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Overview | Bulgaria has changed swiftly over the last decade, though in the villages you can still find folk who ride the donkey to work, eat homegrown potatoes and make their own cheese. The difference now is that they wash it all down in front of a satellite TV. | when To Go | Bulgaria has a temperate climate, with cold damp winters and hot dry summers. Spring particularly April to mid-June is an excellent time to visit. The days are getting longer, the weather is good, the theatres and other cultural venues are in full swing, off-season rates still generally apply, and locals are not yet jaded by waves of summertime visitors.Summer mid-June to early September is ideal for hiking and festivals, but is the peak season for travellers from elsewhere in Europe. Temperatures can be very high during this period, the beaches on the Black Sea coast can get insanely crowded, and accommodation and camping grounds in coastal resorts tend to fill up.September is perhaps one of the best months to see Bulgaria. The autumn trees are glorious, fruit and vegetables are plentiful, shoulder-season tariffs are in effect, the tourist hordes have returned home, and you can still swim and sunbathe at the Black Sea. The ski season begins in mid-December and can last until April. | Visas | Most nationals of EU countries are admitted without a visa for stays of less than 90 days. Nationals of some countries - including the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada - are admitted without a visa for stays of less than 30 days. Alternatively, a 90-day visa costs between 30.00-60.00 depending on the country where you apply. Visitors of most other nationalities are issued visas on a shifting fee scale depending on the type of visa sought - transit, tourist or business.Visitors supposedly must hold sufficient funds or returnonward tickets; in practice these are hardly ever required. | Weather | Bulgaria's climate is a distinct case of Mediterranean-meets-eastern-Europe. Summers have a few more wet days than the start of the year and are pleasantly hot and sunny, mostly sitting in the low 30°Cs high 80°Fs and slightly fresher at higher altitudes. Winters are your typical European affair, little sunshine and days averaging between -4°C and 6°C 25-42°F. The Black Sea moderates temperatures in the east of the country. Rainfall is highest in the mountains, and in winter life throughout Bulgaria is sometimes disrupted by heavy snowfalls. | Getting There | Bulgaria Air took over as national carrier from the thankfully defunct Balkan Airlines in November 2002. It has flights to most major European capitals but as yet there are no direct flights linking Sofia with the major Asian hubs or North America. Travellers from Australasia will usually have to connect through more popular European destinations. Buses and trains are the easiest way to get to Bulgaria from Europe and Turkey, with frequent services from Greece, Yugoslavia, Macedonia, Albania, Istanbul, Prague and Western Europe. The only Romania connection is a scrappy maxi-taxi service from Ruse, Bulgaria on the Danube River to Bucharest. The train from Greece is usually a hassle take the bus. |
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 |  | Bulgaria Activity Week Family Holiday | With its stunning scenery and mountain backdrop, Bulgaria is the perfect place for an action-packed summer adventure holiday. Over the first two days you will enjoy a range of activities and challenges including orienteering, kayaking, walking and a rope challenge - all to find the key to the hotel on the third night for a well-earned rest! During the fun, you will also learn how to set up camp, make a fire and prepare food. |
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|  | | | | Bulgarian Mountain Trials | Your on foot exploration of Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains begins in the north of the range, in the celebrated Seven Lakes area. Here you’ll make an ascent of Mt. Maliovitza 2729m and wander amongst the many high lakes, streams and waterfalls. A gentler day starts with breakfast in the company of a mountain shepherd and ends relaxing in an open air thermal pool. |
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| | | | | Bulgarian Winter Experience Family Holiday | This snow-filled week of adventure is based in the spectacular limestone gorges and peaks of Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains. The village of Chepelare boasts the country’s longest ski run but its impressive range of downhill and cross-country trails are altogether quieter than neighbouring resorts. As well as skiing and snowboarding you’ve time for optional snowmobile rides or dog-sledding. One evening you’ll also visit a local observatory for a tour of the spectacular night sky. |
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| | | | | High Peaks Snowshoeing | The Rila Mountains hold some of the highest and most beautiful peaks in the Balkan Peninsula. Offering great summer walking, in winter the mountains here are transformed into an even wilder and more dramatic environment. Over the course of your week you’ll enjoy a variety of snowshoe treks. In the shadow of Mt. Maliovitza 2729m you’ll trek in this beautiful wilderness area. Whilst snowshoeing from your pension in Guiletchitza to Panichiste, you’ll enter the celebrated Seven Lakes area. |
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