From the shores of the Arabian Gulf to the Black Sea coast—Bulgaria welcomed a group of 20 representatives from leading Dubai travel agencies for a four-day familiarization trip that blended nature, culture, and a touch of luxury.
Invited by Win Travel, the guests were hosted at the prestigious INTERNATIONAL Hotel Casino & Tower Suites, where the group experienced five-star hospitality with a view of the sea and direct access to the hotel’s signature casino—a highlight that sparked conversations and curiosity.
Each day brought a new chapter of discovery. The journey began with a guided Varna city tour, featuring a walk through the Sea Garden, visits to the Roman Thermal Baths and the Archaeological Museum, and concluded with a warm dinner in town, where the group sampled local Bulgarian cuisine.
The journey continued inland to a hidden gem of tradition and hospitality. At the Rosary and Herbary, group was greeted by Vakhanian women who scattered rose petals along their path, a symbolic gesture of welcome. In a timeless Bulgarian ritual, they were offered warm homemade bread dipped in honey, a sign of peace and prosperity.
The experience was both hands-on and heartfelt. Each guest forged their own copper coin, pressed with the image of a rose, using a heavy blacksmith’s hammer—a keepsake made with strength and spirit. They sipped on rose tea and rose coffee, sampled a raw chocolate truffle from a private recipe, and relaxed beneath an ancient chestnut tree, where they were invited to swing gently and receive blessings for health, wisdom, and love.
This was followed by a visit to the impressive Historical Park—an immersive open-air complex where history comes to life through detailed reconstructions of Thracian sanctuaries, Slavic villages, and medieval fortresses. Guides shared vivid stories of warriors, monks, and kings, inviting the group to step through the centuries.
For lunch, the group arrived at Kalimanski Han—a countryside inn styled as a traditional Bulgarian complex. Stone walls, wooden beams, and handwoven textiles created an atmosphere of rustic charm and cultural pride. Surrounded by green hills and village calm, the inn offered a sense of stepping into the pages of Bulgaria’s folklore. The group dined in the shaded courtyard, where warm hospitality and the rhythms of nature made the moment feel timeless.
A burst of adrenaline awaited with a jeep safari retreat, cutting through Bulgaria’s scenic backroads and countryside. On their return, the group enjoyed a shopping tour in Varna, adding keepsakes to the memories.
On the final day, just hours before departure, the group paid a quiet visit to the Aladzha Monastery, a medieval cave monastery nestled in limestone cliffs—a serene finale to a vivid and enriching trip.
The FAM trip left a lasting impression, setting the stage for deeper tourism collaboration between Bulgaria and the UAE. The blend of nature, history, and hospitality revealed the country’s untapped potential as a destination for Middle Eastern travelers.