Holidays in Bulgaria - what tourists need to know. Holidays in Bulgaria: not by sea alone

Before departure at the airport

If you bought tourist voucher to Bulgaria, then a flight to this country awaits you. You must arrive at the airport two hours before the departure of your flight, because check-in usually ends 40 minutes before departure.

A trip to Bulgaria can also be by bus. In this case, you must arrive at the group meeting place half an hour before the scheduled departure of the bus.

Required documents

You must have a foreign passport with a visa stamped on it (the validity of your passport should not be less than 180 days from the day your trip ends).

If you are traveling with a child aged five years or older, he must not only be included in your passport, but his photograph must also be included.

If you have been entrusted with someone else’s child under 16 years of age to travel, then you must have permission from both parents, certified by a notary, and the child’s birth certificate.

Also, you will need insurance policy, air tickets, voucher And Bank reference, if each person exports more than three thousand European currency.

If necessary, then power of attorney for a child.

So, you have the entire package of documents in your hands, go to registration on your own, going through passport control, and in 40 minutes you are ready to fly to Bulgaria.

Flight time is 1 hour 30 minutes. The baggage allowance is 20 kg.

There are no visa problems when traveling to Bulgaria. Its cost is 35 euros. The visa is issued within a week. You will not be interested in intimate details. For example: what bank account do you have, or what salary do you receive?

While you are in Bulgaria, if any document or luggage is lost, you must immediately notify your host guide. They will help you with the problem that has arisen.

The holiday season by the sea begins and I have a gift for you! Lyubov Gordeeva, a professional in her field, talks about how to have a holiday in Bulgaria that is interesting, tasty, comfortable and without unnecessary expenses. Lyubov lives in Bulgaria and organizes holidays. She knows everything about Bulgaria! There are many photos, stories and tips on Lyuba’s Instagram profile. If you use Instagram, subscribe Instagram.com/lyubovgordeeva And if you are not there yet, be sure to get yourself an Instagram account. There are not only cats and selfies, but a lot of interesting and useful information.
I give the floor to Lyuba).

My motto is rest without headaches. I know how uncomfortable it is to travel into the unknown, especially with small children. Therefore, on my blog on Instagram Instagram.com/lyubovgordeeva I talk about all the intricacies of holidays in Bulgaria, about the culture and traditions of this country. I myself live in Bulgaria, every day I go to stores, travel to different cities, communicate with people, and try to write about the most important and useful things. My article is a help to those who are just planning a holiday in Bulgaria. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them - here or in personal correspondence. Look for contacts at the very end.

When to go to Bulgaria on holiday

It's very easy to ruin your vacation if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. For example, you love the heat and sun, warm sea and non-stop beach, but you came to Bulgaria in early June for 10 days. What are you risking? 2-3 cloudy days in a row and cool sea. This is business as usual for June. The climate in Bulgaria is very mild. But there is no June without rain and cloudy days. And the sea has not yet fully warmed up.

Now, if you like excursions, wander through narrow cozy streets The Old Town, discover tiny cafes and shops, touch ancient ruins and medieval buildings - then you will definitely like it! And not only in June, but even in April and May.

By the way, we start sunbathing in April, and children plunge into the sea from the beginning of May. So if you don’t like heat and crowds, June is yours!

And also September, the Velvet season. In my opinion, September is the ideal month for a holiday in Bulgaria. The sea is warm, like fresh milk, the air and water temperature is above +20 degrees, the freshest seasonal vegetables and fruits, few tourists, all cafes and beach entertainment are still open (until mid-September, after the 15th they slowly begin to close).

Choosing a city for a holiday in Bulgaria

The second important aspect is the place of rest. I can’t tell you about all the resort towns in Bulgaria, so I’ll tell you about the most interesting ones to my taste.

If you want it to be noisy and fun, don’t even hesitate and boldly choose Sunny Beach! The city stretches for 10 kilometers along the sea, and has the widest (up to 1 km) beach. Thousands of hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops, clubs, casinos - everything you want.

Here you can find very cheap hotels and apartments - from 15 euros per night. But there are also luxurious expensive hotels and complexes with a huge territory.

If you want to relax quietly and calmly, choose Ravda. Low-rise buildings, cheerful colorful houses - hotels and apartments - tiny shops and restaurants, there is an embankment overlooking the sea and dozens of restaurants there. A kind of provincial resort life.

By the way, in Ravda there are very modern complexes with swimming pools, paradise gardens, near the sea, with a closed protected area.

Renting such apartments costs 30-50 euros per day. Feel free to contact me, I will help you choose the most best options accommodation.

Another interesting city in Bulgaria is Saint Vlas. A luxurious and expensive city, it is called “little Switzerland”. Mountain air mixes with sea air, forming healing air currents. In Soviet times, there was the most famous respiratory sanatorium here - people treated asthma and other respiratory diseases with air alone.

The most expensive apartments and hotels are here. Apartment rental – up to 200 euros per day. Even if you are vacationing in another city, be sure to visit the yacht port of St. Vlas. He will not leave anyone indifferent!

– this is a separate song. The old part, located on the peninsula, is protected by UNESCO and is a cultural and historical center Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. Architectural monuments created before our era are preserved here! Previously, there were ancient Greek settlements on the peninsula.

Today Nessebar is built up with small houses in the Bulgarian style, between which here and there are ancient artifacts, churches, baths. The first floors are occupied by souvenir shops and cafes. You can live right on the peninsula, in a tiny family hotel with sea views!

Flights to Bulgaria

Where to stay in Bulgaria: in an apartment or hotel

If you want to turn off your head and your trip is short, choose a hotel. And even better - a ready-made tour. This does not mean that you will have to go on excursions with other Russians, it means that they will prepare a tour package for you, which includes flights, hotels, transfers from the airport and back, and visas. And it will be cheaper than doing everything separately.

Hotels in Bulgaria with prices and reviews:

If you want to live in the country, feel the atmosphere, cook on your own (by the way, cooking with Bulgarian products is a pleasure) - choose an apartment. The apartment must have a kitchen, washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioning, balcony, dishes. Towels, bed linen. I will help you choose an apartment for the most comfortable stay.

What to see in Bulgaria

Be sure to see Old Nessebar. And also old Sozopol. They are completely different, but in both places you will find thousand-year-old buildings, unique Bulgarian style, cozy cafes and restaurants.

Near Sozopol there are very unusual place– Ravdinovo castle. This is a new building. But it is so stylish and unusual that it will not leave anyone indifferent. This castle is Georgi Tumpalov’s childhood dream - he dreamed of living in a fairytale castle, and he built it for himself.

Peacocks roam along the paths, quiet music plays, behind the fences there are horses, llamas, other animals and birds - everyone lives peacefully and is very fond of tourists. And in the pond in front of the castle swans swim - black and white.

Be sure to visit the excursion “Bulgarian Village” - you will see how the Bulgarians traditionally lived - how they farmed, what their houses looked like. The program includes a master class on preparing traditional Bulgarian food, a pottery lesson, as well as an unforgettable concert with national songs and dances (this is not a folklore group, the spectacle is very powerful and unforgettable), and even dancing on hot coals. Around the stage there are tables with traditional Bulgarian dishes, and drinks are unlimited.

If you have a thirst to visit as many as possible interesting places– go to Plovdiv, Mount Shipka, the Rila Monastery, visit the home of the famous soothsayer Vanga, or swim in the mineral springs in Hisar.

Bulgarian cuisine: what to try?

Bulgaria has a very rich national cuisine, and this is what is definitely worth going to Bulgaria for! First of all, the portions! Don't even think about ordering two salads for two. Try to master one first. I'm not even talking about the main courses. The portions are huge! Secondly – ​​diversity – Bulgarians know how to perfectly cook fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes. The main thing is to know the places.

Shopska salad - it would seem - feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers (here, by the way, they are called California peppers) - but it is so tasty!

Tarator is a traditional summer soup made with sour milk, similar to our okroshka. Without sausage, but with garlic and fresh cucumber.

Be sure to try sach - a hot frying dish made from vegetables, meat/fish/seafood - servings 400-900 g.

Banitsa is a pie made from the thinnest dough and cheese - be careful not to swallow your fingers!

Seafood - try everything - fish, mussels in all kinds of sauces, shrimp. If you're dining with a large group, order the fish plate - it's just an explosion of taste buds!

The entire Black Sea zone of Bulgaria is one hundred percent built up with hotels. Moreover, everyone will be able to choose a vacation spot according to their financial capabilities, since the number of stars in hotels and inns varies from two to five.

But you should take care of booking your seats in advance, because the closer the holiday season, the fewer available seats.

It is best for vacationers to choose a vacation spot by March or, in extreme cases, by April. For vacationers, it is important to know the parameters according to which it will be easier to make the necessary choice. First of all, this is the date of departure and date of settlement, the number of stars of the place of residence, the distance to the sea, cafes, restaurants and shops, and the type of room.

Once you have decided on the parameters, you can safely begin searching for a hotel or company that provides room reservation services. It is best to use the services of a company, since it will be difficult for a person who has never been to Bulgaria to decide on a stopping place. In addition, some private hotels do not post their advertisements on the Internet, which makes the search much more difficult, and the representative travel company It will be much easier to choose an acceptable option for you.

A double room in Bulgaria in an ordinary two-star hotel costs no more than 18 euros, a two-room room will cost 40 euros, and a three-room room will cost 50 euros. Meals are not included in the rental price and must be paid for separately. There are also hotels in Bulgaria that offer vacationers to cook their own food, but such hotels are located far from resort complexes.

average cost single room in a five-star hotel ranges from 45 euros to 130 euros. But, these prices are indicated during peak season, so if you book in advance, the price will be significantly lower.

If you book a holiday in March or April, you should be given a discount of ten or fifteen percent. Also, Bulgarian tour operators provide a five percent discount to those who book a vacation with them directly and not through other partners.

There are three airports in Bulgaria, located in the largest resort towns. Airports are located in Burgas, Sofia and Varna. Regular flights fly from Moscow to Bulgaria, departing from Sheremetyevo-2 and Domodedovo, in addition, some airlines organize charter flights.

You can apply for a visa at the Bulgarian Embassy, ​​it will cost you 25 euros. It is worth saying that obtaining a visa from tour operators will cost about 45 euros, but in this case you will not have to fill out forms and stand in long lines. A visa to Bulgaria is issued within three days. To obtain a visa, you must provide the following documents: photocopies of tickets, a passport valid for more than six months, and proof of financial well-being - from 50 euros per person per day.

But these strict rules can be circumvented. To do this, it is enough to show confirmation that you have booked a hotel room in Bulgaria. To obtain required document Twenty percent of the room rate must be paid. If you are going to Bulgaria for a long time and with children, then you need to provide a special medical certificate stating that the children need a long holiday at sea. And yet, a mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa is to have insurance. The cost of full health insurance for an adult is one euro per day, and for a child under three years old - two euros per day.

You can get to the hotel by taxi; depending on the resort, the journey from the airport to the hotel will cost no more than ten euros. But, for the budget-conscious, you can use the bus, the cost of the bus is one leva in national currency. By the way, one euro in Bulgaria is equal to 1.95 leva.

If you have booked a hotel or inn with breakfast only, then you do not have to worry, since there are a huge number of restaurants and cafes near almost every resort. Thanks to a lot of competition, you can have a good meal in restaurants at a reasonable price. A family of four can dine for 20 euros, without denying themselves delicacies.

Prices in Bulgaria differ significantly from Moscow, but not every group of goods is cheaper. For example, food in Bulgaria is cheaper, but leather products are more expensive.

From the hotel to the nearest city you can take a bus, the interval of which is no more than five minutes.

Bus tickets cost no more than one euro per person. If you take a similar route by taxi, it will cost you at least ten euros. But, for those who know how to bargain, you can bargain with the taxi driver for half the price. For those who like to travel by car, you can rent a car in Bulgaria. In order to rent a car you must show an international driving license. Renting a middle class car will cost about 65 euros for a period of three to five days. By the way, for lovers of excursions, you can use the services of a sightseeing bus, the cost of the excursion is about 50 leva per person.

You can swim in Bulgaria not only in the sea, but also in hotel pools. Hotel residents can use the pool for free, but hotel guests must pay up to five leva for the service. The same applies to umbrellas and sun loungers.

1. Check your flight information on the information board and go to the check-in counters whose numbers are indicated on the board. When checking in, present your passport and ticket.
2. Get boarding pass. Pay attention to the gate number and time for boarding the plane (on the boarding pass the gate is indicated by the word GATE, the time - TIME).
3. After checking in and boarding being announced, you must proceed to the appropriate areas for international flights.

Passengers on international flights undergo customs, passport and security control, after which they await departure in the sterile area of ​​the international airlines gallery. When going through security, you must present your passport and boarding pass.

When transporting animals or plants, it is necessary to undergo phytocontrol / veterinary control.

Rules for pre-flight and post-flight inspections

In accordance with Appendix No. 1 of the Rules for pre-flight and post-flight inspections, approved by order of the Ministry of Transport Russian Federation dated July 25, 2007 No. 104 prohibited from transporting on board the aircraft by passengers in checked baggage and in things carried by passengers, the following dangerous substances and objects:

Allowed to transport on board the aircraft by crew members and passengers in compliance with the required conditions the following items and substances:

• in checked baggage in cargo and luggage compartments of an aircraft with isolated passenger access to luggage during the flight:
  • crossbows, spearguns, checkers, sabers, cutlasses, scimitars, broadswords, swords, rapiers, bayonets, daggers, knives: hunting knives, knives with ejectable blades, with locking locks, simulators of any type of weapon;
  • household knives (scissors) with a blade length over 60 mm; alcoholic drinks containing more than 24%, but not more than 70% alcohol by volume in containers with a capacity of no more than 5 liters, in containers intended for retail trade - no more than 5 liters per passenger;
  • liquids and alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content by volume of no more than 24%;
  • aerosols intended for use for sports or household purposes, the release valves of the cans are protected by caps from spontaneous release of the contents in containers with a capacity of no more than 0.5 kg or 500 ml - no more than 2 kg or 2 liters per passenger;
• in things carried by passengers:
  • medical thermometer - one per passenger;
  • mercury tonometer in a standard case - one per passenger;
  • a mercury barometer or manometer, packed in a sealed container and sealed with the sender's seal;
  • disposable lighters - one per passenger;
  • dry ice for cooling perishable foods - no more than 2 kg per passenger;
  • 3% hydrogen peroxide - no more than 100 ml per passenger;
  • liquids, gels and aerosols classified as non-hazardous: in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml (or equivalent capacity in other units of volume measurement), packed in a securely closed transparent plastic bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter - one bag per passenger.

Liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 100 ml are not accepted for transportation, even if the container is only partially filled. Exceptions to transportation include medications, baby food, and special dietary needs.

Liquids purchased from duty-free shops at the airport or on board an aircraft must be packaged in a securely sealed plastic bag that allows the contents of the bag to be identified during the flight and has reliable confirmation that the purchase was made at airport duty-free shops. or on board the aircraft on the day(s) of travel. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase. Do not open the package either before boarding or during the flight.

The administration of the airport, airline, operator has the right to decide on the introduction of additional measures to ensure aviation security on high-risk flights, as a result of which it is prohibited to carry the following items in the aircraft cabin:

• corkscrews;
• hypodermic needles (unless medical justification is provided);
• knitting needles;
• scissors with a blade length of less than 60 mm;
• folding (without lock) travel, pocket knives with a blade length of less than 60 mm.

Flight time

The flight to Bulgaria is about 2.5 hours.

Upon arrival at the airport

1. Go through passport control (a foreign passport with a visa is presented, sometimes a return air ticket and voucher are requested).
2. Receive your luggage. The monitors above the baggage belts indicate the flight from which baggage will be issued at this belt.
3. At the exit from the customs area in the arrival hall you will be met by a TEZ TOUR representative. After presenting your voucher, he will provide your transfer bus number.
4. Go to the parking lot to board the bus. The bus departs after all tourists have collected.
5. Listen carefully to the information your escort will give you along the way to the hotel. He will also inform you about the time of the information meeting with the TEZ TOUR guide.

Airport codes:

VAR - Varna
BOJ – Burgas
PDV - Plovdiv

In a hotel

The check-in procedure varies depending on the hotel, but generally looks like this:

• Present your foreign passport and voucher (1 copy) at the reception desk. After this, the hotel employee can:
  • ask you to fill out a registration form in English;
  • ask for your passport to make a photocopy of it (check at the reception when you can pick up your passport).
• Check-in at most hotels is from 14:00 - 15:00. If you want to check into a room earlier than the specified time, you must pre-book a room one day before your arrival date. In case of problems with placement, please contact a company representative.
• After checking into your room, review the information provided by the hotel. Pay attention to which services are paid and how much they cost (as a rule, the information is in a folder and lies on the table or bedside table).

Meeting with the hotel guide

The time of the information meeting with the hotel guide will be communicated to you by your attendant on the way to the hotel. At the appointed time, we invite you to come to a meeting with the hotel guide of the TEZ TOUR company, who will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby. To the meeting, take with you your passport, voucher, and return flight ticket.

For any questions or concerns, please contact hotel guide or at the hotel reception. Guide coordinates (photo, name, mobile phone) and the hours when the guide is directly at the hotel are indicated on the TEZ TOUR information stand in the hotel lobby.

The day before your flight home

1. Go to the reception and check if you have any unpaid bills for additional services (use of a minibar, telephone, etc.). If you have any debts, pay them.
2. In the evening, go to the TEZ TOUR information stand and check the time of departure and check-out from the hotel, you can also find this information on the last page in the TEZ TOUR branded folder at the hotel reception. To do this, you need to know the number of the return flight you are departing on.

Check out from the hotel

On the day of departure, you must vacate your room before 12.00, hand in your keys and towel cards.

You can leave your luggage in the hotel storage room.

To avoid various complications, please do not be late and arrive at the transfer at the specified time.

Arrival at the airport of Burgas, Varna, Plovdiv, Sofia for departure

1. Go to the check-in counter where your flight number is listed (the counter numbers will be indicated on the flight board).
2. Check in for your flight (present your passport and ticket).
3. Drop your luggage at the front desk.
4. Get your boarding pass. Pay attention to the gate number (GATE) and boarding time (TIME) on board the aircraft
5. Go through passport control (present your passport and boarding pass).
6. Proceed to the departure hall, where you will wait for the boarding announcement.

Helpful information

Medical service

All medical care in Bulgaria is paid, but if you have an insurance policy, the service is provided free of charge or with subsequent reimbursement of expenses according to the insurance policy (see the leaflet attached to the insurance policy). If an insured event occurs, you must contact the insurance company by phone number specified in the insurance policy. Only if you directly inform the insurance company and coordinate your actions with it, will free (or with subsequent reimbursement of expenses) service be provided.

First aid kit

Before your trip, prepare and take with you a first aid kit, which will help you with minor ailments, save your time searching for medicines and eliminate the problems of communicating in a foreign language; in addition, many medicines can different countries have different names.

Money

The monetary unit of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev. The euro - Bulgarian lev exchange rate is fixed (1 euro = 1.95583 BGN at the rate of the Bulgarian Central Bank). The dollar exchange rate is unstable. You can exchange currency at exchange offices and banks. Bank branches are usually open on weekdays from 8.30 to 17:00. Exchange offices may have a very unfavorable exchange rate; it is worth consulting with a guide.

Never change money in person! At resorts, as in cities, near exchange offices you can meet people who will offer you a more favorable exchange rate; most likely they will give you counterfeit or no longer valid bills.

International credit cards are accepted at almost all banks, as well as most hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.

The shops

There are no opening hours in shops; during the tourist season, many shops are open until late at night.

It is possible to bargain in small shops and markets.

Souvenirs

The most popular souvenir in Bulgaria is rose oil in a wooden bottle. The world famous Bulgarian oilseed rose, carefully grown in the Valley of Roses, is one of the country's national symbols. In general, tourists can buy everything related to roses: cosmetics, perfumes, jam, etc.

Bulgaria produces wines of remarkable quality. Another popular drink is Bulgarian vodka “rakia”. It is quite inexpensive and comes in a large assortment. Also very popular: ceramic products, handmade silver and sea souvenirs, magnets with views of Bulgaria.

It is impossible to imagine the cuisine of this country without spices. Especially for tourists, beautifully decorated small transparent jars with “sharena salt” are sold - salt mixed with all kinds of seasonings. Knowledgeable tourists They bring kimion seasoning from Bulgaria. This spice goes great with meat, fish and vegetables.

Bulgarian cuisine

Bulgarian national cuisine is original and varied, it is famous for its abundance of vegetables, delicious meat, hearty snacks and aromatic soups, and is famous for its dairy and fermented milk products. IN different time Bulgarian cuisine is greatly influenced by Greek and Turkish cuisines.

Many Bulgarian dishes are cooked on a skara (metal grill), such as kebapcheta (fried minced meat sausages), kuftet (cutlets) and shish (shish kebab). Famous dishes - kebab (meat on a skewer), gyuvech (stew of meat with potatoes and vegetables), kavarma (meat dish with mushrooms, onions and potatoes), kashkaval pane (breaded soft homemade cheese), chushka byurek (sweet pepper fried in egg , stuffed with cheese and tomatoes), Shopska salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, onions, seasoned with grated cheese, vegetable oil, vinegar, seasonings).

Bulgarian cooks successfully combine vegetables with fish, meat, flour, egg and dairy products. Tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet and hot peppers, zucchini, eggplants, beans - this is not a complete list of vegetables that are grown and cooked in Bulgaria and which largely characterize the national cuisine. Vegetables are stewed in pots with cheese, stuffed, baked and, of course, vegetable salads are prepared.

The cold Bulgarian soup "tarator" is also very unusual (finely chopped cucumbers, dill, garlic and walnuts are filled with diluted Bulgarian "sour milk"). And you can have a snack with banitsa - a puff pastry pie with feta cheese. Banitsa is usually eaten with the famous Bulgarian sour milk And, of course, in a country where many different varieties of grapes are grown, there is always excellent wine on the table.

Transport

The bus is the most popular means of transportation within Bulgaria. The average cost of a ticket in the city is 1 Bulgarian lev (0.5 euro), a long route costs more, up to 3-4 levs.

Traffic patterns and bus schedules on the Southern Black Sea coast (Elenite - Sunny Beach - Nessebar) can be found here.

Car rental. You can rent a car only if you have a driver's license. All cars have comprehensive insurance. The minimum rental period is one day, the mileage is not limited. Make sure the car is fully insured, including headlights and glass. Gasoline is purchased independently. In the event of an accident, the car must not be moved until the police arrive. It is necessary to urgently report the incident to the representative of TEZ TOUR and the company where the car was taken, since the police may not speak Russian or English languages, and you will not have the opportunity to explain your version of the incident.

Don't forget to have your license, passport and car rental documents with you, as police checks are possible.

Visa

To travel to Bulgaria, you must obtain a Bulgarian visa in advance.

Russian citizens can visit Bulgaria for the same period with a valid Schengen visa, only if it is double or multiple entry. Entry into Bulgaria with a single-entry Schengen visa is no longer permitted.
Citizens of the Russian Federation can enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria with a valid visa from Cyprus, Romania and Croatia for a period of stay that is limited to the period specified in the visa, within the period of its validity and a certain number of entries, but not more than 90 days within 180 days. Holders of Bulgarian visas can enter the territory of Cyprus and Romania under the same conditions. You can enter Croatia only with a double and multiple entry visa.

Time

Time lags behind Moscow by 2 hours in winter and 1 hour in summer.

Safe

Tourists must use a safe to store valuables and documents. The administration is not responsible for valuables and documents left unattended in the room or on the hotel premises.

Tips

The tipping system applies to waiters in bars and restaurants, maids in hotels, porters, and guides. Paying a tip is not mandatory, but if the client is satisfied with the service, a tip is a sign of good manners. The average tip is almost always 10% of the bill. In hotels and taxis they do not give tips, but the meter readings are rounded up.

Cot

Baby cat - upon request, available free of charge in most hotels. There are hotels where baby cats come at an additional cost. Payment - 1-8 euros per day.

Most hotels provide one extra bed (folding bed, pull-out sofa or armchair) for DBL+EXB occupancy.

Beach

In Bulgaria, all beaches are public. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available for a fee. Some hotels offer free use of umbrellas and sun loungers on the beach. Keep in mind that their quantities are limited!

Mains voltage

Mains voltage 220 V.

Religion

90% of the local population are Orthodox Christians, about 9% profess Islam, approximately 1% are Protestants, Catholics and Jews.

Customs

You can export from Russia without obtaining a bank certificate until 3000$ per person. If you export up to 10,000 euros per person, the amount must be declared and passage is carried out through the red corridor; if over 10,000 euros per person, then you must have bank documents with you.

At the airport in Bulgaria, be sure to include all electronic equipment, antiques and jewelry in the declaration (their presence can be checked upon departure).

Duty-free import is allowed: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 liter of strong alcohol, 2 liters of wine, perfume - 50 ml in uncorked bottles, food products within the limits of personal needs.

The import of drugs, medicines containing large doses of narcotic substances and weapons is prohibited.

• recommended to use mineral water, purchased in hotel shops and bars;
• It is recommended to store jewelry, money and documents in the safe, which is located in the room or at the reception;
• It is recommended to hand over your room key at the hotel reception. If you lose your key, please notify the hotel immediately.

Phones

Telephone connections in Bulgaria are very good and relatively inexpensive. You can call from a hotel, but it is more expensive than from the post office. Post offices are open from 8.30 to 17.00, telephone call centers - until midnight. Postal identification marks - black on yellow POST.

Cell phones work great in Bulgaria. There are 3 mobile operators in Bulgaria (M-Tel, Globul, Vivacom). It makes sense to buy a local SIM card for a few euros. Price for calls to Russia M-tel (Prima card) - 2.50 euro/min, Globul (B-connect, Frog) - 0.60 euro/min, Viva Com (Viva International) - 0.10 euro/min.

You can contact Russia using code 007 + city code + subscriber's phone number.

To call Bulgaria, dial 00 - 359 - city code or 8 - 10 - 359 - city code.

Useful phones

For any questions you may have during your stay in Bulgaria, please contact your guide, whose mobile phone number is located on the information stand (folder).

TEZ TOUR tourist support phone numbers in Bulgaria For any questions regarding your holiday in Bulgaria, you can contact Russian-speaking representatives of TEZ TOUR: mob. tel: + 359 89 4445622 Stanislav Radev(Balchik, Albena, Kranevo, Golden Sands, Riviera, Sunny Day, St. Constantine and Elena) mob. tel: + 359 89 4445623 regional director Simeon Kosev(Review, Elenite, St. Vlas, Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Ravda, Aheloy, Pomorie, Sozopol, Primorsko) Ski resorts: Borovets: +359 89 444 56 36 guide Elena Lyutova Bansko: +359 89 444 56 51 guide Sergey Antropov

24/7 telephone in Russia If you have trouble dialing the support number, please report it to our 24-hour phone number 8-800-700-7878 (calls from any region of Russia are free).

The hospitable country offers wonderful beaches, inexpensive hotels, hotels, it is suitable for spending time with a cheerful company and a quiet family vacation. This is the choice of people who know how to combine quality rest with reasonable costs. In winter, ski lovers are attracted to the slopes of the Pamporovo and Bansko mountains; in summer, the Black Sea caresses everyone who wants to sunbathe. Oddly enough, Sofia, the capital, is not the most beautiful city a republic famous for its historical monuments, cozy fishing villages, a large water park, fields of sunflowers and roses.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BULGARIA

Capital: Sofia.
Location: 22% of the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula is occupied by the Republic of Bulgaria. In the south it borders with Turkey, Greece, in the north with Romania, in the west with Macedonia, Serbia, and in the east it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The area of ​​the state is only 110,550 square meters. km, the population is slightly more than 7.3 million people.
Official language: Bulgarian, many speak English, German, Russian is often spoken.
Currency: BGN - Bulgarian Lev. Be careful when exchanging currency. Many exchange offices lure tourists with an attractive leva course. In most cases, the signs indicate one price (it is not known whether it is a purchase or a sale). You will be offered a receipt and asked to sign. After the operation, you find in your hands one and a half times less money than expected (for example, on the receipt two numbers “swapped” places and, instead of the promised 193 leva, you get 139). No requests or threats will return the money given back: you signed the receipt voluntarily.
Political system: parliamentary republic.
Traditional Religion: Orthodoxy.
Climate: from temperate continental in the south it becomes Mediterranean.
Weather: For those who like to sunbathe on the beach, the most pleasant time to relax in this picturesque region is in the second half of summer, when the temperature ranges from 23°C to 30°C. At this time, you will not languish from unbearable heat; your vacation is unlikely to be overshadowed by rainy weather, since rains brought by northwestern and western winds are typical for the first half of summer. The beginning of autumn is a dry time.

HOLIDAY IN BULGARIA

If you are interested historical monuments and excursions, visit Bulgaria from May to October. The swimming season continues into September.
Visa
The state is part of the European Union, and therefore a visa is required. The embassy does not issue Schengen: this republic is not included in the list of zones. But if it is already open, then since 2012 it is allowed to enter the territory of this state with your own visa, which costs 60-65 euros.

Getting around Bulgaria

Automobile
You are allowed to drive a vehicle from the age of 21; you must have an international driver's license. Be prepared for the fact that driving a car on highways is not an easy task, because the quality of the roads is very low, warning signs are often absent, and a huge part of local motorists do not try to follow the traffic rules. But if you are not afraid of all these disadvantages, rent a car, and it will be very convenient for you to move along the intended route.
Railway transport
Among the advantages are prices that are thirty percent lower bus trips. Among the shortcomings: the trains are old, the toilets are most often in very poor condition, air conditioning is a rarity and is more the exception than the rule, and it is cold in the carriages in winter. For a more comfortable trip you will need to buy expensive tickets on trains of international lines, partially passing through the country.
Taxi
Usually these are cars painted yellow with a price list attached to the side windows. For your own safety, it is better to call by phone, since illegal immigrants do not bear any responsibility for your life. If the cost of the trip is “negotiable”, then you can bargain. Usually the price depends on the time of day and location; payment is most often made by meter.
Urban transport
In all populated areas you will ride on buses and trolleybuses, sometimes trams; in the capital you have the opportunity to use the metro line. The downside is still the same - old models, as well as overcrowding, especially during rush hour. Level intercity buses much higher, tickets can be purchased from the driver, prices are affordable, the staff is polite, the salons are clean.
Water transport
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the local landscapes and admire the sights, then you should not refuse boat trips along the Danube and the Black Sea. The price of such a trip will be slightly higher than the cost of tickets for city transport, but, in general, the price list for boat trips is much lower than at other European resorts.

Attractions Bol garii

If you plan not only to sunbathe, but also to see the sights of the country, you should pay attention to most beautiful places republics.
Nessebar
This is truly a gem Black Sea coast. The city was founded in the first millennium BC. Here you can see the remains of four dozen churches built of stone in the fifth century. The windmill is a symbol of Nessebar known to every tourist.
Melnik
Less than four hundred people live in Melnik; it is the smallest town in the country. A walk along the main street will only take you a minute, but this is a city of winemakers, and therefore wine tasting in local taverns will truly turn your head. For this reason, visit the Rozhen Monastery before tasting.
Valley of Roses
Between Sredna Gora and Stara Planina there are thirty kilometers of flower fields. Kaanlik has a Thracian tomb and a rose museum. You'll get unforgettable experience, if you arrive in the Valley at dawn in early June. Try spending the night in this splendor and watch the rosebuds open in the morning. In a couple of days you will be taught how to collect buds. If you are lucky enough to visit the Rose Festival, you will see parades of local residents in ancient Greek, Thracian, and Roman costumes. You will look at the election of Queen Rose, who will shower the people with rose petals while sitting on the throne (the throne with the queen will be carried by local young people).
Sozopol
This and sea ​​beach, and a fishing village. Here you can watch the unloading of the day's catch and sunbathe on the rocks, of which there are many located along the shore. Just forty years ago, the Apollonius Amphitheater, built in the distant second century AD, was discovered. A landslide moved layers of earth and happy Bulgarians found this most important landmark of the country. At the beginning of September, a cultural festival takes place here; at this time, the city always gathers a lot of spectators, and the amphitheater’s seats are occupied by a large audience.
Rila Monastery
To the south of the capital is the so-called Bulgarian Jerusalem. You will be amazed not only by him appearance, but also the harmony of the interior decoration. The monastery is surrounded by forested mountains.
Plovdiv
About six thousand years ago the second largest Bulgarian city was founded. The Roman amphitheater, which is very well preserved, is admirable. Here you can wander through the hills, check out various museums and galleries, enjoy colorful houses and excellent architecture in general. Don't miss the Dervish Monastery, Cathedral Dormition of the Virgin Mary, Dzhumaya Mosque, Hissar Kapiya Gate.

Resorts in Bulgaria

The most inexpensive resorts Ravda, Kamchia, Lozenets, Sunny Beach, Burgas, Kiten, Kranevo, Obzor are considered. Dear ones - Sozolol, Rusalka, Golden Sands, Varna, St. Constantine and Helena, Elenite, Nessebar. Quiet family holiday awaits you on the beaches of Tsarevo, Rusalka, Ahtopol, Kavarna, Obzor, Kamchia. For entertainment and developed infrastructure, you should go to Golden Sands, Albena, Sunny Beach, Varna, Burgas, Sveti Vlas.
Golden Sands
The most popular, albeit youngest, resort in the country. There are more than fifty hotels located near the coast. Many shops, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and a variety of beach activities will brighten up your leisure time. If you choose this place to relax, visit the old chapel of John the Baptist, visit the Aladzha mountain monastery, and have fun in the huge water park. On an excursion to the Chiflika complex you will get acquainted with ethnographic exhibits and taste dishes national cuisine, taste brandy and wine, and also take part in local rituals and games.
sunny Beach
The needs of every vacationer are taken into account here: many shops where you can order goods for every taste and buy wonderful souvenirs, an open-air cinema, discos, attractions, and a casino variety show. Physical fitness can be maintained on basketball, volleyball and tennis courts; there is a riding school, mini golf and fitness rooms, and various water attractions. Not far from the resort is Nessebar, and it is also worth visiting the ethnographic village of Veliko Tarnovo.
Albena
A quiet resort, it will be comfortable for a family to relax here. It is famous for its unusual nature: a combination of liana forest and sea landscape. Here it is historical Museum and an icon gallery, a lot of entertainment for children, and there is also a huge balneological center in the Dobrudzha hotel.
St. Constantine and Helena
In these beautiful lands you can not only relax, but also improve your health. There are many closed and outdoor swimming pools, filled mineral water. On the beaches you can also take a shower with mineral water. Hydrogen sulfide sources are not suitable for everyone, because they may have contraindications and also be repulsive with their pungent odor. But your hair, skin, nervous system, and your entire body will thank you for this voluntary torture. In this place, even in extreme heat, it is easy to breathe thanks to the abundance of trees. The infrastructure is well developed.

Ski Bulgaria

Borovets
Several centuries ago, this city was a favorite hunting ground of kings. Here you can find the most convenient and longest routes, and you will be offered trainers ordinary people, but real athletes, Olympic winners. Many hotels high level, evergreen forests, fresh air, the knowledge that kings once spent their leisure time here - all this makes your vacation unforgettable.
Bansko
What gives this small town its special charm is its location among high mountains. The city has its own history and architectural monuments, so this ski resort is the most popular in Bulgaria.
Pamporovo
This is located in the middle of the mountains cubby, decorated with mighty leis. If you are visiting this country for the first time, be sure to go on an excursion to the Bachkovo and Rila monasteries, the Asenova Fortress, visit the capital, and the speleological museum in Chepelare will be of interest.

What to bring from Bulgaria

Mastic and brandy
These are alcoholic drinks that can be given as gifts to colleagues and friends. This forty proof brandy is distilled from fruit juice. Rakia can be melon, plum, grape, apricot, pear, etc. It will be interesting for a tourist to go to the factory for a tasting and directly buy a product there that will appeal to their taste. Mastic is a drink of real strong drinkers, as its degree rises from 47. This alcohol, made from fennel and anise, can knock even an experienced taster off his feet.
Rose oil
All women will be delighted with cosmetic products made from the well-known oil (perfumes, face and body creams, aromatic soaps, etc.). When purchasing a product, remember that it must be in sealed bottles and have a registered certificate. Liqueurs and delicious jams are made from flower petals.
Icons
Local craftsmen are famous for their icons made on linden or cypress boards. The paints used to depict the holy face are based on egg yolk. The art of Bulgarian icon painting is over a thousand years old. You can buy goods both in numerous shops and at cathedrals and monasteries.
Ceramics and wood
These are truly high-quality, beautiful dishes worthy of your kitchen. Pottery has been a national art for hundreds of years. Buy original wooden bowls for meat dishes, barrels, wine glasses, jugs for compote, milk.
Spices
The gift will please your relatives. This is an aesthetically packaged multi-colored salt with various herbs, it is called “sherena salt”. Kimion is in demand among visitors, as it is suitable for almost all dishes. Gastronomic balms, vinegar tinctures, all kinds of bottles and jars with spices are displayed in the windows of street shops and large stores.
Goodies
All those with a sweet tooth love oriental sweets. Everywhere you can see many beautiful boxes with different types of Turkish delight, which has already become a national product. In addition to sweets, buy cheese, which is superior in taste to what our supermarkets offer.
They will always tell you where you can order the product you want to purchase. local residents and hotel attendants.

Bulgaria - most beautiful country, it is impossible to list all the attractions of which in one article. It is famous for its resorts and rich history, and architecture (especially cathedrals and monasteries), and products of folk crafts. But the country's most important asset is its impressive landscapes.