Stefan Bozadzhiev, is a local Bulgarian guide who has worked with Rick Steves for many years. For his current perspective on the status of tourism there, why the city of Plovdiv is a significant cultural symbol and insights about Rick Steves please read my recent interview with him (8/14//21):
For the latest Bulgarian travel rules and restrictions please see the US Embassy in Bulgaria
Q) Can you please briefly tell us about you and what made you want to become a tour guide?
I was born in a family of historians and archaeologists, so I started volunteering at archaeological digs on my summer vacations. The next logical step was to apply to become a local guide at the Thracian tomb in Kazanlak – my hometown. Then, although I graduated from law school, guiding has been my passion and job.
Q) Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on the tourism industry. Can you please give us the present day, on the ground overview of the situation in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and especially the travel sector. However, I have had some US tourists over the summer and a few planned tours scheduled for the fall. All historic and natural sites are open. The same is valid for hotels, bars, restaurants, music venues, etc. Masks are mandatory indoors. American tourists can enter Bulgaria by presenting a vaccination certificate, proof they have had covid-19 over the last 6 months or a negative PCR test / rapid antigen test.
Q) Bulgaria has such a rich and fascinating culture and history. I know it is extremely difficult to pick a single thing, but can you point to a piece of architecture or art that best tells its story?
If I have to choose something, it won’t be easy. However, I believe if there is an epitome of the rich, diverse and sometimes turbulent history of the Bulgarian lands, that would be the city of Plovdiv. It’s the second largest city in Bulgaria and undoubtedly the cultural capital of the country. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world with more than a 7 millennia history.
Wandering in Plovdiv, you can see ruins of a fortress wall from the time of Phillip, the father of Alexander the Great, enjoy a musical performance in the Roman theater or stadium or marvel at an art exhibition in some of the elegant houses of rich merchants from mid 1800s. You can stop for a gelato along one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, flanked by colorful houses from late 1800s and early 1900s, or enjoy craft beer or a piece of public art in Kapana – the trendy hipsters’ heart of Plovdiv. The newest pearl of the city is the newly opened for visitors Bishop’s basilica – an early Christian church with more than a hundred images of birds on the floor mosaics!
Q) Rick Steves is a true legend and so genuine and great in all he does. How did your paths cross and and how you ended up working with him?
I worked together with Rick’s first tour guide in Bulgaria – Lyuba. So we had the chance to meet during one of his visits in Sofia and, voila!, in the fall of 2013 I led my first Rick Steves’ tour of Bulgaria.
Q) Is there anything about Rick Steves that might surprise people?
I think Rick’s life has always been in the spotlight. I can say that he is the same kind, fun and witty guy in real life as the persona you see on camera. I had the chance to work together with him on his last Bulgaria tv show and I can assure you that he is one of the most hard-working people I have ever met!
Q) Any future travel trends that you think is coming or any final comments about the state of travel in Bulgaria?
Tourism will be back stronger than ever. However, there will be changes. It is high time for tourism to become more sustainable, green and responsible. The future belongs to small groups and individual travel, and the organized tourism will be more experience-oriented and search for the extra value. Bulgaria is ready to welcome curious travelers from around the world, as it is a safe and still a bit underrated destination. We are here and waiting to welcome you!
Although I work as a Rick Steves tour guide in Bulgaria, together with my colleague Yuri, we cover a bunch of off-the-beaten-path destinations: the Western Balkans, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and the other countries in Central Asia.
To see Bulgaria through a local lens and gain fresh perspectives please contact Stefan on your next Bulgarian adventure:
Lyuba Tours or on Facebook
Stefan’s Personal Blog on Facebook
