From May to September the three resorts become centres for mountain and lake holidays: packages combining guided walks, entertainments and optional excursions - which can be a good way to indulge in some independent travel as well. Though large operators like Crystal used to feature Bulgaria, the only firm that currently does is: Balkan Holidays, which has diverse pack ages based on Pamporovo, Borovets and/or Bansko, with Sofia, Melnik, Plovdiv or Varna as bolt-on extras. While the possibilities for walking are equally good at all three resorts Bansko and Pamporovo have more to offer in terms of public transport than Borovets does, and Bansko itself has more charm and historic interest than the other two put together.

Despite great opportunities for serious hiking in the Rila, Pirin and Rhodopes, the only UK tour operator featuring Bulgaria at present is Exodus - though Interchange can arrange individual itineraries and there are several reliable companies in Bulgaria that welcome direct bookings by email.