The Central regions highlights are the historical town of
Veliko Turnovo with the
Yantra river winding it’s way through the gorge.
The
Tsarevets Fortress set on the Tsarevets Hill at the end of the town has a spectacular sound and lights show most evenings in the summer. In spring and autumn the shows are less frequent but still take place usually at the weekends.
Wander round the narrow streets of the old town of
Varosha with it's medieval churches and stunning architecture, you can watch the local craftsmen making beautiful woodcarvings and artists creating exquisite paintings.
In the valley of
Asenova there are also medieval churches and fine architecture.
Why not stay in a hotel overlooking the gorge where you can while away the evening on the terraces with a traditional Bulgarian meal and a few glasses of Rakia.
Veliko Turnovo is a absolute must for any visit to Bulgaria.
The nearby village of
Arbanasi is worth a visit to see the tiny houses made to look like fortresses unlike anywhere else in Bulgaria. Nearly a 100 houses and churches are protected by the Bulgarian authorities as historical monuments.
The beautifully restored village of
Koprivshtitsa has charming cobbled streets, restored churches and museums. The houses have been painted with vivid colours and many turned into small hotels and mehanas.
Kazanlak is at the eastern end of
The Valley of Roses and is famous for its production of rose oil even having a Festival of Roses in early June. The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak built in the 4th Century BC has a domed tomb with a unique mural.
The small village of
Shipka set in the mountains below the Shipka Pass is famous for the battles during the liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish rule in 1877. Above the village is the Shipka Monastery housing the Church of St Nikolai which was built as a memorial to those who died at the Shipka Pass during the Russian-Turkish war. At the top of the Shipka Pass is the Freedom Monument although you have to climb 900 steps to reach this.
Stara Zagora is a large Bulgarian city with a lovely central park and is famous as the home of Zagorka Bulgarias No 1 beer.
Sliven is linked to the haidouks the anti turkish rebels who lived in the hills nearby. Catch the chairlift up to see the Blue Rocks or wander round one of the most vibrant markets.
Schumen is typically an industrial and military city which houses the Schumen Fortress one of the oldest settlements and highlights of Bulgaria dating from the early Iron Age. Its also a good base to explore Madara with The Madara Horseman a Unesco World Heritage Site where a horseman is carved into the cliff with a dying lion and dog at its feet.
Tryavna one of the prettiest villages in Bulgaria is famous for it’s woodcarving with many being used in monasteries, you can enrol on a course to learn the traditional crafts.
Troyan is a sleepy town housing the third most famous monastery renowned for its murals, pottery and woodcarvings.
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Good nightlife