Don't Just Visit Bulgaria. Live It.

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. Here, life is simple: a bottle of good wine, warm food, and a place at the table for friends.

No Classrooms, No Textbooks

Language That Lives

I believe 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. Bulgarian comes alive through conversation, connection, and real-life moments around the table.

Glasses of rose wine seen during a friendly party of a celebration.

Toasting in Bulgarian

Learning "Наздраве!" and the stories behind each glass

Cropped shot of multiethnic couple enjoying red wine clinking glasses during romantic date at home dinner, copy space

Conversations Over Wine

Language flows naturally in comfortable, real moments

Cheese platter with craft cheese assortment and wine glasses at white tile background. Top view.

Food & Language

Discovering Bulgarian through taste, texture, and tradition

Food Is Language Too

Taste Bulgaria

The real world lives in homes, vineyards, and people — away from tourist attractions and scripted experiences. Here, we cook together, share meals, and break bread with locals where food becomes a bridge to Bulgarian soul and authentic connection.

Traditional Bulgarian Cooking

Learning language through recipes passed down generations

Local Bulgarian family meal preparation and sharing

Local Family Meals

Guests in Bulgarian homes where food is made with soul

Learning With The Body

Move & Connect

Tennis, vineyard walks, Pirin Mountain hikes, swimming - we learn better when we move, and remember more through shared activities

Langhe vineyards view at sunset, Barolo and La Morra villages in the background, Unesco World Heritage Site, Piedmont region. Italy, Europe.

Vineyard Walks

Learning Bulgarian while walking through rows of grapes

Pirin Mountain Adventures

Hiking and discovering Bulgarian nature vocabulary

Veraison in a vineyard. Bunches of grapes with berries that begin the ripening phase. Traditional agriculture. Sardinia.

Grape Harvest Participation

Working together, learning through hands-on experience

Bulgaria Speaks Through History

Cultural Adventures

Monasteries, ancient ruins, village fairs, concerts - discovering Bulgarian language through history, music, and authentic cultural experiences

Ancient Bulgarian Stories

Discovering language through centuries-old traditions

Life Immersion

Living and playing beautiful moments at Pirin Golf Club

A beautiful sunset over farmland seen through the trees on in Essex, UK.

Struma Valley Sunsets

Evening conversations as day becomes night

Your Bulgarian Guide & Friend

Meet Nikolay Kiossev

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. I welcome guests not just to taste wine, but to taste Bulgaria through language, nature, and genuine connection.

Twenty Years in Ilindentsi

From city journalist to village winemaker - a life transformed

Sharing Moments That Matter

"I love people. I love Bulgarian language. I love connection."

20+

Years in Ilindentsi Village

7 - 60

Day Program Options

1-4

People Per Group

∞

Friendships Made

Come and Live It the Way I Do

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. This is not tourism. This is a meeting. Real. Personal. Shared.

Start Your Bulgarian Journey Send Message to Nikolay