Penguin Travel DMC-Bulgaria Address: 9 Orfej Str., 1421 Sofia ...

Introduction:Have you ever thought of going above2000m with a bike or you have done itand want to do it again? This tour isspecially designed for the enduromountain bikers who love biking inpristine alpine landscapes includingcrystal clear glacier lakes, wild rivers,waterfalls, big glacier valleys, highalpine peaks and meadows withabundant wildlife. Surrounded by thealpine beauties and positive energy ofthe mountains every uphill and harderstage seems easier and pleasant andfillls you with strength and desire to bikeand see more and more.The biking in the highest mountain inBulgaria includes the historic Kayser’sway made in the beginning of 20C bythe Bulgarian Tzar Ferdinand to showRila Mountains beauties to the AustrianKayser. You will bike down to the lowestsouthern parts of the mountain and visittypical villages of the region. You willalso see the Brown Bear sanctuary inBelitsa, where dancing bears used bythe gipsies in the past are rehabilitatedand brought back to normal life. At theend you will have the option to chooseeither to finish the tour with a pleasantdownhill ride of 1300 vertical metersfrom Bezbog lake to Dobrinishte villageor take a rest and do a cultural trip to thebiggest and most famous monastery inBulgaria – Rila monastery.Special highlights:Vitosha mountains – it is of an volcanicorigin and a big part of it is proclaimed fornational park which is the oldest one onthe Balkans. Itshighest peak is Cherni vrah (2290) andthere are 2 natural reserves in themountain as well as the longest cave inBulgaria (Duhlata – 17 km long).Cherni vrah (Black peak) – the highestpeak in Vitosha mountains – 2290m withgreat panoramic views.Rila mountains – are the highestmountains in Bulgaria and on the wholeBalkan Peninsula with Mount Musala -2925 m a.s.l. with very rich biodiversityand 4 Natural reserves.Govedartsi – a small village in thefoothills of rila mountains famous for cattlebreeding.Borovets – one of the most biggest skiresorts and oldest mountain resort inBulgaria, with former residence of theBulgarian kings.Kayser’s way – built at the end of 19 thcentury by the Bulgarian King Ferdinandfor showing the beauties of Rila mountainsto the Austrian Kayser.Granchar lakes – 3 beautiful glacier lakesin the Granchar circuss.Semkovo – famous ski resort in SouthernRila.Dobarsko – small typical mountain villagewith 2 old churches from 19 c.Belitsa – small town in Rila housing theBelitsa dancing bears park.Rila Monastery (1147 m a.s.l.) is themost popular tourist site among allmonasteries in Bulgaria equally for itsPenguin Travel DMC-BulgariaAddress: 9 Orfej Str., 1421 Sofia, BULGARIA; Phone: +35924001050; E-mail: info@penguin.bgsize, natural surroundings,architecture, wall paintings andancient history.ItineraryDay 1. Meeting at Sofia airport andtransfer to the city centre forovernight./dinner/Day 2.Transfer to Aleko hut in Vitoshamountains. The biking starts from1850m on a gravel road in direction tothe highest peak of the mountains -Cherni Vrah peak (2290m). The roadclimbs gradually and reveals pleasantpanoramic views towards Sofia andthe mountans, passes through theBlack plateau and the natural peatreserve “Torfeno branishte”. Reachingthe top you will have great panoramicview towards Rila mountains and canhave a nice lunch in the small buffet.After some rest the downhill ridestarts. First you ride down on alpinemeadows passing by 2000 m highpeaks Skoparnik, Kupena, Sivagramada, the rock formationHaidushka rock. Further down youenter the forest and enjoy the shadedown to yarlovo village. You cancontinue for 5 more kilometersdownhill ride on the asohalt road toKovatchevtsi village or get on the bus.Transfer (44 km, 30 minutes) toGovedartsi village for overnight.Biking specifics:1

Distance: 28 km; Uphill/downhill biking:400m/1200m; Time: 5 hours;Highest elevation: 2290m/breakfast, dinner/Day 3.Transfer (23km, 25 min.) to Borovetsresort. The Biking starts on a dirt roadon the famous Kayser’s way (made forthe former Bulgarian king) via the rockformation Wolf’s stone, Chakar voivodahut, Sara giol palace and furtherupstream Prava Maritsa river toZavratchica hut at 2200m. Overnight.Biking specifics: Distance: 20 km;Uphill/downhill biking: 800m/100m;Time: 6 hours; Highest elevation: 2200mDay 4. Today we continue biking on theKa ys er’s way surrounded by stunningalpine peaks and meadows. The roadclimbs at 2450m and the goes down toGrnchar hut (2200m) situated in theGranchar circuss with 3 glacier lakes.You continue downhill on a dirt road andasphalt road to Treshtenik place forovernight.Biking specifics:Distance: 18 km; Uphill/downhill biking:500m/800m; Time: 5 hoursHighest elevation: 2450m/breakfast, dinner/Day 5. . Nice dirt road will lead us fromTreshtenik in direction to Semkovoresort. We bike in forests at around1800m and pass through Toritsa,Solishteto and Vranchevo areas.Overnight in Semkovo.Biking specifics:Distance: 15 km; Uphill/downhill biking:300m/300m; Time: 4 hoursHighest elevation: 1850m/breakfast, dinner/Day 6. Biking today takes us to Belitsavia the picturesque village of Dobarsko.The route starts with a downhill ridenear Belitsa River, then climbs up toKrotov Chuchur place, Titevica andDobarsko hut. From there we continuedownhill to the small village ofDobarsko. After a rest and visit of thetwo old churches we hit the dirt roaddownhill along Klinica River to DolnoDragalishte village, then climb up asmall hill and bike down again to Belitsatown. Here we will visit the dancingbears rehabilitation park. Bikingspecifics:Distance: 25 km; Uphill/downhill biking:300m/850m; Time: 6 hoursHighest elevation: 1700m/breakfast, dinner/Day 7. Relax day, which will allow us tovisit the most famous Bulgarian landmark(equally for its size, natural surroundings,architecture, wall paintings and ancienthistory) – Rila Monastery and the sandypyramids by Stob village nearby. We endup in Sofia, where some time at leisuremay be spent in the late afternoon hoursfor sightseeing, shopping etc.Day 8. Transfer to Sofia airport fordeparture./breakfast/Accommodation:Guesthouses/family-run hotels with ensuitefacilities (days 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7)and dorm (twin rooms if available) in amountain hut with shared facilities (day 3)on halfboard (breakfast and dinnerincluded)Ordering lunchpacks is available in eachof the hotels if necessary for the day tours(at the amount of 5-6 Euro).Luggage transportation:The unnecessary luggage stays in thesupporting vehicle, which makes thetransfers. For the overnight stay in the hut(day 3) bikers should allow clothing for 2days and carry it in a daypack during therides on days 3 and 4.Tour type: GTDifficulty grade: C (days 5, 6) / D (days2,3,4)Best period: June – SeptemberWeather:Temperatures expected for this period andarea are between + 10 and +25 o C.Sometimes noontime could be a littleexhausting for cycling on open territories.Rainfalls or short but heavy showers arepossible, being a bit prolonged duringspring and late autumn. Mornings andevenings are getting cooler.Equipment and clothing:Equipped mountain bikes and saddlebags(upon request) are provided by thecompany. We don’t provide helmets forhygienic reasons. Wearing a helmet isobligatory. Knee pads are also advisableduring the downhill sections. For list withrecommended items see “General”.Bicycles:For our mountain biking tour we providebrand new first class hardtail performancemountain bike with aluminum frame andthe following components:- 24 gears, “Sram” shifters andderailleur- Fork - “Rox shocks Dart 1” – 80mm travel- “Avid” V-brakes- “Truvativ” crankset- “Mavic” 26” rims- “Truvativ” handlebar and stemThe price includes: accommodationand boarding as mentioned above;equipped mountain bike (helmets andsaddle bags are provided uponrequest only); English-speaking guide;driver with a supporting vehicle;transfers from/to Sofia airport andthroughout the tour; luggage transfers;VAT and all local taxes.The price does not include: tips,entrance fees, alcohol drinks,cigarettes and other personalexpensesGENERAL============================TOUR TYPES & GRADESWe provide different varieties of toursas regards to their types and difficultygrades!Whether you will choose individualand group tours with a guide orcombined tours with a guide for somepart of the trip depends on you. Weemphasize on using local experiencedguides with knowledge of the locallanguage, culture, history, art, etc. Thetours are conducted in the Englishlanguage. Guides in other languagesare available upon request.Tour typesOur tours are divided in different tourtypes, regardless of being guided ornot or if someone travels alone or in agroup. We have prepared yourvacation so that you can concentrateon new impressions and experiences,awaiting you all the time. Here is adescription of the various tours:IT+: Individual tours with a guideThe same as the Individual tours, withthe only difference that there is a localguide provided for some of the days.During the days with a local guidemost probably you will be togetherwith other tourists.GT: Group toursThere is a guide accompanying youthroughout the whole trip, meeting youat the airport upon arrival and leavingyou at the airport again for departure.We use well-trained and experiencedlocal people with good knowledge ofEnglish. The group size is normally 6-12 people, if not specially mentioned.--------------------------------------------------Penguin Travel DMC-BulgariaAddress: 9 Orfej Str., 1421 Sofia, BULGARIA; Phone: +35924001050; E-mail: info@penguin.bg2

Difficulty gradesTo prepare yourself for the best of yourvacation we recommend that you startplanning it in an advance. Good physicalcondition is required. In order to achieveit we advise you to start walking, joggingor cycling everyday. Swimming a coupleof times a week is also highlyrecommended. You do not need muchto get yourself in shape. And don't forgetthat the most important tip for anunforgettable active holiday is to choosea trip which corresponds to yourphysical condition!B: Moderate3,5-5 hours of cycling per day onaverage over hilly or flat terrain with onlyseveral steep parts (climbing max. 12%) which can be skipped if it’s a guidedtour with a supporting vehicle. All peopleused to cycling should be able to makethis trip. However 30-50 km cycling perday is recommended for some timebefore the start of the tour.C: Difficult4, 5 – 5, 5 hours of cycling per day onaverage. At some steep (but short) partsyou may need to push your bike. Theseare usually mountain biking tours alongdirty roads and mountain paths. Bikersshould be well prepared to face trailswith climbs and bumpy parts from timeto time. Some physical preparations areessential before booking a tour with thisgrade.==============================Extensions: Yes, Black SeaThis is a unique proposal, which givesyou the opportunity to stay in Bulgariafor one week more at the incredibly lowprice! We can offer a great variety ofmeans of accommodation - from homestays (no meals) to 2, 3 and 4-starhotels (BB or HB) on the SouthernBulgarian Black Sea Coast:- Sunny Beach - a big modern resortwith hundreds of hotels, cafes, pubs,casinos, water-sports facilities etc.- Nessebar, Sozopol - small towns(founded by the ancient Greeks) withpicturesque Old Quarters and a specificatmosphere.- Lozenets -a peaceful small village witha beautiful beach. Only 4-5 km from theforests of the Strandzha Mountainswhere you can go walking, biking orriding horses.===============================Equipment and clothing:Recommended items: good qualitypadded cycling shorts (baggy style);cyc ling helmet; cycling shoes; fleeceheadband; fingerless biking gloves;lightweight windproof biking jacket;waterproof trousers; fleece windstopperjacket; sunglasses with UV protection;sunscreen lotion and lip balm.===============================Money and personal expensesYou will need some extra money to covermeals, drinks and extra trips not includedin the tour price. Additional money forsouvenirs and personal things could alsobe spent. That is why it is alwaysnecessary to have Bulgarian money incash.The payments in Bulgaria are usuallymade in "LEV" (BGN), which is the officialcurrency. The exchange rate with EU andUSD is quite changing sometimes, butapproximately it is: BGN:EU - 2:1;BGN:USD - 1,7-1. Credit Cards could beused primarily in some supermarkets andrestaurants in the biggest cities as well asin the petrol stations. Usually it is markedon their front doors if Credit Cards areaccepted. ATMs ("bankomates") are morefrequent (again in the biggest towns only!).Traveler's cheques take quite a lot of timeto handle and not each bank deals withthem (in many cases it takes even fewdays since their deposition in the bank!) -thus they are not recommended!Here are some examples of comparativecosts in Bulgaria (NB: prices in mid-rangerestaurants!):- Coffee – 0,3 Euro- Tea – 0,3 Euro- Beer (0,5 l) – 0,5-1 Euro- Soft drink (0,5 l) - 0,4-0,5 Euro- Bottle of water (0,5 l) - 0,3-0,4 Euro- Bottle of mark red wine (0,75 l) - 5-10Euro- Three-course lunch - 4-7 Euro- Lunch pack - 2-3 Euro===========================Cell phone coverageCurrently the whole territory of Bulgaria iscovered with a mobile connection.Howeverthe trekking& cyclingtours aredone inmountainous areaswhere thesignal couldbe weak orevenlacking fromtime totime. Insuch aTemperature ( C )2520151050-5situation you just need to change yourlocation a bit in order to find availablenetwork.===========================ElectricityIn Bulgaria two-pin sockets are normal.Voltage is 220 watts. If you come from theU.S. or UK you need to purchase anadapter, which is available only inBulgarian cities and biggest winter andsea resorts.===========================Brief about BulgariaTerritory - 110 912 sq. km.Population - 7 538 000 (2003) (83,9 %ethnic Bulgarians; 9,4% Turks; 4,7%Roma; rest – smaller minoritiesRussians, Armenians, Vlachs, Jews,Karakachans etc.)Relligion – 82,6% Orthodox, 12,2%Islam, 0,7% Protestant, 0,5%Catholics, 4,1% Others.Capital city - Sofia (1 377 531 peoplein 2006)Bigest towns - Plovdiv, Varna,Bourgas, Rouse, Stara Zagora, VelikoTarnovo, PlevenMountains - 37 (biggest - BalkanMountain: length - ~ 550 km.; width - ~30-60 km.); (highest - Rila Mountain -peak Musala - 2 925 m.a.s.l.)Boundaries - North - Romania; East -Black Sea (coastline 378 km.); West -Serbia, Macedonia; South - Greece,T urk e y;Distribution of the lands - 0 - 400m.a.s.l. - 59,8 %; 400 - 1000 m.a.s.l. -27,6 %; 1000 - 2000 m.a.s.l. - 11,9 %;over 2000 m.a.s.l. - 0,7 %Protected areas - 3 national parks, 10nature parks, 55 reserves, 35managed reserves, over 350protected areas and 500 naturalmonuments===========================WeatherMean year temperature - + 10,5 °C(Abs. Min. - -38,3 °C ; Abs. Max. - +45,2 °C)Mean rainfall per year - 416 - 650 mm.in the lowlands; 650 - 1193 mm. in thehighlandsRainy days per month – May – 7;Weather BulgariaApril June August OctoberMonths500 m a.s.l.1000 m a.s.l.2000 m a.s.l.June – 8; July – 6; August – 3;September – 6; (number may behigher in the mountains)Mean daily/night temperatures (up to1000 m a.s.l.) - May – 22/12 °C; June– 26/16 °C; July – 28/17 °C; August –26/15 °C; September – 23/13 °C;Altitudinal distribution of annualtemperatures in BulgariaPenguin Travel DMC-BulgariaAddress: 9 Orfej Str., 1421 Sofia, BULGARIA; Phone: +35924001050; E-mail: info@penguin.bg3