Bulgaria

8 or 10 nights; full board 3-4* hotels & private houses; £875/£995; single supplement £80/£100

DATES & PRICES 2000/2001 Sat 29 Apr - Sun 7 May 2000 * Fri 16 Jun - Mon 26 Jun 2000 Sat 26 Aug - Sun 3 Sep 2000 Sat 28 Apr - Sun 6 May 2001 From Sofia 8 nights £875 or *10 nights £995 Flights UK to Sofia from £195 June departure coincides with Verdi Festival in Plovdiv

In the heart of the Balkans we visit much of Bulgaria's Christian, Slavic and Turkish heritage, including the monasteries at Rila, Bachkova and Troyan, and the historic site of Veliko Târnovo. We visit the best wineries in Melnik, Lyaskoevets, Karlovo, Assenovgrad and Souhindol, learn to cook local specialities, and see how the spirit slivovitsa is made. For variety we go to a son et lumière concert, and in June have a chance to enjoy the open air opera in Plovdiv. Our walks, though short and gentle, show the stunning mountain scenery at its best. This little known country offers the chance to discover a more exotic and interesting corner of Europe and its ever improving wines.