If you are keen on art and culture, Bulgaria is the ideal destination for you. Churches dating back centuries, Greek and Byzantine ruins, lovely mountain villages, the seaside resorts of the Black Sea, museums full of priceless treasures, walks in the fragrant Rose Valley and cities with lovely old houses spread out over cliffs - there's more to Bulgaria than words can conjure.

Sofia, the capital city, has something for everyone. A vibrant nightlife, the best East European architecture, excellent museums and even a ski resort - little wonder that there are hordes of tourists in the city throughout the year. As far as economy and politics go, Bulgaria has slowly managed to make the transition from a centralized economy to a free market one. There have been hitches, and there are still problems, including a rising crime rate and unemployment.