We were almost halfway through the tour when we took a break for a day of relaxation on the Black Sea in Topola, Bulgaria.

Bulgaria has been a crossroads of civilizations for centuries. Its strategic location on the Black Sea and its fertile lands have made it a coveted territory for various empires.

From the Thracians, who inhabited the region before the Roman conquest, to the Bulgars, who established their kingdom in the 7th century, Bulgaria has experienced periods of great prosperity and turmoil.

The country’s history was significantly influenced by the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Soviet Union.