Bulgaria

At a Glance

Bulgaria is an Eastern European country with a long Black Sea coastline, dramatic mountain ranges, and a history that stretches from Thracian tombs and Byzantine frescoes to Ottoman bazaars and communist-era architecture. The food is hearty and regional, the nature is spectacular and uncrowded, and the old cities like Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo have a faded grandeur that charms those who take the time. It suits travellers who enjoy depth, value, and places that haven't been over-curated.

• Home to the world's oldest worked gold treasure — 6,500 years old.
• Largest producer of rose oil globally; supplies most of the world's perfume industry.
• Cyrillic alphabet was invented here, not in Russia.