The Bradt Travel Guide: Bulgaria

The Bradt Guide to Bulgaria, written by Dr Annie Kay, is the most comprehensive guide yet to this beautiful, rapidly changing, country in the far South East corner of Europe. Annie is a historian, a tour guide, an ornithologist, a nature lover and now a part-time resident in Bulgaria. Her interests are reflected in the book; there are beautiful colour photographs of buildings, birds and butterflies, explanations of the historical issues facing Bulgaria (eg the Macedonian question), up-to-date maps, tourist and travel information and even a section on how to purchase property in Bulgaria (citing her own flat purchase as a case study). Annie manages to capture the flavour of the people through their culture such that you can imagine the tobacco drying, the traditional costumes, the 'horo' dances and festival days celebrated in the imposing mountains. This book achieves so much more than being a guide for skiers and beach lovers, although they too will be well directed in their holidays. Annie uncovers the variety of delights in Bulgaria - from the gorges and the mountains to the plains and the beaches. I strongly recommend this encyclopaedic book to accompany you if you are to extract the gems on offer in this beautiful, fascinating country.