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A country in southeastern Europe, Bulgaria borders the Black Sea and the nations of Greece, Turkey, Serbia, the Republic of Macedonia, and Romania. A land of lovely rivers, mountains, and the famous Rose Valley, Bulgaria is described by many travelers as one of the most scenic countries they have ever seen. According to some, and confirmed by many, a visit to Bulgaria is a revivifying experience. Others advise that it's better to look outside to the nation's capital, Sofia, for all the fun!

Sofia is, of course, the largest city of Bulgaria. Lying at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain, it is typically a European playing background to tree-lined boulevards and balconied buildings standing among a constellation of very old Orthodox churches. Russian and Venetian architects of the 19th century have left their imprints here. The city centre is, however, dominated by neo-classical Stalinist architecture.

Borovetz, Bansko, and Pamporovo are ski resorts that are a must-visit in the winter months. In the summer, resorts on the Black Sea overflow with tourists that especially like to throng to Sozopol, Nessebur, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, Albena, St. Constantine and Helena. The quality of the resorts is great and prices are below those found in Western Europe � the chief reason for Bulgaria's substantial growth in international tourism over the past decade.

The country has a number of national parks and reservation areas. The best known and most popular ones include the Central Balkan National Park; the Golden Sands National Park; the Pirin National Park; Rhodope National Park; the Rila National Park; the Roussenski Lom National Park; the Sinite Kamani National Park; Shoumen Plateau National Park; the Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains); Strandja National Park; Vitosha National Park; and the Vratchansky Balkan National Park.

Bulgaria has also preserved remains of the Golden Age, which are definitely worth seeing (or gaping at with open mouths!). The Romans and the Thracians may also be remembered here. No matter what your initial reactions are, you are bound to return from Bulgaria with a greater awareness of prosperity than before!

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