Bulgaria River Cruises

Reacquaint yourself with the timeless power of nature with a hike in Belogradchik Red Rock Valley, where astonishing sandstone and limestone rock formations have been eerily sculpted by wind and weather for over 200 million years. Gain insight into Bulgaria’s spiritual side with visits to two UNESCO-designated sites: The Nativity Church, which is acclaimed for its colorful murals that blend religious and humanist iconography, and the Ivanovo Monastery, once an enclave of over 40 churches and chapels built inside caves.

Bulgaria is known for its hearty, grilled food like cheverme, spit-roasted lamb; pork kabobs called kebapche, and little kufte meat patties made with pork, veal, or beef. You don’t have to be a meat eater to appreciate rich stews such as guvech, a savory mélange of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. Bulgarian desserts are just as delicious. The famous chocolate confection torta garash is a layered cake filled with sweet cream and chocolate and covered in chocolate frosting.

Thanks to the country’s unique climate and soil, a variety of grapes thrive here. The Dos Alamos Winery makes excellent use of the local terroir, where a combination of sandy soil, continental weather, and plenty of sunshine blesses their hillside vineyards with high-quality grapes.

The centuries-old traditions of art, music and crafts thrive here. Samovod Marketplace in the village of Veliko Tarnovo showcases handicrafts created by local artisans using ancient, medieval, or Renaissance technologies. Find inner tranquility during a short Orthodox choir performance at Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel Church in the hamlet of Arbanasi.