Lisi Vrah Campsite

There’s plenty to do hereabouts, but Bulgaria’s first capital, Pliska (25 minutes’ drive), ought to be high on everyone’s list. The city (now ruined) was the capital from the seventh century to the ninth, and wanders around the foundations and Great Basilica are highly recommended, as is a stop at the archaeological museum. Continuing south, city days in Shumen will see guests exploring museums and ruined fortresses, visiting a monument to Bulgaria’s 1,300-year history, and engaging in some shopping and socialising. For time in nature, a trip to the famed UNESCO-protected Madara Horseman (35 minutes) is a must before travelling onwards to Shumen Plateau Nature Park, where eagle-eyed visitors will spot deer, tortoises, wild boar, vipers, polecats and woodpeckers, among lots else. Do underground adventures appeal? The site’s about 50 minutes from Zandana caves, and 55 minutes from the Hankrumovski Rock Monastery, a natural cave once called home by a group of monks. If a more urban-centric trip is needed, it’s just an hour and 15 minutes from base to the coastal city of Varna, where – as well as Black Sea beaches – visitors can wander about gardens, drop into museums, visit waterparks and dolphinariums, and explore the zoo. Want to celebrate a successful hol? A 25-minute drive will land guests at Tsarev Brod winery for tours and tastings.