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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.
Back to topWhile our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary.
Back to topParticipation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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Whether in swimming pools, rivers, lakes, the sea or the ocean, this icon indicates on which days you will have an opportunity to swim. |
Local Staff: Accordingly please allow £12 for tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Bulgarian Leva.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: All major currencies may be exchanged, but Euros, US Dollars and British Pounds are easiest to exchange. We suggest that you travel with cash because credit cards are very rarely accepted.
Where to Exchange: Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities. Please always try to change money with the presence of your tour leader. It is vital not to change money in the area where baggage is claimed because the rate is very bad.
ATM Availability: Major towns, Sofia Airport and petrol stations
Credit Card Acceptance: Larger hotels and restaurants – of very limited use on this trip.
Travellers Cheques: There are very limited possibilities to change Travellers Cheques and these are only in Sofia. If you take travellers cheques, take cheques in US Dollars or Euros to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
Additional Information: Owing to the difficulties of changing money in a rural setting, please check with your tour leader as to the availability of exchange offices.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currency-express.com/explore/
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| 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.
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 topMost 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.
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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.
Back to topWe recommend protection against typhoid, hepatitis A, polio and tetanus.
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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.
Back to topSingle 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 topWe 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 topBulgaria 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 topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately 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 topOne main piece of baggage and a day sac for hiking (recommend 30-35 litres). Total allowance: 20kgs plus day sac.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topPack 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 topStrong walking boots, plus trainers or shoes for relaxing in.
Back to topA 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 topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen 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 topArea: 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.
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 topRecommended Maps: Insight Travel Map – Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia & Macedonia 1:800,000.
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