Things to do in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's largest and most important Eastern Orthodox monastery, with vividly striped arcades and frescoes set against a forested mountain backdrop.

One of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a restored Roman amphitheater still used for performances amid a preserved 19th-century old town.

Bulgaria produces roughly 85% of the world's rose oil, with small distilleries near Kazanlak offering tours and tastings during the June harvest.

A chain of glacial lakes at high altitude in the Rila Mountains, reachable by chairlift and a moderate day hike between viewpoints.