Source: National Tourism Organization

Batchkovo Monastery
Situated 8km (5 miles) from Plovdiv, the monastery was founded in the 11th century and is home to rare frescoes, icons, manuscripts and coins. Batchkovo lies within the area known in ancient times as Thrace, and many items of archaeological interest have been discovered, including wonderful gold Thracian objects.

Belogradchik
Explore the age-old town of Belogradchik, nestled in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains in northwest Bulgaria. The main attractions include the Belogradchik fortress, the ancient Magura Cave on Rabisha Lake, and the Belogradchik Rocks, a wondrous expanse of bizarrely shaped, colourful rock formations, named a Natural Landmark by the Bulgarian government. 

Melnik wine cellars
Enjoy the fruits of the vine in Melnik. The tiny town, with 18th- and 19th-century houses perched on strangely-shaped limestone and sand pyramids, is famous for its wine cellars. At weekends, Bulgarians flock here for its wonderful mehanas for traditional food and the local brew. 

Plovdiv's old city
Bulgaria's second-largest city is divided by the Maritsa River. Get lost around the narrow cobbled streets and quaint houses, and visit the Roman Amphitheatre. The hub of the new city is the lively pedestrianised ulitsa Alexander Batemberg, with shops, cafés and galleries.

Rila Monastery
Be fascinated by the vast collection of murals, woodcarvings, old weapons and bibles written on parchment at Rila Monastery, 121km (75 miles) from Sofia. Fire has destroyed most of the early 10th-century architecture, and the present buildings date from the 19th century, with the exception of the 14th-century Khrelio's Tower.

Roman Thermae in Varna
Located in the territory of the ancient city Odessos, the magnificent roman baths in Varna are a relic of Roman legacy in Bulgaria. Visit the well-preserved baths, the largest Roman public building in Bulgaria, and then wander through the seaside city of Varna for sweeping views of the Black Sea and endless historical landmarks.

Sofia architecture
Discover the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Turkish architectural styles of the capital, Sofia, boasting museums, churches, art galleries and opera houses. The stunning gold-leaf domed Nevski Memorial Church is the most famous sight, with the sixth-century St Sofia and the Museum of archaeology nearby.

Veliko Turnovo
Visit the ancient museum town of Veliko Turnovo, capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1187-1393), situated on three hills circled by the River Yantra. It contains extraordinary collections of historic works of art, including church relics.

UNESCO wonders
Discover Bulgaria's nine UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites, including the perfectly preserved fourth-century murals in the Thracian Kazanluk Tomb, the Sveshtari Tomb near Razgrad, the 13th-century Boyana Church on the outskirts of Sofia, and the Ivanovo Rock Monasteries near Rouss