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Simeon Dimitrov

I've been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel a lot, most of all in my country and the surrounding ones, but travel has been part of my life since forever. It started as my hobby and a preferred way to spend my holidays which, with the time, naturally evolved into being part of my professional career.

I studied foreign languages in the high school and then specialized tourism management in the University. After that, I took one year course to become a licensed Mountain guide and today I work for one of the leading culture and adventure travel tour operators in Bulgaria as a guide and product manager.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Odysseia - In Travel specializes in off-the-beaten track experiences with unique itineraries throughout Bulgaria and the whole Balkan Peninsula including Northern Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Romania. Odysseia - In Travel offers a varied range of tours: from sightseeing and cultural experiences such as traditional crafts and folklore, wine-tasting and cuisine, through soft adventure activities such as hiking, biking and kayaking. My specialty is to make a great tour out of all of these experiences."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I've been raised and grew up in a country where about 30,000 sq.m are covered with Mountains some of which raise as high as 3000m high. Besides that, on its East end there is a Sea, the Black Sea as well as many interesting places, cities, and villages in between....for me it was a hard job not to get involved in travel.

The real start was a hiking trip with my grandmother to the highest peak of the closest to my city Mountains. I remember that there was a Mountain bike competition that day, which really took my attention and make me ask myself, what are these guys doing? My grandmother and I continued on our way to the top, but I was already hooked on the image of people riding a bicycle in the Mountains. After that, I started saving my school money and later bought my very first mountain bike. Nature & travel became one of my best friends and definitely the greatest playground."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"In 2010 I traveled to the USA as part of a student exchange program called Work & Travel. Initially I was supposed to sell student books in Oklahoma state from door to door, which sounded as a great and adventurous way to earn some cash. Only a week after I started I was exhausted and depressed by all the people who waived at me closing their door, so I decided to quit and find a better source of money.
Unfortunately, I didn't have any exact idea of how I was going to do that, plus the fact that I have just arrived in the States and going back to Bulgaria was not an option. Right here I left myself to the unknown, which was the stupidest thing I could do at this moment, 8000km away from my home.

After Oklahoma, I took the bus to live in Chicago for a month where I met my second family who took me from the street as a little puppy. From there I went to Boston state and Cape Code island only to meet some Bulgarian friends, which made the next two months a nonstop party.

Finding my way out of this situation turns out to be one of the most unique travel experiences that I have ever had as I relied on the help of strangers and the Universe, but after all everything came together on the best possible way."

Simeon is part of the following groups: Bulgaria Travel Agents
The center of Plovdiv - the city of the 7 hills
Highlights of Bulgaria - 9 Days

This trip introduces visitors to Bulgaria's many beautiful faces: traditional villages, pristine nature, and lively cities. Drive and hike through three of Bulgaria's mountain ranges, and visit the country's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient monasteries and beautiful architecture. In nine days you'll discover Bulgaria as a welcoming and memorable destination.

View of the Seven Rila Lakes
Hiking Bulgaria's Peaks - 8 Days

Challenge yourself to a week of trekking in the mountains of Bulgaria. This small Balkan country's stark beauty makes a perfect getaway for the climbers and would-be mountaineers among you. You'll hike to mountain peaks, take in the beauty of glacial lakes, and delve into Bulgarian culture with trips to the Rila Monastery and a tour of Sofia.

Contemplating at the white magic in southern parts of Rila Mountains.
Snowshoeing in the National Parks of Bulgaria: 8 Days

Strap on your snowshoes and make your way through two Bulgarian national parks full of independent massifs separated by deep gorges and mountain passes. This tour winds through southwestern Bulgaria for a truly authentic experience of snowy wilderness, traditional cuisine, and local hospitality.

Recent trip reviews for Simeon

Bulgaria countryside
Bulgaria | Jul 31 - Aug 10, 2019

M
Michael F.
Australia | Reviewed on Aug 12, 2019

This trip was attractive to me as it was focused on rail travel throughout Bulgaria. A very relaxing method of seeing the countryside.
Simeon was an excellent guide with in depth knowledge of all aspects of the trip plus excellent history lessons at each destination. He is passionate about Bulgaria, past and present and positive about the future.

Local specialist: Simeon Dimitrov

Ani returns to her birthplace
Bulgaria | May 17 - Jun 1, 2019

Alison
Alison C.
Clifton Park, NY | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2019

Our family wanted to tour Bulgaria to visit our adopted daughter's birth place, We worked with Simeon Dimitrov to set up a two-week tour that included a visit to the Rila Monastery, hiking in the Rila and Pirin Mountains, and kayaking in the Rhodopes. We visited Plovdiv, the Valley of Roses and the Black Sea. One of our final stops was at the Orphanage in Targovishte that our daughter lived in until we brought her home. Simeon arranged for our daughter to meet staff in the Orphanage.... read more

Our family wanted to tour Bulgaria to visit our adopted daughter's birth place, We worked with Simeon Dimitrov to set up a two-week tour that included a visit to the Rila Monastery, hiking in the Rila and Pirin Mountains, and kayaking in the Rhodopes. We visited Plovdiv, the Valley of Roses and the Black Sea. One of our final stops was at the Orphanage in Targovishte that our daughter lived in until we brought her home. Simeon arranged for our daughter to meet staff in the Orphanage. Simeon put together a wonderful, balanced, well-paced itinerary for us. He patiently answered our questions and made sure we saw the best of each place we visited. We enjoyed dining on Bulgaria's wonderful Mediterranean cuisine at the restaurants he chose for us. A highlight of our trip was our stay at a Bulgarian Guest House, where we ate traditional dishes and drank rakkia. By the end of our two week tour, we had fallen in love with Bulgaria! We can highly recommend Kimkim for your tour of Bulgaria- the Crocker Family

Local specialist: Simeon Dimitrov
Simeon
Simeon Dimitrov
Local specialist in Sofia, Bulgaria | Reviewed on Jul 16, 2019

Hi Alison, Ani and Chris,

thank you for the nice words, it means a lot to me. For me it was also a great trip and definitely one of the most meaningful once. The experience in the orphanage was special for me as well and I'm really, really happy that I was part of this.

All the best from me and I hope to see you again some day.

AAA Bulgaria Trip 2018
Bulgaria | Oct 13 - Oct 21, 2018

N
Nadeem N.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Oct 29, 2018

Very interesting trip, the guide Yuhan was knowledgable , friendly and extremely good

Local specialist: Simeon Dimitrov

AAA Bulgaria Trip 2018
Bulgaria | Oct 13 - Oct 21, 2018

M
Mohi N.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2018

Everyone in the group had a great time and appreciated the efforts made by Simeon, Ivan, Branch and the other driver.
We enjoyed the hotels which were all very reasonable.
The hikes to the mountains were memorable a d Ivan had a lot of knowledge and was very helpful to anyone who was struggling.

Local specialist: Simeon Dimitrov

Trip to Bulgaria
Bulgaria | Sep 13 - Sep 23, 2018

B
Bama S.
Northridge, CA | Reviewed on Oct 02, 2018

The trip was Bulagaria and Romania. The guide Theodora in Bulgaria was very good and knowledgable and exposed us to the culture and history. Romania is a beautiful country and Transylvania very scenic. The castles, medieval Sibiu and Sighiasora was beautiful. Had some issues with the driver and guide in Romania. I would rate Romania portion a 3 star

Local specialist: Simeon Dimitrov

Bulgaria Tour
Bulgaria | Jul 9 - Jul 20, 2018

M
Michael H.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2018

My two weeks in Bulgaria was thoroughly enjoyable.

Thanks to the fantastic planning and organization by Simeon I was able to see many of the historical landmarks that this fascinating country has to offer. I had chosen the option to travel the country by train and I did not regret it. The train services were punctual and the folder/dossier of travel information provided by Simeon made all transfers quick and easy.

Hotels were aesthetically pleasing, clean, had friendly staff and provided... read more

My two weeks in Bulgaria was thoroughly enjoyable.

Thanks to the fantastic planning and organization by Simeon I was able to see many of the historical landmarks that this fascinating country has to offer. I had chosen the option to travel the country by train and I did not regret it. The train services were punctual and the folder/dossier of travel information provided by Simeon made all transfers quick and easy.

Hotels were aesthetically pleasing, clean, had friendly staff and provided tasty breakfasts, but best of all were the hosts at the Boyana Guesthouse and Deshhka guesthouse. Never have I felt so welcome in all of my life and despite the language barriers the nights I spent in the guesthouses were the best nights of the trip.

I highly recommend a trip to Bulgaria to anyone and I will certainly return soon.

Local specialist: Simeon Dimitrov

Highlights of Bulgaria - 9 Days
Bulgaria | Jun 16 - Jun 28, 2018

W
William F.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2018

We called in your office twice on Friday 29th but it was closed, so here is our report!

The trip was well planned and everything worked.
The hotels were all of good quality and in central locations.
The guest houses were well appointed, welcoming and with good food.
Breakfast at the Zograf in Tryavna was inadequate and we had to buy some fruit and yogurt to top up.
We felt that we had a good insight into the country, it's people and culture.
All trains ran to schedule and whereas we had no... read more

We called in your office twice on Friday 29th but it was closed, so here is our report!

The trip was well planned and everything worked.
The hotels were all of good quality and in central locations.
The guest houses were well appointed, welcoming and with good food.
Breakfast at the Zograf in Tryavna was inadequate and we had to buy some fruit and yogurt to top up.
We felt that we had a good insight into the country, it's people and culture.
All trains ran to schedule and whereas we had no problems at all, some clients could find it a little uncertain due to language and alphabet differences.

Suggestion at Rila Monastery - room reservation doesn't open until 2 pm and there is no provision for left luggage before that time.

Overall we had a very good time despite the poor weather at the end.

Local specialist: Simeon Dimitrov