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We are a Bulgarian tour agency, organizing private/ small group trips across the Balkans on our minivan.
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07/06/2024

The Real Cost of Toll Roads in Greece: High Fees, Low Quality

Traveling in Greece offers breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks. But when it comes to driving on the country’s toll roads, you can find yourself facing a frustrating reality: high costs and low road quality.

As an example of our travel from Exochi (on the border with Bulgaria) to Monemvasia on Peloponnese and back, we passed more than 40 toll stations and paid around 130 euro 🤔

What’s your experience and impression of the toll roads in Greece guys? Please share with us.

01/06/2024

Greece part 2. ACROPOLIS

Another discovery we want to share with you. It’s one of the most visually familiar ancient sites in the world. It’s obvious! Even so, our first glimpse of the Acropolis, Athens, took the breath away.

Crowned by the Parthenon, this sacred rock and natural fortress is visible from everywhere in central Athens. And as the sun sinks it gradually takes on a honey hue, getting even more gorgeous.

To say shortly, in our eyes it’s super beautifully proportioned, fabulous architectural masterpiece. Showing the glory of Ancient Greece. Built up more than 2500 years ago! Worth visiting 100%!!

Of course you will never have the Acropolis to yourself. On average the amount of visitors is more than 40 thousand daily. That’s why we recommend to visit it at 08 am as soon as the site opens. It will also be cooler then. Or late in the day. You can also avoid the ticket-booth lines by buying the 30 euro combo ticket online.

Please put + if this is something on your bucket list ☺️

26/05/2024

PELION IN GREECE is our first discovery that we are eager to share with you.

According to mythology, the Olympic gods summered in the fertile mountainous peninsular of Pelion, named after Achilles’ father, King Peleus. This was also the home of the half-man, half-horse creatures known as centaurs.

Pelion is a near-perfect microcosm of Greece. Soaring mountains, olive-grove filled plains and aquamarine seas.

Driving through Pelion is an adventure in itself. The narrow roads seem to hug the landscape, taking you through charming villages with whitewashed houses, lush forests, and stunning beaches. However note that driving here can be challenging. Mountainous roads are mostly winding which means travel time between the settlements is always significant.

Top tip: slow travel is where it’s all here. Depending on the length of your stay focus on one part of the peninsula. Just hand pick a few villages and take your sweet time ❤️

Please put + if it was useful to you guys. Don’t put anything if it was not 😃

Watch our website for more unique trips https://www.bettermoments-bulgaria.com/

19/05/2024

DISCOVER the ENCHANTMENTS of BULGARIA’s MOUNTAINS

Welcome to the Bulgarian mountains—a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurers like you.

No trip to the Bulgarian mountains would be complete without visiting the Pirin Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike through ancient forests, past glacial lakes, and up to the rugged peaks, including the iconic Vihren Peak. The panoramic views and pristine nature create an unforgettable experience. The well-marked trails are perfect for both novice and experienced hikers, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

And then Rila, the highest on the Balkans, and then mystical Rhodope Mountains guys 😃

Join us and discover why the Bulgarian mountains are a hiker’s paradise. Your adventure is here!

https://www.bettermoments-bulgaria.com/

05/05/2024

TODAY IS ORTHODOX EASTER

Bulgarian Orthodox Easter is a great time to be in Bulgaria. According to some of our Bulgarian friends, they prefer the Easter celebrations to Christmas. As it is a largely Orthodox Christian country, along with much of the Balkans. Religion features prominently. In the Easter holiday, and during Holy Week, some Bulgarians attend church every day, but most visit on the night of Holy Saturday.

Velikden is the word for Easter in Bulgaria. It literally means “Great Day”. In fact it is probably the most-celebrated of all the religious celebrations in Bulgaria.

However, not everyone can have a day off and celebrate Easter with the family. Like this guy, herdsman, whom I came across today during my walking around while he was keeping an eye on his hundred sheep. I wondered, - «Are you NOT having a day of rest on Easter?». «Well, my sheep don’t agree on this and don’t let me go 😃», he said. We talked a bit and continued each own way.

When you want to get to know the country and make your own opinion, beyond of stereotypes and talks in mass media, this is the way how you do it - talking to the locals and avoiding the mass routes. And this is the way how we do it 👇

Happy Easter ❤️

https://www.bettermoments-bulgaria.com/

24/03/2024

BACK HOME - BACK TO BANSKO!

It’s already 2 days that we are back to Bansko. Meeting excitedly the Bulgarian family that we rent the apartment from. Spending half a day unpacking. Celebrating our coming home in the local restaurant. Buying fresh fruit and vegetables from the Sunday farmers market. Watching the first storks and listening to their clattering sound. Drinking espresso downtown and strongly enjoying the sun and snowy caps of Pirin and Rila Mountains. It’s a good place to be guys!

Want to taste authentic Bulgaria and Balkans, have a look here https://www.bettermoments-bulgaria.com/
And contact us!

15/03/2024

TIP TOP LIST of HOT SPRINGS IN BULGARIA

What’s the first thing we gonna do after coming back home to Bansko, Bulgaria after 5 snowy winter months in the North. Sure thing, packing goes first but what’s after? We are looking forward to say hello to the world of mineral-infused bliss. Saying simply, take a dip in the mineral hot springs. Thanks God, we have a whole bunch of mineral pools round the corner.

Here there’s a list of pools that we have experienced and can recommend happily.

📌 Banya: Izgreva, Villa Victoria, Grand Hotel Therme, Regnum Banya Thermal

📌 Ognyanovo: Hotel Petreliiski

📌 Velingrad: Spa Hotel Dvoretsa

📌 Devin: Spa Hotel Persenk, Orpheus Spa&Resort

📌Sapareva Banya: Spa Complex Luch

The list is to be continued. Could you guys add your recommendations to the list from your experience? Let's make a tip top list together.

Our trips in Bulgaria https://www.bettermoments-bulgaria.com

02/03/2024

CHESTITA BABA MARTA

According to Bulgarian traditions Spring starts on the 1st March, just as the Meteorological calendar does also.
On this day Bulgarians welcome Spring and exchange good wishes, doing so by giving each other «martenitsi». Even doggies can get them 😃 So the more social you are, the more martenitsas you have tied on your wrist.

📌 How can Martenitsi look like:
- Small dolls made from red and white thread called Pizho and Penda
- Red and White yarn tassels
- Red and white interwoven string bracelets

📌 What red and white stand for:
- the red stands for life/birth/ good health and white stands for a new / wisdom and when coming together, they stand for newborn, rebirth, and a new beginning.

📌 How long should I wear Martenitsa:
- throughout March until the wearer sees a stork or blossoming tree which are symbols of warmer weather and the arrival of spring. So it is common to place martenitsa on to a blossoming tree.

There are many legends naturally where this fabulous tradition came from. Here is one of them:

Ahinora, Khan Asparukh’s (he founded Bulgaria in 681) wife, was the one who tied the first martenitsa. This happened many hundred years ago, when Khan Asparukh crossed the Danube River, and Ahinora lost contact with him. After waiting for news from her lover for a long time, she tied an intertwined white and red thread to the swallow’s leg and sent it to Asparukh with her message and wishes for health and love. Isn’t it beautiful people?

Do you know more stories ☺️?

We wish you all happy and blissful spring 🌷🌷🌷

25/02/2024

TIME FOR SUNDAY QUIZ 😃

This is a monument which was a symbol of communist ideas. This UFO-like structure hosted political gatherings and ceremonies during the socialist era. Abandoned after 1989 it stands as a remembrance of the former time and attracts explorers and photographers with its haunting beauty.

Few impressive facts and numbers from the history of the monuments:

a. Built by 6000 workers enduring challenging mountain conditions
b. The structure used 3000 tons of concrete and 40 tons of steel
c. Once it hosted event for 70000 people 🥹

Please choose out of 3 countries:

a. Serbia
b. Romania
C. Bulgaria

Do you know by the way the name of the monument :)?

18/02/2024

VALENTINE´S DAY VS TRIFON ZAREZAN DAY ☺

Every February, the debate starts up in Bulgaria over which holiday truly belongs to 14 th Feb. Younger Bulgarians tend to choose St Valentine whereas some argue for upholding the traditions of Trifon Zarezan Day. However, this hot debate has been calmed in recent years by a brilliant compromise – combining the two! Now it is not uncommon to see wine and love, celebrated with equal aplomb.

Trifon Zarezan Day, traditionally, was the year’s first day of work on the vineyards that run across Bulgarian countryside – cutting the unnecessary branches from the vines. The ritual often includes a Christian priest who blesses the vineyards as Saint Trifon is considered to be the guardian of the vineyards, and protector of all winemakers. After the ritual is performed, the party starts, and the labourers who pruned the vines are rewarded with meats, cheeses and wine. If you are in Bulgaria for Trifon Zarezan, it’s always worth checking the websites of local vineyards – some carry the tradition through to the present day.

If you are a a wine enthusiast, passionate about a good bottle of wine, welcome to join our SPA, WELLNESS AND WINE TOUR https://www.bettermoments-bulgaria.com/spa-wellness-wine-guided-tour-bulgaria

11/02/2024

STEREOTYPES AND TRAVELLING

Bulgaria is known as a cheap holiday destination for sun lovers and party animals on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. But listen! The country has much more to offer. If you are eager to discover and step away from the stereotypes, this Balkan country can surprise you enormously. Examples?

a. More than 30% of Bulgarian territory is covered by mountains
b.Bulgaria has over 700 natural mineral springs, making it 2nd only to Iceland
c. Bulgaria is wine lover’s dream

Can you guys continue the list ☺️? Share your examples under the post.

03/02/2024

LOOKING FORWARD TO SUMMER ☺️

After 3 months of real and tough Norwegian winter we already start looking forward to awesome summer in Bulgaria. You too?

What we can offer:

✔️ Hiking in the mountains with relax in mineral pools afterwards
✔️ SPA, Wellness & Wine experience
✔️ Discovering the cultural, historic & nature of Bulgaria from mountain villages
✔️ Deep caves, narrow gauges, steep cliffs + mineral pools and hot springs

📌 And besides, fantastic food and great hospitality of this Balkan country!

📌 We don’t like massive tourism guys. That’s why ALL our tours are up to 7 pax to travel cosy and conveniently in our minibus.

You can learn more here https://www.bettermoments-bulgaria.com/

02/02/2024

BULGARIA and ROMANIA - NO MORE BORDER CONTROLS after 31st Mar

After more than 10 years of persistent applying for entry into the Schengen area Bulgaria and Romania finally have been given the green light partly.

From March 31st air and maritime border controls will be abolished. No longer checks on persons at EU internal air and maritime borders between Bulgaria and Romania and the other countries in the Schengen area!

Easier & convenient travelling 🌹

Internal land border controls are staying however. Let’s see how much more time it will take until they are cancelled as well.

Will it happen within 2024 you think?

28/01/2024

TIME FOR SUNDAY QUIZ 😃

This is the city where houses have eyes. I mean not that they literally have eyes. But some certain historic influence resulted in the special kind of architecture where there is a small window built at the attic, for cooling purposes. Some of these houses were built back late in the 15th century!

The city is really charming with lots of colourful houses and winding lanes. When you are a newcomer - it’s easy to get lost 😉 It was named actually as one of the top idyllic places to live in Europe. So if you’re looking for charming yet vibrant and beautiful yet fascinating place to visit - this is your answer!

Please guess (or just put down when you know :)) out of 3 countries:

a. Montenegro
b. Romania
C. Croatia

Do you know the name of the city as well ☺️?

26/01/2024

GRANDIOSE SURVA FESTIVAL IN PERNIK

26-28th Jan 2024

Pernik was seriously preparing for the 30th anniversary of SURVA FESTIVAL.

A tiny provincial town in the mountains of southwestern Bulgaria has become the place for masquerade groups from different European countries for 3 days.

Dozens of groups from Greece, Romania, Serbia, Italy, Slovenia, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Portugal, and Spain are waiting. More than 10 thousand participants in total!

There are workshops and ateliers where visitors can make themselves a fancy dress costume.

Are you interested in History&Culture? Join our tours www.bettermoments-bulgaria.com.

Photo credits: Martin Metodiev, Georgi Dimitrov, YukkiMik

18/01/2024

Kukeri Carnival is celebrated in Bulgarian towns Bansko, Pernik and Razlog every year in January. The event takes us back to the ancient roots of the pagan ritual "Starchevata", which has survived for centuries, until today.

Remarkable that the festival is organized more by the locals for the locals and to a smaller degree for the tourists. That’s why it keeps on being very much authentic thing.

All around you can see festive atmosphere, cheerful happy faces, bright typical costumes of the region, kukers with pointed hats, sounds of heavy bells. The day is exceptional indeed! The same as an idea which is behind ☺️

Do you know the meaning of the Kukeri Festival guys? Do you have smt similar in your countries besides Halloween 😃? Please share.

Photo credits YukkiMik

06/01/2024

Kalofer, Bulgaria, is known for celebrating 06th January the Epiphany with the traditional ritual of "cross throwing" into the icy waters of the Tundzha River. It's part of the nationwide Epiphany Day, commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.

Hundreds of men performed a traditional dance horo in the cold waters of the Tundzha River. Dressed in folk costumes and holding the national flag in their hands, to the accompaniment of bagpipes and drums, they sang the folk song “I fell in love with Vasilek.”

After the solemn liturgy in the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Father Dimitri threw the Epiphany cross into the river, which six-year-old Martin pulled out.

Thousands of people from all over the country came to Kalofer for the ritual, and many of them wished to enter Tundzha. However, according to the rules, guests must wait until local participants plunge into the cold water first 😉

Photo credits Krasi St Matarov

31/12/2023

Dear friends, 2023 was an amazing travel year for us, Katya & Arne, from Travel Balkans 😀. We much appreciate to have you guy's as our followers and hope you keep us following through 2024. We will do our best to show you more about the beautiful Balkans! We wish you all a happy, healthy, and travel 2024! 🎉🍾🥂

26/12/2023

DISCOVER WINTER MAGIC OF THE BALKANS! ❄️

Immerse yourself in the cozy charm, savor delicious local cuisine, and explore a whole bunch of winter activities. Don’t forget to spend some time in the innumerable hot springs. Do you know guys that you can find amazing ski resorts here ☺️ and a loooooooooot of snow. This season looks so promising!

Where/how are you going to spend your Christmas and NY holidays? Please share with us ❤️

16/12/2023

Let’s go FLASHMOB people!

How does winter look in your place 😉? It can be from now or the previous years. Inspiring, stunning, funny or gripping pictures. UP TO YOU.

Please share in the comments 👇 Tag your friend to join the challenge.

Photo credits: YukkiMik

11/12/2023

Do you people start slowly prepare for Christmas?
How are going to celebrate it? Would appreciate if you share a bit with us ❤️

10/12/2023

TIME FOR SUNDAY QUIZ 😃

This is a city …. no, we´d rather say this is a blend of experiences that

✔️ Reflects a rich history of over 2500 years
✔️ In early 20th century had a fame as a major international to***co exporter
✔️ Can boast of beaches (incl surroundings) which attract sunbathes from far and wide
✔️ There are 23 wineries producing 99 types of wine
✔️ Can be reachable within 2 hrs from Bulgaria depending on the situation on the border 🤔

Please guess (or just put down when you know :)) out of 3 countries:

a. Greece
b. Serbia
c. North Macedonia

Maybe you even know the name of the city itself?!

26/11/2023

Today is SUNDAY. Which means the time for SUNDAY QUIZ 😃

These are rock formations/ sculptures located northeast of this certain country.

✔️Nominated to the World “NEW 7 wonders of Nature”
✔️The age of the rocks is over 230 million years
✔️The prevailing reddish colour of the rocks is due to the ferrous oxides and hydroxides
✔️ The bizarre natural forms of the rocks resemble people, animals, fortresses, pyramids etc with imposing sizes - from a few meters to several dozen meters.
✔️ There’s a fortress with the same name that is nestled inside the rocks.

Please guess (or just put down when you know :)) out of 3 countries:

a. Greece
b. Serbia
c. Bulgaria

12/11/2023

SUNDAY QUIZ 😃

The right answer is
DEVETASHKA CAVE. BULGARIA

Thank all of you for your eager participation ❤️

This is one of the large caves northeast of this certain country.
✔️Home to nearly 30,000 bats.
✔️The cave is impressively large in length, around 2 km, and some places over 100 m in height.
✔️Several large holes in the roof, commonly referred to as eyes, allow daylight to stream and illuminate the gigantic interior.
✔️ Recently the cave was a scene for the action film with Sylvester Stallone.

Please guess (or just put down when you know :)) out of 3 countries:

a. Greece
b. Serbia
c. Bulgaria

29/10/2023

THE TIME for SUNDAY QUIZ

📌 The right answer is
BASARBOVSKY MONASTRY, Bulgaria

This is a rock/cave monastery dated back to the 12th century. It’s the only active cave monastery in this particular country. Location is south from the Danube river.

The Saint Dimitar Basarbovski who lived there was a shepherd and led an ascetic life in the rocks of the monastery. He died in 1685.

Please guess (or just put down when you know :)) out of 3 countries:

a. Serbia
b. Bulgaria
c. Romania

15/10/2023

SUNDAY QUIZ

This is the smallest town in this particular country. With roughly 300 people living there. It is located in the southern slopes of Pirin Mountain in the valley of the river under the same name. It’s surrounded by bizarre pyramid sand hills. It has rich history and many preserved Medieval and Renaissance monuments. And besides the town is famous about the wonderful wines being produced in the area. There are literally tens of smaller and bigger wineries in the surroundings. This all makes the town an exquisite tourist destination.

Please guess (or just put down when you know :)) out of 4 countries:

a. Greece
b. Makedonia
c. Bulgaria
d. Croatia

06/10/2023

Our last tour of the season with our guests/friends. We had a great summer with Travel Balkans!

On the pictures 👇 our 8-days tour Cultural Heritage of Bulgaria. Sofia - Rila Monastery - Stob Sandstone Pyramids - Bansko - Pirin Mountains hike - Hot springs in Banya - Dobarsko Basilica - Dancing Bears Park - Narrow gauge train ride - Kovachevitsa - Rhodopi Mounrains - Devin - Devil’s path - Devil’s Throat Cave - Yagodina Cave - two wine tastings - Plovdiv - Sofia

23/09/2023

BANSKO eco park at the foothills to the Pirin Mountains is an ideal place for the morning workout, take-it-with-you breakfast/ lunch, relaxation or a starting point for hiking/ bicycle tours to the mountains. It’s admirable here whatever time of the year!

Is there any place close to your neighbourhood that you love spending time? Please share friends ☺️

16/09/2023

STREET DOGS IS A BIG ISSUE IN BULGARIA

They are many. There are shelters as well. But they are full considering that there’re many cases when people feel quite irresponsibly towards their pets and can just drop them off wherever. The state is not keen to have control over the issue. The owners do not neuter their pets. Consequently, when poor dogs happen to be dropped off, the potential amount of street dogs goes up dramatically.

However this particular post is the one with a happy end. Because our big friend and a sweetheart Mecho (Bear in Bulgarian) was lucky to find his forever home. This 4 year-old mix of karakachan and someone else was living few months quite nice close to the house where we rent an apartment. Until the moment when people from our street wrote a report to the municipality that the dog behaves aggressively and attacked a son of one of them. Pure bu****it. Although he municipality reacted immediately and sent the dog-catchers. By pure luck we were there when the dog-catchers arrived and could negotiate 3 days to bring Mecho away. What is so bad about that, you might ask. Well, in this case the dog is brought to the official vet in Bansko. Who is supposed to neuter it and find home. But in reality the dog is brought away to some remote places where few people live and potentially slowly die. It would not be honest to say that ALL cases are solved that way but many of them ARE. How many is rather a question to the municipality.

…. It was easier to say than to find a shelter for this almost 40 kg fluffy doggy. But we were ready to fight for Mecho. Finally it was fixed a temporary spot where he should have been chained, poor thing. We were walking him out several times per day, fed him regularly, neutered and vaccinated. Meanwhile we looked for the solution to find home for him. After 2 months of efforts, uncounted posts and reposts we managed that due to Kyazim. The adopters are the farmers from Rila Mountains and last Sunday they made all the way to Bansko to say hello to our Mecho and give him forever home. No words are enough to say how grateful we are to Tsvetanka and her family who have rescued already several more dogs. We are absolutely missing him here but it’s way more important that Mecho has a good life.

Sorry for the long post guys and we appreciate if you’ve read it until the end.

07/09/2023

SAILING IN NORTH GREECE we consider as one of the most unforgettable adventures. Because:

✔️ it’s been soooooo much fun
✔️ the sense of time changes and expends, and small moments became more important
✔️ it’s been a meditative and reflexive experience which is a luxury in every day routines
✔️ swimming with the moon light has been sooo romantic OMG 🌹
✔️the stops at the small authentic villages are just indescribable and unforgettable

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Videos

Do you people start slowly prepare for Christmas? How are going to celebrate it? Would appreciate if you share a bit with us ❤️

SUNDAY QUIZ This time is about something colossal made by human hands or better to say CARVED by human hands into the rock. The 40 metes carved image belongs to the Dacian chief. He was the last king of Dacia, who fought against the Roman emperors. The project was the idea of the financier not so long ago. Let’s not say his name so far :) This guy engaged 12 sculptors and completed the project in 10 years. Any ideas whose image is carved and what the location is. It’s a bit tricky guys ) a. Greece b. Romania c. Montenegro d. Serbia Please put down your answers in the comments ☺️

TOP HIKES IN EUROPE? - PIRIN MOUNTAINS 🇧🇬

Sibiu in Transilvania, Romania. The nickname is The City with Eyes. Do you know,- why 😉?

The winter ski season 2023 is officially OVER! What is now? The ski lifts will go through the essential maintenance being open at a reduced capacity. But since 1st July they are working every day as normally. BECAUSE the hiking season starts 😃 Video credits YukkiMik

PLANNING SUMMER VACATIONS? Love adventures, non-ordinary routes, wild nature and authentic experience? JOIN US on the tours 👍 Credits: @yukkimik

Day in winter mountain resort full of ADRENALINE! #bansko #winterwonderland #snowboarding

Are we taking the Metro?” you will ask me. “Why not?!” is my answer. You will like the Metro here in Sofia. It’s clean and quiet. And easy to use. And it costs 1.60 lv (0.8 euro). Getting a bit curious 😉? PS The tickets are valid within 30 min from the issue hour. The Metro is open from 5:30 to the midnight. What kind of transport have you ever used in Sofia? Which would you recommend mostly? And yes, what’s your opinion about the Metro 👇?

How do you clean blankets or carpets? 😉Dear, what a question, you might say 😂 Using dry-cleaning, laundry... etc. Have a look however how they still do it in the rural areas in Bulgaria. We consider this is absolutely unique! ➡ The wooden "machine" is called bara. And using a mountain stream the "bara" washes carpets, blankets and rugs very nicely. ➡ The washing season begins in May/ June and ends in November preferably when it is sunshine. ➡ What is remarkable, such rural laundries are quite popular among the inhabitants of the big cities. They leave the need-to-be-washed stuff at the "laundries" while doing hiking at weekends and combine, thus, washing with tourism 😀 Did you find this interesting? Willing to know more about authentic life and culture in Bulgaria? Pls let us know by 👇this post.

35 meters above the cozy town of Bansko in the church tower.... these sounds we here quite regularly in Bansko. Thanks Stefan Stoyanov for the great video! 😀

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