Upper Thracian Plain Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Upper Thracian Plain. Plan your perfect trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Upper Thracian Plain

Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Upper Thracian Plain is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Home to a wealth of ancient archaeological sites, vibrant cities, and scenic countryside, this region is a must-visit for any traveler to Bulgaria. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take you through the most important places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Upper Thracian Plain. So, let’s start exploring!

List of Places to Visit in Upper Thracian Plain

There are many places to visit in the Upper Thracian Plain region of Bulgaria. We have compiled a list of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Plovdiv Old Town: A charming and well-preserved old town, with Roman ruins, museums, and galleries.
  • Hisarya: A Roman spa town with impressive baths ruins.
  • Starosel: An ancient Thracian temple complex and winery.
  • Stara Zagora: The fifth-largest city in Bulgaria, with a well-preserved Roman forum and numerous museums.

Natural Attractions of Upper Thracian Plain: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Belintash: An intriguing rock formation with ancient Thracian carvings.
  • Sinite Kamani Nature Park: A beautiful natural park with hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning rock formations.
  • Buzludzha Monument: A communist-era monument with expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Kazanlak: Known as the “Valley of the Roses” for its extensive rose fields and famous rose oil production.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper Thracian Plain

Upper Thracian Plain is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • The Old Plovdiv - Krumovo Trail: A scenic hiking trail connecting Plovdiv with the village of Krumovo, passing through beautiful countryside and several historical landmarks.
  • Sinite Kamani Nature Park: With more than 200 km of trails, this nature park is perfect for hiking and biking.
  • Stara Planina Mountain: An area of outstanding natural beauty with many challenging trails for experienced hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Upper Thracian Plain: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are many other activities and tours to enjoy in Upper Thracian Plain. Here are a few ideas:

  • Wine Tasting: Visit one of the many wineries in the region for a taste of the local vintages.
  • Hot Springs: Relax in one of the region’s many natural hot springs, such as the ones in the spa town of Hisarya.
  • Horse Riding: Explore the region’s beautiful countryside from a different perspective on horseback.
  • Bulgarian Bagpipe Music: Attend a traditional Bulgarian bagpipe concert to hear the unique sounds of this regional folk music.

Week-Long Itinerary for Upper Thracian Plain

To get the most out of your trip to Upper Thracian Plain, we recommend a week-long itinerary that covers the highlights of the region. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Plovdiv and the Old Town.
  • Day 3-4: Stara Zagora and the region’s numerous museums and historical sites.
  • Day 5-6: Sinite Kamani Nature Park and the region’s stunning natural scenery.
  • Day 7: Departure day or visit to Belintash or Buzludzha Monument.

Food and Drink Scene of Upper Thracian Plain

Bulgarian cuisine is an integral part of the culture and every region has its own unique dishes and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to try in Upper Thracian Plain:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kapama: A traditional Bulgarian stew made with meat and vegetables, cooked in a clay pot.
  • Banitsa: A delicious pastry filled with cheese and served for breakfast or as a snack.
  • Kavarma: A hearty meat stew with vegetables and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Upper Thracian Plain is known for its wine production, especially the local grape varieties - Mavrud and Rubin.
  • Rakia: A strong, fruit brandy drink that is a staple in Bulgarian culture.
  • Ayran: A refreshing and healthy drink made from yogurt, water, and salt.

Where to Stay in Upper Thracian Plain: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many options for accommodation in Upper Thracian Plain, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are a few of our top recommendations:

  • Hotel Ego in Plovdiv: A stylish, modern hotel located next to the Old Town.
  • Green Hills Guesthouse in Stara Zagora: A charming guesthouse with a beautiful garden and mountain views.
  • Hotel C Comfort in Hisarya: A relaxing spa hotel with access to natural hot springs.

What to Buy in Upper Thracian Plain: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Upper Thracian Plain has a lot of unique and authentic souvenirs to take home with you. Here are a few ideas:

  • Rose Products: The region is famous for its rose oil production, and you’ll find many different rose-based products for sale, including cosmetics, soaps, and perfumes.
  • Traditional Crafts: Visit some of the local workshops where you can purchase traditional Bulgarian handicrafts such as embroidery, pottery, and woodcarvings.

Local Culture and Customs of Upper Thracian Plain

Bulgaria is a country rich in traditions, and Upper Thracian Plain is no exception. Here are a few customs and traditions to keep in mind when visiting:

  • Greetings: Bulgarians are friendly people and often greet with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek.
  • Cuisine: Food plays an important part in Bulgarian culture, and meals are often a time to gather with family and friends. Dress appropriately and be prepared for large portions!
  • Religion: The majority of Bulgarians identify as Orthodox Christians, and there are many religious celebrations throughout the year that are worth attending.

Best Time to Visit Upper Thracian Plain

The best time to visit Upper Thracian Plain is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, if you’re interested in winter sports, you may want to visit during the colder months when there is snow on the mountains.

Do’s and Don’ts of Upper Thracian Plain

When visiting any new place, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages
  • Learn a few basic Bulgarian phrases
  • Respect cultural traditions and customs

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing or overly casual clothing in religious sites
  • Make loud noises or disturbances at historic sites or in public places
  • Overspeed or drive recklessly on mountain roads or in towns and cities

Safety and Health

It’s important to travel safely and stay healthy while visiting Upper Thracian Plain. Here are a few tips:

Safety in Upper Thracian Plain

  • Don’t leave your valuables in your car or unattended in public places
  • Be careful when driving on mountain roads, especially in bad weather conditions
  • Take care when hiking or biking in natural areas and be aware of possible hazards

Health in Upper Thracian Plain

  • Drink bottled water or tap water that has been boiled
  • Apply insect repellent to avoid tick bites or other insect bites
  • Pack any necessary medications and bring a copy of prescriptions and medical history with you

Getting to Upper Thracian Plain: Transportation Options and Logistics

Upper Thracian Plain is easy to reach from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Here are the main transportation options:

Airports Near Upper Thracian Plain

  • Plovdiv Airport: Located just outside the city of Plovdiv, this airport connects with European destinations.
  • Sofia Airport: The largest airport in Bulgaria, with flights to destinations throughout Europe.

Bus Stations Near Upper Thracian Plain

  • Plovdiv Central Bus Station: Provides connections to major destinations in Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey.
  • Stara Zagora Central Bus Station: Also provides regular bus connections to destinations throughout Bulgaria.

Other Options

  • Rent a car: Renting a car is a great way to explore Upper Thracian Plain at your own pace.
  • Take a train: The Bulgarian Railways provide rail connections to many destinations throughout the country.

How to Get Around in Upper Thracian Plain

Getting around Upper Thracian Plain is fairly easy, with many transportation options available. Here’s how to get around:

Public transportation

  • Buses: There are many bus routes connecting the major towns and cities of the region.

Taxis

  • Taxis are a convenient way to get around within towns and cities in Upper Thracian Plain.

Car Rentals

  • Renting a car is a great option for exploring the region at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Upper Thracian Plain: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time, there are many destinations and excursions near Upper Thracian Plain worth visiting:

  • Veliko Tarnovo: Located in central Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo is a charming town with a rich history and impressive hilltop castle.
  • Rila Monastery: One of Bulgaria’s most famous landmarks, the Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Balkan Renaissance architecture.
  • Thracian Tombs: Throughout the region, you’ll find many Thracian tombs and ruins, showcasing the area’s ancient history.

Conclusion

Upper Thracian Plain is a region of Bulgaria that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, outdoor adventures, or sampling the local cuisine and wine, there is something for everyone in this diverse and beautiful region. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your perfect trip to Upper Thracian Plain.

Stara Zagora Stara Zagora


    Hisarya
    Plovdiv
    Sliven
    Stara Zagora