9 - Sofia, Bulgaria

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After our quick jaunt spent partying in Belgrade and recuperating in Ohrid, we jumped back on the train to Bulgarian capital, Sofia. Often brushed aside by tourists in preference of Bulgaria's popular and often overcrowded beach resorts like Burgas and Varna, Sofia is not to be underestimated. Similarly to Belgrade, its main appeal lies in its vibrant dynamic energy and east-meets-west architecture.

Sofia is the heart of the country, and this despite its small size. The city brims uill of museums, galleries, shops, bars and restaurants and combined with its unusual mix of architecture and lively cosmopolitan ambience, you won't find its spirit hiding indoors, but out on the streets, in the movement of the locals on a Friday night or on a warm summer's Sunday afternoon. However, we couldn't help but confront the city's spirit head-on at one of its best nightclubs: 'Apartmenta'. The shabby-chic club is located on the second floor inside a 19th century house and the partying can be as energetic as you want it to be. Some rooms lend themselves better to sipping on a freshly-pressed fruit juice, while others have livelier music more for dancing into the early hours of the morning.

Sofia's intangible charm is rooted in its age; created 2,500 years ago, the city is one of the oldest in Europe. It is this energy that we came to soak up, boosting our spirits for our last stop in Romania.

Ohrid, Macedonia Transylvania and Moldavia, Romania