Summer team building 2025, Vidin: treasure hunt, danube breeze, boat Ride, history & wine
When a team sets off at 7 a.m. from Sofia with smiles and bags full of energy, you know that the team building will be something more than just an escape from the daily routine. Stenik’s summer team building 2025 took place in Vidin - a city that combines history, natural beauty, and peace by the Danube. The team building contributed to team bonding, valuable shared moments, various fun activities, and getting to know the cultural richness of Vidin and its surroundings.
On June 13, early on a Friday morning, we departed for Vidin with excitement and enthusiasm. For many of us, it was the first time visiting the city, and the interest was great. How this team experience became one of the most memorable gatherings – we’ll share in the following lines.
Day 1: A strong adventurous start
After our arrival and check-in at the cozy “Anna Kristina” hotel, we started with icebreaker games to loosen up and energize after the trip.
The first game, “Roll the dice and answer a question,” gave us the chance to share fun facts about ourselves with a touch of humor. Many of the answers sparked curiosity and created a cheerful atmosphere right from the start.
The second game’s goal was for each participant to figure out who among the others had a picture on their back that matched theirs. By asking each other questions, everyone could gather clues to identify the image on their back and find their “matching” teammate. The game led to many funny situations, unusual questions, and creative guesses. Besides encouraging communication, it boosted the mood even more.
Lunch with a View of the Danube at “Fish & Grill” Dunava
After the games, we headed to “Dunava” restaurant, located on a ship anchored on the riverbank. We were welcomed by a calm atmosphere and culinary delights. We felt the gentle rocking caused by passing ships, which added to the authentic Danube experience. We enjoyed freshly prepared fish, traditional local dishes, and an impressive view of the river and the horizon. For some of us, it was also the first time seeing a barge - a massive vessel that sparked interest and lively conversations.
Treasure hunt in Vidin – “Check your source and trust your team”
After the delicious lunch and a short rest, it was time for a real adventure: the “Urban Treasure Hunt.” A draw determined 5 teams of 6 people each. One requirement was to have at least one team member who knew or had visited Vidin to keep things fair and balanced.
Each team received two sheets with images of landmarks/locations and hidden symbols + questions related to the city’s history and cultural heritage. We also got a map with the marked locations for orientation. The organizers gave instructions and launched the game. The winning team would be the one that collected the most points by fulfilling all the requirements - finding the locations, answering the questions, taking a #nofilter team photo of the spot or symbol, and having the best timing (in case of a tie) within the 3-hour time limit.
Some teams had epic names like “Debuggerite”, “Number 1”, or “From all walks of life.”
And so, the game began, and each team headed in its own direction. Some ran toward their first chosen location, while others mapped out a strategy. Each team’s journey included fun and memorable moments, different strategies, and ideas. Some followed the good old principle: “Ask and you’ll get there,” others relied on AI (which often misled them), requiring solid QA, and a few trusted the map and Google.
During the game, the teams demonstrated:
- Various strategies – from improvised routes to carefully planned ones and prioritization of locations;
- Active communication with locals for orientation;
- Effective role distribution and task assignment within the teams;
- Balanced leadership and flexibility in decision-making.
After 1-2 hours of exploring the streets of Vidin, new acquaintances, fun snapshots, childhood stories from some colleagues, a few cold beers, ice cream, coffee, and a lot of jokes - the teams finished. The organizers analyzed the results and announced the winner - the team “From All Walks of Life,” consisting of Lara, Magi, Dobi, Mitko Troyanov, Toshko, and Stoyko. The qualities that led them to victory were: coordination, trust, quick orientation, good physical activity, attentiveness, and team spirit.
Takeaways and lessons from the game:
- Always verify your source and do proper QA. Don’t blindly trust AI;
- A wild childhood at your grandparents’ place pays off someday;
- Equal gender ratio in the team is a winning combo;
- Don’t fall behind, even if you’re out of breath from running;
- Sometimes it’s better to step back and listen to others;
- Too many chiefs and not enough Indians isn’t good – everyone can contribute with their strengths;
- Be observant;
- Always have a game plan;
- Play with enthusiasm and a winning spirit;
- Don’t get distracted by pretty women, cold beer, or ice cream along the way.
Dinner at “Rechna Gara” restaurant and dancing until dawn
Tired from the city adventure, some colleagues relaxed at the hotel, while others took an afternoon walk in the Danube riverside park. In the evening, “Rechna Gara” restaurant welcomed us with a lovely dinner, great service, a pleasant atmosphere, and good music. We surprised Dimitar Dimitrov for his birthday, which had been a few days earlier, and celebrated it properly. Cheers, festive vibes, and lively dances continued almost until dawn, with a follow-up in neighboring venues.
Day 2: Boat ride, wine & history + landmarks
The second day of the teambuilding offered a diverse and engaging agenda. After breakfast, we went on an organized boat ride on the Danube - an experience filled with music, sunshine, fresh air, timelessness, good vibes, and drinks. The peaceful sailing, beautiful views, and great conversations recharged us.
During the second ride, there was an unexpected technical pause - the engine temporarily failed, and we had to wait briefly in the middle of the river. The situation was met with good spirits and calm from the crew. We used the pause to share more stories, make contingency plans for continuing the trip, or getting supplies. Luckily, the captain reacted quickly and professionally, and the ride continued shortly after. The experience turned into yet another memorable moment for the team.
The day didn’t stop there. The afternoon gave everyone the chance to choose based on their preferences.
Wine tasting at bononia estate
Next destination for part of the team (the wine lovers) was a visit to Bononia Estate Winery & Resort - a true fairytale by the Danube. With organized transport from the hotel, we arrived within minutes at the boutique winery.
The winery manager personally presented the history of the place, the production process, and its international awards. We enjoyed a tour of the underground cellar, explored the modern winery, and experienced the peaceful and beautiful complex. In a pleasant atmosphere, we tasted several wines and expanded our knowledge of wine culture, consumption, and local grape varieties. Each glass carried the taste of history, dating back to Roman times. We left with a few bottles and new favorites, promising to return to this magical place.
A glimpse into history: visit to Baba Vida fortress
Another group chose to visit one of Vidin’s most iconic landmarks - the medieval fortress Baba Vida. Located on the banks of the Danube, the fortress is well-preserved and holds centuries of history tied to the Bulgarian kingdoms, the Ottoman period, and Vidin’s strategic role. During the tour, led by a local guide, our colleagues learned interesting facts about the architecture, defensive systems, and legends behind the fortress’s name. Walking among the stone walls and towers offered everyone a different perspective, and the views from the top were truly uplifting.
Dinner at “Bononia” Restaurant
In the evening, we visited “Bononia” restaurant and enjoyed a delicious dinner surrounded by greenery and fresh air in one of the city’s most scenic riverfront gardens. Known as one of the oldest restaurants in town, it welcomed us with excellent food, fine wine, and a cheerful staff.
Day 3: Belogradchik rocks - magic and beauty
On Sunday, it was time to say goodbye to the beautiful city of Vidin. We had a short recap, shared our thanks, wished each other a great summer, and most of the team headed home. Some colleagues had one last stop - the Belogradchik Rocks, a natural wonder everyone had seen at some point but which deserves to be visited again at different stages in life and with different company. We had a great time at this truly magical place - guided by a local tour guide, we learned new facts and discoveries, enjoyed spectacular views, and captured beautiful memories.
Before we left, we promised to come back one day with our families. Our final day of the team building ended with a pleasant lunch at “Pri Ivan” restaurant, where we treated our taste buds to some delicious Serbian specialties.
In conclusion
After three fulfilling days, packed with countless joyful moments, our team returned to everyday life more united, refreshed, full of energy, with deeper connections, new impressions of the city of Vidin, more wine knowledge, and a reminder that - together, we can do more.
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