Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a mountainous region, with an eastern border tracing the Black Sea Coast and pristine shores of Durankulak in the north. Sometimes overlooked by travelers visiting Eastern Europe, the Balkan country has plenty of sightseeing opportunities for those looking for adventure. Start at the capital city, Sofia, where you’ll find Duhlata Cave (Bulgaria’s longest cave) and Boyana Falls. Take a drive out to the Rila and Pirin national parks, both of which have glacier lakes, rugged peaks and miles of trails.

Bulgaria’s many quaint towns allow you to soak up some history and experience traditional Bulgarian festivals. Rural villages like Kovachevitsa and Leshten feature wooden houses and paved alleys dating back to the 19th century, while Kazanlak is known for rose farms that produce the world-famous Bulgarian rose oil.