Tests have shown Bulgaria to be 17 times more interesting than France or Spain! Seriously, this often feels a strange country that’s only just in Europe and is often surprising but always an experience….You will be cycling through a land that is beautiful and dramatic, empty, untrodden and with a way of life largely lost from Western Europe.

Most villagers keep farm animals on a small scale and take pride in producing from their gardens the most delicious organic food. They still make cheese, butter, meat dishes and traditional Balkan treats, not to mention the fruity and smooth Rakia, the national spirit drink. We try to eat and drink as much locally made produce as possible – and are sure you will love it too….

We are based in the mountains in the range called the Stara Planina, next to a National Park where there is an enormous variety of protected wildlife. This internationally important area is one of the few remaining locations that provide sanctuary to rare and endangered animals such as the wolf, otter, bear, wild cat, many many birds, the Balkan Chamois, Imperial Eagles and jackals. Incidentally, Bulgaria has the largest population of brown bears in Europe, though we can’t guarantee a sighting!

For more details, see http://www.centralbalkannationalpark.org

And not only nature, much of Bulgaria’s rich and bloody history is also to be found locally in remote monasteries, monuments and stone roofed houses in the villages. So, if you only know of the coast of Bulgaria, prepare for a surprise!