Things to See in Bulgaria

Know that cute horseman on the stotinki coins? The original bas-relief, carved in a viva-Bulgaria fever onto a 100m (328ft) cliff in the 8th century, is at the superb Madara archaeological reserve. There is also an intriguing rock chapel, an open-air cave wall, and a mountain-top fort with views of Shumen.

Bulgaria's most famous monastery is set in a towering forested valley. The 300 monk cells span four levels of colourful balconies, overlooking a large misshapen courtyard, while the Nativity Church, built in the 1830s, contains 1200 magnificent murals.

This hilltop monastery was originally built in 1217, but most of what remains was redone in the mid-18th century. It's an atmospheric place, with woodcarvings and a mural-filled church. It's an inspiring reward if you've hit the hiking trail that leads for several kilometres between Melnik and this site.

The scene of an important Russian-Turkish battle in 1877, Shipka Pass is accented by the bare-top 1326m (4350ft) Mt Stoletov and the six-storey Freedom Monument. There are displays on the battles inside, and up top, 360-degree views of the Stara Planina and Valley of the Roses below. It's a Shipka tradition to finish off with buffalo yoghurt at the stands below.

Home to Bulgarian tsars during Veliko Tārnovo's reign as the nation's capital (1185-1393), this hilltop citadel looms over the medieval town. Inside the triangular walls are the remains of over 400 houses and 18 churches, built between the 5th and 12th centuries.