BULGARIA – A SMALL PIECE OF HEAVEN
There is a legend…“When God created the Earth in six days, in the last one he invited all the people and gave them a piece of his creation. To one nation he gave beautiful mountains, to another lush dense green forests, to another stunning coasts and so on until all his creation was divided out. But where were the Bulgarians? Well, they were late and God was angry, he asked them where they have been. „Excuse us, God“, answered the Bulgarian, „but we worked with our children in the fields to collect some grain“. God knew everything and saw that the Bulgarians weren’t lying. Because of their honesty God gave them a little piece of Heaven on Earth.”
We invite you to explore Bulgaria!
As part of IAFS 2026 we are preparing some exciting trips for you to explore our beautiful land and discover the Bulgarian culture, history, cuisine and spirit.
Sofia City Tour – “Ever growing, Never aging”
Sofia is not just the capital of Bulgaria, but also the heart of the country. With a 7,000-year history the city boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage. As it is surrounded by four mountains, it is famous for 31 separate thermal water deposits with a total of 75 hot springs. The city was governed by Caesars, Vassilevs, khans, sultans, and kings and all of them have left a visible mark on the city.
Sofia is the only city in Europe that has places of worship for four different major religions located so close to each other. Right in the city center, you can visit an Orthodox church, a mosque, a Catholic cathedral and a synagogue, representation of the people’s tolerance and inclusive character.
Sofia is an incredible mix of architectural masterpieces, museums, churches, ancient ruins, and modern buildings. Rightfully, the motto of the capital is “Ever Growing, Never Aging”.
Rila Monastery – The treasury of the Bulgarian spirit
In the heart of the Rila Mountain is the treasury of Bulgaria – the Rila Monastery preserving the history of a whole nation. During the Ottoman rule the holy cloister was the center of the spiritual, cultural, and literary self-preservation and revival of the Bulgarian spirit and nationality. Numerous frescoes decorating its facade will make your heart beats faster. And the view of all this beauty in the background of the majestic mountain is indescribable. The Rila Monastery is on the UNESCO list. Nowadays the Monastery is a favorite tourist destination for Bulgarians and foreigners for a day trip.
Plovdiv city – A European capital of culture
Plovdiv is the most ancient city in Europe located in the heart of Thrace and is called “The Town of the 7 Hills”. The history of the region spans more than eight millennia. Walking through the Old town will take you back in time, from the ancient architecture and culture of the theater and basilica, through the Bulgarian revival period with its typical houses, to the modern European building style. Plovdiv is the 2019 European Capital of Culture. Spending just one day here will immerse you in a colorful variety of shapes, styles, and hues.
Koprivshtitsa – Revival reminiscence
One of the Renaissance beauties of Bulgaria is nestled in the arms of Sredna Gora – Koprivshtitsa, the place where history, traditions and the Bulgarian spirit are preserved. The town was one of the centers of the Bulgarian Revival period. Koprivshtitsa will capture you with its uniqueness – cobbled streets, houses painted in bright colors with spacious verandas and large eaves, and unique nature. It’s one of those places that enchants you right away and it’s a perfect day trip from Sofia.
Kazanlak – Valley of the Thracian Kings and Roses
In the past, the Bulgarian lands were inhabited by the Thracians, leaving behind interesting legends, golden treasures, and many tombs of prominent Thracian rulers which you can visit. The tomb of Kazanlak is a masterpiece of Thracian art. Its frescoes are characteristic of the Early Hellenistic era and are one of the most preserved in the present day. The Tomb dates to the 4th century BC and has been on the UNESCO protected World Heritage Site list since 1979. A lot of other tombs were also discovered around Kazanlak.
As equally interesting is the fact that the area is no less famous for being called “The rose valley”. Bulgaria produces as much as 95% of the world’s rose oil. The roses grown in Bulgaria’s Rose Valley are an essential ingredient in the perfume industry around the world. That is why one of Bulgaria’s symbols is the rose.
Veliko Tarnovo – The old Bulgarian capital
The old capital of Bulgaria Veliko Tarnovo is the pearl in the crown of Bulgarian rulers during the Middle Ages. It is situated on three hills, making it one of the most beautiful towns in Bulgaria. The intermingling of historical monuments of different ages with the modern buildings give Veliko Tarnovo a special charm and own identity.
If you find yourself in that region do not miss the chance to explore the only open-air museum in Bulgaria – Etara, 50 km away from Veliko Tarnovo. There is a live working exposition, and the guests can get acquainted with the old crafts, the lifestyle and the traditions of the Bulgarians and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a past era. In close proximity is another famous Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria – Sokolski Monastery.
Nessebar and Sozopol – The pearls of the Black Sea
Enjoy the pearls of the Bulgarian Black Sea – Nessebar and Sozopol.
Situated on a rocky peninsula on the Black Sea, the more than 3,000-year-old town of Nessebar, known in the past as Mesembria, entices visitors with its maze of cobblestone streets, encouraging you to explore it. The city’s remains, which mostly date back to the Hellenistic period, include the acropolis, a temple of Apollo, an agora, and a wall from the Thracian fortifications. The town takes pride in its ancient history and preserves its cultural traditions, hosting an impressive lineup of festivals and events throughout the year.
Another old town in Bulgaria with a history of more than 2500 years is Sozopol. Located in a picturesque peninsula, Sozopol is one of the most romantic places in Bulgaria and the Old town was declared as preserved architectural and historical settlement. With its wooden houses, cobbled narrow streets, authentic souvenir shops, history and many great seafront restaurants, the Old Town has a bit for everyone.
Prohodna cave – The Eyes of God
Have you ever wanted to look into the Eyes of God? Prohodna Cave will provide you with the opportunity. As a result of the erosion of the karst, two equally shaped holes were formed in the ceiling of the cave. They are so perfect that they resemble the shape of the eyes through which sun and moon light enters and the feeling is really shattering. Therefor the cave is most famous with its nickname “The Eyes of God”. Besides being extremely impressive, Prohodna cave is also the longest tunnel one in the country. Located near Sofia, this can be a perfect day trip escape from the city.
More information about prices and precise dates will follow.
