Lovech is one of the most enchanting towns in Bulgaria. It is located in the north part of the Stara Planina Mountain region, on both shores of Osum River.

It initially sprung as a Thracian settlement that turned into a traveler’s center located on a major Roman road. During the Middle Ages, the Lovech fortress was used as a strategic fortification in northern Bulgaria. A three-month siege ended in a peace treaty between the Bulgarian rulers Asen and Petur and the Byzantine ruler. This treaty marks the establishment of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.

During the revival period, Lovech acted as a craftsmen meeting point. Lovech merchants traveled throughout the empire and the town prospered. It was often called Altun (golden) Lovech. Many revival activists and revolutionaries acted in Lovech. Some of them are Vassil Levski, Angel Kunchev, P.R. Slaveikov.

Today, Lovech is a picturesque town that has many landmarks to show to visitors. The Lovech fortress is the most important historic remain. The remains can be seen on the right river shore, on the hill of Hissarya.

Varosha residential district is another well-known attraction. The district has been named architecture and historic preserve. It features more than 160 renovated houses that were constructed in the 70s of the 19th century. Lovech traditional houses have their distinct architectural style. The front part of the house faces the yard, while the back side is turned towards the street. The owners of most of these renovated houses live there.

The covered bridge of Lovech also deserves its fame. The bridge is one of the four such constructions in Europe. Accidents led to the destruction of the bridge several times. Initially it was wooden but a river overflow damaged it. Kolio Ficheto constructed the second bridge. The unique construction is 84 m long. The covered part hosts more than 20 shops.

A conflagration in the 20s of the 20th century destroyed the bridge for the second time. The third reconstruction occurred in the 80s. Some of the old bridge foundations were used. Its initial looks were preserved but the new bridge turned out to be 20 meters longer than the work of Kolio Ficheto.

Stratesh, the town’s park, is among the most beautiful Loech features. Locals set up the park on their own. Many alleys allow peaceful walks, the park has a small lake and the second biggest zoo in Bulgaria.

A museum and a monument have been dedicated to the revolutionary Vassil Levski. The monument in Lovech is probably one of the tallest statues of Levski in the country.

Bash Bounar alley will take you for a walk on the left shore of the river. The nature and calmness attract lovers of secluded and relaxing activities.

During May, Lovech turns into a lilac city because of the many flowering bushes. The lilac music days take place at that time.

Stara Zagora city (140 meters above sea level) is situated in the eastern part of the Upper Thracian Lowland, among the Bedechka River. It is the sixth largest city in Bulgaria with population of about 164 000 people. The city is located 230 km to the east of Sofia, 90 km to the northeast of Plovdiv and 70 km to the southwest of Sliven.

A settlement called Beroe was founded by the Thracians in the 6th – 5th century BC. Romans named it Augusta Trajana after the Roman emperor Trajan. Later Byzantines gave a new name to the place- Irinopolis but in 717, after being annexed to the young Bulgarian State, it was renamed Borouy. After the occupation of the settlement by the ottomans it accepted a new name– Eski Zagra. In the XIX century it had a Bulgarian name– Zheleznik and its present name Stara Zagora it accepted in 1870.

In the Revival period Stara Zagora was an important economic and trading center. Unfortunately during the Liberation war it was burnt down several times and lost a third part of its population. After the Liberation the city was rebuilt in chess board order after the design of an Austrian-Hungarian architect.

Today Stara Zagora is known as the city of the lime-trees and it is the third biggest industry center in Bulgaria. There are lots of parks and the most popular is the Ayazmo. Other places of interest are the ancient forum of “Augusta Trayana”, the antique mosaic floors from the end of the VI century, the Chilendar Covent, the memorial complex of “Defenders of Stara Zagora”, the temples of “St. Virgin Mary”, “St. Dimitar”, “St. Trinity”, the antique theatre,etc.

At a distance of 15 km is located the “Ladjite” balneological resort with its preserved Roman thermal springs.

In the place of Mechi kladenets (Airbunar) there are copper mines. In the area of the Ayazmoto park is situated the largest Bulgarian zoo.

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The town of Sopot (410 meters above sea level) is situated in the central part of the Stryamska valley, on the southern sides of the Balkan Mountains, between the rivers Manastirska and Leevitsa. Its population is about 10500 people. Sopot is located 5 km to the west of Karlovo, 61 km to the north of Plovdiv and 135 km to the east of Sofia.

The settlement arose in XIV century but its efflorescence as an important craft and trade center was reached during the Revival period. Sopot and the close villages produced rose oil, carpets, glass, cloaks, leathers, woolen braiding, etc. The town was several times attacked and robbed, and in 1877, during the Liberation war it was burnt down.

The Patriarch of the Bulgarian literature- Ivan Vazov, was born on July 9 1850 in Sopot. Its birth house is located on the “Ivan Vazov” square and today it is turnes into a museum- house. Places of interest are also the Young girl convent with the “Presentation of the Blessed Virgin” church, the “St. Peter and Paul” church (situated near to the convent), the “St. Spas” Monastery, the church of “Ascension Day”, the water mill, etc.

Medieval fortresses, called “Anevsko kale” and “Sopot kale”, could be visited in this region, too.

Not far away from the “St. Spas” Monastery is built a lift station with seats lift which elevates to 1600 m above sea level near to the “Nezabravka” chalet.

The intermediate lift station, 1350 m elevated above sea level, is a favorite place of glider fans.

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The town of Samokov stands at 950 m altitude in the hollow of Samokov on the Iskar River valley, in the north sides of the Rila Mountain. It has a population of about 29 000 people and it is 11 km northwest of the Borovetz resort, 40 km to the east of Doupnitsa and 60 km southeast of the capital Sofia.

Romans inhabited that area and were mainly engaged in the processing of ores. Numerous furnaces and hammers, operating with water worked in the Middle Ages.

The biggest Art School in Bulgaria was opened in Samokov during the Revival period. The town was famous for its master icon- painters and artists. It is a birthplace of one of the most famous artists – the brothers Dimityr and Zakhari Zograf.

Today Samokov is a modern town, preserved its cultural and historical heritage, known as a centre of the potato production. Places of interest are the Historical Museum, the Nunnery Monastery, the “Uspenie Bogorodichno” church, “St. Nikola” church, the “Rojdestvo Bogorodichno” temple, etc. The Big Fountain – the symbol of the town, was built on the main square in 1662. According to the legend, one who drinks its water will stay here forever.

The town is a starting point for routes in the whole Rila Mountain.

The Borovets, Maliovitsa, Belchinski Mineral baths resorts are located not far away from Samokov.

The resort of Govedartsi is 12 km to the southwest and the resort of Dolna banya stands 29 km to the east.

Numerous hospitable hotels, taverns and restaurants function for the tourists.