2012/13 Standard Itinerary

Local Costs

	UK	Bulgaria
Tea/Coffee	£1.50	£0.80
Soft Drink	£1.50	£0.80
Bottled Water	£1.50	£1.50
Bottle of Beer	£3.50	£2.50
2 Course Meal*	£15.00	£10.00
3 Course Meal**	£20.00	£18.00
Bottle of Wine	£14.50	£10.00
Breakfast	£5.00	£8.00

*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.

Important Information

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.

If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.

Back to top

Visa Requirements

Most EU, USA, AUS, NZ and CAN citizens are allowed entry into Bulgaria without a visa for up to 30 days. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

Back to top

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Back to top

Vaccinations & Protection

We recommend protection against typhoid, hepatitis A, polio and tetanus.

Back to top

The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.

Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Back to top

Lone Parents

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel

Back to top

Know before you go

We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/

Back to top

Preparing for your tour

Climate

Bulgaria has a somewhat temperate climate, influence by the combination of Mediterranean and Eastern European weather systems.The winters are mild and the summers warm and fresh. The alpine regions can be cooler, but Govedartsi is one of the sunniest areas in this part of Europe, with some 280 days of sunshine a year.

Back to top

Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.

Back to top

Packing for your tour

To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you. 

Back to top

Luggage

Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company

Back to top

One main piece of baggage and a day sac for hiking (recommend 30-35 litres). Total allowance: 20kgs plus day sac.

Back to top

Trek Kit Bag

For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore

Back to top

Clothing

Pack for essentially 'All Tours' plus ‘Mountains’. You will need a warm fleece/jacket for the cooler altitude, waterproofs may be needed at any time of year and warm clothes are recommended for early and late in the season.

Back to top

Footwear

Strong walking boots, plus trainers or shoes for relaxing in.

Back to top

Equipment

A water bottle, torch, sunhat and sunscreen are all essential, as are a good pair of sunglasses. Although cycle helmets are available locally, quality and fit cannot be guaranteed and we strongly recommend that you bring your own from home.

Back to top

Personal First Aid Kit

For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore

Back to top

Need help on Clothing or Equipment?

Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.

Back to top

General Information

Trip Summary

Bulgaria is a land of mountains, abundant flora and fauna, quaint mountain villages, and an old-world way of life. It is a fascinating country filled with welcoming people. On this active break we will hike a amongst the magnificent scenery of the Rila Mountains, enabling us to get out into the true wilderness, peace and stillness of the mountains and pine forests. Our mainly centre-based trip takes us into the heart of this beautiful region to discover for ourselves one of the last bastions of traditional Eastern European life. During our week we sample the food, colour and natural beauty of this unique landscape. Basing ourselves in the small village of Govedartsi, we stay at a family run guesthouse where we can expect a friendly welcome and delicious home-cooked local food. We begin by walking up into the hills above the village of Govedartsi along mountain paths still used by shepherds and delighting in the wild isolation and rich flora of the area. Iskar Dam is the largest in Bulgaria and the location for our paddling under the instruction of our kayaking guides. During our day trip to Sofia, we visit the Adventure Park Kokolandia with a wide range of activities from rope parks, various walking trails and an artificial rock climbing wall; a varied and challenging day for all. As an added bonus we also get to visit to impressive painted monastery of Rila; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning to Sofia: Bulgaria’s enigmatic capital.

Back to top

Country info

Area: 110,910 sq km.

Population: 7,358,000.

Language: Bulgarian, Russian, English and French.

Religion: 88% Bulgarian Orthodox, 12% Muslim.

Local Time: GMT +2.

Electric Supply & Plugs: 230v, 50HZ. Two pin round plugs.

Back to top

Electric Supply & Plugs

For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/

Back to top

Maps & Books

Recommended Maps: Insight Travel Map – Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia & Macedonia 1:800,000.

Back to top