Trip Moments Recommendations
Majestic Monastery
Rila Monastery, located in the scenic Rila Mountains of Bulgaria, is a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and architectural beauty. Founded in the 10th century, it stands as a testament to Bulgarian cultural heritage and Orthodox Christian tradition. The monastery's striking frescoes, intricate woodcarvings, and iconic tower captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the country's rich past. Surrounding by lush forests, the monastery also provides a tranquil escape into nature. Whether you're drawn by its religious significance, architectural marvels, or natural beauty, Rila Monastery offers a memorable experience that resonates long after your visit.
#historicallandmarks #localguides #bulgaria
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Spiritual Sanctuary of Rila 🇧🇬
#cherryblossom2024
📍 Spiritual Sanctuary of Rila 🇧🇬
📍 Rila Monastery, nestled in the mountains of Bulgaria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered for its striking architecture and vibrant frescoes. As a pivotal center of Bulgarian Orthodox Christianity, it holds profound spiritual and cultural significance. 🏰⛪ #RilaMonastery #Bulgaria #UNESCO
📍 Crown Jewel of Monza 🇮🇹
📍 Monza Cathedral, located in Monza, Italy, is renowned for its magnificent Romanesque-Gothic architecture. It houses the Lombardy Iron Crown, a venerable Christian relic believed to include a nail from the True Cross, making it a treasure of religious history. 🏰⛪ #MonzaCathedral #Monza #Italy
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 🗺️
#fallingseason
The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a magnificent sight that takes on an even more enchanting appeal in autumn. As the leaves change colors, the stunning gold and silver domes of this Orthodox cathedral glisten against the backdrop of the clear blue skies, creating a truly mesmerizing scene.
Visiting this architectural masterpiece in the fall season is a serene experience. The interior of the cathedral, with its intricate mosaics and religious artwork, provides a sense of spiritual tranquility amidst the crisp autumn air.
The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a symbol of Bulgaria's faith and history, and it's also conveniently located near other cultural attractions, like the National Palace of Culture and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. In autumn, the city often hosts cultural events, including classical music concerts and art exhibitions.
Exploring the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in autumn is a culturally enriching and visually captivating experience, offering a unique blend of history, spirituality, and the charm of the season. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking to discover Sofia's cultural and religious heritage in the beauty of autumn. #sofia #bulgaria #europe
Beautiful small Varna Airport
Varna Airport is around 30 minutes by car or public transport from the city centrr and the beach. When flying from Varna you don't need to be at the airport 2 hours before because there is only a few flights per day.
The Beach area is very beautiful and offers many different bars and cafes. The food and drinks are very affordable and delicious
The water is not too cold and the beach is clean
#deliciousfood #varna #bulgaria #airport
Amazing All-inclusive Hotel
This incredible All inclusive Hotel has amazing food almost 24/7.
The Breakfast is from 7.00-10.00
The Morning Snack is from 10.00-11.00
The Lunch is from 12.00-14.00
The Afternoon Tea is from 14.00-15.00
The Dinner is from is from 19-.00-21.00
The food is delicious and they have a lot of vegetables and meat options.
Furthermore they have many vegetarian and vegan options. #couplestrip #deliciousfood #familytravel #bulgaria #hotel #allinclusive
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Cosy 4-star Berlin hotel
I went to Bulgaria for a holiday with my mom and we stayed at this cosy and stately hotel that was pretty affordable in the area! Although the decor looked rather old-fashioned, it was clean and comfortable. Plus the staff were really nice and helpful even though English isn’t their native language. A good base from which to explore the city’s attractions!
My overall rating of the experience: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#bulgaria #tripmoments #tripblazers
Amazing mountain architecture
Rila Monastery, a masterpiece of Bulgarian architecture, rests amid the Rila Mountains. Founded in the 10th century, it's a spiritual and cultural hub, bearing frescoes and ornate woodwork. The main church, adorned with vibrant frescoes, is a symbol of Orthodox Christianity. The monastery's Hrelyo Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers panoramic views. Its history is a tapestry of resilience, surviving fires and invasions. Today, it remains an active monastery and a pilgrimage site, drawing visitors to its serene surroundings and preserving Bulgaria's religious heritage
#timetotravel #trip #bulgaria #europe
Spa day - perfect Valentine's escape
#valentinescape #spa #mountainview #borovets #bulgaria #love #poolview
Here are some photos from our spa day in the Bulgarian mountains ⛰️ 😀 😍
This place is rather unique in design and definitely worth a photo. Relaxation pods are built in the wall and they are so comfortable! They are even equipped with a reading light, should you decide to take a book with you.
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Borovets centre and shops
#newyearadventure #tripblazers #mountainview #bulgaria #borovets
The resort is accessible by car/coach only. However, most people tend to fly in to Sofia Airport and then either rent a car or get a private taxi to their hotel in Borovets.
Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, you can comfortably drive all the way to Borovets from wherever you call home.
There are also public transport options once you are in Sofia, such as direct or indirect (via Samokov) coaches to Borovets.
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Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Rila Hotel, Boroveta
#newyearadventure #tripblazers #bulgaria #borovets #mountainview
Situated on the terrace of the Rila Hotel, The Terrace Lounge is an excellent place to enjoy a lunch whilst baskin in the sun and watching skiers go down the slopes.
The menu is varied and hosts international dishes and some Bulgarian items. Prices are slightly more peppered, however given the view – does it really matter?
We suggest you sit outside, they have both heated areas and non heated tables and enjoy the sun whilst sipping on your hot cocoa.
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Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Skiing ⛷️ Borovets Bulgaria 🇧🇬
#newyearadventure #tripblazers #borovets #bulgaria
Considering we are in one of Bulgaria’s top ski resorts, why not ski? Unfortunately, when we were there in January 2023 we really didn’t have much snow but that didn’t stop us from having a go at it.
We’re told that the slopes are mostly for beginner skiers however, as we went up with the gondola we saw some really nice tracks so more advanced skier can make use of.
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Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Borovets ski resort
#newyearadventure #mountainview #tripblazers #borovets #bulgaria
Started the new year at a new place - Borovets.
Borovets is situated on the northern side of Rila Mountain and boasts a perfect location right at the foot of Mount Musala (2925 metres) the highest peak on the Balkans.
It is the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria and was originally set to be the hunting place for Bulgarian Kings in the late 19th century.
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Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Behind us - the highest peak in Bulgaria 🇧🇬
We attempted the highest peak in Bulgaria - Musala Peak. We were so close but the 600m icey path stood in the way of eternal glory.
Would 100% recommend the walk to the Musala Hut. From the top station of the Gondola, follow the Musala Peak trail until you reach the hut. There you can have a hot drink or some light snacks (self-service, just leave money and get what you like).
The trail to the hut is easy and you can go there with kids. After the hut it is sooooo difficult!
#bulgaria #mountainview #borovets #nationalpark
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Tsarska Bistritsa visit
Today we went to Tsarska Bistritsa, a former royal Palace which served as the hunting lodge of Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria and his son Boris III.
It's around 25 mins walk from the base station of the Gondola and a great place to spend an afternoon. The entrance is 6lv and the cafe there offers great value for money. Would recommend!
#bulgaria #borovets #tripblazers #mountainview #awesomepic
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Hotel Lion Borovets in Bulgaria 🇧🇬
#2023travelwish #bulgaria #borovets #hotel #lovely #spacious
Just checked in to our hotel for the next week.
We got this spacious studio flat with large bed, sofa and arm chairs and a desk.
Location: Borovets, Bulgaria which is a ski resort.
We booked this Half Board (HB) with breakfast and dinner included. The dinner was great and everything we tried was absolutely delicious. Staff have been great and we love the spa.
So far so good, looking forward to the next week 😀
Wish: travel to Japan in 2023
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Food in Bansko, Bulgaria 🇧🇬
#resortstyle #bansko #bulgaria #skiing #food
Bulgaria is known for hearty meals but also for their salads! You could go into a restaurant and go through 2 pages of menu and still be looking at salad options. Yes – they love their greens!
As we discussed in our Sofia article, Bulgarians enjoy their salads as starters, typically with their local brandy, called Rakia. When eating out, sharers similar to tapas are also quite popular.
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Bulgarian art exhibition
When we were in Bulgaria, we chanced upon an art exhibition that was themed around sustainability. We got to see many students’ works of art in the various mediums, like paintings, sculptures and even wire models. It was a little difficult to understand some of them as there were no English descriptions though.
My overall rating of the experience: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#artshunting #tripmoments #art #paintings #sculptures #exhibition #mustvisit #sofia #bulgaria
Euxinograd Palace, Varna, Bulgaria 🇧🇬
#celebratewithtrip #mytripvlog #varna #bulgaria
Had a lovely day at Euxinograd Palace in Varna, Bulgaria. Here is a snippet for you :)
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Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) The views from our hotel in Varna
#celebratewithtrip #mytripvlog #varna #hotel #bulgaria
Nice room with amazing views 👌
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Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Bulgarian mountain short trip
#bulgaria #rayovtsi #santuary
Trip to the village Rayovtsi near Elena. The place is dedicated to Bulgarian fighters for freedom of Otoman york.
Snow, skiing and sunshine
#mytripvlog #bansko #bulgaria #snow #mountainview #skiing #skiingtime
Skiing on a fresh snow on a sunny weather. What more can you ask for.
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Bansko vibes
#mytripvlog #bansko #bulgaria #snow #cool #mountainview
Amazing atmosphere and cool vibes on a sunny day in Bansko :)
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Aladzha Rock Monastery
#bucketlistreboot
It is a medieval Orthodox Christian cave monastery complex in north-eastern Bulgaria, 17 km north of central Varna and 3 km west of Golden Sands beach resort. The ticket also includes a visit to the nearby museum which tries to explain a bit more about this phenomena of stone carved monasteries across Bulgaria. It seemed fairly popular in the north-eastern part of the country. It’s another great way to break down your all-inclusive summer holiday and make a day trip and see something different. The monastery housed monks who were looking to retreat in solitude and prayer. The complex is carved in stone. They tried to carve different rooms and prayer halls. Once you climb to the top level where the chapel was, you’ll be greeted by an amazing view towards the sea. A must for any photo enthusiast!
#varna #bulgaria
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Euxinograd Palace
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Half way through the tour you’ll also see the summer residence of the Bulgarian Communist Party where their most notable dictator Todor Zhivkov used to go. We found the estate and overall the tour enjoyable, not at all fast paced and given Hristina is Bulgarian, we managed to even understand all the explanations. We recommend this as a side day trip for any of you looking to do your summer holidays in the nearby resorts. Note: the booking is not straight-forward as you need to send an email with your details and only upon a confirmation from them, you can consider your trip booked. They offer the trip in Bulgarian, English and Russian but at the time of our visit, it was Bulgarian only.
#varna #bulgaria
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Varna Dolphinarium
#bucketlistreboot
Festa Dolphinarium is the only attraction of its kind in Bulgaria. It is situated amidst the greenery of the Sea Garden of Varna and offers a wonderful view over the sea. A few years ago, we enjoyed a show at the Dolphinarium. It’s impressive how smart the dolphins are and we were truly impressed by the show and their acts. If you are visiting with kids, this might be a good stop.
Not far feom there, you can also find the Varna Zoo, located within the Sea Garden in Varna. It is neighbouring the Dolphinarium. We visited this many years ago but if you have visited zoos elsewhere in Europe e.g. London Zoo, Chester Zoo, you may be a bit disappointed from this one.
#varna #bulgaria
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Varna Sea Garden
#bucketlistreboot
Here are two recommendations for things to see in Varna.
Sea Garden – Primorski Park
It’s a well-known, expansive seaside park with landscaped gardens & promenades, plus a swimming complex. We found it a very nice and enjoyable walk and a must visit place when in Varna. The park hosts many beautiful flower arrangements as well as busts of key Bulgarian Figures scattered on each side. The
Pantheon
The Pantheon of the Fallen of the Wars in the Sea Garden was inaugurated in November 1959. The memorial walls bear the engraved names of the fallen in the period 1923 -1944.
#varna #bulgaria
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) #bucketlistreboot
Stroll on Boulevard “Knyaz Boris I”
Have some cash and time to spare? If the answer is yes, then head over to this boulevard. Over here you will find a great deal of luxury shops, souvenirs and bars and cafes. If shopping is something you’re after, this place doesn’t come cheap. I remember we went to a jewellery shop and inquired for a bracelet. When we saw the prices we thought our eyesight was letting us down. It turned out our wallets were a bit slim. Walking down this boulevard, you’ll be met by many period houses all dating to a bygone era. Classy and painted in bright, yet subtle tones, make this a very enjoyable walk.
#varna #bulgaria
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Sofia Central Market
#bucketlistreboot
The Central Market is where we can see the Synagogue, a Christian Church and the Mosque. All these 3 are on the same square kilometre and their proximity to each other reminds us of how close we all are.
Central Market is an interesting place to visit, so do add this to your list.
Visiting the Central Market, one can also explore the Bulgarian culinary landscape. Anything from fresh vegetable produce to dry cured salamis and meats are on display. An experience similar to the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid. Here you can also buy souvenirs and this is where we got our Sofia magnet from.
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Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) Cathedral Church “Sveta Nedelya”
#bucketlistreboot
Cathedral Church “Sveta Nedelya” is another place to add to your bucket list when in Sofia.
Sveta Nedelya is a medieval church that has suffered destruction through the ages and has been reconstructed many times.
It is a cathedral of the Sofia bishopric of the Bulgarian Patriarchate and during our visit we saw the Archbishop. Similarly to other churches, this one is just as impressive and hosts a series of exclusive icons and paintwork.
Whilst sightseeing, you are likely to pass by the Saint Sofia Statue. This is a fairly new statue which replaced the statue of Lenin that was on the same spot.
#bulgaria #mountainview
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Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog) National Museum of History, Sofia
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National Museum of History is another place to visit whilst in Sofia. It's a bit far from the centre but certainly worth it.
We would also recommend going to the National Museum of History, Bulgaria’s largest museum. The museum is further out of the central area but offers great views to Vitosha mountain.
The museum was moved to the former primary residence of the dictator and last communist leader Todor Zhivkov at Boyana, and showcases objects connected to archaeology, fine arts, history and ethnography. There, we saw the Panagyurishte Treasure dated 400 BC – 300 BC.
#bulgaria #mountainview
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Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog)