The monasteries and frescoes, especially Bachkovo. (more)Peter Lowles

Excellent. We loved everything about it. Could find no faults. (more)Jill Parks

The most memorable part of the holiday was the wonderful food and hospitality given to us by 'the three Babas' (Grandmothers) in a remote village house. (more)Fenella Williams

Memorable parts? I enjoyed the whole holiday, we were particularly lucky with the weather and although August is getting a little late there were still some flowers to see. The caves were particularly interesting. Still quite a few flowers to see Tips? Possibly to take a travel plug for the wash basin. Local benefits? Presumably as we stayed in a family run hotel which employed local people then it did benefit the local people. Overall rating? I thoroughly ... (more)Caroyl Mead

Memorable parts? The tumulus of Philip 2nd of Macedonia Tips? Skip the trip to Albania from Ohrid. Local benefits? A little Overall rating? I enjoyed the tour overall and the leader was fabulous. (more)Rhea Richardson

Attending an opera in Plovdiv’s Roman amphitheatre was also very memorable. (more)Janet Galloway

Everything was very good. The genuine welcome from every host hotel or guesthouse was excellent. Staying in guesthouses and eating their normal local food. Highlights were Veliko Tarnovo (especially Hotel Gurko), Plovdiv, and the hosts at Boyana Guest House (Vratsa) & Guest House Deshka (Gorno Draglishte) were great fun. (more)Tim Morgan

Both Plovdiv and Rile were interesting and enjoyable and despite communication problems the two homestays were interesting if challenging and the hosts we very friendly and kind. (more)Rodney Mount

The natural environment was really impressive. Somebody had gone to lengths to find short but memorable walks for some of this holiday. The Canyon of Waterfalls and Smolyan lakes were interesting, peaceful and well marked out. The trip to Varbovo was good and the Strulitsa Eco-Path was the highlight of these walks. We extended our time in Devin so that we could explore more of this region and this river. (more)Jane Davies

The final walk, out of Devin, was wonderful. Different types of terrain, waterfalls, a ruined Roman fort, views over the mountains, forests and walkways over the streams. (more)Dave Burrows

Outstanding. Already thinking about where our next destination will be & would book a trip like this again for sure. (more)David Brandman

The stay at the farm in Gorno Pole was so memorable. It was wonderful. (more)Naomi Krieger

Excellent (more)Martin Holley

Most exciting was pure variety of activities from kayaking, bird watching, exploring Roman ruins, beaches, trekking and remote villages. (more)Emma Willson

Memorable parts? Spending time in the bear hides and being able to watch mother and cubs for over an hour. Tips? Be realistic about what wildlife you are going to see; i.e. walking in largish group (12 + guide) and wariness of local wildlife. Definitely take binoculars for watching bears / other wildlife from hide. Local benefits? Use of small village hotel, local driver and nature reserve guides benefitted local people. Because more and more people are visiting the area ... (more)Simon Knock

There were so many highlights of the trip but we all agree that sitting around the dinner table sharing conversation and learning about this beautiful part of the world and making new friends was an unforgettable experience. (more)Susan Chortyk

Excellent!!! (more)Haruyo and Neil Abramson

The enormous warmth and helpfulness of the people we met surmounted the language barrier. (more)Rachel Ganz

Memorable parts? Plovdiv Tips? Be prepared for long travelling days and the trains (they are a step back in time!) Local benefits? Yes with regards to small group size, accommodation and restaurants used. Overall rating? 7 / 10 (more)Anne Marie Pidgeon

Memorable parts? The totally stunning views, the wild flower meadows and the lovely people. We stayed in some beautiful hotels, only one was a little too corporate for us (Mountain Lake Hotel - we were the only visitors and it was very lonely after all the bustle of the smaller family hotels), - our most favourite ones were the family owned and run hotels that were simply charming and the people could not do enough for us and made us feel really welcome despite the language barrier. ... (more)Ruth Kinsella

Memorable parts? I hate this question! The whole week was wonderful, and when the group was asked which walk they had enjoyed the most, everyone had the same trouble picking one! This was a walking trip geared towards fit experienced mountain walkers (warning for anyone thinking it is easy hiking in these Bulgarian mountains, read the blurb with care!), so the days were hard with steep climbs and long descents. The rewards were huge, amazing views, great biodiversity and a country that ... (more)Olive O

Memorable parts? Getting chased off the mountain by lightning! (No danger: we're experienced mountaineers and knew when to get off.)Our hosts were wonderful. All transfers were on time; food was excellent and local. Both are designed to be flexible (they asked us when, to confirm).Also, it was wonderfully reminiscent of growing up in the American West. It looks very much like the Washington Cascades, Alaska and Colorado Rockies Tips? 1. Be aware that this time of year it can be ... (more)Jack Ballard

Memorable parts? Mountain hiking Tips? Be aware English is not widely spoken and the Cyrillic alphabet makes travelling by public transport a slight challenge. Local benefits? Yes Overall rating? Very good except for guests house in Bansko. The alternative hôtel Zahoff looked better and there was confusion by driver where to take us which was frustrating. (more)Douglas Scott

Memorable parts? Climbing Mount Vidran, the wildflowers in the Pirin and Rila Mountains, city tour of Sofia. Evening strolls in the village Govedartsi to soak up the atmosphere. Watching the cows being herded each evening into the village. Friendly Bulgarians. Good Bulgarian food and wine. Tips? Don't underestimate the fitness needed for the walks. Previous holidays, walks have been easier than grading suggested. Not here the grading is more accurate so the strenuous walks ... (more)Mike Wilkinson

The most memorable was the variety of terrain walking through the Seven Rila Lakes; forests, mountains, frozen lakes, granite, ice and snow, and the warm welcome from everyone I met along the way. (more)Nicola Farrington

The most exciting part was to be able to see & enjoy the country in the snow which would not have been possible without snow shoes. (more)Alan Reimer