Published on Aug, 2021
A great day-trip! Maria, our guide, took great care of us. On the way to Belogradchik, she talked about the fortress and its history but also about Bulgarian culture, agriculture (glorious fields of sunflowers) and even infrastructure. (Yes. There really needs to be a tunnel.) Along the way, she stopped and got us a nice treat of fresh raspberries from a local person selling by the road. When we arrived at the fortress, there were a number of big tour busses. Maria surmised that they wouldn't be there long, so she showed us another formation and viewing area until the crowd thinned out.
Belogradchik Fortress is not only impressive but unique. Red rocky fingers of iron-ladden rock project upwards from the top of a hill where Romans began the fortress. Around that, are the remains from when it was expanded in medieval times. Then finally it is framed by stone walls erected during the Ottoman occupation. The view from the summit was breathtaking. Maria explained the geology that formed the landscape, beginning some 250 million years ago.
On the way back, Maria wanted to take us to a little local place for lunch, but, alas, it was closed on Mondays (due to Covid). Instead, we stopped in Montana and found a very charming, very non-touristy place next to a lovely park (where they were rehearsing for a concert -- and that little girl could sing!!). This was a delightful, unexpected treat!
In summary, it was a fantastic trip. Maria was professional, knowledgeable and just good fun. I greatly recommend the tour, Maria, Zelanos and Get Your Guide.