This Tourist Guide is published by the BALKANTOURIST State Travel Bureau in Sofia. Its main purpose is to help foreign tourists plan their tours and holidays in Bulgaria and to assist them during their stay in the country. The guide is designed to be simple, useful, and informative for visitors who wish to explore Bulgaria’s nature, culture, and history City Tours Sofia.
The first part of the guide provides brief geographical, historical, and economic information about the People’s Republic of Bulgaria. It also explains the country’s general development and the growth of tourism, motoring, and sports. This information helps visitors better understand the country before they begin their journey.
The second part of the guide describes Bulgaria’s main resorts and places of tourist interest. Special attention is given to the locations included in Balkantourist tours, which are commonly visited by foreign guests who travel or spend their holidays in Bulgaria. These include seaside resorts, mountain resorts, historical towns, and cultural landmarks.
The third part contains practical information that is useful for all visitors. It includes details about visas, customs regulations, currency, and other travel formalities. It also explains the different tours organized by Balkantourist, the services offered, and the conditions of travel and accommodation.
Visitors who need further information can contact BALKANTOURIST in Sofia at 1 Lenin Square or any of its branches located throughout the country. All foreign travellers are warmly welcomed and will receive prompt and efficient service. Bulgaria offers sunny seaside resorts, modern mountain resorts, and beautiful natural landscapes in the famous Land of Roses and abundant fruit Hardships in Cold Regions.
A Warm Welcome to Visitors
Bulgaria is known for its hospitality and friendly people. Tourists can enjoy comfortable hotels, organized excursions, and reliable transport services. Whether visiting the Black Sea coast, the mountains, or historic cities, travellers will find many opportunities for rest, culture, and recreation.
The country combines natural beauty with rich traditions. Visitors can experience local cuisine, folk music, and traditional festivals while also enjoying modern tourist facilities.
Brief Historical Data
Bulgaria is a small country, but it has a long and eventful history that stretches back more than a thousand years. Throughout the centuries, it has faced many foreign invasions and periods of foreign rule. However, the Bulgarian people have always resisted attempts at subjugation and assimilation. They preserved their national identity, language, and culture even during difficult times, and they continued to hope for a better future.
The First Bulgarian Kingdom (681–1018)
During the second half of the 7th century, Slavic tribes settled in the lands of present-day Bulgaria. Around this time, Khan Asparuh, leader of the Bulgars, arrived from the north with his horsemen. He united with the Slavic population and founded the First Bulgarian Kingdom in the year 681.
In a relatively short period, the Bulgars were gradually assimilated by the more numerous Slavic population. They gave their name to the state but adopted the Slavic language and culture. This fusion created the foundation of the Bulgarian nation.
Under the rule of Tsar Boris I and Tsar Simeon I, Bulgaria became a strong and influential state. The country gained political, military, and economic power, and its cultural life flourished. Bulgarian literature, education, and art developed greatly during this period. At that time, Bulgaria’s strength and prestige rivalled that of the Byzantine Empire.
However, after long wars and internal difficulties, Bulgaria weakened. During the reign of Tsar Peter, the country eventually fell under Byzantine rule in 1018 and became a province of the Byzantine Empire.
Towards the end of the First Bulgarian Kingdom, the country developed as a feudal society. During this time, a religious and social movement known as the Bogomil movement appeared among the peasants. Despite political struggles and foreign domination, the Bulgarian people preserved their national spirit and continued to exist as a distinct nation.
