Bulgaria

Types of trips: Adventure, Camping, Culture and History, Skiing, Diving and Watersports, Relaxation

Best known for: Upkeeping traditional culture, Honey, Silver jewellery, World Class ski resorts, Sunny beaches

Why Go?: Bulgaria is an increasing popular destination for holidays from the UK and could make for a enlightening and alternative school trip. Thanks to the ever-increasing tourism to Sunny Beach and Sofia the country as a whole is developing as a cultural hotspot. Enjoy beautiful old towns such as Nessebar (pictured below) or Sozopol, and during the winter you can visit some world class ski resorts.

Fact File

Population: 7,364,570 

Capital: Sofia

Language(s): Bulgarian

Ties to the UK?: Increasingly popular holiday destination

Landscape: Mountains, Rivers, Plateaus, Hills, Lakes, Beaches

Climate/Seasons: Very hot during the summer months, although there is often rain and even occasional thunderstorms on the Black Sea coast. The winters are very cold and snowy, perfect for skiing

When to Go: If you want to enjoy some of the culture and history of the old towns you're better off visiting during the summer months while they're lively; during the winter people often move to other jobs in the mountains. However, if you want skiing go in the winter, the best instructors come from far and wide.

Reasons to Visit: This diverse and interesting place is developing at an astounding rate, with wonderful cities in a history packed country, it's definitely worth considering for your school trip. There are also frequent trips from locations on the Black Sea coast to Istanbul.

How to Get There: It's easy enough to fly, and there a very regular flights. Go to Sofia Airport for the capital and Burgas for the Black Sea coast (although there are other options). Be warned airport security do tend to be quite serious.

Places to Go: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Nessebar, Sozopol

Famous People: Boris Christoff, Valya Balkanska, Ghena Dimitrova, Valeri Bojinov

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Strandzha, Ropotamo, Kamchia, Danube River

History: Ottoman, First, Second and Third Bulgarian Empire

Architecture: Red and White brick buildings in the old towns

Culture: Bulgarian folk music, circus acts, traditional dance

Sport: Volleyball, Association Football, Rugby Union, Olympics

Events: Jazz and Classical music festivals, Art and Film festivals, Live music, traditional folk performances

Watch Out For: As with most big European tourist attractions the cities are likely to have a few pickpockets around, sunburn is a real risk as there often a strong breeze on the Black Sea coast, without feeling the heat you could get burnt easily. 

Medical Issues: No mandatory vaccinations required

Watch this video about Bulgaria!