Bulgaria is a land of snow-capped Alpine peaks, rolling hillsides, flat plains, pretty coastal resorts, and great lakes and rivers. Five countries border Bulgaria, including Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. During summer, the temperature reaches the balmy 30s, which sends many tourists flocking to the Black Sea beaches. Needless to say Bulgaria's coastal resorts can quickly become booked up during the peak months, so it is best to book ahead. The resort of Sozopol is particularly popular for its two sandy beaches, picturesque offshore island, and historic town centre.

Hiking in the majestic Rila Mountains is another popular summertime pursuit. Many keen hikers head for the Rila Monastery or climb Musala Peak. Holidays in Bulgaria aren't complete without a visit to the capital, Sofia, which dates back to the fourth century BC, and features a wealth of architectural styles, magnificent museums and theatres, bustling markets and picturesque churches. Well worth a visit is the breathtaking Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church with its marble and mosaic interiors, the Archaeological Museum housed in an ancient mosque, and the 19th-century Sveta Nedelya Cathedral - one of the city's most striking landmarks.

Holidays in Bulgaria offer a range of excursions. Tourists can visit the ancient town of Nesebar, dating back to 510 BC, with its maze of narrow cobbled streets and stone houses. Further attractions in Bulgaria include: the Rila Monastery, with its magnificent murals, 300 monk cells and balconies overlooking a beautiful forested valley; the Tsarevets Fortress with its remains of 400 medieval houses; and the Madara National Historical and Archaeological Reserve, with its 100-metre rock carving and spectacular mountain-top views.