Bulgaria Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
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Overview
Bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south and the Black Sea to the east, Bulgaria expands across the mountains and plains of the eastern Balkan Peninsula. A land of towering peaks, golden-domed churches and primeval forests, it provides a captivating mix of scenic beauty and cultural diversity that is hard to match.
Its strategic position at the crossroads and meeting points of so many cultures and influences has seen it absorb ...
Bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south and the Black Sea to the east, Bulgaria expands across the mountains and plains of the eastern Balkan Peninsula. A land of towering peaks, golden-domed churches and primeval forests, it provides a captivating mix of scenic beauty and cultural diversity that is hard to match.
Its strategic position at the crossroads and meeting points of so many cultures and influences has seen it absorb the histories and habits of everyone from the Thracians and the Romans to the Huns and the Turks. This remarkable melding of cultural customs has left behind an astonishingly rich historical legacy that can be seen in its wealth of ancient remains, Orthodox churches and Ottoman architecture. Wherever you look you can find Neolithic ruins and Thracian tombs, striking monastic retreats and a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The strong Turkish and Greek influences can be found in its cuisine too, with yoghurts and white cheese accompanying an array of soups, delicately packed vine leaves and even whole spit roasted lamb. Bulgaria’s untamed landscapes provide sustenance of another kind, with mist-shrouded plains and snow-covered peaks providing a haven for wildlife and walkers alike. Here, high above the Danubian Plains, wolves and bears occupy lush primeval forests that are home to endangered flora, rare eagles and some of the richest biodiversity anywhere in Europe.
Bulgaria may be just on the doorstep, but it is a world away from the Europe we think we know.
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Group tours
Travel to Bulgaria with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
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WHEN TO GO
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Bulgaria though you should be up to date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Bulgaria the official unit of currency is the Lev.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
In the churches and cathedrals women should cover their heads with a scarf or hat, while men should take their hats off.
Language & Religion
Bulgarian is the country's official language and spoken by the vast majority of the population. Bulgarian is a Slavic language and its closest relative is Macedonian. The Bulgarian language is written with the Cyrillic alphabet.
In terms of religion, the largest denomination is Christian (approx. 85% of the total population), with the main form being Eastern Orthodox. Around 1% are said to be Roman Catholic, and just over 1% Protestant. Around 13% of the population are Muslim, with a small number following the Jewish faith.
Time
Bulgaria is 3 hours ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
Bulgaria is famous for its dairy products, mild spices and good quality vegetables. Chicken and pork dishes are the most common forms of meat, with lamb having a special traditional place in the diet. Fish, seafood and veal dishes are also popular in places.
Dishes are similar to what you may find in Serbia, Turkey and Greece, with local flavour to set it apart from its neighbours. Well renowned dishes include Musaka (a meat and egg-based pie), Banitza (a pastry), Lukanaka (salami), shopska salata (salad), Taratov (cucumber soup) and Kebapche (meat). Those feeling particularly brave could try shkembe chorba (tripe soup!)
Alcoholic drinks include Rakia (a strong drink made with grapes, plums, pears or apricots), Menta (sometimes mixed with milk), Mastika (a bit like Ouzo), alongside numerous award-winning wines from a tradition dating back to the times of the Ancient Thracians.
Travelling Solo In Bulgaria
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.