Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo was a place fit for kings... literally. The one time capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185 and 1396) the "modern" town of Tarnovo abound with remnants of a mightier past. While the crown in the jewel, the ruined fortress of Tsarevets, is now little more than a collection of rocks on a hill piled around a rebuilt church, the setting is still lovely. But the town is not a one-hit wonder. A variety of churches, forts, cascading Santorini-esque buildings and museums provide more then enough to fill a couple days. Plus being on the main train line between Europe and Turkey can't hurt much. It is here that a traveller can get the best glimpse right into Bulgaria's royal past.

Little brother syndrome can strike any town playing second fiddle to the bigger and cooler capital city. Bulgaria's second largest city, Plovdiv, is a bit like this. While the town may not be as exciting as the capital, it's not without its attractions. The pedestrianized town centre is a pleasure to stroll around. And with an abundance of street-side cafes, bars and restaurants, you never have to go too far for nourishment. The flowery pastels of the new town are in stark contract to the nearby old town. With an ancient history, remains of Roman amphitheatre and a seemingly endless supply of odeons and stadiums are scattered about the slightly more modern medieval old town. It's a easy and convenient mix of old and newish to suit all temporal tastes.

UNESCO rarely gets it wrong. Amazing buildings, beautiful nature and cultural heritage fill the list of sites around the world. Nestled deep in the pristine Rila Mountains of South-western Bulgaria is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila (aka Rila Monastery). There is little question to those that visit the nearly 1,000 year old site (rebuilt a few times), that the monastery is most worthy of its UNESCO honour. The beautiful building set with a dramatic mountain backdrop are the things that postcards were designed for. Some may dismiss it as touristic. But an overnight stay is well rewarded as the day-tripper leave the place virtually deserted once they head back the the capital. Serene, beautiful, cultural. It's what historical sites were meant to be.

The beautiful, but rather compact, capital of Bulgaria is a rewarding acquaintance. It is old, as in 2500 years, and has therefor its fair share of cultural and historic sights with flavour of both the East and West. In addition Sofia also boasts of green parks, vibrant street life, and the expected collection of grey Eastern Bloc buildings and monuments. With towering Mt. Vitosha (2290m) right at the doorstep, you can even go hiking/skiing during the day and be back in the evening, relaxing in a bistro with a bottle of Bulgarian wine - or equal good, downing a cold local beer.