrooms. The National Park Rila is one of the most significant and safe places for protection of mountain fauna in Europe. This kind of fauna is represented by 172 species of vertebrates: 5 species of fish, 20 species of reptiles and amphibian, 99 species of birds and 48 species of mammals. The biggest population of Balkan chamois in Bulgaria, the biggest high mountain population of European souslik, one of the four habitats of Alpine newt and one of the two habitats of little owl can be found in the park. On the territory of the park live populations of birds of prey (15 species) as well as populations of Capercaillie. Unique is the collection of invertebrate species - 2934 species, among them 242 endemic and 244 relict species, have been registered up to now. Within the limits of the park there are four reserves with total area of 16 222, 1 ha or about 20% of the park's territory. One of the reserves is called Parangaliza - the name comes from the stem "parangalos" which means something prohibited. It was established in 1933 and the oldest spruce forests in Europe with average age of 200 years can be found there. The Central Rila Reserve is the biggest reserve in Bulgaria and is situated over an area of 12 393.7 ha. Forest, sub alpine and alpine ecosystems are preserved at its territory. The third reserve is called Ibar and there are protected species of mountain pine as well as habitats of relict plants and rare animal species. Ibar is situated on the Northern slopes of the mountain between the mountain peaks Ibar and Belmecken. The Reserve Skakavitza is a typical forest reserve, where can be seen ancient Macedonian pine forests. All the reserves in the park are registered in the United Nations' register of national parks and the equivalent reserves. Two of the reserves - Parangaliza and part of the Central Rila Reserve are proclaimed by UNESCO for biospheric reserves. The directorate of the National Park Rila is responsible for the preservation of the natural resources. The management of the park aims at the preservation and maintenance of biodiversity and protection of wild life, granting of opportunities for science and educational activities, development of tourism and income generation for the local population. In 1996 a visitors' center was built in the resort of Panichiste. It is part of the new approach in the development of tourist services. In the center through expositions, audio and video materials and various interpretative programmes is presented information for the biodiversity, the typical landscapes, the natural landmarks and tourist trails and objects in the National park.
     The opportunities which the park presents for science researches are unlimited. Long term observation and assessment of the status of the biomonitors and the changes in the abiotic conditions make it possible to forecast the development, to foresee the negative events and to take preventive measures for preservation of biodiversity.
     The National Park Rila with its biodiversity, natural beauty and cultural and historic heritage gives unlimited opportunities for development of the local communities. The revival of the traditional high mountain animal breeding and the production of ecological products, bearing the trade mark of the park is another way for income generation for the local population. The hot mineral springs in Sapareva banja and in the resorts Kostenetz and Momin prohod are also good opportunities for the development of tourism in the region. The mineral spring in Sapareva banja is one of the hottest mineral springs in the world (103° C).

     The Central Balkan is one of the biggest and most precious of the protected territories in Europe. It is situated over a territory of 716 m2. It consists of ancient beech trees, heady waterfalls, deep canyons, vast high mountain pastures and a range of mountain peaks with the highest peak in the mountain - Botev - among them. The National park treasures extraordinary biological diversity with cultural and scientific significance.
     One third of the park's territory is covered by nine reserves. 1900 species of higher plants (over 50% of the flora represented in Bulgaria) can be found in the park, 30 species of which can be seen only in Bulgaria and 11 species and 2 subspecies grow only on the territory of the Central Balkan park. This part of the mountain is inhabited by 70% of the invertebrates species and 62% of the vertebrates species in Bulgaria. The wild magnificence of the Balkan includes also 229 species of moss, 256 species of mushrooms, 208 species of algae and more than 200 species of herbs. The bird life in the park is represented by more than 130 species - a variety which makes the National Park "Central Balkan" an ornithological object of international importance. More than 130 species represented in the park - higher plants and vertebrates are included in the Bulgarian and in the World Red books. The park contributes to the protection of 19 species of invertebrates and 21 species of vertebrates threatened with extinction worldwide. Among the latter species are the imperial eagle, corncrake and ring ouzel. The Central Balkan is one of the last existing habitats in Europe of the big rapacious birds, the bear, the wolf and the Balkan chamois. The territory of the park is of national importance for preservation of the populations of white-backed woodpecker, the imperial and the golden eagle, the pine-marten, the Ural owl and the hazel hen.
     Hundreds of waterfalls are dashing from the high mountain peaks losing themselves in the forest valleys. Among them are the highest and most impressive waterfalls in Bulgaria - Raisko praskalo (the Heaven sprinkle) (125 m), Karlovsko praskalo, Vidimsko praskalo and Kademliisko praskalo (the Lucky sprinkle). Numerous caves are hidden in the mountain's bosom due to its lime stone structure. The largest cavities in Bulgaria - Raichova dupka (377 m), Malkata yama, Borova dupka and Pticha dupka are situated in the park.
     The hospitality of the local people, the favourable climate and the unique nature, the numerous historical, natural and cultural landmarks give excellent opportunities for recreation and entertainment. Many marked tourist trails lead to the most magnificent places of the mountain and connect the 22 mountain hostels and shelters in the park. Along the mountain's ridge passes the European tourist route - E-3 - the Atlantic Ocean - Carpathians - Stara Planina Mountain - the Black sea. A system of places for recreation, camping and fire making has been built to facilitate the mountaineers. Different trails have been developed for wild life admirers, extreme sports enthusiasts, horse riders and cyclists. There are four tourist information centers - in the towns of Klisura and Karlovo, in the villages of Cherni Osam and Ribariza. New ecological, educational and informational centers will be built in the near future.
     The National park gives great opportunities for development of all kinds of ecological tourism. Here the visitors can walk, ride or cycle along the mountain trails in the open air. The guests can visit the local historical and natural science museums, see the ethnographic collections, exhibitions of local crafts, participate in the traditional folk and religious festivals, and swim in the natural mineral water pools. The wild life admirers can take the opportunity to visit remote and wild places revealing secrets of the real mountain. At the end of the exciting day the tourists may enjoy the peacefulness of a mountain hostel or a village house, songs of sheep bells, sounds of shepherd's pipe around the fire, under the stars. The villages around the park provide good opportunities for the tourists - there are numerous small hotels, restaurants and shops, tourists' centers which offer tourist guides' services, horses and cycles for lease. Nowadays, the National park Central Balkan has become a favourite place for tourists, nature lovers and for all who have felt its magic power.

     From ancient times Shoumensko Plato (plateau) - impressive and beautiful - is part of the lives of local people. As a huge picturesque horseshoe it embraces the town of Shoumen and shelters in its gorges pretty little villages. Shoumensko Plato combines the beauty of nature and the culture and history of the region, which could be felt only in its bosoms, among the ruins of fortresses and ancient villages, in the quietness of the cliff monasteries and beneath the granite lion on the top of the plateau.
     Intoxicating with its vitality, providing shelter and security, the nature here has attracted people since ancient times.
     In order to be protected and preserved the unique character, resources and diversity 3895, 8 ha were declared a protected territory in 1980 - Nature Park Shoumensko Plato.
     Shoumensko plateau is the most typical and highest plateau in Northern Bulgaria. Its average altitude is 350 meters and its highest peak is 502 meters. The ridge is plain and the slopes are steep, at some places there are gorges, which the local people call "boazi". During the centuries the sun and the water have sculptured unique forms at the surface and underground - whirlpools, pot-holes caves etc. There are about 60 registered caves on the plateau. The most attractive among them is called Biserna. It is situated at two levels and the length of the galleries is about 3000 meters. The cave is remarkable for its karst formations. On the plateau itself there are no permanent surface waters but at its foot there are many karst springs.
     Forests cover more than 90 % of the park's area. Most of them are mixed broad-leaved forests, in which prevails the oriental hornbeam. There are also hornbeam, beech, Turkey oak, common maple, ash, silver lime, Oriental beech, etc. Aiming at preservation of the population of Oriental beech the Reserve Bukaka was declared a protected territory in 1980 covering an area of 62,6 ha.
     The grass in the thick and shadowy mixed forests is scarce. Species with spring blossom - snowdrop, crocus, squill, cyclamen etc - prevail. The open places in the park are like colourful mosaic of grass and bushes. Many of them are precious for the people because of their healing, decorative or aromatic qualities. Typical for the park are some plants that grow on the rocks and some representatives of the steppe flora.
     There are more than 550 species of high plants and above 109 species of vertebrates. The plateau is home to many protected plants registered in the Red Book of Bulgaria. Among the inhabitants of the park there are 28 mammal species, 61 bird species, 14 reptile species and 6 amphibian species. From the mammals there can be seen red deer, deer, wild boar and some rare species - black woodpecker, collared flycatcher and sombre tit. Protected species, included in the Red Book are Aesculapian snake, Egypt vulture, eagle-owl, honey buzzard, marbled polecat, etc.

     Sofia and Vitosha are inseparable like Naples and Vesuvius". The description belongs to the Vienna scientist Hohshteter, who visited Bulgaria in 19th century. Even today it reflects the connection between the million city and the mountain. Vitosha is a real bliss for the citizens who enjoy the mountain during all seasons.
     Vitosha is the first park in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula and is among the first ones in Europe as well. The park was declared as such in 1934 with a total area of 6 410 hectares. During the years the territory has been changed many times and today it is 26 606 hectares, which is over 90% of the total mountain.
     The environmental restrictions after 1934 limit the unfavourable human impact on the mountain. The two reserves within the park's territory - Bistrishko branishte and Torfeno branishte - are protected by the law. They have been established to preserve in their original state the coniferous forests, the alpine grass vegetation and the most considerable for Bulgaria complex of alpine peat which thickness reaches up to 2 metres. The Reserve Bistrishko branishte has been proclaimed by UNESCO for a biospheric one and is part of the world network of biospheric reserves.
     Fifty two plants which can be found in the park are included in the Red Book of Bulgaria. The mountain lily (Lilium jancae) which is included in Annex 1 of the Bern Convention has one of the biggest populaces in Vitosha. Some of the rarely found plants in the world can be seen in Vitosha - the Macedonian Pine, Transilvanian campanula and Luzula deflexa. There are about 30 types of orchids. Up to now there are 326 species and varieties of mosses, 500 species of algae and 360 species of lichens known in Vitosha. Only in Bistrishko branishte there are 99 types of mosses. There are 9 species of mosses, representatives of the group Sphagnum, which form the peat and are characteristic for the Reserve Torfeno branishte.
     Ten species of amphibians (3 tailed species and 7 species of frogs) and 12 species of reptiles (6 species of lizards and 6 species of snakes) have been identified in the park. Among the most endangered ones are the viper, the mountain lizard, the salamander, the blindworm and etc. Especially important for the reptiles of Vitosha are the Bosneshki karst and the three wet zones: the Boyana lake, the marsh areas north of the village of Yarlovo and the group of springs in the peat between the chalet Aleko and Kamen Del peak.
     236 species of birds are known in Vitosha, 120 of them nest there. Recently, on the territory of the park can be seen some rare or endangered species: goshawk, black stork, eagle owl, golden eagle, etc.
     The bat fauna is most diversified in the Bosneshki karst region. Ten out of the 13 known species in Vitosha can be found there. Near to the village of Bosnek is the longest cave in Bulgaria - Duhlata - with length of 17,5 km.
     Despite the massive extermination during the 20-ies in the last century, the bear populace has been partially restored and there are 9 bears at the moment. In Vitosha can be seen all predatory and wild hoofed animals characteristic for the Bulgarian mountains: wolves, foxes, martens, deer, does, etc. The lynx and the wild goat disappeared from the mountain fauna in the beginning of the last century. The stone screes and the stone rivers are unique for Vitosha. The biggest such area is the Zlatnite mostove (Golden bridges).
     There are ten peaks in Vitosha which are over 2000 m, the highest of them being peak Cherni vruh (Black peak) which is 2290m high and is positioned in the centre of the mountain. Each of the four mountain parts of Vitosha starts from it. The biggest fall in Vitosha is Boyana fall - the water falls from 40 m. It is situated at 1300 m in the valley of Boyana river.
     Out of the 40 monasteries, which existed in the Middle Ages, only two have survived. The Dragalevski monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" ( XIV century) was an important cultural centre in the Sofia region, and its frescoes are of very high artistic value. In 1995 the monastery and the church were declared for cultural monuments of national significance.
     The Kladniski monastery "St. Nicola" is part of the famous group of Vitosha Sveta gora. In the Middle Ages above the monastery there was an ancient town surrounded by walls and towers. It is declared for a cultural monument of national significance. In an ancient park, against the background of huge trees, can be found the Boyana church "St. Panteleimon". It is one of the few preserved medieval monuments of the Bulgarian spirit, an exceptional example of the medieval Bulgarian architecture and iconography. As a landmark of world significance, the Boyana church has been declared as a site of World cultural heritage of UNESCO.

     The proposed park is situated along the Svishtov - Belene lowlands, including a part of the surrounding steep Danube coast around Nikopol and Svishtov and all the Bulgarian islands in that part of Danube river.
     The Svishtov-Belene lowlands are a part of the Danube hilly plain. The length of this pan is about 38 km and the maximum width is 8 km. The whole surface is about 171 km'. It is an alluvial valley of quaternary origin, filled with clayey gravel silts of thickness up to 28 m. In the middle parts (between Belene and Dekov) it is higher (35 mi and is covered by silty-graveles formations. This high part divides the valley into two pans. w here the marsh of the Belene and Svishtov were placed in the past.
     The poured terraces occupy 143,6 km2, and the unpoured ones - 27,4 km2 The first ones are situated 3 to 5 m above the river level at middle Danube waters. Barens and apts, silts and limestones serve as a plinth of the terrace. The accumulative cover, represented by alluvial sediments, reaches 28 m in depth. The first terrace, situated above the poured ones occupy the middle pan of the lowlands and it is at height level up to 10-14 m above the middle level of the river. Its profile is well-divided into accumulative cover and plinth. The accumulation cover consists of loess, loess-like formations and graveless-silty sediments that are covered by silty materials forming the characteristic longish eminenences - hills. Also a second terrace, situated above the first one could be found, occupying the level up to 17-25 m. Its surface is waved by the hills and loess plates.
     The elevated coast occupies the easternmost and the westernmost pans of the park proposed. From the mouth of the Ossam River and Nikopol at the base of the steep coast gray and gray-white mergels of the second horizon of the maastrisht occur. Above them limestones of the maastrihts containing flints concretions could be observed. The Maastriht series continues eastwards from Nikopol, occupying the lower pan of the beach. The coastal slope near Svishtov uncovers rocky clans, which belong to the silty fades of the apt. In the region of Nikopol on the steep coast also some landslides could be observed, that determine its characteristic steppine-like relief.

     Not far away from the sea shore for almost 60 years a picturesque spot from the northern Black region was preserved - the Nature Park Zlatni Pjasazi. The forests in the park follow the coastal line, surround the famous resort Zlatni Pjasazi and link with the garland of defense and resort forests around the city of Varna. The park is situated 17 km in the northern direction of the city and covers an area of 1320,7 ha, with average length 9,2 km and average width 1,2 km.
     A walk in the park is always very pleasant for tourists and nature lovers. The lay is hilly, with typical land sliding, terrace-like character. The highest spot in the park is called Chiplak tepe (269,3 m). The lovers of extreme tourism are given the chance to reach the sea climbing up steep hills followed by deep dry ravines.
     The forests cover 90% of the park's area. The variegated mosaic of trees is formed by species which are typical for the lower parts of Bulgaria - turkey oak, Hungarian oak Pubescens oak, hornbeam camon maple, lime, etc. In the wet zones numerous lianas grow between the trees -Ivy, Traveller's Joy.
     Along the steep rocky hills in the northeast part of the park grow thermophilic types of species - lilac, jasmine, Christ's horn etc. In the southern part of the park, having survived the trials of the time grows a two hundred- year-old oriental plane tree. The size of the ancient tree is impressive - it is 23 meters high and its trunk is 4 meters in diameter.
     In the early spring the park fills with the fragrance and the blossoms of primroses, snowdrops, crocuses, violets and squills and in May and June the twelve types of Bulgarian orchids add to the charm of the park.
     Among the herbaceous species in the park 7 are protected, 1 is endangered and 6 ones are rare species included in the Red Book of Bulgaria.
     Natural habitats of numerous wild animals can be found in the park. The woods are quiet shelter for typical forest inhabitants - wild-boar, deer, squirrel, fox, etc. Among the reptiles inhabiting the park 5 species are protected - European pond turtle, Hermann's and green tortoise and two snake species. In the small water pools in the park live 6 species of frogs and two species of tritons. The birds' kingdom is represented by 80 species. The melodious songs of orioles and thrushes can be heard from the branchy crowns of the hornbeam and Flowering Ash. Other typical representatives of the birds' world are tit, blackbird, robin, hawfinch etc. Typical for the park species of birds of prey are goshawk, sparrow hawk, kestrel, buzzard, tawny owl etc. The park is one of the few places where pheasant can be seen.
     During the spring and autumn migration of birds in the sky above the park pass big flocks of birds as the park is situated at the birds' migration route called Via pontica
     The historic and cultural heritage of the territory of the park dates back to the late Medieval times, which defines its significance and attracts the interest of many Bulgarian and foreign tourists. Not far away from the sea shore in the southwest part of the park is situated the medieval lime stone monastery - Aladza manastir. The monastery was built in 13th -14th century and was named by the local population "aladzja" - meaning colorful. This name comes from the rock where it is dug in. Even nowadays the visitors at the foot of the monastery's remnants can enjoy the wonderful sight as a result of the sunlight playing over the lime rock.
     The premises of the monastery were dug at two levels in a sheer lime cliff almost 40 m high. There is a group of caves 800 meters in the southwest direction from Aladhja monastery. The caves are situated at three levels and are called "Catacombs" and were inhabited in the early Christian period. Part of the historic and cultural heritage of the park are the basilica and ancient fortress built in 4th - 7th century, situated in northern direction from Aladhja monastery, remnants of a Slavonic village in the region of Kozuga cheshma and remnants of ancient fortress in the region of Kaleto. In the museum complex "Aladhja monastery" can be seen exposition representing the nature park and the protected territories in the Northern Black sea region. The territory of the park presents great opportunities for the development of tourism - there are five tourist trails and camping places with shelters and benches. Its allocation near a big city and in the vicinity of the tourist complexes Zlatni pjasazi, St. Konstantin and Elena, Albena and the resort village Kranevo makes it a preferred and easy to reach place for most of the tourists visiting the northern coast of the Black sea.
     In the autumn and in the winter the park still has visitors - at that time of the year it functions also as a "green school" for children and pupils.

     The park covers the Vratchanska Mountain and the massif of the Lakatnishki cliff rocks. It has a territory of 28 844 ha most of which is covered with karst limestones, 1 300 meters thick. Unique in their beauty caves and chasms can be seen in the park. Their total number is above 500 and special interest attract Ledenika, Temnata dupka (Dark hole), Zmejova dupka (Dragon hole), Haidushka propast (haidushka chasm), Gardujuva dupka, Kalnata propast (Muddy chasm), Nevestina propast (Bride's chasm) and Sokolova dupka (Eagle hole). On the territory of the park have been registered about 950 species of high plants, of which more than 80 are rare species. From scientific and preservation point of view the most interesting species are the groups living in the caves (vertebrates and bats) and the day birds of prey. There are 214 registered species of vertebrates in the park.
     Within the limits of the park lies the reserve Vrchanski karst. It covers an area of 1453,1 ha, situated along the northern stone cliff slopes of Varchanska Mountain. The territory of the reserve is inhabited by the rare and endangered species of Egyptian vulture, peregrine falcon, short-toed eagle, long-legged buzzard, 8 species of bats etc. Other nature landmarks and protected territories in the park are: Vratzata (door) (the highest vertical lime stones on the Balkan Peninsula, and in Europe at this altitude), Ledenika - the first urbanized cave in Bulgaria with the first registered cave inhabitant - Pheggomisetes bureshi; Ritlite (cart-ladders); Skaklja (the highest waterfall in Bulgaria - 141 ì); Lakatnishki skali (with the richest and well studied cave fauna in Bulgaria) etc. In the remote past the favourable climate and geographic conditions of Vratchanska Mountain, the valleys and hollows in the vicinity attracted people to settle in the region. At the territory of the park there are remnants of numerous culture monuments, witnesses of events and facts of the human history during the centuries.
     The Charepishki monastery "Upsenie Bogorodichno" is situated at the right riverbank of the river Iskar, where the river has formed a picturesque meander. The monastery is one of the oldest in Bulgaria and is remarkable for its mural paintings, typical Bulgarian architecture and centuries-old history. The oldest evidence for its existence is the monastery statute called "tipik", written in the period 1390-1396. The other monasteries on the territory and in the vicinity of the park are the Lopushanski monastery, the Klisurksi monastery, Ivan Pusti monastery, etc.
     The place Vola where the famous Bulgarian revolutionary Hristo Botev found his death is situated in the park. Memorable for every Bulgarian are the peaks Kupena, Kamarata and Dalgija zaber which form a circle around the Jolkovitza valley, near which, at the slope of the Kamarata peak, was killed the revolutionary leader. The first proclaimed historic site in Bulgaria - a ravine called Rashov dol, is situated in the vicinity of the nature wonder "Ritlite" (cart-ladders) and commemorates the last battle of the twelve survivors, members of Hristo Botev's revolutionary group.
     At the foot of the natural landmark "Ritlite" (cart-ladders), which is in west direction of the village Ljutibrod there are remnants of fortress walls dating back to Roman and Byzantine times. This fortress has been part of the medieval town of Corintgrad (XV century). There can be seen also the medieval church "St. George" (X century) as well as remnants of tri-nave basilica from IV -V century - the period of early Christianity. The relief of the basilica makes it one of the rarest monuments of this kind found in Bulgaria.
     The position of the park - its comparatively low altitude, the existence of numerous towns and villages in its peripheral area - is a prerequisite for a well-developed infrastructure.

     The Nature Park Rila Monastery was established during May of the year 2000. Its territory is composed of 27,370.7 hectares of forest, meadow and alpine peaks. 13,000 hectares are alpine meadow. The park was established in order to protect the ecologically valuable plant and animal communities existing here, as well as to preserve the remarkable diversity and beauty of the landscape. Each of these natural resources is developed for tourism.
     Owing to the intense effects of high alpine weathering and the Rila massifs considerable gravitational force, here one may find typical alpine features such as scree and talus slopes. Especially impressive from a geomorphologic point of view is the area around the Kipilova Meadow, including a fascinating stone rainbow and several high alpine peaks - The Evil Tooth (Zleeya Zub), Iglata, Koopenite, Lovneetsa, Orlovets, and Eleni Vruhk. The entire slope rising from the Rila River is deeply serrated with many gullies and couloirs, through which rage flashfloods, avalanches and rock slides. The more famous of these gullies are Beliya Oolook, Dulgiya Oolook, and Varnika, known collectively as The Evil Streams. Due to the action of glaciers during the Quaternary geologic period, there now is a considerable number of glacial lakes at the higher elevations of this region. Within the park's boundaries there are 28 such lakes. The highest of these is the first of the so called Devil's Lakes, at an elevation of 2,445 meters, and the lowest of these is the Dry Lake, elevation 1,892 meters. Additionally, the largest alpine lake on the Balkan Peninsula is found in the park - The Smradleevo Lake, with a surface area of 212 decares and a maximum depth of 24 meters.
     The Nature Park Rila Monastery is surrounded by 36 alpine peaks reaching 2,000 meters or better. The highest of these are: Golyam Koopen (2,731 meters); Cherna Polyana (2,716 meters); Rilets (2,713 meters); and Popova Kapa (2,704 meters).
     Several rivers and streams flow throughout the territory of the park. Among them are the following: The Rila, The Illeena and The Drooshluovitsa.
     1,400 species of higher plant occur within the park's boundaries, 71 of which are included in Bulgaria's Red Book of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species. Of these 71 species, 19 are endemics, and 5 of these are local endemics which occur only within the park. The following species occur within the park and are included in the European List of Rare, Threatened and Endemic plant species under different conservation statuses: Rilski Reven, Bodjectvena Igleeka, Ynkieven Lopen, Planinsko Podroomiche, and Rilsko Podroomiche.
     The particular aspect (direction of exposure) of The Rila Valley allows for unique combinations and distributions of woody species. The following occur within the park: oak, beech, fir, spruce, yew, white fir, black pine, lime, sycamore, ashe, birch, dwarf pine and juniper.
     Over 150 species of vertebrate animal species occur within the park's boundaries, 14 of which are included in Bulgaria's Red Book. Observant and patient visitors may catch sight of the following species: Alpine Newt, Tree Frog, Mouse Snake, Marten, and The Imperial Eagle.
     During 1986 The Rila Monastery Forest was established on 3,676.5 hectares of forested land around The Rila Monastery. This monastery was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO during 1983.

     In the eastern portion of the Danubian plane, just about 20 km south of Rousse, is situated a unique and picturesque site of Bulgarian nature - the Nature Park "Roussenski Lom." Its name comes from the river "Roussenski Lom" - the last right tributary of The Danube. In 1970 the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced an area of 22,267 decares situated along the banks of the rivers Mali, Cherni and Beli Lom to be a Peoples Park. Its length is approximately 42 kilometers. The regulations stated the borders, administrative functions and management activities of the new park.

     In the Balkans, above the town of Sliven, over an area of 7094.1 hectares is situated the marvelous Nature Park Sinite kamani (Blue Stones) - bluish-grey to violet rock cliffs mounting to more than 1000 meters above the sea level - the peaks Big and Small Chitalka, Kutelka, Bulgarka (the highest peak in the East Balkans - 1181 m) covered with beech forests, the lake in Karandila, the rock phenomena Kuminite (Chimneys), Kuklite (Dolls), Rakavichkata (Glove) - marvels which only the nature can create.
     This beautiful Balkan region has an enormous cultural and historic heritage. The research shows that in the park were situated settlements of the Thracian and Illyrian tribes from the stone ages. In the regions Hisralaka, Daula, Dzendema, Djuleva reka, Mollova kurija can be seen ruins of walls and coverings from the fortress Tuida, the settlements Marichino and Marinino, healing springs and ancient roads. The foundations of churches and monasteries, called Slivenska malka sveta gora (small Holy wood), built in thirteenth - fourteenth century, were preserved during the years.
     The haiduti movement (liberation movement during the Turkish yoke) is interrelated with the region - there is hardly a gorge, spring or a spot which do not invoke memories for certain events in the life of the brave voivodi (folk leaders) Hadhji Dimitar, Panaiot Hitov, Georgi Trankin, Stoil voivoda, the Apostle of liberty Vassil Levski.
     On the territory of the park along the rivers Asenovska, Manastirska and Novoselska there still exist and function 20 plashes, which are part of the built in the XVIII-XIX century system of splashes, fulling-mills and mills. In the gorge of Selishka river is situated the first broadcloth factory in Bulgaria built by Dobri Zeljazkov in 1834.
     Many traditional holidays and rites are related with the mountain, for example - Todorovden - the holiday of the horses, called also "Horses' Easter", Enjovden - on this day traditionally the local people pick herbs at sunrise, Preobrazenie - the day when traditionally all religious people dip into the healing water of Kushbunar spring. Very interesting are the singing competitions which are organized in the village of Albanovo and the annual summit of karakachans (an ethnic group in Bulgaria) which take place in the region of Karandila.
     The Nature Park Sinite Kamani is famous for its nature landmarks. "Halkata" (the Ring) - the arc-shaped stone garland, possessing, according to the legends, magic force - is one of the symbols of the town of Sliven. The forms that the nature has sculptured in the cave Zmeevi dupki (Dragon's holes) - Zmejat (the Dragon), Orelat (the Eagle) and Vladishkija tron (the Bishop's throne) are amazing. The ancient beech forest in the vicinity of the Kushbunar spring in the region of Karandila is quite picturesque.
     The specific climate and lay conditions of the nature park determine the great diversity of flora and fauna. The plant species are more than 1000, about 900 of which are representative of high species. 27 of the high species are registered in the Red Book of Bulgaria, the endemic species are 48 and the tertiary relict species are 2. The invertebrate animals are represented by 235 species - eight species of fish, nine species of amphibians, nineteen species of reptiles, 165 species of birds and 34 species of mammals. The lay is of typical mountain type - steep and ravine slopes and at sea level between 290 and 1181 meters above the sea level. The north and northwest winds, the wind called "bora", famous also as "the wind of the town of Sliven" and the night breeze are typical for the region. Through the park flow many rivers and their beds form numerous shoots, pools and waterfalls.
     The forests in the region comprise of oriental beech, hornbeam and pubescens oak. Widely distributed are the hazel, smoke-tree, barberry, and juniper. On the cliff rocks and in the valleys, in the forests and bushes can be seen protected species - Fritillaria graeca, Fritillatia pontica, balcan noontide, davidov meadow-saffron, wood anemone, soldier orchid, haleri pasque flower, urumow tulip, arabic stone-cress.
     In the region of the park could be seen rabbits, deer and wild cats. In the oak forests lives the biggest bug in Bulgaria - stag beetle and also the beautiful beetle part of the long horns family - Rosalia alpina. Bats inhabit the caves and in the forests and over the cliff rocks fly numerous birds. The most striking ones are the day and night birds of prey - golden eagle, Egyptian vulture, goshawk, sparrow hawk, Hobby, long-legged buzzard, rough -legged buzzard, red-footed falcon and eagle owl.

     If you head for the southeastern part of Bulgaria, to the town of Malko Tarnovo or along the sea shore to the towns of Ahtopol and Sinemoretz soon you will fall in the caressing arms of the wide spread mountain chain of Strandja. An inseparable part of Strandja is the nature park which is named after the mountain. The park was established in 1995, covers a territory of 1 116 km2 and has a sea outlet situated between the town of Tzarevo and the village of Rezovo.
     Strandja is a low mountain with deeply indented landscape. Its geographic position - at the border of Europe, Asia Minor and the Mediterranean - forms its warmer and milder climate compared to the other mountain chains in Bulgaria. The specific climate has a healing effect and is favourable for the tourists that are visiting the region. On the territory of the park there are two climate resorts - Ahtopol and Malko Tarnovo. Fascinating are the valleys of Veleka and Rezvaja rivers, meandering in a picturesque way through the park. Early in a misty morning from the mountain peaks the river valleys look like as if the sea has flooded the mountain. Near the village of Mladezko springs the river with the same name and its water has been declared a natural landmark. Many people believe that the water heals cardio-vascular and neurological diseases.
     The proximity of Strandja Mountain to the Black and Marmara Sea and its mild and humid climate determine its unique natural characteristics. Almost 80% of park's territory is covered with forests, attractive with their quietness and silence. The variety of flora is impressing. Besides the Strandjan periwinkle, attractive species are also Strandjian mezereon, Caucasian primrose, scarlet firethorn, holy, Strandjian oak, Strandjian whortleberry, laurel cherry etc. The presence of unique plant species lends exotic charm to Strandja Mountain and makes it a natural botanic garden.
     The virgin nature, the unique mixture of maritime and mountain landscape and the interesting cultural and historic landscape are favourable for development of eco and cultural tourism, recreation and other leisure time activities. Numerous unique cultural monuments can be observed at the territory of Nature Park Strandhja. The traditional styles of cult buildings are presented by the Orthodox temples "Uspenie Bogorodichno" in the town of Malko Tarnovo, "St.St. Kiril and Metodius" in the village of Kosti, "St. Dimitar" - in the village of Brashljan as well as by numerous chapels scattered all over the mountain, all of which built near a healing spring (ajazmo). The territory of the park is strewn with numerous archeological objects, which fascinate with their mysticism and majesty. Thousands of years Strandhja Mountain was the kingdom of the ancient Thracian culture. Scattered all over the territory of the mountain, the ancient beehive tombs, dolmens, sacrificial altar, slab stones and statues are speechless witnesses of the ancient Thracian glory. The most spectacular of all of them is the megalith consecrated ground in the vicinity of Mishkova niva, known as the Temple of God Dionysus. In the village of Balgari can be seen the unique "nestinary" rite. It takes place every year on the St. Konstantin and Helena's day (3rd June), considered to be patron and patroness of the nestinars. Miraculously, time has not changed much this intoxicating dance on live coals, which comes from the ancient Thracian times. The village of Brashljan has been declared a historic and architectural reserve with authentic Strandjan houses built in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

     The Otto of rose is the essential oil, steam distilled from the flowers of Rosa Damascena. In Bulgaria, water distillation is also carried out, but all stills are of comparatively modern design. The rose flowers are distilled quickly after harvesting and the distillation demands considerable experience. It is common practise to redistil the distillation waters and to bulk the oils from the two distillations. The yield of cohobation oil is several times higher than that from the first distillation of the flowering material. The phenylethyl alcohol in otto of rose is derived almost exclusively from the cohobation water. Bulgarian otto of rose is a pale yellow or slightly, olive yellow liquid which separates white or colorless blades of crystals at temperatures below 21°C. When further cooled, the oil may solidify to a translucent mass, the crystals growing from the surface due to their lower specific gravity. The odorless stearopten amounts to 16 to 22% of the rose oil. The liquid portion is known as the elaeopten. The odor of Bulgarian rose oil is warm, deep floral, slightly spicy and immensely rich, truly reminiscent of red roses, often with nuances in the spicy and honey like notes. Bulgarian rose oil is used so extensively that its high cost is almost the only limitation on its use in perfumery. Even traces, fractions of one percent of this oil in many types of perfume bases, can do wonders when correctly used.
     The Egyptians traded extensively in rose oil or rose attar for use in their secular and spiritual lives.
     The Valley of Roses, where the Bulgarian Rose Oil or rose attar is produced, has at all times amazed people with its beauty. The great Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov gave vent to his emotions, which the lush landscape of the Rose Valley evoked in him back in 1886.

"How beautiful this valley is! As far as eyes can see, glistening green
meads and tender velvety swards, rose gardens in blossoms spelling fragrance,
clear mountain springs murmuring through fresh meadows, tufts of chestnuts,
walnuts, plum-trees, cherries, cornel-trees and apples in flowers and across
this wonderful green panorama, among copses of willows and whispering elms,
the young Toundzha meanders in wonderful curves. At the background one can
see Stara Planina: a range of giant peaks, basking in the blue sky...
And fifteen days later, some enchantress will sprinkle dewy roses upon these
tender greens and the air will be flooded by this fragrance and by the songs
of the dark-eyed women rose-harvesters with freshly-picked rose flowers on
their heads..."

     Wine has been known in the land of Bulgaria since ancient times. Archaeology, folklore, and literature provide ample evidence that wine grapes have thrived in these lands ever since the late Stone Age. Grape growing and wine making were vital to the way of life of the Thracians, Romans, Greeks, Slavs and Bulgarians.
     Today, grape growing and wine making play a crucial role in the country's economy. The wine industry accounts for a considerable part of the gross domestic product. In addition, the industry contributes to the steady development of rural regions and infertile areas, maintains the ecological balance and encourages the appropriate and efficient use of the country's resources. Moreover, the industry preserves the regional diversity and the cultural traditions. Finally, grape growing and wine making secure steady employment and boost the country's credible image.
     The importance of the wine and vine-growing industry for the country is evidenced by the fact that the first Wine Law enacted as early as 1879, shortly after the country's liberation, when the reinstated Bulgarian state was still in its infancy, and the First Bulgarian Constitution was not adopted yet. The Wine Law of 1978 played an important role in establishing the country as a world wine-growing authority. In the late 1970s Bulgaria ranked fourth in wine production in the world.
     A new Wine and Spirits Act was passed in 1999. It is a modern legislative act designed to establish a system of economic, social and legal measures for the development and advancement of vine-growing and wine-making as well as for the establishment of the industry as a major agricultural industry in the country. The purpose of the 1999 Legal Act is to stimulate the production of quality and regional wines by the efficient use of the country's resources and intensive advanced technology.
     Suhindol, Pavlikeni and Pleven in the Northern Region are best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and the native Gamza, which produces full-bodied, chunky wines that can age well. Svischtov and Lozitza Cabernet Sauvignons are particularly rich.
     According to historic and archeological researches the territory presently occupied by the state of Bulgaria may well be the first geographical region where vines were planted and wine produced. The same area may claim property to the first vine protection decree in 2 c. AD as well as to the first prohibitionist laws implemented in history by the Bulgarian Chan Krum during his reign from 802 to 814 AD. The wine cellar may also be Bulgarian invention since Bulgarian monastic orders had first been reported to have stored wine in cool vaults deep under the ground level.
     Wine making traditions have endured during the Middle Ages and the Ottoman rule in Bulgaria. After the liberation from the Ottoman yoke wine making prospered. The economic progress after the Liberation laid the foundations of Bulgarian vinology. Fine wineries evolved such as Sjarovi Brothers for example. As a whole, however, Bulgaria continued the traditions of South and East European wine making, producing light, often over oxidized wines for immediate consumption.
     During the time behind the "Iron Curtain" wine making was consolidated, monopolized, and turned into a state industry. Its target market, however, was restricted to the "Eastern Block" in the framework of the UEP ( Union of Economic Partnership) of the socialist countries and standards remained low.
     In the 80's Vinprom, the state owned wine company slowly opened up to western markets. Since then, and especially after the fall of the communist government Bulgarian wine has been growing in popularity and is making its own niche on Western and World markets.

     The Northern region spans the area between the Danube river and the Balkan mountain range from North to South and between the Dobrudzha Valley and the Yugoslav border from East to West respectively. High quality wines are produced from a number of different grapes, red as well as white. The reds are made from the local Gamza as well as from the noble Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties. Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc are the most prominent whites. This region is home to the fine wineries of Suhindol and Rousse.

     The Eastern Region covers the territory along the Black Sea coast between the Northern border with Romania and the Southernmost point on the sea coast where Bulgaria shoulders Turkey. The wines from the Eastern region are made mostly from white grapes. Almost all renowned white grape varieties may be found along with the native Misket and Dimiat. To my personal opinion the whites from this region are a little too spicy to the Western palate, yet they are greatly appreciated by Bulgarians and East and South Europeans in general.

     The Sub Balkan Region contains the kettles at the Southern foot of the Balkan Mountain. These deep valleys produce unique micro climates. The famous in Bulgaria Sungurlare Misket comes from there as well as the excellent Sungurlare Eau deVie. White wines from different grapes are local specialty. Slavjantzi is a popular winery from this region.

     The Southern Region includes the Tracian Valley from the Balkan Range to the Greek border and boasts almost Mediterranean climatic conditions particularly good for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot production. The best Bulgarian variety grape-Mavrud grows in the Tracian Valley. Reds coming from this region are superb. Jambol and Haskovo are fine appellations.

     The South Western region covers what is popularly known as Pirin Macedonia. The Struma Valley runs along it and brings strong Mediterranean influence in terms of climate. Fine Cabernets are produced there. The appellation of Melnik is home to the Melnik variety. An aromatic and hefty wine that ages very well. Damianitza is the winery to note. Their "reserves" are extremely good and my personal favorite. Another interesting local variety is Keratzuda, a rose type produced only in the appellation of Kresna.

     "The success story of the Eastern Block" as called by R. Joseph, the editor of Wine magazine, Bulgaria is gaining reputation as a producer of high quality affordable wines. Until 1990 the wine industry in Bulgaria was state-owned and was operated by Vinprom and exported by its subsidiary Vinimpex. In the 80's import of American and Australian know-how laid the ground for production of high quality wines in Bulgaria. Coupled with centuries old traditions and enormous natural potential this tendency bore fruit and Bulgarian wines are gaining popularity among consumers in Western Europe, United States, Canada, and even as far as China and Japan. After the fall of the totalitarian states in 1990 privatization of state owned companies and land restitution went under way in Bulgaria. At first at slow pace it is now gaining speed especially after UDF ( Union of Democratic Forces) came into power in October, 1996. Results followed suit. Land is being returned to its original owners and many wineries are privatized or ready for privatization and sale. If the process continues uninterrupted and there is no other alternative, my prediction is that Bulgarian wines will get more and more competitive on the basis of high quality and moderate prices.
     The potential for wine making in Bulgaria is enormous. The climate in the northern part of the country is continental with cool winters and hot summers. It is milder to the south due to the influence of the Black sea and the Mediterranean. Local hilly terrenes create ideal micro-climates and combined with good quality soils they produce extremely suitable conditions for growing best quality grapes. Bulgaria has several well developed viticulture and enology institutes, most notably in Plovdiv the second largest city in the country.
     The best wines are produced from the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties, high quality, rich, and Bordeaux-like. Local grapes include:      

Gamza - the most widespread sort produces earthy, light bodied red wine good for simple fare. In Romania and Hugary it is known as Kadarka.      

Mavrud - is a full bodied, spicy red that can age to more than 8 years      

Melnik - grown in the southernmost part of the country makes hefty red wines that age very well      

Pamid - rustic and hardly unforgettable but still good enough "commercial" for weekly drinking.
     Whites are produced from renowned varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling as well as from the local: Misket, Ottonel, and Dimiat. Whites are not nearly as good as reds but they are rapidly improving and recently some very nice surprises from Rouse winery have appeared.
     As still unpopular as it is, Bulgaria is the second largest exporter of bottled wine in the world, second only to France and it has four times the area, planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, of California. It appears to be the fastest growing new-comer on the market. The annual average production of wine in Bulgaria ranges between 200-220 million litres depending on the crop. In the Bulgarian wine industry, traditional classic technologies are applied, as well as refined, and modern ones borrowed from the leading wine producing countries like France.

     According to the Wine Law, wines in Bulgaria fall into the following categories:

1. WINE WITHOUT DECLARED ORIGIN, but of declared variety or registered brand name. They constitute 5% of the total production of the quality wines.
2. Regional Wines, also called Country Wines. These wines possess the original properties of the grape varieties they are made from Two varietal names can be mentioned on the label. They correspond to the category VIN DE PAYS (France) and LAND WEINE (Germany). These wines constitute 18% of the total production of quality wines.
3. Wines of Declared Geographical Origin (D.G.O.) These are wines made from selected grapes originating from a particular geographical region. Origin is declared by the producer. This category constitutes 70% of the quality wines.
4. Wines Of Controlled Appellations of Origin (A.O.C) These wines are made from grapes, originating from strictly defined and controlled micro-regional vineyards with a limited maximum yield of grapes per hectare and defined minimum sugar contents. These wines constitute about 2% of the total production of quality wines.

     Mavrud is an old local variety, cultivated only in Bulgaria from old times. It is spread namely in the Plovdiv District and less in the Pazardjik and Stara Zagora Districts.
     In paganism times when Bulgarians came from Danube had many kind of wines and the people were very often drank. For that in 803 year one of the greatest lords khan Krum ordered to eradication all grapes. He was one of the greatest khans from The First Bulgarian Kingdom.
     The bunch is large and winged and that is why it is quite widened to its basis, semi-compact to loose but some of its forms are compact because the variety has different variations. Its average weight is around 397g. The grape is small (15.2/15 mm) and spherical. The flesh is juicy with a pleasant sweet taste and freshness. The skin is thick, tough, bluish-black and with a thick waxen bloom.
     Mavrud is a late ripening variety - in the Plovdiv region the grapes ripen at the beginning of October. Its fertility is medium. The variety is comparatively resilient on grey mildew and is not very susceptible to Oidium. Its resilience to low winter temperatures is low and that is the reason why, when stem-cultivation of the vines is carried out, the plantation area diminishes considerably. It has good affinity to rootstocks Berlandieri x Riparia, Cober 5BB and SO4. Deep, fresh alluvial soils in the warm micro regions of the country, where there is no danger of low winter temperatures, are the most appropriate ones for it.
     Mavrud is one of the most valuable local varieties for the production of red wines. The sugar content is from 17 to 23% and the titratable acids are from 6.1 to 10.7g/dm3. The wines produced from this variety have a deep ruby colour, enough tannin and acids in reserve and a typical pleasant flavour in which one can detect the taste of tendrils and blackberry. The wines develop perfectly when they are in contact with oak wood and acquire a strong, complex flavour with a mild, dense and harmonious taste.