Plovdiv (population: 338 000) is the second largest city in Bulgaria, considered by most people as the most beautiful Bulgarian town. Situated at 160 m. a. s. l., Plovdiv is an important administrative centre in Southern Bulgaria, as well as the largest and most important city of the historical region of Thrace, famous for its ancient and diverse culture and millenary history. Plovdiv is 150 km away from the capital Sofia and only 75 km from the international ski resort Pamporovo. Plovdiv is regarded as the gate to the beautiful Rhodope Mountains which are few kilometers away, as most people who head for the mountains choose it as their starting point. The city is located on both banks of th...