Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country, small in size but rich in ancient culture, scenic splendour, friendly people and old-fashioned warmth and hospitality.

Situated in the south east of Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is not as much a tourist destination as its Greek and Turkish neighbours to the south are. This despite the popularity of its Black Sea resorts, which are scenically captivating with their fine sandy beaches, sunny climate and safe seas and wonderfully inexpensive too.

Although better known for its sea resorts, the essential character of the country is to be found in its spectacular mountainous regions. The six very different ranges vary from high, snow-covered peaks to gentle green slopes and forests, harbouring thermal springs and mineral spas, and valleys where the air bears the fragrance of flowers and herbs. The Valley of Roses lies in the heart of Bulgaria and is the largest producer of rose oil in the world, giving root to Bulgaria's soubriquet, 'Land of Roses'. At the foot of the Vitosha Mountains lies the laid back capital city, Sofia, boasting a great number of architectural monuments and museums. The rugged heights of the Rila and Pirin mountains form a spectacular setting for ski resorts, as well as the famous Rila Monastery and the majestic landscape of the Pirin National Park, a World Cultural and National Heritage site. Crossing the entire country is the Balkan Range, a 435-mile (700km) chain that offers some of the best hiking in Europe.

As varied as the different mountain ranges are the people who dwell in them, with distinctive customs, crafts and colourful festivals, folklore, religious beliefs and speech. Small picturesque villages welcome guests with typical warm-hearted Bulgarian hospitality, sharing age-old traditions and traditional cooking, and a delight in their pastoral environment.

Bulgaria's history is displayed across the country in its old towns, ancient Thracian relics and treasures, decorated churches and monasteries, and in the rustic settlements that have preserved the traditional beliefs of its people. One of the country's biggest assets for visitors is its variety, but whatever aspect one chooses to explore, there is always the assurance of a warm welcome.

Sofia
Located in the Sofia Valley, the capital city of Bulgaria lies at the foot of the Vitosha and Lyulin Mountains, and is the centre of the country’s political, business and cultural life.

Founded over 7,000 years ago around numerous hot and cold mineral springs, which are still available today, Sofia has flourished and declined around a variety of civilisations. It is one of the oldest settlements in Europe and numerous archaeological, cultural and historical monuments from its rich Thracian, Byzantine, Roman, Slav and Turkish history have been preserved among the modern edifices, the blend of the new and the old lending a charming quality to the capital.

Despite its modern, cosmopolitan nature, Sofia has a laid back atmosphere and the proximity of Mount Vistosha, offering a myriad of recreational opportunities on the city’s doorstep, adds to the relaxed feel of the city. Like any capital city, Sofia also has a wealth of museums and galleries, and boasts plenty of cultural entertainment.


The Black Sea Coast
The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, stretching for 236 miles (380km), is a popular destination for thousands of Bulgarians as well as foreign visitors every summer, with warm sea temperatures, a sunny climate, picture-perfect white sand beaches, modern resorts and a favourable exchange rate.

Although the coast has long been associated with large characterless complexes catering to European package tourists that are far removed from the reality of Bulgaria, there are plenty of little hotels with private beaches and holiday villages offering a villa-style Mediterranean holiday. Seaside towns invite a more independent vacation with plenty of family-run guesthouses and a wealth of bars and restaurants that add local flavour and character. The coast is also one of the best spa regions in the country and resorts offer the added attraction of mineral baths, mud treatments and thermal springs.

Clean beaches, safe swimming and wide sandy beaches characterise the northern Black Sea Coast with the lively town of Varna a good base from which to explore the surrounds. To the south lie picturesque bays and unusual rock formations, and the trawler port of Bourgas flanked by the old Greek fishing villages of Sozopol and Nesebur.

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Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Bulgaria is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard time.

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs can be used.

Language: The Flemish, in the north, speak Dutch (60% of the population); The Walloons in the south speak French (40%). Brussels is bilingual with the majority of citizens speaking French. In the east of Bulgaria there is a small German-speaking community. English i

Health: No vaccinations are required. Medical facilities and care in Bulgaria are excellent but expensive so travellers are advised to take out medical insurance. UK citizens receive emergency medical care for a reduced cost, but should have a E111 form, available from post offices in the UK, to qualify. Increased cases of hantavirus (caused by rodents) have been reported in Luxembourg province, Liège, Namur and Hainaut provinces.

Tipping: Service charges are included in bills and tipping is not necessary, unless for exceptional service. Porters, coatroom and bathroom attendants are generally tipped.

Safety: Most visits to Bulgaria are trouble-free, but travellers should be wary of street crime in the cities, such as mugging and pickpocketing, particularly in Brussels at major railway stations and on public transport.

Communications: The international access code for Bulgaria is +32. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). Mobile phones operate on a GSM and 3G network. Public phones take coins or phone cards. Internet cafes are widely available.

Currency: The official currency is the Lev (Lv), which is divided into 100 stotinki. Bulgaria has strict currency regulations. If you enter Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the equivalent of Leva 8000 or more, you must declare it to customs officials. Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, hotels or at one of the numerous bureaux de change, however due to a common practice of misleading rates of exchange it is better to go to banks or hotels to change money. Not all banks accept travellers checks and those that do usually charge a 5% commission. Major international credit cards are increasingly becoming accepted by tourist hotels, upmarket shops and restaurants, travel agents and car rental agents, but Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. There are ATMs in the main cities and at Black Sea resorts.

Visa and Passport:
Entry requirements for Americans: Citizens of the USA do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days within a six-month period. Passports must be valid for at least three months after entry.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders, endorsed British Citizen, do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days in a six-month period. Passports should be valid for the period of intended stay. Other UK passport holders require a visa and a passport that is valid for at least six months.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days within a six-month period. A passport valid for at least three months after entry is required.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days within a six-month period. A passport valid for at least three months after entry, is required.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a visa to enter Bulgaria. A passport valid for at least six months on entry is required and a visa will only be issued if blank pages are available.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders do not require a visa for a maximum stay of 30 days within a six-month period. A valid passport valid for at least three months on entry is required.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days within a six-month period. A passport valid for the period of intended stay is required.

Passport/Visa Note: Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds or onward or return tickets in addition to other documents needed for the next destination. Valid health insurance is required. All visitors to Bulgaria must register as foreigners at a local police station within five days of arrival. This registration is usually done as a matter of course through the hotel or accommodation establishment. Visitors are advised to check this, as a dated registration slip has to be submitted when leaving the country. Immigration and entry regulations are very strictly enforced. From 1 January 2006 all children entering Bulgaria will be required to have their own passport.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Airports: Sofia International Airport EAD (SOF)
Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) east of Sofia. Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September). Contacts: Tel: +359 (0)2 937 2211/2 (international flights departures and arrivals). Transfer to the city: Regular bus service 84 runs on a frequent schedule day and night from the bus station close to Arrivals. Taxis are available, and passengers are advised to use O.K. SUPERTRANS taxis from outside the arrivals hall; their enquiries desk is located inside the arrivals hall. Most hotels and tourist resorts run their own airport shuttles.

Facilities: The airport is well equipped with banks, bureau de change, ATMs, restaurants, cafeterias and bars, duty free shopping, a chemist, travel agency, tourist information desk and first aid facilities. There is also a business centre and VIP lounge, and a luggage wrapping machine at departures. Parking: There is 24-hour parking available in front of the terminal buildings. Departure tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only) Website: www.sofia-airport.bg

Varna International Airport (VAR)
Location: The airport is situated on the western outskirts, about five miles (9km) from Varna. Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September). Contacts: Tel: +359 (0)52 500 840. Transfer to the city: Public bus 409, which passes through central Varna and travels as far as Golden Sands resort, serves the airport. Taxis are available, but the meters are often not working and it is advisable to agree on a fare with the driver before departure. Many resort hotels run their own shuttle services to and from the airport. Car rental: Car rental agents are on site at the airport.

Facilities: The airport has currency exchange facilities, a large restaurant and duty free shops. Departure tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only) Website: www.varna-airport.bg

Bourgas Airport (BOJ)
Location: The airport is situated seven miles (12km) from Burgas. Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September). Contacts: Tel: +359 (0)56 870 248. Transfer to the city: Most passenger flights into Burgas Airport are part of package holiday deals and visitors are conveyed by their host tour operators. Taxis are available, and local buses serve the airport.

Facilities: The airport has a bureau de change, bank, restaurant, duty free shop, post office and first aid facilities. Departure tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only) Website: www.bourgas-airport.com

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