Bulgaria Flag
"The Land of Roses"
Why visit Bulgaria?
Offers travelers beaches, birdwatching, camping, charming towns, cultural events, hiking, history, lakes, mountain ranges, museums, parks, relaxation, ruins, skiing, mineral spas, tombs, valleys, water sports and wildlife.
Rila Monastery (Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila), Bulgaria. Photo Credit: vladunis/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Carpets, ceramics, cognac, embroidery, handmade jewelry, lavender products, leather goods, pottery, rose oil, weavings and wood carvings.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Banitsa (breakfast). Gyuvech (stew). Shopska Salad.
- Local Drink to Try: Ariana (beer). Astika (beer). Boliarka (beer). Greyano Vino (mullied wine). Mavrud (red wine). Rakia (liquor).
Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria. Photo Credit: arexander/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- Oldest European country, founded in 681AD.
- Danube River is their only navigable river.
- The Rila Cross (Rila Monastery) made from one piece of wood featuring 104 religious scenes and 650 miniature figures often created by a magnifying glass.
- Large coal producer.
- Home to the oldest tree, Baykusheva Mura (Granit) dating back over 1650 years.
- Ranks one of the most corrupt countries in the European Union.
- First country to grow wheat and vegetables in space.
- Findings reflect the earliest arrival of modern humans in Europe.
- Largest protected nature area amongst all of Europe.
- Leading exporter of lavender and rose oil used in perfumes.
- Islamic veils are unacceptable in schools.
- Was the world's second largest wine exporter.
- Weight lifting is a signature sport.
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Bulgarian Footballer of the Year, International Festival of the Masquerade Games, (February) Golden Grapes Festival, (March) Horizon Festival, International Film Festival, (April) International Folklore Festival, (May) Black Box International Festival, Carnival, (June) Cherry Festival, Flower for Gosho Festival, International Children's Folklore Festival, International Music Festival, Meadows in the Mountains, Rose Festival, (July) Kavarna Rock Fest, Sand Sculptures Festival, Theatre Festival, (August) International Jazz Festival, Spirit of Burgas Festival, Watermelon Festival, (September) International Film Festival Love is Fally and Plum Festival.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Liberation Day, International Workers' Day, Saint George's Day, Bulgarian Education Culture Slavonic Literature Day, Unification Day, Independence Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Teteven Balkan Mountains, Ribaritsa (Lovech Province), Bulgaria. Photo Credit: Pixabay
Good to Know
- Select beaches are topless.
- Depending on location ski season is November - May.
- City areas are prone to theft (pickpocketing/purse snatching).
- Illegal to remove beyond their border.
- Ferry service available from Varna to Odessa (Ukraine) between May -September.
- Rail links to Greece, Romania, Turkey and Serbia. Express trains with direct routes to Kyiv (Ukraine), Minsk (Belarus), Moscow (Russia) and Saint Petersburg (Russia).
- ATM card skimming and credit card fraud is common.
- Inflated alcohol prices are known to be charged to travelers in high-end bars and nightclubs to travelers.
- International Driving Permit required.
- Police Officers may not collect fines.
Lavendar Fields, Bulgaria. Photo Credit: todorgd/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with three months validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
- Vaccinations not required.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.
Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Photo Credit: Arvid Olson/Pixabay
- Best Time to Visit: June - September
- Cold Months: December - February
- Hottest Months: June - August
- Peak Season: June - August
Belogradchik (Vidin Province), Bulgaria. Photo Credit: Arvid Olson/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient City of Nessebar, Boyana Church, Madara Rider, Pirin National Park, Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe, Rila Monastery, Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, Srebarna Nature Reserve, Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak and Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari.
Church of Sveti Sedmochislenitsi (The Black Mosque), Sofia, Bulgaria. Photo Credit: 5163451/Pixabay
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
No comments:
Post a Comment