DESTINATIONS - Bulgaria (Vicinity of Velingrad)

Bulgaria, the bridge between Europe and Asia, offers a myriad of opportunities for adventure travelers of any age. ELDER EXPEDITIONS is pleased to include the spa region of southwestern Bulgaria as an exciting destination where participants can discover the region's ancient traditions. The area’s soothing thermal waters and spectacular scenery, its blend of cultures and traditions and its numerous opportunities for a range of activities and exploration make it an exciting ‘off the beaten path’ destination. Velingrad, located about ninety miles from the Sofia Airport, is our Bulgarian focal point. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the town is known as the 'The Blue Pearl of the Rhodopi Mountains.' and as 'The Spa Capital of the Balkans.' The 78 hot mineral water springs with their curative values and unique mineral content make the area a favorite holiday destination for discerning Bulgarians.

Minimum participants: 2
Maximum participants: 8

Languages: Bulgarian, English, Russian, some German
(Elder Expeditions will attempt to accommodate additional language options based on the local guides accompanying the tour.)

Day 1: (Arrival Day)
Elder Expeditions’ senior adventurers will be met at the Sofia Airport at a time to be determined based on participants’ flight arrivals. From the airport we will travel to the spa town of Velingrad; stopping for coffee or tea on the way. Once we are settled into our hotel in Velinrad, a welcome meal will be provided. During the remainder of the day, we will be at leisure to discover and savor the thermal waters at the hotel or at nearby spa facilities which are described below in the section on Lodging.

Day 2: (Horseback Riding in the Foothills)
Following breakfast at the hotel, there will be time to use the spa facilities. At 10.30 a.m. we will depart for the stables, where each participant will be assigned a horse commensurate with his or her riding ability. After selecting either an English or western saddle and receiving some basic instruction (for participants not accustomed to the joys of being on horseback), we will mount and set off to explore the picturesque foothills of southwestern Bulgaria. Experienced riders in the group will have opportunities for brisk canters and a more challenging trek.

After a picnic lunch on the trail we will remount and continue our ride. Along the way, we’re very likely to spot some of the abundant wildlife in the area as well as shepherds and goatherds tending their flocks or gypsies with their horses and carts.

After returning our horses to the stables we will return to the hotel where we have another opportunity to indulge ourselves at the spa.

Dinner will be served at the hotel or a local restaurant.

Day 3: (Hiking)
Our day begins with breakfast at the hotel followed by use of the hotel’s spa facilities for those so inclined.
At 10.30 a.m. we will set out on a hike, through Bulgaria’s Rhodopi Mountains, with the level of challenge being adjusted to suit the group.
At noon we will stop for a picnic lunch on the hiking trail.
At approximately 3.30 p.m. we will complete our hike and return to the hotel where we will be free to indulge in the various amenities which the hotel offers.
Dinner will be served at approximately 6:30 p.m. at the hotel or a local restaurant

Day 4: (Horseback Riding)
After breakfast at the hotel and the optional use of the hotel’s spa facilities, we will be transferred to the stables to begin a second day of riding. Today we will venture into the mountains where we will enjoy some spectacular views of Bulgaria’s southwestern region.
About noon we will stop for a picnic lunch on the trail.
Following lunch, we will re-saddle our horses and continue our ride through the mountains, never knowing what fascinating vista awaits us around the next corner. At approximately 3.30 p.m. we will return to our hotel where we will be able to swim , have a massage, or where we can simply relax. .
6:30 Dinner at local restaurant

Day 5: (Visits to nearby Points of Interest)
After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for a visit to the town of Plovdiv to visit the Roman ruins (and to shop if the mood strikes). Lunch (which is NOT included in he tour cost) will be available in Plodiv’s historic old town.
We will return to the hotel for a bit of relaxation. Then, in the early evening there will be an opportunity for tennis, on our fantastic new courts, archery, and ATV jaunts for anyone interested. ATV instruction will be available.
A barbeque supper will be served.

Day 6: (Hiking or horseback riding, your choice)

The day starts with breakfast at the hotel and the optional use of the hotel’s spa facilities.

At 10.30 a.m. we will set off for a morning adventure in the mountains. You may choose if you wish to hike it, ATV it, or hoof it.

Whether hiking, ATVing, or on horseback, we will stop for a picnic lunch on the trail about noon, then proceed with our hike or ride through the afternoon.

AVAILABLE OPTION: You may choose to have a shorter ride, barbeque lunch and select to ride ATV, play tennis or mountain bike in the afternoon.

On this, our final evening with our new Bulgarian friends, we will be treated to a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with traditional singing and dancing.

Day 7: (Departure Day)
After breakfast at the hotel we will be transferred to the Sofia airport where we will bid farewell to our Bulgarian hosts. Our departure for the airport will be determined based on our flight times.

There will be an optional opportunity to do some kayaking for those so desiring. Anyone interested should discuss the arrangements (including price) with the Bulgarian hosts on site.

$825 per person, based on double occupancy. This price includes all transportation from the meeting point at Sofia Airport on Day 1, all excursions points, all activities and related safety equipment, the hotel accommodation, some spa facilities, all meals except as otherwise provided in the day to day itinerary, and the return to Sofia Airport on Day 7.

Single supplement is $180.

At our Bulgarian destination, ELDER EXPEDITIONS is pleased to offer a “mini-adventure special” where you can arrive on Monday and depart on Friday for a bargain price of $575 per person based on double occupancy. CONTACT ELDER EXPEDITIONS to arrange dates.

Single supplement of $130 applies to the mini-week

The stated prices do not include alcoholic beverages. Meals outside of those stated in the day to day itinerary, items of a purely personal nature, entrance fees to places of interest and fees associated with kayaking are also excluded from the above stated prices.

A fifty percent deposit is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance is payable four weeks prior to Day 1 of this holiday.

The Bulgarian currency is the leva. It is generally the only currency accepted in small shops, restaurants etc. Many small shops and merchants do not accept credit cards. You can order levas from your bank or local travel agent. The ATMs (cash distribution machines), located at the Sofia Airport (not a good exchange rate, avoid it if you can) and in the towns and cities dispense leva. You can also exchange pound sterling, euros and US dollars at local financial centers. Larger stores and supermarkets do accept cards.

Lodging will be in a local family run hotel mostly with air conditioning and all with private baths. Most of the rooms have a balcony with tables and chairs. Following an activity filled day our lodging facilities will pamper you with a range of relaxation possibilities. All of our selected hotels include swimming pools, saunas or steam baths. Some even have an Ice room and a volcano room. Massages and other treatments are offered at a very reasonable prices; at hotel or nearby. Restaurants and bars are located in the hotel and in the town.

Our itinerary lists our typical hotels. In the event any of these lodges are unable to accommodate our groups, a hotel of equal caliber will be chosen.

The activities on this trip do not require any particular experience or skill level. As we can accommodate different equestrian abilities, an experienced rider as well as a beginner will be wholly at ease. There is a weight limit of 200 pounds (120 kilo) for the equestrian activity.

Sufficient instruction will be provided for participants who are beginners or who have limited experience with respect to any of the listed activities. All that is required is a spirit of fun and adventure as well as an open mind and a willingness to try something new.

Participants should be generally in good health and able to walk up to 3 hours at a pace dictated by the group.

Elder Expeditions recommends that all participants engage in a physical conditioning and fitness program as part of trip preparation. Our fitness partner, Fit for Trips®, provides custom designed fitness programs designed especially for the activities of each of our ELDER EXPEDITIONS vacations.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passports only required.

If you are a European Union citizen make sure you have your E111 card for full Bulgarian national health treatment.

No inoculations are required to enter Bulgaria. All participants are advised to have a current tetanus shot.