Even though Bulgaria is part of the European Union, we still use the Lev as currency here which makes a huge difference when you are spending money!!

All other European destinations use the Euro but with the ever decreasing Pound against the Euro it is becoming more and more expensive to party in other cities.

For those who have never visited Bulgaria before we are situated in the South Eastern corner of Europe bordering with Greece to the South, Turkey to the East, Romania to the North and Macedonia to the West.

Bulgaria is a small piece of paradise that has something to offer everyone and is lovingly referred to as ‘The Land of the Roses”.

You will be shocked by its remarkable beauty, its long, hot Mediterranean summers and the snow- topped mountains in winter.

Bulgaria and its all year round recreational climate will surprise every first time visitor with its variety of beautiful landscapes and awesome natural phenomena.

Experience its delicious cuisine, its hospitable people, its preserved traditions and folklore and also its thirteen centuries of historic heritage.

Bulgaria is the fastest growing holiday and party destination in Europe, supported by low cost flights, extremely cheap food, wine and beer and of course great bars, night clubs, live music and the most exciting Casinos in Eastern Europe.

Low cost holidays and weekend packages in Bulgaria offer more fun and value for your money than any other destination.

But good value does not mean a lack of facilities!!! This is a country keen to show off its outstanding credentials.

A majority of the activities we offer are based in and around the fantastic city of Plovdiv. It is a city that offers something for everyone no matter what age you are. Forget Krakow, Budapest and Prague, come to Plovdiv. It is a city visited by people from all over the world; they come to see its amazing culture, entertainment, hospitality and of course its value for money.

It is a city full of surprises, energy and enthusiasm!!

Why not come and see Bulgaria for yourself. See what we have to offer, you will not be disappointed!!!!

Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second largest city and recently proclaimed the oldest in Europe!

As with Rome, the city is based around seven hills, although one of these was flattened during the communist era.

The city has a long history, a host of unique attractions and a rich cultural life that will keep you occupied for several days.

The main attraction of the city is undoubtedly the “Old Town” which has lovingly been restored to its 19^th century appearance.

Take time to wander through the cobbled streets and you will find an abundance of charming houses, churches, museums, art galleries, restaurants and antique shops.

You will also find the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans which is still used today for spectacular musical performances.

If you are visiting Plovdiv during the month of June the amphitheatre hosts four weeks of operatic performances that take place as the sun is setting with the Rhodope Mountains as a natural back drop. A magnificent performance and setting that should not be missed!!!

Plovdiv sits astride the Maritsa River on the Upper Thracian Plain. Its central position offers a vital rail and road link from Western Europe to Turkey and Greece.

Plovdiv has always been one of Bulgaria’s wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities.

Today you will find the old and the new sitting side by side which provide Plovdiv with the finest restaurants, bars, and shopping malls. Plovdiv together with so many other cities in Bulgaria has never lost its charm, culture, heritage, history and pride.

The history of Plovdiv stretches back some 5000 years BC when it was first settled by the Thracians who built a fortress on one of the hills in the now named “Old Town”. They named their settlement Eumolpias.

The settlement was extended in 342 BC by PhilipII of Macedon (he was the father of Alexander the Great) and he renamed it Philipopolis. It was developed over the years into an important military outpost which sat at a strategic position in the Balkans.

However, it was not until the Romans arrived in AD 46 that the city began to expand and take shape. To the Romans, Plovdiv was a mirror image of Rome which also was built on seven hills.  Within no time streets, buildings, water systems and towers were built and the Romans gave it the name of Trimontium.

The city was attacked on several occasions over the centuries by the Huns, Goths, Vandals and Visigoths.

In AD 815 the city was seized by Khan Krum and was renamed Pulden.

The city of Pulden was repeatedly attacked by Byzantines and Crusaders over the following centuries.

The magnificent city that once stood proud bared no resemblance to the Roman city built centuries before when it and the country fell under Ottoman control in 1365.

The city was rebuilt by the Turks, and renamed Filibe.

Over the next five centuries the Ottoman Empire imposed a harsh feudal system. Huge numbers of Bulgarians were either killed or put into slavery. Churches and monasteries were destroyed and numerous uprisings were stopped with cruel ferocity. The city however became an important centre for wealthy merchants and trade. By the early 19^th century the Bulgarian economy was growing fast. Large houses and public buildings were built, designed in a unique form known today as the National Revival style.

In 1878 Turkish rule came to an end following the most amazing and bloody rebellion and Bulgaria was granted its independence. Unfortunately, it was decided by the Western Powers in the Treaty of Berlin that the area between the Thracian Plain and Rhodopi Mountains (which included Plovdiv) would remain under Ottoman control for the foreseeable future.

It wasn’t until 1885 Plovdiv finally joined the new Bulgarian state. Plovdiv would have been Bulgaria’s new capital instead of Sofia if it had been allowed to join the new state seven years earlier – a fact that is still discussed by the people of Plovdiv to this day!!!

Plovdiv is well worth a visit at any time of the year but it is during the summer months that the city really comes to life. Stroll through the centre and join the locals sitting at one of the many outside restaurants enjoying a cold beer under fig trees and vines. Time seems to stand still as you watch and enjoy the beauty of Plovdiv.

The food is spectacular, the wine is excellent, the people are very hospitable and the weather is great – what more can anyone ask for!!!!