About
Bulgaria
Nestling
at the heart of Central Europe, Bulgaria is a land of unspoilt
natural beauty, where time has been known to stand still.
It is a country of great contrasts. Bulgaria is an interesting
and intriguing experience for anyone: for those who love
the warm southern sea or snow-covered slopes, for those
who want to see it's cultural and historic monuments, who
wish to delight in its unique and living folklore, for young
people fond of sports, for families with children, for the
aged and people who need treatment, for those who dream
of carefree holidays. A country open to the world where
the roads of big tourism cross.
Exploring the
natural wonders, wildlife and culture of the little-known
Rodopi Mountains renowned as a Winter Wonderland - with
snow-laden mountains and pine forests stretching out as
far as the eye can see, glistening like diamonds against
an ever-blue sky.
Adventure
Activities
Bulgaria's mountain regions
offer an excellent opportunity for either nature-oriented
or activity holidays. Although maybe lacking the height
and excitement of Mount Everest, the vastness of the Grand
Canyon and the impenetrable unknown of the Amazon jungle,
they have their own special charm: tailor-made for today's
tourist who looks for that little bit more from a holiday.
The sparkling
lakes, awesome caves and spectacular landscapes and the
ever-surprising flora and fauna make hiking through these;
g regions an experience of a lifetime, especially when the
whole Hi region is so closely linked with the traditions
of yesteryear, and be cultures that have survived the test
of time. While the nature lover has more than enough opportunities
to explore the region to his heart's content, the more adventurous
visitor will be amazed at what Bulgaria's mountains have
to offer, and will certainly find that he simply won't have
the time to try all that is on offer.
Food
& Local Cuisine:
Bulgarian cuisine is a mixture of Greek, Turkish and Slavonic
influences. We sample many traditional specialities including
‘smilyanski fasul’, a delicious bean soup and
‘patatnik’, a local delicacy made with grated
potatoes, onions, milk, cheese and seasoned with mint. Eggs
and cheese are a staple part of the local cuisine, in particular
'sirene' a local feta-type cheese. Evening meals are taken
in the hotel/pension restaurants, and will include a starter
of soup or salad, a main course of meat with potatoes or
rice, and vegetables, followed by a dessert of ice cream,
cake or fruit.
There are several
local wines that you may wish to try with your evening meal
(not included). The vineyards on the northern slopes of
the Rodopi produce an excellent red ‘mavrud’,
and there are several good Merlots from the Haskovo and
Stambolovo regions. A continental breakfast is supplemented
with thick pancakes made from yoghurt, flour, soda and butter,
known locally as ‘katmi’. Picnic lunches include
bread, cheese, salami, salad, biscuits and fruit.
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It
was February winter evening in the pretty Rodopean town
Chepelare. The snow was falling gently on the cold ground
and I was extremely happy because I imagined the rounded
peaks of Rodope Mountain, covered with snow and the ski
pistes of the magnificent resort Pamporovo, full of skiers........
The
Rodopi Mountain is a place where each tree knows some
legend and each meadow can tell a glorious story. It is
a birth place of the legendary ancient musician Orpheus
and a home of the unique wind instrument – the Rodopi
Bagpipe....... . 
