The city of Plovdiv is situated in the western part of the Upper Thracian Valley, on both banks of the Maritza river and is the centre of the Plovdiv province. The narrow cobbled streets and the architectural marvels of the Old Town of Plovdiv contribute greatly to its unique atmosphere and give its unmatched appearance. Particularly interesting are the impressive "Sahat tepe" hill and the clock tower from the XVI century A.D.; the "Bunardzhika" hill with the monument of "Alyosha"; the "Dzhendem" hill. The Maritza river bisects the city. In the northern part are the booths of the world-renowned Plovdiv Fair, which is organised twice per year. The Plovdiv province encompasses the central part of south Bulgaria. To the north it includes the southern slopes of the Stara Planina mountain and the central part of the much lower mountain chain of Sredna Gora. Its auspicious climate and geographical position have promoted the progressive development of the city of Plovdiv throughout all historical ups and downs. A lot of major international routes pass through the city. The resort of the Narechenski Bani is situated in the central part of south Bulgaria, 40 kilometres away from the city of Plovdiv. It is sited in the glen of the Assenitza river, among the rich greenery of the deciduous and coniferous forests upon the slopes of the middle part of the Rhodopa mountain. Around it even higher mountainous plateaus and chains are towering, covered with vegetation, and the relief is diversified with highland pastures and cliffs, reminiscent of the Alps. The mineral water is spouting here from several natural and artificial sources. The climate of the resort is low mountainous, transitory continental with a touch of Mediterranean influence. The resort boasts a big and modern balneological and psychotherapeutic complex with a polyclinic, which has all the modern and necessary sectors for excellent treatment of patients. The town of Assenovgrad is situated in the western part of the Upper Thracian valley, 169 kilometres away from the capital city of Sofia. The town boasts the largest number of churches, monasteries and chapels in the country. Rightly it has gained the nickname of the "small Jerusalem" in Bulgaria. In its vicinities more than 100 Thracian tumuli were discovered. The town of Assenovgrad has a very favourable geographical position. Only 2 kilometres to the south of the town lies the historic "Assenova" fortress. Some 11 kilometres away from the town of Assenovgrad is situated the famous "Bachkovski" monastery and the village of Bachkovo. Near the town of Assenovgrad, in the heart of the Rhodopa mountain is situated one of the holiest places in Bulgaria - Krastova Gora. The town of Hissarya is a modern healing resort, which main landmarks are the 22 mineral springs with temperature of the water ranging from 37 to 52 degrees Centigrade. The mineral water itself is soft, clean, colourless, odourless, and with pleasant taste. The town is located in central Bulgaria, in the southern parts of the Sredna Gora mountain. It is a world famous balneological resort, one of the largest in the country. The climate is moderate continental, with warm and mild winter. The town of Hissarya is the starting point for different tourist tracks and walks in the real Sredna Gora mountain. The Banya resort, widely known by the name of Karlovski Mineralni Bani, is situated in the geographical centre of Bulgaria. It is located at the southern foot of the Sredna Gora mountain. One of the main medicative factors is the mineral water spouting here. The resort has more than 10 mineral springs. The climate is transitory continental with Mediterranean influence, characterised by mild winter and cool summer. It is the perfect place for rehabilitation and medical treatment. To the north of the town rises the Stara Planina mountain, and the Sredna Gora mountain encircles it. The town of Kalofer, with population of 3500 people, is situated at 600 metres altitude, spreading on both banks of the Tundzha river, between the Stara Planina mountain and Sredna Gora mountain. Above the town towers the Botev peak - the highest in the Stara Planina mountain. Only 6 kilometres away from the town of Koprivshtitza is situated the summer resort of Panichishte, where excellent conditions are created for a perfect relaxation. The modern town of Karlovo is situated in the northern part of the Karlovo valley. It has preserved many houses from the period of the National Revival. A real attraction for the tourists is the waterfall "Suchurum" - the Flying Water waterfall. The town has gain the reputation of the true centre of rose oil manufacture and processing of the rose petals long before the liberation of Bulgaria. The town is the birthplace of the Apostle of freedom Vassil Levski. The town of Sopot is situated at the very foot of the steep southern foot of the Troyan part of the Stara Planina mountain. The town is only 5 kilometres away from the town of Karlovo. One of the local landmarks is the house, where the great Bulgarian poet and writer Ivan Vasov is born. It is the starting point for exploring the Troyan part of the Stara Planina mountain. The chair lift, which is situated in the northwestern part of the town of Sopot, will lift to 1600 metres altitude in the mountain. The lovers of hiking will appreciate the well-marked ecowalks and tourist tracks, starting from the town. It is a major junction on the railway from Sofia to Bourgas and Varna, as well as the highway Sofia - Karlovo - Bourgas. A bicycle ride in the town of Klissura, a bike ride to the neighbouring town of Koprivshtitza and a picnic in the glades of the Stara Planina mountain are only part of the extra offerings at the villa settlement. The great attractions are the horse riding excursions and the hiking tours with an experienced mountain guide. The town of Klissura is also the starting point for climbing the peaks of Vezhen and Bogdan through the huts of Vezhen and Bogdan.
