Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the least-known countries in Eastern Europe and is surrounded by Romania, Greece, Turkey and the Black Sea. It is growing in popularity as a ski resort, and the prices are about 30% lower than those of Greece, Turkey and Italy. It's a big country, and very diverse. Its 7.5 million people are mostly Orthodox, but 12% are Muslims and it is a very tolerant nation. Historically it was the crossing point for caravans travelling from Turkey to Romania and Central Europe. There's lots to see: Byzantine churches with beautiful frescoes and ancient tombs, particularly in the cities of Sofia and Plovdiv.