We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Please note that airport taxes are approximately $20 for US Nationals.
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.
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Visa Requirements
An entry visa is NOT required by citizens of Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and USA. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory though we recommend protection against tetanus, infectious hepatitis, typhoid and polio.
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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.
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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/
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Preparing for your tour
Walking Grades and Fitness
Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individual’s own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades. This tour is rated Moderate.
Moderate: Involves some longer walks at low altitudes. (4-6 hrs/day, below 3000m). Some previous hillwalking experience is beneficial, but walks should be within the capabilities of those who lead a normal active life. Tours may contain optional strenuous days, and we would advise that you tone up your fitness before you travel.
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Climate
During the winter, south western Bulgaria usually experiences heavy snowfalls. Whilst the plains and valleys can often be grey and foggy, the weather in the mountains is typically much more bright, and often surprisingly sunny. However, given that much of our walking will be above the 1,500 metre mark, average monthly temperatures for February and March generally remain several degrees below freezing.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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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
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One main piece of baggage and a daysac to carry with you when walking. We suggest the daysac is approx 30 litres, with straps for attaching your snowshoes to when you are not wearing them. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Please remember you are expected to handle your own luggage – so don’t overload yourself.
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Clothing
Pack for ‘All tours’ plus ‘Cold Conditions’. It is best to wear layers of clothes that can be added or removed to adjust body temperature.
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Footwear
Fairly rigid waterproof walking boots with good ankle support – can be Gore- Tex or Sympatex and hiking gaiters.
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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.
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General Information
Trip Summary
Bulgaria is a land of mountains, abundant flora and fauna, traditional folk music and crafts, quaint mountain villages, deeprooted culture, and an old-world way of life. It is a fascinating country filled with welcoming people. On this active winter short break we will hike a network of trails through the magnificent scenery of the Rila mountains. Using snow shoes we are able to walk almost on the surface of the snow, enabling us to get out into the true wilderness, peace and stillness of the mountains and pine forest. In the evenings we return to the warmth and comfort of our hotel to sample some tempting Bulgarian cuisine, which reflects the historical influences of Greece, Turkey and Eastern Europe. Of course the robust and tasty red wines and fruity whites are already widely known and we shall have ample opportunity to sample the local vintages. As an added bonus we also get to make a visit to the impressive painted monastery of Rila, a UNESCO World Heritage sight.
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Please note:
22DEC10, 23DEC10 & 27DEC10 Please note: these departures will have one extra day snow-shoeing in the Rila Mountains making this 6 days/5 nights. See the 6 Day Itinerary of this tour for further details
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Country info
Population: 7.3 million.
Government: Republic with a parliamentary democracy.
Language: Bulgarian.
Religion: The major religion is Eastern Orthodoxy and there are numerous religious minorities.
Local Time: GMT + 2.
Electricity: 220V 50Hz.
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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/
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Maps & Books
Books: ‘Lonely Planet’ – Bulgaria; ‘Rough Guide’, Bradt Guide for Bulgaria.
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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
