Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria, the 5th oldest in the world and the oldest in Europe. It can be reached in just 2-hours from Sofia by car. Its history dates back 6,000 years. In the beginning, the ancient settlement was situated on the natural elevation between the Nebet, Taksim and Dzhambaz hills (the Three Hills). In ancient times, Thracians inhabited the Three Hills and built a fortified settlement – the largest city in Thrace. In the 4th century B.C., Plovdiv was conquered by Phillip of Macedonia. He gave the city one of its many names – Philippopolis and had it surrounded by thick fortified walls. The town hosts the Roman theatre, which was successfully restored and is presently used for performances. You will see traditional Bulgarian houses from the revival period, walk by Roman remains and Thracian mosaics. The Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Natural History and the Roman stadium are some of the popular museums you will be able to visit in town. Plovdiv will be the European capital of culture in 2019.