Plovdiv represents the 'true' Bulgaria, or should that be Macedonia? The inhabitants will talk to you for hours about their ancestry, so you may end up slightly confused.

Home to fine wines, and an abundance of fresh, local produce, it's extremely good value for money, with food and drink costing very little. The locals are wonderfully happy and proficient in English.

*Want to add to this introduction? Email been.there@guardian.co.uk