Countries of Eastern Europe

By Kerry Kubilius, About.com Guide

Bulgaria is a Southeastern European country that remains a mystery to some travelers even though its landscape exhibits great beauty and its historical landmarks enable transport into the past. The Cyrillic alphabet was first introduced here in the 9th century, and this heritage is preserved proudly by its people.

• Map of Bulgaria

Though Sofia is Bulgaria's capital city, visitors who are looking for Bulgaria's treasures might be encouraged to branch out from Sofia and explore its Black Sea coast and mountain towns to get the country's full story. Cities like Plovdiv reveal Bulgaria's long heritage in their architectural artifacts and museums.

Other interesting sights in Bulgaria include Rila Monastery, a pilgrimage site for centuries. This popular attraction is nestled in the Rila Mountains and is the most important seat of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Book Flights and Hotels for Sofia

• Flights to Sofia: Compare Prices
• Hotels in Sofia: Compare Prices

Explore the other countries of Eastern Europe by clicking on the following links, which will take you to photos, maps, and travel information about each country:

Russia | Czech Republic | Poland | Hungary | Romania and Moldova | Croatia | Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia | Slovenia | Slovakia | Ukraine and Belarus | Serbia | Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina | Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia