Transport
People were friendly and helpful. Took ourselves to Varna. Found it really interesting. Enjoyed mixing with the local people on the streets and in the cafes. Found it difficult to find local bus service details and maps of the area and towns. The last minute cancellation of the Heritage trip we had booked in England was hugely disappointing and handled very poorly. As a result we were unable to learn about the Bulgarian heritage which was important to us to learn and experience.
This tour is a great way to get to know the best of Bulgarian culture and heritage. With a visit to ancient Byala, a riverboat trip and an afternoon of folklore and fun with the grannies of Solnik village, you'll experience a lot during your day out. Ivan, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Solnik is a typical mountain village, but Granny Radka's house is anything but typical – it's like a mini-museum. She has displays of traditional costumes and textiles all over the walls, most of which were made by Granny Radka herself.'
Kick off in the seaside town of Byala, on Cape St Atanas. Discover its rich history dating back to the Byzantine era as you walk through the area. You'll see ancient pottery making equipment, a partially restored winery and the basilica. Soaking up the expansive sea view from the top of the cliffs is all part of the Byala experience. Next, we will head to Kamchiya for a 25-minute boat trip along the river to enjoy the beauty of the Bulgarian countryside.
Your final stop will be at the quaint village of Solnik, where we'll visit Granny Radka's house. You'll be invited to take a look at the display of typical clothes, try some local rose liqueur and tuck into a tasty lunch of dishes from the region, freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Then you'll be immersed in Bulgarian folklore when you watch a song and dance performance by the village elders dressed in the traditional costume.
