Authentic Bulgarian vineyard landscape with mountains

Live Like a Local
in Bulgaria

An Authentic Journey with Nikolay Kiossev

🏡 Live like a local
🍽️ Eat like a local
🗣️ Speak like a local
Start Your Journey
Learn More
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Authentic Experience

Not just a visit, but a return to something essential: yourself. Live among locals, learn naturally.

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Pirin Mountains

Hiking & Hot Springs

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Village Life

Ilindentsi

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Bulgarian Language

Through Living

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In the valley of the Struma River, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains — where Thrace meets Macedonia — awaits not just a trip, but a return to something essential: Yourself.

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I'm Nikolay Kiossev.

Once a journalist and advertising director, today — a winemaker, storyteller, and your host.

Twenty years ago, I left city life behind and began a new chapter in the village of Ilindentsi — with wine, soil beneath my nails, and a view of the mountains.

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Life here is simple.

A bottle of good wine, warm food, and a place at the table for friends.

If that speaks to you — don't just visit Bulgaria. Come and live it. The way I do.

Nikolay Kiossev

Nikolay Kiossev

Winemaker & Your Host

Former journalist & advertising director

20 years in Ilindentsi village

Storyteller & wine enthusiast

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This is not a course.
This is an experience.

If you come alone – this will be your own, personal adventure.

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You won't learn Bulgarian from a textbook.

You'll learn it by speaking — every day — at the market, in the vineyards, around the table, in the hot springs, and along mountain paths.

With me — as your guide, friend, and conversation partner.

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At the Market

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In Vineyards

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Around the Table

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Hot Springs

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Mountain Paths

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Village Life

Learning Bulgarian through authentic experiences

Natural Language Learning

Through daily life, conversation, and authentic experiences

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Daily Conversation

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Living Experience

What We'll Do Together

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We'll harvest grapes.

Get your hands dirty in the vineyards, learn traditional techniques, and feel the rhythm of the harvest season.

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We'll drink wine.

Taste authentic Bulgarian wines, learn about local varieties, and discover the stories behind each bottle.

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We'll cook together, laugh, and share stories.

Prepare traditional Bulgarian dishes, share meals around the table, and create lasting memories through food.

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We'll hike through the mountains and soak in mineral springs.

Explore the beautiful Pirin Mountains, discover hidden paths, and relax in natural hot springs.

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We'll visit ancient sites and hidden monasteries.

Discover Bulgaria's rich history through ancient ruins, monasteries, and cultural treasures off the beaten path.

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We can play tennis or golf, if you enjoy movement.

Stay active with sports and recreational activities, enjoying the fresh mountain air and beautiful surroundings.

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We'll read. We'll live. For real.

Cozy guesthouse near the winery

Your Home Away From Home

Authentic Bulgarian hospitality in a peaceful mountain setting

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Fresh Bread Daily

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Morning Coffee

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Roasted Peppers

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Where will you stay?

In a cozy guesthouse — right across from the winery. Picture this:

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Mornings

Mornings smell like fresh bread and coffee.

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Evenings

Evenings — of roasted peppers and an open bottle of wine.

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Always

Peace. Silence. A view of the hills.

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Right Across from the Winery

Wake up and step into the world of winemaking. The vineyard is your backyard, the cellar is your neighbor.

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Who is this for?

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People with soul

Those who understand that the best experiences come from authentic connections and genuine moments.

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With an open mind

Ready to embrace new cultures, ways of life, and experiences beyond your comfort zone.

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With a taste for life and a thirst for the real

Those who crave authentic experiences over tourist attractions and genuine connections over superficial encounters.

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For those seeking meaning

People looking for deeper purpose and connection in their travels and life experiences.

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Anyone who wants to learn a language through living, not lessons

People who understand that true language learning happens through experience, conversation, and daily life.

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Those who believe the best stories happen around the table, with friends

People who value the magic of shared meals, conversations that flow like wine, and friendships that begin over food.

Does this sound like you?

If you recognize yourself in these words, then this experience is calling your name. Come as you are, with your curiosity and openness.

Join the Experience
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What to expect

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A one-on-one experience or a small group (up to 4 people)

Intimate and personalized attention that allows for deep connections and tailored experiences based on your interests and pace.

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No schedules, no programs — everything is shaped around you

Complete flexibility to follow your curiosity, energy levels, and interests. Each day unfolds naturally based on what feels right in the moment.

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If you come alone — it's just you and me, host and friend

A deeply personal journey where we become companions in discovery, sharing stories, meals, and authentic moments of connection.

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Daily life and conversation in Bulgarian — so you learn naturally, through living

No forced lessons or homework. Language emerges organically through real-life situations, conversations, and shared experiences.

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The Essential Promise

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Authenticity, sincerity, and a pace that fits your spirit

Every moment is genuine. Every conversation is real. Every experience is crafted to honor who you are and what you seek. This isn't a performance — it's life, shared openly and honestly.

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Why do I do this?

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Because I believe the real world lives in homes, vineyards, and people.

Away from tourist attractions and scripted experiences. The authentic Bulgaria exists in everyday moments, in genuine conversations, in the warmth of shared meals and the stories that unfold naturally.

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And because I know that language is not learned — it is lived.

Words come alive when they carry emotion, when they're wrapped in context, when they emerge from real situations. Language is the soul of a culture, and it can only be truly understood through living that culture.

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"After twenty years in this village, I've learned that the most beautiful conversations happen when we stop trying to impress and start trying to connect."
— Nikolay Kiossev
Nikolay in his element - sharing life and language

Life, Shared Authentically

Where genuine connections bloom and language comes alive

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Living Language

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Real Connections

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Shared Moments

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Choose your experience

Choose your 7-15, 20-30, or 30-60-day experience

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7-15 days

A taste of Bulgarian life

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20-30 days

Deep cultural immersion

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30-60 days

Complete transformation

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Write to me. I will reply personally.

We'll talk, connect, and shape the details together — as friends would.

Pricing depends on the season, duration, and type of stay.
We'll discuss everything calmly and clearly — human to human.

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You arrive as a guest. You leave as a friend.

Live like a local — be a guest of a friend.

Start Your Journey

Send me a message and let's begin planning your authentic Bulgarian experience

Or email me directly:

kiossev@gbg.bg
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Personal Connection

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Real Conversation