Varna, the «summer capital of Bulgaria», the «Pearl» of the Bulgarian Black Sea, the biggest city along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is a wonderful combination between a modern resort and a big industrial centre. It is the third largest city in the country (population approx. 350 000) after the capital Sofia (1 300 000) and Plovdiv (approx. 380 000), the chief town of an industrial and agricultural district and an important commercial centre, which contains the largest Bulgarian port. It is also known as a seaside resort with fine beaches and a lovely maritime park. The history of the city is long and eventful. In the 6th century BC, Greek colonizers from Miletus (Asia Minor) dislodged the local Thracians of the Cobisae tribe and founded Odessos (the ancient name of Varna) which meant «town on water» — that century is supposed to be the birth of the town. Succession of invaders and different culture epochs followed — the town fell to the Romans in 1st century AD; in the 4th AD it was in possession of the Eastern Roman Empire, known as Byzantium; in 6th–7th century the town received its contemporary name from the Slavs which is coming form «Vrana» — meaning “black’. At last the town became Bulgarian in the 8th century, short after the big event — the foundation of the Bulgarian state by Khan Asparoukh in 681. But not for a long time — in 14th century Varna was again under rule — the Ottoman Empire took control over the whole Bulgaria including Varna in 1393. After the Russian — Turkish war (1877–1878 ) on July 27, 1878, Varna was liberated and it grew rapidly. Due to the natural beauty of Varna coast, it was used as a resort as long ago as the 18th century. Today the town has transferred into an important administrative, commercial, cultural and industrial city and is among the biggest resort centres in the country. Near Varna along the Black Sea coast the international known resorts St. Constantine and Helena, Sunny day, Riviera, Zlatni pyassutsi (Golden Sands) and Albena are situated.

 
Varna Highlights (3 hours)

Varna City tour and Aladzha Monastery (7 hours)

Land of Kings and Queens (6 hours)

Madara Horseman (5 hours)