LOCATION

Bulgaria is a south-east European country, bordered by Greece, Turkey, Romania, Serbia and Macedonia.It has a population of about 8 million, and an area of 70,000 square miles. Its capital, Sofia, is 1,300 milesfrom London. The Black Sea coast is about 300 miles to the east of Sofia. The time in Sofia is 2 hours aheadof British time.

CLIMATE

Bulgaria’s climate is influenced by its mountainous terrain and neighbouring weather systems. It is generallytemperate with noticeable fluctuations between day and night temperatures, even in summer it can be chillyat night and in the early morning, especially in the mountains. Winters tend to be much colder than in Britain,often with heavy snowfall, while summers are drier and hotter. Spring and autumn are often rainy.



PASSPORTS AND VISAS

A valid ten year British passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining) is required for all British citizens.A one year passport is not acceptable. British citizens on these Balkania Travel BBFS tours do not need avisa. Other nationalities should check with the Bulgarian Embassy (Visa Section). This is open onweekdays from 09.30 – 13.00. There is a 24 hour automated visa information line: 090 6550 8950, chargedat £1 per minute. Consular and visa information can be found on the embassy’s website:www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk

Individual enquiries on submitted applications or urgent enquiries are dealt with between 13.00 and 15.00, Monday to Friday, on 020 7589 3763.


HEALTH

At present no vaccinations or inoculations are compulsory, though they may be recommended. Pleasecheck with your GP before departure. A Department of Health leaflet “Health Advice for Travellers” isavailable free from your doctor and main post offices. The Department of Health’s website www.dh.gov.ukhas constantly updated health advice for travellers, as does that of the Foreign Office www.fco.gov.uk For natural history tour participants who spend a lot of time in the countryside, ticks are a possibility, so itis wise to dress defensively in long trousers which can be tucked into socks when necessary.In Bulgaria local polyclinics normally treat minor complaints free of charge, though you will have to meetthe cost of any medicines. There are also private clinics where you should expect to pay. In large purposebuilt resorts, local clinics will normally be private. Your travel insurance normally covers medical expenses,so do keep all receipts and contact your insurers direct, on your return.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Vegetarian meals may be of limited choice. Our coach tours are not really suitable for disabledholidaymakers, especially those confined to a wheelchair or needing regular medical treatment.


MONEY

The Bulgarian currency (leva) is now available outside the country, though the rates are not competitive. Westill advise you to take your spending money in sterling notes in good condition, which can be exchangedshortly after arrival. Airport bureaux also give poor rates. Exchange offices will not normally accept defacedor damaged notes. They charge a higher commission on travellers’ cheques. Credit cards are still not widelyaccepted in Bulgaria, though there are a growing number of ATMs. Any Bulgarian currency notes left at theend of your holiday can be re-exchanged into sterling (or euros, as available) at the airport.


CIGARETTES AND SPIRITS

Bulgarian cigarettes and local brands of spirits are of good quality and generally cheaper than at UK AirportShops. It is always less expensive to buy local drinks, but note that spirits are served in 50g and 100gmeasures, and that even 50g is larger than a British double! You can import or export for your own use 1litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, 200 cigarettes and 50g of perfume. There will be a greater choice of goodsat the airport shops than on the plane.


WHAT TO TAKE

A small personal first aid kit (including an insect repellent) is useful, and any preferred brand cosmeticsand toiletries, and also any proprietary medication you are currently taking. If a change of diet or climatesometimes upsets your stomach, bring the appropriate remedies such as Immodium with you.If you like an early morning cup of tea, take powdered milk, tea bags and the heating element with you.Remember your two pin continental adaptor.Some villages and historic town centres are not well lit, so a pocket torch is useful.The period around 24 May is celebrated by school leavers both lengthily and loudly – bring some waxearplugs to ensure a good night’s sleep!


WHAT TO BUY

Good value souvenirs include pottery, marble, glassware, carved wood, lace and embroidery, leather andsuede.


IMPORTANT

In the unlikely event of loss or damage to your baggage while in the airline’s care, fill in a PropertyIrregularity Report before leaving the airport and retain a copy. The airline will not accept responsibility ifyou do not do this, and holiday insurers may not accept a subsequent claim.Most hotels offer to deposit small valuable items in an envelope in the hotel safe, for a small charge. Besure to list the items included and obtain a receipt for them, and for any subsequent additions orwithdrawals. For security reasons we recommend you to use this service.Many hotels make a small charge to all (including hotel guests) who use their swimming pools, fitnesscentres, night-clubs and public toilets.