Bulgaria, since the early 1990's has morphed into a more modern version of itself by attracting tourists from far and wide with its cheap skiing, beach holidays on the Black Sea Coast, its bustling capital Sofia, the dramatic mountain scenery, haven-like monasteries and its Roman and Byzantine ruins. In the villages, folk still ride donkeys to work, eat home-grown potatoes and make their own cheese. The only difference between bygone times and the modern present is that dinner is now eaten in front of a satellite TV.

Best time to visit: April to mid-June (spring)

Essential experiences: Skiing down Bulgaria's affordable snowy peaks; sipping full-blooded aromatic coffee is a Sofia cafe; walking through the stunning Rila Mountains, encountering wild deer, goats, eagles and falcons amongst the Fir trees and Beechwoods; basking on a beach on the Black Sea coast; sampling a dark red wine at Melnik in a wine bar cut into the rocks; contemplating the meaning of life at the Rila Monastery - a significant symbol of Bulgarian national identity.

In a few words, Bulgaria is: Monasteries; rose petals; ancient ruins; hearty meat and vegetable stews; kooky festivals and traditional fire-dancing.

Did you know - There are over 160 monasteries in Bulgaria; rose oil is a major export and Bulgaria is the world's fifth-largest exporter of wine.