A trek through Bulgaria's Rila Mountains takes in shimmering lakes, dense woodlands and ancient monasteries. Robert Nurden enjoys the walk

Prof Nikolay Ovcharov granted unique archeological findings to the History Museum in Kardjali, southeastern Bulgaria. These are the three figurines of Orpheus Apollo and Dionysus, the Thracian Trinity dating back to second century BC, copies of once existing classic Greek statues. The figurines have been recently discovered in the foot of Perperikon hill. The head of the archeological expedition in the region - Prof Nikolay Ovcharov officially handed the precious finds to archeologist Daniela Kodjamanova, the museum funds manager.
This sculpture group is unique and will be among the finest exhibits in Kardjali History Museum, experts believe.

One will find the freshest seafood here. The holidaymakers look for unguarded beaches, where they do not have to pay for sunshades and chaise lounges.

Bulgaria's revenues from international tourism totalled BGN 706 M by the end of July, up by 9,2% in comparison with the same period last year, data of the Bulgarian Central Bank shows.

Over 2.7 million foreign tourists had their holidays in Bulgaria in the first 6 months of 2005. This is what the report of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), introduced to the Bulgarian cabinet reads. The number of foreign holiday-makers has increased by 7% compared to the same period of 2005.

Half of the holiday-makers, who visited Bulgaria come from the EU countries, the report points out. The number of British tourists has gone up by 42%, for the Spanish holiday-makers it is by 38% higher, while for the Scandinavians - over 30%. At present, the hotels along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast are 100% full, while the revenues from tourism by the end of July are 706 million levs - (1euro=1.95levs). This is by 9.2% more compared to the same period of 2003, the MCT report registers.

A picnic replaces expensive sea holidays. The most romantic are the places along the Iskar river and the village of Ribaritsa

An EUR 100 M golf complex will rise near Sofia, under a project carried out by Spaniards.

Ferry Group are hoping that the place could open next year.

In addition to the golf course, the Spanish company is planning to build a five-star hotel with swimming pool and bungalows. The complex will rise near the village of Katina, just north of Sofia.

That will be Bulgaria's fourth golf course, and the sport is already attracting notable interest.

British Airways will launch a new summer route from Bulgaria to the United Kingdom in 2006 by introducing a two times weekly service from Varna to London.
The new flights will operate from Varna airport to London Gatwick airport every Wednesday and Saturday. These flights will be operated by Boeing 737-400 aircraft and will be available till the end of October 2006.
The further expansion of British Airways services in Bulgaria demonstrates the company's dedication to the rapidly developing aviation market and tourism industry in Bulgaria.

Resort firm Albena AD has started outfitting its airport in Primorsko, 55 km south of Bourgas, after securing an aviation permit from the Civil Aviation Administration. The 900-by-30 m airstrip can accommodate aircraft with up to 12 seats. Another 300 m could be added to the runway next year. The site of the 1.2 mln lev facility will incorporate filling and weather stations, a fuel tank, a hangar and a hotel. Albena has already launched an airport near Elin Pelin and will begin the construction in the fall of another airport on a 25 ha site located 3 km from the Albena resort.

Resort property in Primorsko for sale >

AKB Fores to invest over 30 million euro in new ski lifts and facilities

The ski tracks on Vitosha Mountain, 15 kilometers away from Sofia center, will rival those at the Alps. This is what a project of AKB Fores Company for the renovation of the ski facilities in the national park Vitosha and the holiday complex Rusalka envisages. AKB Fores is the basic share-holder in the Aleko Sport 99 Company.