Callepagium Studios

Here are just a few of the many places that you may wish to visit while staying at Callepagium Studios, with their approximate travelling times (by car) shown in brackets.

Merichleri Natural Spa Swimming Pool (5 Minutes): supplied from a natural spring The mineral waters have a constant temperature of 34°C and an output rate of 12-15 litres/min.
 
The water is claimed to be excellent for curing intestinal, liver, and gall disorders. The pool also has a very good cafe, with shaded areas to relax on hot days.
 

Open daily, until late at night, the perfect place to unwind after a day, exploring Bulgaria.

Zlatna Livada Monastery (20 Minutes): A small village situated 8kms from the village of Velikan which has the oldest monastry in Europe, founded by Athanasius of Alexandria while returning from the Council of Sardica in present-day Sofia.
 
It was built in 344 BC and has been lovingly restored. The monastery was built on a Thracian fortress and nearby is the Thracian Sanctuary.
 
The archaeological finds can be seen at the museum in Stara Zagora. Doors are open every day and visitors welcome. Admission free.

Plovdiv (45 Minutes): One of Europe's oldest cities, it was originally a Thracian settlement before becoming a major city ruled by Greeks and Romans in Antiquity. In 1885, it became part of Bulgaria. Plovdiv is situated in the southern part of the Plovdiv Plain on the two banks of the Maritsa River.
 
It has one of the best preserved Roman Amphitheatres (Philippopolis Amphitheatre), in Bulgaria and is used for musical and dramatic performances. Other landmarks of the Old Plovdiv include the restored 2nd century Antique Theatre, the Ethnographic museum, art galleries, churches and mosques.

Stara Zagora (45 Minutes): This city was built on a once roman city. The Eski mosque is one of the oldest in Bulgaria, being built in the 15th century. Stara Zagora is also home to Central Park, reputed to be the best park in Bulgaria, and the very attractive City Gardens. The Roman Theatre known as Antique Forum Augusta Trayana was built in 3rd century AD. Concerts are held in the summer months. There is no visiting when not in use, but can be seen from the side of the road. The Neolithic Dwellings Museum open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. This museum has the housing remains of two one roomed small homes, which were built in the new Stone Age around 6000 BC. These are among the best preserved Neolithic dwellings in the Balkans and a tour is a must.

Valley of the Roses (90 Minutes): Between the Stara Planina and Sredna Gora mountains are a carpet of grown roses. Until recently Bulgaria supplied 70% of the world with rose oil. Now you can see and enjoy the sight and purchase the oil. Kazanlack a large town at the east end of the Valley of the Roses is a centre for the production of rose oil.
 
The Museum of the Roses is located 3kms to the north of the town and the 300 year old history in the processing of rose oil is displayed and explained. Rose oil can be purchased there as well as perfumes, liqueurs, jams etc. Opening time is 9.00am to 5.00pm in the summer. Admission free.

Mountains of Bulgaria (90 to 150 Minutes): There are many mountain ranges in Bulgaria, all very popular with hill walkers, hikers, and the more serious climber.
 
Stara Planina Mountains: This mountain range runs through the centre of Bulgaria, from west to east. Mt. Botev is the highest peak at 2376m.
 
Blue Rocks: A range of rocky hills with caves. Historically associated with the Haidouks (anti-Turkish rebels) who lived in the hills between the 18th and 19th century. Take trip to Sliven, the main tourist attraction. From here, you can walk or take a chair lift to the hills. Chairlift opening times Tues to Sun 8.30am to 5.30pm and 12.30pm to 5.30pm Mon.
 
Rhodopi & Pirin Mountains: Breathtakingly beautiful, adorned in snow, stupendous and regal, dressed in fauna and flora. Mt. Musala is the highest peak at 2925m. These mountains are renowned for their high ski slopes, loved by experienced skiers. Take a trip in summer to Chepelare (135 minutes), or Pamporovo (150 minutes), located in the eastern Rhodopi Mountains. The scenery is wonderful, drinking water from the mountain springs is freely available via taps from the roadside. Stalls alongside the winding mountain roads sell pottery and wicker items, with places to stop for refreshments. Not to be missed while here on your holiday. Veliko Tarnovo (180 Minutes): The capital of Bulgaria before Sofia, a romantic city known as the city of the Tsars. Built around the Yantra River, the most popular place to visit is Tsaravets Hill. A fortress which still stands and was built in 2000 BC by the Romans, and Thracians used to live there. Monasteries, churches museums, festivals, hiking and horse riding are some of the activities available in this city. The journey from Callepagium Studios takes you over the Stara Planina Mountains.

Bulgarian National Parks (Various travel times): Bulgaria has plenty of parks some of which are protected and the rest natural. These parks are abundant with animals and birds etc, most of the larger animals including bears, wolves and deer.