Welcome to Enchanting Journeys
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Bulgaria
Bulgaria Rose FestivalFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Sofia * Plovdiv * Kazanlak +.....Includes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation for 6 nights on Half Board• Services of English speaking Tour-guides• Entrance fees, wherever applicable• All Government Tax & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Contact Support• Farewell Gift
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Bulgaria
Coming soonFrom : $ Coming soonDiscover : -
Bulgaria
Coming soonFrom : $ Coming soonDiscover : -
Bulgaria
Retracing the Ottomans in BalkansFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Bulgaria * RomaniaIncludes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 14 nights with B/fast• Guided sightseeing• Entrance Fees, as indicated• Private A/c transport• All Government Taxes & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Emergency Contact
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Bulgaria
Bulgaria DiscoveryFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Sofia * Sandanski * Plovdiv...Includes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 9 Nights with B/fast• Services of an English speaking Guide• Entrance Fees• Private A/c Transport• 24/7 Assistance• Farewell Gift
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Bulgaria
Glimpses of BulgariaFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Sophia * Veliko Tarnovo * PlovdivIncludes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 7 Nights with B/fast• Services of an English speaking Guide• Entrance Fees• Private A/c Transport• 24/7 Assistance• Farewell Gift
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Bulgaria
Bulgaria - Realm of the Brown BearFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Sofia * Yagodina * SofiaIncludes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation for 9 nights on Half Board• Services of English speaking Tour-guides• Entrance fees, wherever applicable• All Government Tax & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Contact Support• Farewell Gift
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Bulgaria
Bulgaria Lavender FestivalFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Sofia * Plovdiv * Karlovo * KoprivshtitsaIncludes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation for 5 nights on Half Board• Services of English speaking Tour-guides• Entrance fees, wherever applicable• All Government Tax & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Contact Support• Farewell Gift
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Iron Curtain, no more…mesmerizing Bulgaria.awaits you…
Bulgaria - Realm of the Brown Bear
"Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” - Ibn Battuta
There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its scenic beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Eastern Europe is a region that encompasses many different amazing cultures, ethnicities, languages, histories, architecture as well as mind-blowing scenery. From Soul-stirring soaring mountains to golden sands while cities hum with nightlife & art, the Balkans reveal a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures - always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued.
You have to go because over 1000 years of history give you over 1000 reasons to come. Because every brick of old Castle walls has a fascinating story to tell. Because of the well-preserved nature & picturesque landscapes. Because of the tasty food & friendly people. Because a visit to the Balkans will give you a more profound understanding of the history of Eastern Europe. Not to forget the UNESCO World Heritage Sites & historical remnants.
Bulgaria is at the crossroads between Europe & Asia, with its rugged stone Churches, dazzling Monasteries & Castles dotting a pristine landscape of rocky mountains & rolling hills amidst a highly productive cutting-edge peasant culture thriving in much of the country. Come, journey with us to Dracula’s country where a beguiling blend of nature & history & unforgettable adventures are guaranteed
There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its scenic beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic and culinary diversity. Soul-stirring mountains rival golden beaches, while cities hum with nightlife & art. Within Bulgaria’s beguiling blend of nature & history, a mash-up of ancient & cutting-edge culture, unforgettable adventures are guaranteed. Come……experience the beauty of Bulgaria with us…….
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Europe’s almost unmanageable wealth of attractions is its biggest single draw: the birthplace of democracy in Athens, the Renaissance art of Florence, the graceful canals of Venice, the Napoleonic splendour of Paris, and the multilayered historical & cultural canvas of London. Less obvious, but no less impressive attractions include Moorish palaces in Andalucía, the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the World in Turkey, the majesty of meticulously restored Imperial palaces in Russia's former capital St Petersburg & the ongoing project of Gaudí's La Sagrada Família in Barcelona.
Once you have ticked off the great museums, panoramic vistas & energetic nightlife, what's left? A chance to indulge in a culinary adventure to beat all others, that's what! Who wouldn't want to snack on pizza in Naples, souvlaki in Santorini or even haggis in Scotland? But did you also know that Britain has some of the best Indian restaurants in the world; that Turkey's doner kebab is a key part of contemporary German food culture; and that in the Netherlands you can gorge on an Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table)? Once again Europe's diversity & global reach is its trump card.
There is breathtaking natural scenery: rugged Scottish Highlands with glens & lochs; Norway's fabulous fjords, seemingly chipped to jagged perfection by giants; the vine-raked valleys of the Loire; & Cappadocia's fairy-tale landscape. If you are looking for beaches, a circuit of the Mediterranean's northern coast reveals one gem after another. Or strike out to lesser known, yet beautiful coastal regions such as the Baltic & Black Seas. Mountain lovers should head to the Alps: they march across central Europe taking in France, Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy & tiny Liechtenstein.
Europe has some of the best nightlife in the world. Globally famous DJs keep the party going in London, Berlin & Paris, all of which also offer top-class entertainment, especially theatre and live music. Other key locations for high-energy nightlife include Moscow, Belgrade, Budapest & Madrid, while those hankering for something more cosy, can add Dublin's pubs or Vienna's cafes to their itinerary. Continue to party on the continent's streets at a multiplicity of festivals & celebrations, from city parades attended by hundreds of thousands to intimate concerts in an ancient amphitheatre.
Though change is coming quickly to the Balkans, timeless traditions retain their currency - in some parts, even blood feuds aren't as ancient as they ought to be. It is a region where you can barely keep up with the nightlife, but still get stuck behind a horse & cart. Urban landscapes are a pop-up book of European architectural history on a grand scale. Winding Ottoman streets are punctuated with Byzantine churches, Austro-Hungarian villas & angular communist-era blocks. Throw in some Roman ruins & Venetian palazzos, then wrap it all in a medieval wall & plonk it by the sea.
Eastern Europe is a region that encompasses many different cultures, ethnicities, languages & histories.
Destinations here have one thing in common: they were all behind the Iron Curtain before its fall & this political boundary of the last century helps us define a region whose development, especially until the 1990s, has been very different from that of Western Europe.
But the truth is that surreal, exciting & constantly surprising Eastern Europe is an amazing warehouse of culturally, geographically & historically fascinating places as well as mind-blowing scenery & Bulgaria is a part of that mystique.
Now, let us talk about mesmerizing Bulgaria where soul-stirring mountains rival golden beaches, while cities hum with nightlife & art. Within Bulgaria’s beguiling blend of nature & history, unforgettable adventures are guaranteed.
Bulgaria is a mysterious, multilayered country, with ski fields as fantastic as its beaches. A Balkan nation with diverse terrain encompassing Black Sea coastline, a mountainous interior & rivers, including the Danube, it is a cultural melting pot with Greek, Slavic, Ottoman & Persian influences and has a rich heritage of traditional dance, music, costumes & crafts.
Black Sea Beaches | Churches & Religious Art | Ancient History
But the truth is that surreal, exciting & constantly surprising Eastern Europe is an amazing warehouse of culturally, geographically & historically fascinating places as well as mind-blowing scenery & Bulgaria is a part of that mystique.
Long, sandy beaches & fine weather reel holidaymakers into Bulgaria’s Black Sea resorts each summer. Bulgarian ‘inlanders’ are helplessly drawn to the freshening sea breeze & miles of turquoise water. Even the coast's two big cities, Varna & Burgas, have attractive beaches within minutes of their urban hearts. And while the sunny beach, Sozopol & other favourites are thoroughly developed, there are still plenty of undiscovered coves north & south of the major hubs.
Whispers of history emanate from Bulgaria’s fortresses & ruins. Caves secreted in river-sculpted wilds hold traces of Neolithic settlements. The mysterious Thracians left behind dazzling hauls of gold & silver and tombs that can be explored to this day. The Romans built cities of breathtaking scale, the bathhouses, walls & amphitheatres of which sit nonchalantly in the midst of modern cities such as Varna & Plovdiv. Successions of tsars strutted along the ramparts of Tsarevets Fortress at former capital Veliko Tarnovo. And these histories are no less relevant today, with Thracian art & Bulgaria’s victory over the Ottomans continuing to inspire.
Bulgaria’s untamed landscapes quicken the pulse of hikers, mountain bikers & skiers. Seven mountain ranges ripple across the country; glacial lakes sparkle between these snow-dusted peaks & tangles of forest conceal wolves, bears & lynx, a glimpse of Europe’s primeval past.
Networks of trails & hizhas (hiking huts) allow access to such raw beauty as mist-cloaked panoramas in the Stara Planina range & sunrise from Bulgaria’s second-highest peak, Mt Vihren (2915m). Between trekking among Rodopi villages, thundering across ski fields in Bansko or birdwatching in Pirin National Park, Bulgaria has much to delight (& exhaust) lovers of the great outdoors.
No visitor to Bulgaria can fail to be impressed by its religious art, from vast gold-domed churches to miniature icon paintings. Sofia’s Aleksander Nevski Church & the 10th century Rila Monastery draw visitors & pilgrims galore, while Tryavna’s wood carvings and Bachkovo’s apocalyptic murals are gathering fame.
But Orthodox churches in even the tiniest villages have much to admire: emotive paintings of saints, often set in carved wooden screens (iconostases), appear magical when bathed in flickering candlelight. Almost as spectacular are the settings of many sacred buildings: granite cliffs, thrashing streams & lonely mountain passes.
What could be more alluring than heavy metal concerts in a Roman stadium, light shows over a medieval fortress, or crumbling mansions reborn as bars? Archaeological discoveries are made all the time, so there is something new & compelling each time one visits, the perfect excuse to keep coming back.
On this 10 day experience, encounter some of the captivating historical highlights & inspiring beauty of this enchanting land but this exciting holiday is focused in core Brown Bear habitat, dominated by remote forested ridges & gorges, studded by glades & some stunning rocky karst terrain.
There will be daily hikes through the heart of prime Bear habitat, & you will you learn how to look out for tell-tale signs of bear activity & record evidence like tracks, scats & other signs of bear activity as part of an on-going Brown Bear Conservation Project.
Not only does this Brown Bear watching holiday include daytime tracking it also features nocturnal searches too with a couple of evenings spent in a bear hide keeping watch over areas where recent activity has been noticed during the day.
On 2 evenings there will be the chance to visit a specially constructed Bear watching Hide from where there are good opportunities to see some of the Bears whose activity the researchers have been monitoring in the mountains. In addition, you will assist the Researchers in setting & checking the Camera Traps that have been hidden within the forests to collect & collate photographic data.
Although no Bear watching holiday in Bulgaria can guarantee sightings we are sure that visitors will get plenty of educational opportunities to learn & understand the behaviour and habitat of one of Europe’s most impressive predators.
The highlight will be the wonderful opportunity for those wanting to observe Brown Bears in the wild & to discover more about the life of these secretive animals. You will not only see Bears in the wild but also have an understanding & appreciation of the fascinating way of life of these mysterious & often misunderstood animals. The journey accompanied by a Bear expert, gives a unique insight into the behaviour & ecology of these most iconic yet secretive carnivores in the remote Rodopi Mountains.
Within Bulgaria’s beguiling blend of nature & history, a mash-up of ancient & cutting-edge culture, unforgettable adventures are guaranteed ……. Take the plunge now & yep….a warm welcome, historical secrets & the Bears await you in Bulgaria & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.
Come…be inspired & discover the World with us
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Bulgaria - Realm of the Brown Bears |
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Day |
City |
Transfers | Sightseeing |
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Any Day |
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01 | 00 | 0 |
Sofia |
✈ vArrival Transfer | PM Folklore Show |
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02 | 00 | 0 |
Sofia |
AM | PM Sofia + Turkish Hammam Experience | Free (evening) |
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03 | 00 | 0 |
Yagodina |
AM vTransfer | Free (balance of the day) |
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04 | 00 | 0 |
Yagodina |
AM | PM Yagodinska Peshtera Caves + Bear Tracking |
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05 | 00 | 0 |
Yagodina |
AM Nature Walk | PM Nocturnal Bear Tracking |
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06 | 00 | 0 |
Yagodina |
AM Game Breeding Reserve | Free (balance of the day) |
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07 | 00 | 0 |
Yagodina |
AM Bear Tracking | Free (balance of the day) |
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08 | 00 | 0 |
Yagodina |
AM Bear Tracking | Free (balance of the day) |
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09 | 00 | 0 |
Sofia |
AM Jungle Walk | PM vTransfer | Free (balance of the day) |
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10 | 00 | 0 |
Sofia |
Departure Transfer v ✈ |
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Enchanting Bulgaria - yours to discover
Bulgaria - Realm of the Brown Bears
Sofia * Yagodina * Sofia
10 Days | 09 Nights
Day 01 - | Arrive ✈ Sofia at????
There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history, dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. From soaring mountains to golden sands, Central | Eastern Europe reveals a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures – always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued.
Welcome to mesmerizing Bulgaria where soul-stirring mountains rival golden beaches, while cities hum with nightlife & art. Located at the crossroads between Europe & Asia, the land of Bulgaria, has been inhabited since ancient times & it is no coincidence that the first European civilization was born here. Within Bulgaria’s beguiling blend of nature & history, unforgettable adventures are guaranteed.
Arrive in the ‘eternal’ city of Sofia, Bulgaria’s pleasingly laid-back capital & its largest city today.
After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Sofia International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.
If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer. Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.
Reach the hotel & Check-in.
*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.
Balance of the morning / afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Sofia is no grand metropolis, but it is a largely modern, youthful city, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques & stubborn Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel. Recent excavation work carried out during construction of the city’s metro unveiled a treasure trove of Roman ruins from nearly 2000 years ago, when the city was called 'Serdica'.
Ancient History| Churches & Religious Art |Cultural Treasures | Beaches
Founded thousands of years ago, Sofia is often overlooked by visitors heading straight to the coast or the ski resorts, but they are missing something special.
The city is located at a strategic crossroads as the route from Western Europe to Istanbul passes through Sofia via Beograd & Skopje, then through Plovdiv to Turkey. Sofia also connects The Near East & the Middle East, lying between the banks of The Danube & the shores of The White Sea on the one hand, and between the Black Sea & Adriatic on the other.
Away from the buildings & boulevards, vast parks & manicured gardens offer a welcome respite, and the ski slopes & hiking trails of mighty Mt Vitosha are just a short bus ride from the centre. Home to many of Bulgaria's finest museums, galleries, restaurants & clubs, Sofia may persuade you to stick around & explore further.
Sofia preserves many valuable monuments to its long & storied past. Visitors exploring the city’s streets can see remnants of the Eastern Gate from the days when Sofia was Serdika & Sredets, dating from the 2nd – 4th centuries CE. These remains are exhibited in the underpass connecting the Presidential Palace & the Ministerial Council, surrounded by shops selling traditional Bulgarian souvenirs & rosewater.
Evening at 07.00 pm, you will be picked up & transferred to enjoy Dinner & a folklore show at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant. If you love folk culture, you will adore this evening outing - Sofia is at its most beautiful by night.
Discover the beauty of Sofia as you soak up the illuminated sights on the scenic drive, passing by St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the largest in Bulgaria & the 2nd biggest in the Balkans, Monument to the Deity All-Holy Sofia, Amphitheatre of Serdica, Banya Bashi Mosque (the only functioning mosque in Sofia) & the “Roman Wall” – an open-air prayer site from 15th century.
Continue to the main Square of Narodno Sabranie to see the Parliament building & magnificent statue of Bulgaria’s King Liberator, Tsar Osvoboditel Alexander II,
Marvel at the onion domes of the Saint Nikolas Russian Church & pass the ornate façade of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. See the serious buildings of the Presidency & Council of Ministers, National Palace of Culture & National Stadium of Vasil Levski, located in the expansive Borisova Garden near Lake Ariana.
Reach Veselo Selo restaurant, situated in the beautiful forest of Borisova Garden.
Savor a 4 course hearty Bulgarian buffet dinner menu of typical Bulgarian dishes as you enjoy a fantastic folklore show with traditional songs, dance, music & costumes.
Come back to the hotel by 10.30 pm.
Overnight. D
Day 02 - | Sofia
Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & proceed for a 6 hour a ‘walking’ sightseeing tour of the city.
Bulgaria's largest city is one of Europe's most compact & walkable capitals - offering guests a real cosmopolitan east-meets-west vibe. Uncover the cultural charms of Sofia on this guided walking tour. Discover the city's fascinating historic centre, pass impressive sights like the Parliament Square, National Theatre & the King's Palace.
See the Neo-Byzantine style gold domed Alexander Nevski Cathedral - built to honour the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria's independence in 1878. Visit the Crypt - a precious Museum of Orthodox Art located here. During the construction of St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, they planned the ground floor be a tomb for the Bulgarian kings. But none of the kings were buried there. Therefore in 1965, the space under the Church was converted into a branch of National Gallery for Orthodox Art.
The Museum of Icons inside the Cathedral Crypt houses what is claimed to be the largest collection of Orthodox Icons in Europe. The impressive collection of works covered a long period - the adoption of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century to the Bulgarian National Revival (18th - 19th centuries) and the exhibition includes over 200 Icons from the 13th - 19th centuries, 3 fragments of wall paintings, engravings & other antique religious artifacts. Artisans & artists have worked for 30 years in order to establish the Crypt where you will admire at 300 frescoes & decorative elements of marble, onyx, alabaster & gold. Actually, Bulgarian icons have always fascinated people, evoking profound respect & admiration.
Next stop will be the famous UNESCO World Heritage listed early 4th century red-brick Christian St. George Church & Rotunda.
The still active 2nd oldest preserved Eastern European Orthodox structure has a really dramatic history. It was destroyed by the Huns, rebuilt as a Church, then turned into a Mosque by the Ottomans. The Roman Rotunda has been recently restored & it is worth seeing due to its simple, but still exquisite architecture, remarkable remnants of frescoes & the entire complex of ruins behind the altar.
Visit the Church of St Petka of the Saddlers (a.k.a. St. Petka Samardzhiyska) - a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox Church located in a small one-naved building partially dug into the ground, in the very centre of the city. It was built under the Ottoman occupation with donations from the region’s master saddlers. At that time, the building of Churches was tolerated if their height does not exceed that of a soldier on horseback. This explains why it was half buried under the ground level. The still operational Church was first mentioned in the 16th century & today, is a monument of culture known for its mural paintings from the 14th - 19th centuries depicting biblical scenes.
Drive to UNESCO World Heritage listed Boyana Church, in the eponymous Sofia suburb at the foot of Mt. Vitosha. It is one of the few complete & perfectly preserved medieval monuments with especially fine wall paintings, testifying to the significant contribution of Bulgarian monumental painting to European culture in the Middle Ages. This Church owes its world fame mainly to its frescoes from 1259. They form a 2nd layer over the paintings from earlier centuries & represent one of the most complete & well-preserved monuments of Eastern European mediaeval art. A total of 89 scenes with 240 human images are depicted on the walls of the church. The name of the painter was recently discovered during restoration. The inscription reads: “Zograph Vassilii from the village Subonosha, Sersko & his apprentice Dimitar”.
There are several layers of wall paintings in the interior from the 11th - 19th centuries which testify to the high level of wall painting during the different periods. The paintings with the most outstanding artistic value are those from 13th century. Whilst they interpret the Byzantine canon, the images have a special spiritual expressiveness and vitality and are painted in harmonious proportions.
Last stop will be the National Museum of History situated in the former residence of the Communist governor in Bulgaria, at the foothills of Vitosha mountain. The building itself has a historical significance for Bulgaria, as it is here that the beginning of the transition period started back on 10th of November 1989 after the resignation of the communist leader Todor Zhivkov. The interior is a cubic structure with a lot of woodcarvings, big windows & open space for receptions. In an area of 6000 square meters, there are over 10, 000 artefacts that represent the history of Bulgaria (from the 9th millennium B.C. until the mid 20th century).
Founded in 1973, it is one of the largest history Museums on the Balkans with 650.000 items and the largest archaeological & historical archive. The aim of the Museum is to provide a comprehensive view on Bulgarian history from the prehistory to present, in a broad European context. In one of the Museum`s sections, you can follow the history when Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman Empire (1396 – 1878).
The Tour concludes & you return to the hotel (if you want to continue exploring, you will return to the hotel on your own).
Later, meet the Journeys Rep & embark on a ‘wellness’ experience directly connected to Bulgaria’s ancient history.
Proceed to a Turkish Hammam. (traditional Turkish bath) & pamper yourself in true Middle Eastern style with a 2 hour ‘hammam’ experience.
A public Turkish hammam is a steam room where people go to clean themselves, similar to a Scandinavian sauna or a Roman bath. It is based on the same principles as the steam bath but the focus is on water rather than steam. Either the Turkish bath has 2 sections, one for each sex, or it admits men & women at separate times of the day.
The beneficial properties of a Turkish bath can also help people suffering from localised aches & pains since better blood circulation carries more oxygen to damaged areas and inevitably brings about an immediate reduction in pain & more rapid healing.
The average temperature in a Hammam is 107 degrees F, while saunas & steam baths usually exceed this temperature. The treatments use hot steam to encourage a deep & invigorating cleanse. Many treatments also use vitamin-E rich, olive-based soap known for its skin-nourishing & exfoliating properties.
A traditional package includes 45 minutes of washing; traditional body scrubbing with handwoven wash cloth known as a kese (exfoliating mitt), a foam wash & a massage. Treatments vary by different Hammams but the general process is first soaking in a pool or sitting in a steam room, then enjoying an invigorating body scrub, being rinsed, exfoliated & gently massaged - a time honored procedure dating back to the Ottoman Empire that was central to Middle Eastern culture.
Head inside, and be shown to a locker room to don your nahn (wooden clogs) & pestemal (traditional, towel-like robe). Then, enter the steam room; a tiled, dimly lit room filled with hot, moist air. Take a seat & relax into the steam, waiting as you build up a light sweat & the humidity teases toxins & impurities out of your skin.
After a maximum of 15 minutes here, relax on a warmed stone or in the rest areas & pour soothing warm water over your body from the copper bowls. Then, stretch out & enjoy an invigorating body scrub performed by one of the skilled attendants. Bask in the long, sweeping movements designed to cleanse your pores, stimulate circulation & remove any dead skin.
Next, relax into a soapy scrub as the attendant smothers you in clouds of soft suds & enjoy a wonderful 15 minute massage, perhaps with rose water & oils.
After the 2 hour experience, you will come away feeling totally rejuvenated & renewed.
Return to the hotel.
Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations or perhaps, try one of the many optional activities available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Overnight. B L D
Day 03 - | Sofia v Yagodina Drive: 228 km
Morning, depart for the village of Yagodina, a traditional rural settlement of less than 1000 people, driving through the amazing Byunovsko gorge, towering over both sides of the Buynovka river.
Arrive by afternoon & Check-in at a small village hotel, where you will be based for the next 6 nights. The hotel is owned & run by a local family and most of the organic food (including milk, cheese, butter, jam, honey etc.) is either home produced or locally sourced.
The isolated village of Yagodina is tucked away in the remote western part of the Rhodopi mountain, close to the border with Greece.
Yagodina, close to the border with Greece, lies isolated & tucked away in the Trigrad Karst region, one of the most remote parts of the Rodopi Mountains. The village is famed for its self-sufficiency & the hospitality of its inhabitants.
The village is a favorite for spelunkers & adventure lovers. There is a rich variety of more then 40 Cave formations found in the surroundings and the most popular & most beautiful is the Yagodinska Peshtera Cave.
A special path through the Cave offers the opportunity to see the wonderful underground world formed in the course of millions of years. The cave life found within, includes some rare Cave invertebrates & several species of bat. It is also the ideal place to learn about the evolution of Bears & their relationship with early Man. Do not miss to visit the Eneolithic cave-dwelling situated 10 minutes from the artificial entrance of the Cave.
You can also follow some tourist trails around the village, the most known is from the village of Trigrad (2h30min).
Later in the evening, you will be welcomed by the Tour Leader - a member of the local NGO ‘Wild Rodopi’ whose Brown Bear Research & Conservation Project you will be assisting on. You will be briefed about the activities for the week. Information will also be provided about safety in Bear country & about the specific issues of responsible tourism connected with Bear-focused ecotourism.
Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations (we will be happy to offer suggestions).
Overnight. B L D
Day 04 - | Yagodina
Early morning, meet the Tour-guide at 07.00 am & proceed to the Yagodinska Peshtera Caves.
The Cave is on the right bank of the river Buynovska, a tributary to the Vacha, on the slopes of the Buynovo gorge - the longest gorge in Bulgaria.
The exploration of the Cave commenced in 1963 by the Speleological Club of Chepelare led by Dimitar Raychev. Yagodinska Cave is 10,500 metre long & has 3 levels. Initially 8,500 metre have been explored & 2,000 metre more Galleries were discovered during the 2nd mapping of the Cave in 1982-1986. The age of the Cave is estimated at 275,000 years.
A 1,100 metre path in the lowest level was electrified in 1978 - 1982 & opened for tourists. The Entrance & Exit for that level are through artificial tunnels with a length of 150 metre & 80 metre respectively. The altitude of the Entrance & Exit is 930 metre & 937 metre respectively.
The natural entrance leads to the uppermost level, where an ancient dwelling dated to the 4th millennium BC was discovered. Excavations have proven that the dwelling was an important centre producing Ceramics. The clay was extracted from the interior of the Cave & from the bed of the Boynovska River. The Pottery was baked in clay furnaces. The inhabitants abandoned the site as a result of a collapse caused by an earthquake.
The Cave is an important site for Bats due to the large length of its Galleries. Home to 11 species of Bats. Of these, 6 species are of conservation importance in Europe: the greater & the lesser horseshoe bats, the greater & lesser mouse-eared bats, Bechstein's bat & Geoffroy's bat.
Return to the village in time for lunch.
Later in the afternoon, accompanied by the Ranger, set off on your first Bear tracking (around 10 km / 2.5 hour), which will lead you into the surrounding forests searching for, recording & interpreting evidence of Brown bear activity such as scats, prints & various feeding signs..
The Ranger & volunteers will also set up a camera trap at a suitable site in the hope of filming any passing bears or other wildlife over the coming week. There will be an introduction to safe Bear / Human interaction & behaviour.
Return to the village & relax for a couple of hours.
After an early dinner, get ready to go out again & drive / walk to reach the Bear Hide (camouflaged tents) for your second observation of night time activities in the forest clearing & get into position by around 6:30 - 7.00 pm before dark
The specially positioned Hides for keeping watch over areas where recent Bear activity has been noticed during the day, can accommodate up to 3 people. This is where visitors spend few hours after sunset or before sunrise or even all night waiting for the bear to appear, keeping pin-drop silence all the time. The bears are usually seen from 30-50 meters but sometimes a closer view may be possible. You may see a mother with cubs or solitary males & other nocturnal wildlife too.
Although no Bear watching holiday in Bulgaria can guarantee completely successful sightings we are sure that this experience will provide an opportunity for plenty of exciting educational encounters to help travellers begin to understand the behaviour & habitat of one of Europe’s most impressive predators.
Bears are attracted to the Hide by the presence of corn, but are not dependant on this for their diet. Depending on the amount of activity in the clearing, you may stay until 11.00 pm, or the group members can decide to stay longer or leave earlier.
Return to the village.
Overnight. B L D
Day 05 - | Yagodina
Early morning, meet the Ranger at 08.00 am & set off on a panoramic Nature Walk in the rugged & rocky karst terrain, rich in birds, butterflies & orchids.
A short drive will bring you to the trailhead for the start of a beautifully varied walk in a little-visited part of the region. Having forded a shallow stream, follow a series of old forestry tracks that are also used as a convenient network of trails by Brown Bears. Here, in spring & early summer, you can find several interesting species of Orchids as well.
This area is not only rich in numerous varieties of butterflies & birds, but is also of great historical interest. During the walk, you will visit a site which, according to some historians & archaeologists, was the place where Orpheus was torn to pieces by the wild Maenads, the female followers of Dionysus. It certainly seems a suitably mystical & atmospheric spot that fits in well with Ovid’s poetic description of these dramatic events.
Enjoy the wonderful views as you walk, zig-zagging steeply down into the depths of the Buynovsko Gorge on a rough & stony path that leads through a favoured feeding region for both Brown bear & Balkan chamois. The rocks are also home to several typical cliff dwelling species of bird including the beautiful Wall-creeper, Peregrine Falcon, Rock Thrush, Crag Martin & Alpine Swift. It is also possible to spot other raptors gliding over, such as Golden Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard & Kestrel
Make a steep, steady climb up the stony flank of the mountain ridge above the village. On reaching the ridgeback, climb up to the highest peak where you would be rewarded with a wonderful cliff-top view-point.
Come back to the hotel & relax for a couple of hours.
After an early dinner, get ready to go out again & drive / walk to reach the Bear Hide (camouflaged tents) for your second observation of night time activities in the forest clearing & get into position by around 6:30 - 7.00 pm before dark
The specially positioned Hides for keeping watch over areas where recent Bear activity has been noticed during the day, can accommodate up to 3 people. This is where visitors spend few hours after sunset or before sunrise or even all night waiting for the bear to appear, keeping pin-drop silence all the time. The bears are usually seen from 30-50 meters but sometimes a closer view may be possible. You may see a mother with cubs or solitary males & other nocturnal wildlife too.
Although no Bear watching holiday in Bulgaria can guarantee completely successful sightings we are sure that this experience will provide an opportunity for plenty of exciting educational encounters to help travellers begin to understand the behaviour & habitat of one of Europe’s most impressive predators.
Bears are attracted to the Hide by the presence of corn, but are not dependant on this for their diet. Depending on the amount of activity in the clearing, you may stay until 11.00 pm, or the group members can decide to stay longer or leave earlier.
Return to the village.
Overnight. B L D
Day 06 - | Yagodina
Morning, meet the Ranger at 08.00 am & proceed to explore the Game Breeding Reserve, home to several species of ungulate, the main prey for the region’s large carnivores, located about 45 minute drive from the village.
Here, combining exploration by 4WD & on foot, observe & discover more about some of the other wildlife with which Brown Bears share these mountains, including Wild Boar, Roe Deer, Red Deer, Balkan Chamois & Mouflon. This gives us a chance to understand more about critical contemporary conservation issues such as hunting, poaching, rewilding & species’ reintroductions.
Return to the hotel by afternoon.
Balance of the day is at leisure.
Overnight. B L D
Day 07 - | Yagodina
After breakfast, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed on foot & cross an area of rolling open pastures & begin a steady climb on the network of old forestry tracks into the forest, following a route that is frequently used by both Wolves & Bears.
Another exciting Bear tracking through the dense forests & meadows to a less visited part of the region. The further you climb, the wilder the landscape feels & in places, the forests are punctuated with clearings & meadows that are often grazed by Roe deer & Wild boar, and where in early summer a variety of rare flowers & butterflies can be seen.
Later in the day, reach the dappled shade of a river valley, a favoured place for Bears & also a suitable habitat for more interesting plants & butterflies.
The group will also be able to check camera traps that have been hidden within the forests, enabling visitors the sort of images that offer fascinating insight into Brown Bear behaviour as well as providing an exciting moment for Group collecting & collating photographic data along with the volunteers of Brown Bear Research & Conservation Project.
Come back to the hotel
Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations.
Overnight. B L D
Day 08 - | Yagodina
Today, get up very early, meet the Ranger at 06.00 am & set off on foot to begin a strenuous but highly rewarding 12 km Bear tracking trek through habitat of Brown Bear, Pine & Beech Marten, European Badger, Red Fox and Grey Wolf.
The group will also be able to check camera traps that have been hidden within the forests, enabling visitors the sort of images that offer fascinating insight into Brown Bear behaviour as well as providing an exciting moment for Group collecting & collating photographic data along with the volunteers of Brown Bear Research & Conservation Project.
Leaving the village pastures behind, begin a long steep climb, entering a densely forested region that is roamed not only by several Brown bears, but as the Camera Traps would have shown, a variety of other carnivores including Wildcat, Grey wolf, Red fox, European badger, Pine marten & Stone marten.
Especially exciting is the fact that Balkan lynx, a species considered extinct in Bulgaria for almost a century, has very recently been recorded here again!
The forests here also harbour many secretive birds such as Hazel Grouse, Black Woodpecker & Crested Tit. The midpoint of our trail brings us out onto some wonderful rock outcrops from where there are stunning views towards Greece, across waves of forested ridges that make a perfect trans-border corridor by which the large carnivore populations of Bulgaria & Greece can intermix.
Descending down through the silent forest, you will see the core of the Brown bear habitat. Here, you should see plenty of signs of bear activity, including several trees that they have bitten, scratched & rubbed. The Ranger’s explanations will give you a chance to learn more about some other fascinating aspects of Brown Bear behaviour.
The Project volunteers will also collect the Camera Traps, so that later back at the hotel, you can analyse the pictures & see what Bears & other wildlife is captured on film.
Return to the hotel
Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations.
Overnight. B L D
Day 09 - | Yagodina vSofia Drive: 228 km
Morning, Check-out, meet the Tour-guide at 07.00 am & proceed for a short walk along a beautiful forest path, which in spring & early summer, is renowned for its exceptional variety of rare orchids.
Formerly an ancient Thracian packhorse route, this path is often used by Brown Bear when feeding in the surrounding forests on beech mast & ants.
Later, hop on a bus & drive through beautiful valley of the Devinska Reka, where you will spend a couple of hours walking along on delightful riverside trails.
As well as being home to typical riverine birds such as Dipper & Grey Wagtail, the Valley also forms the heart of a specially designated Prime Butterfly Area & provides the perfect habitat for many rare & beautiful butterfly species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the river before hopping on your vehicle (which will have your luggage) & depart for Sofia.
Arrive by early evening & Check-in at the hotel.
Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations or to relax (we will be happy to offer suggestions or make arrangements).
Overnight. B L D
Day 10 - | Depart ✈ Sofia at????
Alas, the experience comes to an end & it is time to say good-bye to the warm Balkan hospitality & heritage & go home.
Check-out of the hotel by 11: 00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk).
Still Europe’s secret, a hidden treasure on the touristic map with beautiful clean cities. It is where East meets West, North meets South - literally & lyrically. It is where you can see influences of different cultures intertwine. From soaring mountains to golden sands, the Balkans reveal a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures - always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued.
Whispers of history emanate from Bulgaria’s fortresses & ruins, all have a fascinating story to tell. Caves secreted in Bulgaria’s river-sculpted wilds hold traces of Neolithic settlements. The mysterious Thracians left behind dazzling hauls of gold & silver, and tombs that can be explored to this day. A visit to the Balkans will give you a more profound understanding of the history of Eastern Europe. Not to forget the UNESCO World Heritage Sites & historical remnants.
The well-preserved nature & picturesque landscapes, the tasty food, friendly Bulgars and 1000 years of history, we are sure, may entice you to come back.
“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls” – Anais Nin
In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Sofia International Airport, for your onward journey. B
*** End of Services ***
Enchanting Bulgaria - yours to discover
- Transfers to / from Hotel / Airport and City Tours / Excursions by private A/c vehicle*
- Services of a Journeys Rep for assistance on all Arrival / Departure Transfers
- Porterage at Airport / Hotels
- Accommodation for a total of 9 nights in the selected Hotels
- Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner)
- Services of English speaking local Guide / Ranger for all Sightseeing Tours / Excursions as per Itinerary*
- Entrance Fees at the Monuments / Park, wherever applicable
- Wellness experience in Sofia – 2.5 hour Turkish Hammam Package with a 50 minute Therapeutic massage
- Bear Tracking – 3 Day Treks + 2 Nocturnal Experience
- Assisting the Volunteers of Brown Bear Research & Conservation Project
- All Government Taxes & Service Fees, wherever applicable
- Pre-paid rechargeable SIM Card (Data & Voice) to enable a 24 / 7 connection with family
- Bottled Water during Tours / Drives
- Farewell Gift
- 24 / 7 Emergency Contact
- International Airfare
- Visa or Visa Fee for Bulgaria (Canadian & US nationals do not need a Visa)
- Airport Tax payable on final departure, if any
- Camera / Video Fees, wherever applicable, at the Monuments
- Hotel Tax to be paid directly at the Hotels
- Items of personal nature i.e. Room Service, Laundry, Telephone Calls, Internet, Fax, Beverages, Medical or Evacuation Expenses, Insurance, Gratuities & Tips
- Any Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
- Any optional Programs / Services
- Any items not specified under Inclusions
*Seat in Coach. Guaranteed departures with minimum 4 guests. There may be other participants & group size may vary. Participants may come from all over the world & most of them will be English speaking. Private services with English speaking Tour-guide & vehicle can be arranged with a supplement cost. For less than 9 guests, the Tour will be guided by Tour-guide cum Driver. For 9 +, there will be a separate Tour-guide, in addition.
** Please note that the Program highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. The sightseeing tours combine ‘walking’ & driving. Some places you will see from inside, some from outside only. Some Monuments / places may require extra Entrance Fees to be paid for accessing some of the areas.
*** It is extremely rare that Programs need to be changed but it can occur. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the Itinerary if required, for example, occasionally the tour sequence & duration of time spent in each place can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. The Price will not be affected.
****Special Conditions, if any, related to specific Tours will be advised in due course.
Enchanting Bulgaria - yours to discover
Bulgaria - Realm of the Brown Bears
Where you will stay:
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Bulgaria - Realm of the Brown Bears |
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City |
Nights |
Superior *** |
First Class **** |
Deluxe***** |
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Sofia |
2 |
T B A |
Ramada Sofia |
T B A |
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Yagodina |
6 |
T B A |
Family Hotel * |
T B A |
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Sofia |
1 |
T B A |
Ramada Sofia |
T B A |
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9 |
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*No ratings.
The Journeys has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard due to non-availability of the selected hotels.
Check-in time is usually 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time is 11:00 am. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. We will ask at the front desk on your behalf, if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
Enchanting Bulgaria - yours to discover
Bulgaria - Realm of the Brown Bears
And last but not least:
Departures:
Arrival in Sofia on Any Day (minimum 4 guests)
Validity:
→ December 2023
Prices:
We offer several accommodation choices for this Journey. The price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary remains unchanged.
Exchange rates fluctuate with great frequency. As Rates are very fluid currently due to a host of reasons, there may be a slight change in the Pricing. Your personalised Proposal will depict the applicable Price.
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Bulgaria Discovery |
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Price Per Person - C$ |
Superior *** |
First Class **** |
Deluxe***** |
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Occupancy |
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Double |
Not Applicable |
Please request |
Please request |
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Supplements |
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Single Occupancy |
Not Applicable |
Please request |
Please request |
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Half Board |
Not Applicable |
Please request |
Please request |
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Full Board |
Not Applicable |
Please request |
Please request |
|
Airfare - International* |
Not Applicable |
1200 - 1500 |
1200 - 1500 |
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Miscellaneous |
Not Applicable |
TBA, if applicable |
TBA, if applicable |
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* Supplements, if applicable, to be advised at the time of Proposal / Booking.
** Airfare fluctuates by the minute & approximate range is for illustration only. Actual fare to be advised at the time of booking.
*** Flight timings may involve a pre & / or post tour ‘extra’ night with a supplement cost.
Some important notes
- Flights are subject to constant modifications / delays and cancellations. In such cases, we will do all possible to find the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any liability, whatsoever.
- Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
- The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions and in case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price accordingly.
- Our quotations are calculated on base category of accommodation at each property and are subject to modification, if the same hotel / category of room not available at the time of reservation. In that case, we will confirm a superior category of room at a comparable or better hotel and supplement charges, if any, shall be advised accordingly. Final Itinerary will illustrate updated information and / or it would be furnished at the time of confirmation.
- All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking.
- Room availability is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry, international Fairs and Congresses. Due to these constant sold- out situations the hotels are applying the cancellation rules more stringently. Once the reservation is guaranteed, the booking will be subject to full cancellation charges as per our Terms & Conditions (details will be advised at the time of deposit). We strongly recommend obtaining Insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen scenarios.
- Additional services including Optionals, if any, can be paid directly by the clients to our local offices.
The Journeys strongly recommends that all Guests purchase appropriate Travel Insurance (Trip Cancellation / Interruption & Medical) to cover any eventuality & / or Emergency. Between missed Connections, lost or delayed Luggage, or Medical Emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected. No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a Travel Protection Plan before you travel. Still unsure? Talk to us.
