Bulgaria is one of the cradles of European civilization and the home of the world's oldest known writing system, engraved on the Gradeshnitsa Tablets. These have been dated to over 6000 years ago and are currently preserved in the Vratsa Museum. Rooted in the Thracian, Greek and Roman worlds of antiquity, Bulgaria's history dates back to prehistoric times and its continuous historical wealth throughout prominent cyclical eras of growth, decline and medieval renaissance rivals that of the much larger and more populous countries of China, India and Egypt. Thracians were the earliest known people to inhabit what is now Bulgaria and are direct ancestors of the modern Bulgarian nation.
It is believed that the oldest fabricated gold treasure in the world, the 6,500-year old Varna treasure of Eastern Bulgaria, is Thracian-made. One of the most talented ancient commanders, Spartacus, was a Thracian born in the middle Struma region.

Essentials:

Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September).

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use.

Language: Bulgarian is the official language, which uses the Cyrillic alphabet, but English, German and French is spoken in resorts, hotels and restaurants.

Communications: The country dialling code for Bulgaria is +359, followed by the relevant city code. The city code for Sofia is (0)2. Bulgaria offers a direct dialling service to 58 countries, which can be reached by adding the prefix 00 to the country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Calls to countries that cannot be accessed by direct dialling must be placed through an operator at 0123. Betcom or Bulgarian Telecommunication Company phone booths require a special card available from kiosks. Telephone offices are also available and are attached to post offices. Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe that has no peak or off-peak call times. The country has mobile GSM operators, and several Internet Service Providers. Internet cafes are on the increase in the big cities.

Climate in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian climate is temperate,with cool, damp winters, very hot, dry summers, and Mediterranean influence along the Black Sea coast. The barrier effect of the Balkan Mountains is felt throughout the country: Northern Bulgaria is slightly cooler and receives more rain than the southern regions. Average precipitation in Bulgaria is about 630 millimetres per year. The driest areas are Dobrudzha and the northern coastal strip, while the higher parts of the mountains Rila and Stara Planina receive the highest levels of precipitation. In summer, temperatures in the south of Bulgaria often exceed 40 degrees Celsius, but remain cooler by the coast.

Car Rental
If you like to drive and stay at hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, that is fine. We offer a choice of 2
companies offering budget vehicles, new vehicles and mini-buse. If you tell us your requirements we will happy prepare a quotation for you. See details: Bulgaria Car Hire

Motorhome - RV - Campervan - Camper
For flexibility, freedom and value for money it is really hard to beat Motorhome, RV, Campervan or Motorcaravan hire or rental. Our friendly and experienced team are here to assist and provide valuable free advice, plus the most competitive quotes. We offer the widest selection and we have a best value and best price guarantee.
See details: Bulgaria Campervan Hire


Canal Barge - River Cruise
You can also travel by boat. As the largest global canal boat wholesaler, we offer you a choice of 3 self skipper companies: Amadeus, Lufner, and Viking River Cruise:. Self drive barging or cruising is lots of fun. No license is required and boats are available for 2-12 passengers. It really is a terrific bonding time for families or just a great time for a group of friends. The boats are very comfortable and most boats have en-suites and comfortable cabins. BBQ's , fishing rods and outdoor deck furniture complete the picture.
For details, Bulgaria River Cruising

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry requirements for Americans: Citizens of the USA do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 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 or British National (Overseas) do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 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 90 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 90 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 Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days within a six-month period. A passport valid for the period of intended stay is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealanders do not require a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days within a six-month period. A valid passport valid for at least three months on entry 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, other than EU nationals, 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. Passports of all visitors should be valid for at least six months on entry for those requiring a visa, and three months on entry for visa exempt nationals other than those from EU countries, whose passports must be valid for period of stay.
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.

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.Despite its modern, cosmopolitan nature, Sofia has a laid back atmosphere and the proximity of Mount Vitosha, 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.

ATTRACTIONS IN SOFIA
St Sofia
St Sofia is the oldest Eastern Orthodox church in the city, dating from the 4th to 6th century, and is regarded as one of the most significant examples of early Christian architecture in the Balkans. In the 14th century the church gave its name to the city of Sofia, meaning ‘holy wisdom’. During the Turkish rule the church was converted into a mosque, but was abandoned after two successive earthquakes destroyed one of the minarets almost 30 years later, and it was again converted into an orthodox church. Local legends credit St Sofia’s miraculous powers for its protection over the centuries, surviving occupations and natural disasters to remain as a spiritual inspiration to the city.Address: 2 Paris Street; Telephone: (0)2 870 971

St George Rotunda
The rotunda church of St George is considered to be the oldest building in Sofia, dating to the 4th century, and is situated amid the remains of the ancient Roman town of Serdica. St George Rotunda is famous for its exquisite architecture and layers of medieval frescoes that were discovered under a covering of plaster. The magnificent dome is protected by UNESCO and the church functions at present as a museum.

Address: 5 Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya; Telephone: (0)2 981 6541; Opening time: Daily except Friday 8am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm; Admission: Free

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 Nessebur

CONTACTS:
Lastly and I hope you don't need it, but should you require consular help - here are the details
Bulgarian Tourist Authority, Sofia: + 359 (0)2 987 9778 or www.bulgariatravel.org
Bulgarian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 387 0174.
Bulgarian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7584 9400.
Bulgarian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3215.
Bulgarian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6286 9711.
Bulgarian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: + 27 (0)12 342 3720/1.
Bulgarian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 3293.
United States Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 937 5100.
British Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 933 9222.
Canadian Consulate, Sofia: +359 (0)2 969 9710.
Australian Consulate, Sofia: +359 (0)2 946 1334.
South African Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 981 6682.
Irish Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 985 3425.
Emergencies: 166 (police); 150 (medical)

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. Car rental: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Tani Rent and Sixt have desks located in the arrivals hall. 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 lounge with Internet access, and a luggage-wrapping machine at departures. Parking: There is 24-hour short and long-term 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)52 573 323. Transfer to the city: Public bus 409, which passes through central Varna and travels as far as Golden Sands resort, serves the airport; departures are from in front of the VIP hall. Taxis are available in front of International Arrivals, 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 including Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Europcar. Facilities: The airport has currency exchange facilities, a large restaurant and duty-free shops. Parking: Short-term parking bays are available. Departure tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only). Website: www.varna-airport.bg

Bourgas Airport (BOJ)
Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Bourgas. 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 Bourgas 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. Car rental: Car rental is available. 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