Experiencing the Best of Religion, History and Nature of Bulgaria

Your first stop of the day is the famous Asen’s Fortress, the symbol of the city of Asenovgrad. It is a medieval Bulgarian castle built in the 9th century that was used to defend the city from the intruders, and it was also a lookout point between ancient Thrace and Greece. It contains a rich history and mystical tales of its past. The church part of the fortress, the only part left intact, sits right on the edge of a rocky peak, overlooking a jaw-dropping vista of the Rhodope mountains that stretches out like a chain into the horizon.
I visited here many times with my family, and it is always such a wonder to visit. You can feel the ancient memory of the place and all the battles that took place here. There is an eeriness, the kind that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, hearing the wind whistle through the church and remains of the fortress. It's definitely an experience like no other.
You can park your car at the nearby car park right next to the fortress.

One of the famous tales of the fortress and church tells the story of when the Ottoman soldiers were trying to take over the fortress with no success. Once, they saw an old lady who used a secret passageway to the fortress, leading the soldiers to attack and finally take the fortress. When the king found out, he cursed the woman and turned her into a stone. Now, not far from the where the church sits, is a stone structure, that very much resembles the shape of an old lady.

Bachkovo is a must-visit place for anyone passing through this region. The ancient and religious history here is felt very strongly, as the whole town of Bachkovo was built around the famous monastery.
Nestled among the mountains, you can see a number of small waterfalls throughout the town, that gives the town this fresh and clean mountain feel. My family and I would visit here often on weekends away from the city. It is the perfect to relax and recharge.
The sacredness of this place can be felt as you are walking through the old, cobblestoned streets. It feels almost mystical, this mix of nature and religion all within the same place, like some powerful force of nature is present here. Many people would often report feeling better and more revived after visiting Bachkovo.

The second-biggest monastery in Bulgaria and without a doubt one of the most visited monasteries in the country. This site is worth the trip and many pilgrims come here to experience the beauty and mysticism of Bulgaria.
Surrounded by mountains, the monastery stretches out to occupy a large portion of the region. Many special occasions take place here, such as christenings, and people can even stay in the accommodation provided.
When you visit this monastery, you really understand the important role religion and religious site play in Bulgarian culture. Just outside of the entrance of the monastery, there is a water fountain that is said to bring you luck with anything in life. So bring a few coins for your wishes.
Open Hours: Summer Monday - Sunday: 07:00 - 20:00
Winter Monday - Sunday: 07:00 - 19:00
For more information, visit the official website.

Just a few minutes walk from the town there is a hiking path that leads to a number of refreshing waterfalls, through a beautiful, lush forest. Take time to absorb the nature here and enjoy the peace and quiet of this region.

Continue on from the waterfall and in just over 20 min you will reach the rock chapel. Hidden inside the rock structures is a tiny chapel with icons of the Holy Mother of God "Света Богородица". Take a few moments here to light a candle and even say a prayer. Many people, who come here, report feeling so much positive energy after visiting this site. Enjoy the connection with nature and this sacred place and see how you feel afterwards.

Finally, experience the natural preserve of Chervena Stena, which translates as "the red wall". This region is designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve and is protected to conserve the rich ecosystem that exists here.
It’s a beautiful way to experience Bulgaria’s incredible nature and beauty, especially in such a peaceful and tranquil site. There are many different types of rare plants and flowers throughout the path, which back in the day the elders, or ‘babichki’ as most call them, would use as herbs to cure and heal. See how many you can recognize.

You cannot visit Bachkovo without dining at the best restaurant in town, which offers an incredible view of a waterfall, right inside the restaurant.
They offer delicious, typical Bulgarian cuisine such as shopska salad, grilled fish and incredible Bulgarian deserts. You can't go wrong with this option.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 22:00
For more information, visit official website.

Return to your car and prepare for the last leg of this trip.

Asenovgrad is a city very well known for its distilleries and specifically “rakia”. One of the types of alcohol native to the country and most of Eastern Europe, which is produced from grapes and fruit. Stop off at this site to see how some of the highest quality alcohol is produced and buy yourself a few presents for special occasions.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
For more information, visit the official website.

If you are traveling during the summer, take a quick pitstop here to check out a beautiful lavender field on your drive back to Varna. This region offers wonderful views of the lavender fields that are cultivated for oil and used in many beauty products in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is also very famous for its rose production, making it the best place to purchase rose oil that is said to be very beneficial for the skin.

Park your car here, to enjoy a wonderful dinner in Nova Zagora.

Dine in at this great bar grill that makes delicious beef burgers with fries, as well as a variety of other Bulgarian dishes. It offers a wonderful atmosphere with its outside terrace and a great way to make the most of the 'vechernik', the night breeze.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 07:00 - 00:00

Take a stroll through the town park and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and nature before heading back onto the road. What makes this park even more special, is that they play music throughout the park with tiny speakers attached to a number of the trees. Quite the experience walking through a park as you hear classical music from the trees.

Take a pit stop here to enjoy this fascinating rock structure on the river. The rock structure is like a tunnel with carved out areas for cars to drive through. A great place to enjoy in the evening, when there are no tourists.

It's the end of your trip. Reflect on all the wonderful memories and experiences over the last three days.