I must admit I am in a great mood today. Maybe this is because I have in mind a really good suggestion for a weekend getaway.

I think we all deserve a break and some time for ourselves in December. This is definitely that time of the year, when we have to look back at the things we have accomplished and decide that we are pleased with ourselves. And, of course, we must be awarded for that.

Even if things have not been that bright for you this year, don't worry. If you shake off all these negative thoughts and look around yourself, I am sure you will find plenty of things to be happy about in this life.

That's why, no matter what the situation is, I smile all the time. There is always something in your life worth smiling for, isn't it?

Anyway, back to the point. This week I have selected a beautiful hotel in the former capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. If you decide to follow my advice and visit the ancient city, you should also not forget to visit the ruins of Tsarevets – the castle that housed the royal and patriarchal palace. If you are lucky, you may catch the Sound and Light Show – at night they illuminate the castle in a spectacle reproducing Bulgarian history through colorful light and music. The show can be requested by a minimum of 30 spectators.

The hotel is situated opposite the famous church of St. Spas – a monument of culture built in the 16th century. It is also just 40 meters away from the impressive church of St. Konstantin and Elena, built by one of Bulgaria's greatest architects – Kolio Ficheto.

The hotel is called Bolyari Hotel and it has definitely borrowed something from the style of the nearby church – the ornaments entwined in an original Restoration like manner.

The hotel has 18 double rooms, and a night costs about 30 euros per person.

As most houses in the old part of Veliko Tarnovo, the building is made of wood and stone and has the characteristic features of local architecture – the extended balconies, which look as if hanging in the air at a hight of tents of meters over the Yantra river. It is strange and beautiful at the same time.

There are many places of interest in the ancient city, besides the Tsarevets ruins and the Sound and Light show. The main street, called Samodivska Charshia, is full of craftsmen shops that look just as they looked centuries ago. You can buy unique souvenirs there – spears, jewelery, ceramics, fretwork, armory, and all sorts of things you can't find in the modern malls.

I will not spend time praising the hotel. I am sure you know by now what you can expect from the hotels in the Authentic Bulgaria selection. If you insist on seeing pictures just click on the link below.

I think I have said enough today. Don't forget that words cannot describe everything, so pack your bags and don't spend the weekend at home. As they say “Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that leave you breathless.” So look for such moments!

By Zornitza Rizova