WINE, SKI & SPA GETAWAY – BULGARIA
Explore the land of the Thracian Kings,
There is no better way to spend the winter than lounging in cosy robe and pair of warm slippers. Plan a weekend to seek out mountainside luxury, fine dining in a combination with wine therapy and SPA. Take in the panoramic views of the snow falling as you ease in the many scenic spots in the large areas of the SPA. Rent a ski, visit the near UNESCO World Heritage sites, read a book or just take a long day sleep. You are still not sure of what you are looking for? Let us help…
Why Bulgaria?
- Bulgaria has more than 2000 mineral springs and in July Velingrad became the SPA capital of the Balkans. It was awarded with the title of the World Conference Branch Organization of Hoteliers and Restauranteurs (IHRA), held in Monterey, Mexico. In the 1980s Bulgaria was the second world largest exporter of wine, only topped by France. This makes the country one of the TOP 10 destinations in the world for Wine tourism & SPA.
- Since Bulgaria’s EU accession in 2007, Bulgaria’s more than 70 wineries and wine cellars continue the skilful Thracian tradition of winemaking, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Bulgaria has the capacity to process about 700 000 tons of grapes a year.
- Archaeological studies point to evidence of winemaking as early as 4000 BC, when Bulgarian lands were inhabited by the Thracians. Zagreus was a Thracian god later known as Dionysus – the God of wine.
Ski resorts in Bulgaria
One of the largest and most developed Ski resorts in Bulgaria is Bansko, however there are few more that can offer the same experience. In Borovets is located the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula – Mousala (2925m) and Pamporovo can be found in the magical Rhodope Mountain famous with its mythical singer Orpheus. Imagine skiing all day long, age-old pine woods and a perfect end in a hot tub with mineral water… And let me tell you what is better than that – glass of decent red wine. Here are just a few of many more …
Wine
- Mavrud is one of the most ancient and typical Bulgarian wines. Its name comes from the Greek “mavro”, which means black! Famous with its rich taste and legends behind, you can find this wine almost everywhere in the country.
- Rubin reminds of the Italian Nebbiolo and the flavours range between sweet strawberries and blackberries. To bring the best combination of structure, colour and body, you will find it often blended with Mavrud.
- Gamza or Kadakra can be found in the Northwest Bulgaria and it is served in Burgundy glass because of its light body, berry flavours and dark-skinned variety of grapes.
We can arrange anything, just tell us what you are seeking for. Get inspired by our recommendations:
- Bansko is number one Ski Resort of Bulgaria and located in the National Park of Pirin, protected by UNESCO. The combination of typical Bulgarian architecture, SPA hotels and Historical sites makes the city competitive with resorts from Austria, Switzerland and France. The prices are similar to other cities in Europe, so you pay for what you get. You can combine it with a visit of the Rila Monastery – another UNESCO world Heritage site and Stobs Pyramids, which are basically on your way. Or take a day trip to Melnik – the smallest city in Bulgaria and try the famous Shiroka Melnishka. Winston Churchill was known to buy 500 litres of a typically Bulgarian wine variety from this region. Another small resort on the way would be Panichishte.
- Dobrinishte is just 6 km away from Bansko and has 17 mineral springs with a water temperature between 30 to 43 degrees by Celsius. If you like off the beaten path, than this small resort offers everything. You can combine it with a day trips to the near villages of Kovachevitsa and Leshten.
Around Sofia and Plovdiv
- Borovets is just 70 km away from Sofia and only 120 km from Plovdiv – The European Capital of Culture for 2019. If you decide to drive to Plovdiv, you should probably consider doing few days in Borovets and go where the locals go – Pamporovo. Near Pamporovo check Shiroka Luka, beautiful medieval town which can warm every heart.
- Near the new SPA Capital of the Balkans – Velingrad is the family-friendly resort of Tsigov Chark. If you like lakes it’s usually suitable for winter holidays as well as for the summer. The new piste offers good conditions for skiing and snowboarding, and near the artificial lake can be put a caravan or a tent.
We are traditionalists who are passionate about our folklore, culture, food, history, and nature. In order to provide our guests with an unparalleled experience, we explored every nook and cranny of our country. We met the winegrowers, farmers, and the elderly people who shared their stories with us. We simply fell in love with everything what Bulgaria has to offer and can hardly wait to show it to you.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PRIVATE TOUR AND WANT TO DISCOVER MORE THAN THE TOURIST SIGHTS, THAN YOUR GUIDES ARE WAITING FOR YOU…
Looking for more ideas:
Did we get your attention? Let’s start our journey through Bulgaria together and discover it all!
