Adventure, Nature, Culture - Penguin Travel

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introduction Tour Types & Grades We provide a host of different tours with respect to type and difficulty grades! Whether you choose individual and group tours with a guide, or combined tours with a guide for some part of the trip, is entirely up to you. We make a point of using local experienced guides with knowledge of the local language, culture, history, art and so on. The tours are conducted in English. Guides in other languages are available upon request. T o u r t y p e s Our tours are divided into different types, with respect to whether someone travels with a guide, by themselves or as part of a group. IT: Individual tours: There is no guide on this tour. You travel individually and we are responsible for the hotel accommodation and/some transfers. A guide can be arranged, if ordered. We take it for granted that you can read the maps provided by us upon arrival. IT+: Individual tours with a guide: The same as the Individual tours, with the only difference that there is a local guide provided for some of the days. During your days with a local guide, you will probably be with other tourists. GT: Group tours: A guide accompanies you throughout the trip. The group size is normally six to 12 people, unless specified. IG: International group tours: The tours are similar to our group tours. The only difference is that these are multi-national. Guided services are English, if no special arrangements have been made. D i f f i c u l t y g r a d e s To be at your best during your holiday we recom- About us Penguin Travel was founded in 1989. It began by organising small trekking groups in a few countries and now offers trips to over 15 destinations with more than 80 trips (including China, Mongolia, Russia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Spain, Italy, Kazahstan and many others). In recent times our team has expanded to offices in Bulgaria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Russia, covering our biggest customer bases as well as the most sought after holiday destinations. We are a team of young, enthusiastic people with a passion for adventure and activity-based travel – cycling, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, birdwatching, horse riding, photography and so on. A background in biology, geography and nature-related skills helps us to create and develop a wide range of programmes. Since we love travelling ourselves and know Bulgaria inside out, all our excursions are carefully selected and tested. Most of the tours are guided by our own staff. For all guided trips we have fixed departure dates throughout the season and run them mend that you start planning well in advance. Your good physical condition is a prerequisite. In order to achieve it we advise you to start walking, jogging, swimming or cycling for few hours a day around two weeks prior to departure. F o r T r e k k i n g / C y c l i n g / R o u n d t r i p t o u r s A: Light: No special experience is needed. As a rule the trips are short and at low altitude. The routes follow a hilly terrain without long steep ascents and descents. Normally the active part (walking/cycling) is three to five hours per day. B: Moderate: Anyone used to walking during a long weekend will be in a condition to cope with a tour of this level. There will be successive days of longer and more difficult walking and days of lighter walking. Some parts of the day routes are done at a higher altitude. The active part (walking/cycling) is five to seven hours per day. C: Difficult: These tours include trekking/cycling which is a little harder, normally on a challenging terrain and height up to 3,000 m, or 9,842 ft. We assume that you are healthy and fit. You should come physically prepared to get the maximum from the tour. D: Challenging: Tours of this level demand that you are in really good shape. The paths are not always in the best condition and markings can be scarce. There are day-treks with big ascents and descents. Changing weather conditions – even in midsummer – play an important role when trekking at very high altitude and may cause changes of the preliminary route. This will be decided by the mountain guide at the time. Normally the treks last six to eight hours per day, but some can regardless of how many people book. Most of the itineraries can also be organised for other dates during the appropriate season, for no additional fee if a minimum of two people book. Our active tours usually include small groups comprising four to twelve clients. And this is not just for flexibility. We believe this keeps our clients satisfied and fulfilled during the entire trip because they get a better insight into the daily life, culture and traditions of the country they are visiting. It also serves to keep nature undisturbed and less affected than it would be near bigger groups. Penguin Travel is a fully bonded tour operator and the money paid to us is completely protected. Your financial security is guaranteed by the Danish Rejsegarantifonden, with whom Penguin Travel has its own membership number – 888. Our destination management centre in Bulgaria holds the Bulgarian license touroperator’s number 05605. be longer. Preliminary trekking/cycling experience is an advantage, but not necessary if you are really in good shape. Note that during some of the days, you should personally carry your baggage, which is naturally an additional challenge. F o r H o r s e r i d i n g t o u r s A different skill grade is necessary for the various riding tours. Here is a short description of the difficulty grades we operate with: 1. For novices and those with a little experience. 2. For those with the relevant experience from one to two years with a riding school. You should have tried the different paces and individual tours in the open fields. 3. You have several years of experience and you are well-trained for riding at any pace, on challenging terrain and on horses with different temperaments. roundtrips Roundtrip “Around Bulgaria” I n t r o d u c t i o n : This excursion offers a combination of natural and cultural landmarks. We start from the capital city of Sofia, situated in the foothills of Mount Vitosha. Then we head southwards to the Rila and Pirin ranges, both boasting peaks higher than 2,500 m, or 8,202 ft, as well as spectacular monasteries. After passing the rounded hills of the Rodopi Mountains (the birthplace of the mythical singer Orpheus) we continue through valleys and plains to the Balkan mountains towards a number of small towns, housing the remains of rich history, traditions, unique architecture and spirit kept alive over the centuries. The tour is carried out in small groups, giving people the opportunity to be travel and experience a lot more, to be more flexible, and not least, to get closer to the local people and their everyday life. We stay in small and cosy hotels in beautiful historical towns. An English-speaking guide will accompany the group throughout the tour. H i g h l i g h t s : Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria. Founded 7,000 years ago, Sofia is the second oldest city in Europe. The Rila Monastery is the most popular of all the monasteries in Bulgaria with tourist, who appreciate its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history. Plovdiv is one of the oldest European cities on a par with Troy and Mikena. It has existed as a settlement about 8,000 years ago. Veliko Tarnovo (the Old Bulgarian capital) is regally situated along the historical hills of Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora on the two banks of Yantra river. Melnik is the smallest and one of the most fascinating towns-museums in Bulgaria, famous for its sandy pyramids and local red wine. I t i n e r a r y : Day 1. Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing in Sofia (main attractions: Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the National Theatre, St Sofia Church, Sofia’s oldest building – the 3rd Century St George Rotunda). Remain overnight. Day 2. In the morning we head southwards to the town of Bansko, situated in the foothills of the Pirin Mountains. En route we visit the Rila Monas- tery. Overnight in Bansko. Day 3. Sightseeing in Bansko. Transfer to Sandanski for more sightseeing (famous for its spa and climatic treatment resources). Transfer to the Rozhen Monastery (the biggest sanctuary in the Pirin region) and further to Melnik for sightseeing and overnight accommodation. Day 4. Journey through the Rodopi Mountains to the blue waters of Dospat lake, followed by Yagodina cave. After a cave tour, we head for Devin and our overnight accommodation. Day 5. We continue northwards through the Rodopi mountains and the Thracian Valley to the foothills of the Balkan mountains and the town of Koprivshtitsa. Sightseeing along the cobbled streets of this unique settlement, which has preserved over 250 designs from the Revival Period architecture. Transfer through the Beklemeto Pass to Troyan (famous for its plum brandy) for overnight accommodation. Day 6. Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo. Sightseeing at the Tsarevets Fortress. Transfer to the museumtown of Arbanasi for sightseeing. End the day in Tryavna (famous for its preserved Bulgarian National Revival houses). Sightseeing followed by an overnight stay. Day 7. Transfer to the Etara Open-air Museum. We pass again the Balkan Mountains via the Shipka Pass to the city of Plovdiv. Sightseeing in the Old City of Plovdiv and overnight. Day 8. Transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure. A c c o m m o d a t i o n : Seven nights in shared double rooms (2-3 star hotels with en-suite facilities) on HB (breakfast and dinner included). One folklore evening included on day 7. Extensions: Black Sea coast (check our summer holiday offers at page 35) Tour type: GT Difficulty grade: A Group size: Minimum 4 Best period: April – October Included: accommodation and board as outlined above; transfers to/from Sofia and Plovdiv Airport; English-speaking guide and private transfers throughout the tour; entrance fees everywhere; VAT and all local taxes. S e l f - d r i v e In addition to our guided “Around Bulgaria” programme we are able to provide a self-drive variation by organising transportation for our clients (using our company-owned car fleet) and arranging accommodation at any of the places mentioned and many others. We can provide you with some initial directions and maps, which will help you to get the best out of your self-drive holiday. The biggest advantage of this option is your independence during the trip. You will have to rely on your own abilities to handle situations, but you will have the freedom to choose where, when and which way to go and for how long. The impressions collected cannot compare with a guided tour as you will have to act like local most of the time, which should be a rather exciting experience. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details at: info@penguin.bg 03
oundtrips Wine & Dine I n t r o d u c t i o n : The sun, the vine and wine have been symbols of Bulgaria since antiquity. Thracians, the first known inhabitants of the Balkan Peninsula, were experienced vine-growers and wine producers. It was believed that Thracian wine is a precious elixir which provides strength, courage and inspiration. The Thracian god of wine and fertility, Dionysius, became one of the most esteemed gods not only in Hellenic history, but also in Roman mythology and latterly all over the world. During the Roman times and after when the Slavs and Bulgarians inhabited the Balkans and founded the Bulgarian state in 681, the ancient vine-growing and wine producing traditions were inherited and greatly developed. During the Middle Ages the monasteries owned most of the lands where viticulture was widespread. Monastic wines, kept in special cold cellars, became famous abroad for their extremely good quality. Today vine-growing and wine production is an important part Bulgarian life. Not a single major event in an everyday Bulgarian’s world passes without plenty of fragrant wine or fruity Bulgarian brandy being present for the celebration. At the same time Bulgaria is renowned for its delicious cuisine. It is tasty, spicy and varied – which means it tends to appeal to everybody. This “culinary” geography abounds in delicious specialities and exotic dishes: Bansko-style kapama, Rhodope cheverme, Thracian katmi and Dobrudzha banitsa, Bulgarian yoghurt, and not least the famous Bulgarian Shopska salad… The list is endless. Enjoy this Wine & Dine Bulgarian Style tour and NAZDRAVE (“cheers”). I t i n e r a r y Day 1. Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport. Transfer to a hotel in Sofia. Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia. Day 2. Sightseeing Sofia. Departure to the famous Rila Monastery – the largest and one of the most spectacular religious sites in Bulgaria. Afternoon drive to Melnik – the smallest inhabited town in Bulgaria, famous for its local brands of red wines. Sightseeing tour of Melnik, wine tasting and dinner. Overnight in Melnik. Day 3. Visit to the picturesque Rozhen Monastery, noted for its magnificent woodcarvings. Drive to Plovdiv. En route stop in Brestovitsa for wine tasting. Dinner and overnight stay in Plovdiv. Day 4. Sightseeing in Plovdiv. In the afternoon visit the Bachkovo Monastery – the second largest in Bulgaria. Wine tasting in Assenovgrad. Dinner and overnight stay in Plovdiv. Day 5. Departure for Kazanlak and visit to a replica Thracian tomb and the museum of Roses followed by a visit of the Shipka gold-domed church and the lately discovered “Goliama Kosmatka” tomb. On the way to Veliko Tarnovo visit to the open-air museum at Etara. The museum was build as a Craftsman street. Still the craftsman here produce their unique art pieces of copper, goat’s fur, wood, steel, potter’s clay and silver. Dinner and overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo or Arbanasi. Day 6. Sightseeing Veliko Tarnovo. Afternoon visit to Liaskovets and its winery – famous for its high quality still and sparkling wines. You will have the opportunity to sample the best red and sparkling Liaskovets wines. Take a late afternoon sightseeing tour of Arnbanasi. Dinner and overnight stay either in Veliko Tarnovo or Arbanasi. Day 7. Departure for the town of Troyan for tasting the infamous Troyan brandies (made from plums). Troyan brandies are very popular and steadily gaining acknowledgement abroad. Continue to Koprivshtitsa via the famed Rose Valley. Tour of this romantic National Revival museum town. Late in the afternoon drive to Sofia or Plovdiv. Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia or Plovdiv. Day 8. Transfer to the airport for departure. A c c o m m o d a t i o n : Seven nights in shared double rooms (2-3 star hotels with en-suite facilities) on HB (breakfast and dinner included); wine tasting included as per itinerary; Extensions: Black Sea coast (check our summer holiday offers at page 35) Tour type: GT Difficulty grade: A Group size: Minimum 4 Best period: April – October Included: accommodation and board as outlined above; transfers to/from Sofia and Plovdiv Airport; English-speaking guide and private transfers throughout the tour; entrance fees everywhere; VAT and all local taxes. S h o r t b r e a k s As we know the value of time in recent days we have made shortened but fulfilling breaks for busy people. These include the active parts (3 days with guided walks) of our centre-based hiking programs in Bansko, Teteven, Mala Tsarkva or Trigrad. Sample itinerary would have the following schedule: Day 1. Arrival and transfer to one of the above mentioned destinations. Day 2-4. Trekking with guide as mentioned in the itinerary for each of these programs. Day 5. Transfer for departure. Accommodation, boarding, and price inclusion is again as mentioned for each of these tours (see pages 11-14). For genuine birders we have made 3-day “Wallcreeper tour”, offering the chance to spot not only this elusive bird, but also many other rarities in Rodopi Mountains. Culture and nature lovers can take a special package with 2 or 3 overnights in Sofia with visit to the highlights of the Bulgaria’s capital and the spectacular Rila Monastery. An optional excursion to Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa will be available as well. For more information please do not hesitate to reach is at: info@penguin.bg Roundtrip Macedonia & Albania I n t r o d u c t i o n : Both Macedonia and Albania are relatively unknown countries to the average tourist, although they have interesting histories and inspiring mountainous terrains. During this journey we will try to uncover their hidden treasures. The group is usually small, about five or six people, plus the guide and a driver. We travel by minibus. The road may occasionally be bumpy, but the natural views we are going to see can rarely be seen elsewhere in Europe. H i g h l i g h t s : Skopie – the capital of Macedonia Ohrid – the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet, and an important cultural centre through the ages Gjirokaster – a picturesque town with a great historical heritage Saranda – a popular holiday resort Butrint – a museum town which reveals the remains of an important ancient city from 9th Century BC Apolonia – another museum town with ancient ruins Berat – another cosy town with picturesque houses, steep, narrow, cobbled streets and an ancient fortress Durres – Albania’s international harbour Tirana – the capital of Albania I t i n e r a r y : Day 1. This expedition starts in the capital of Macedonia (FYROM), Skopje. Transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing walk through the new town and the remains of the Old town of Skopje. Overnight. Day 2. After breakfast drive to Ohrid – an important centre for culture and education since 861 and the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet. Sightseeing tour of Ohrid. Overnight there. Day 3. Drive from Ohrid towards the St Naum Monastery, some 30 km, or 18 miles, southeast of the town. Visit the Monastery and continue towards the Albanian border. Reach Permet late in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Permet. Day 4. Today’s drive covers a distance of approximately 130 km, or 80 miles. Our first stop will be the town of Gjirokaster, a highlight for tourists interested in architecture and history. The city was thought to be founded in the 12th Century AD around a fortresson the hillside. Continue to Saranda – a colorful coastal town and a holiday resort situated on the Adriatic coast opposite the Greek island of Corfu. Overnight stay in Saranda. Day 5. Drive first to the ancient city of Butrint, nowadays a museum town. Visit to Butrint and drive back northwards, take the picturesque coast road north to the city of Vlora. Arrive at Vlora during the afternoon, check into the hotel and explore the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Vlora. Day 6. Drive to the ancient settlement of Apollonia, founded in 588 BC. Continue for Berat – beautiful, cosy, and picturesque town, famous for its ancient fortress. Overnight in Berat. Day 7. Drive northwest to the city of Durres an international harbour city. Drive to the capital Tirana. After check in at the hotel take a sightseeing walk in the centre. Overnight in Tirana. Day 8. Departure from Tirana. Transfer to either Tirana Airport or Skopie, depending on your personal itinerary. A c c o m m o d a t i o n : The accommodation is not luxurious, but pleasant and clean: 2-3 star hotels, sometimes family-run. All rooms have their own toilet and bathroom. The hotels are centrally located. Half-board is included (breakfast and dinner). E x t e n s i o n s : The tour can be combined with a roundtrip of Bulgaria (see page 3) or a stay on the Adriatic/Black Sea coast. Tour type: GT Difficulty grade: A Group size: Minimum 4 Best period: May – September Included: Accommodation and board as outlined above; English-speaking guide and private transfers throughout the tour; entrance fees everywhere; VAT and all local taxes. Please note that the above tour is a recommended extension to the roundtrip “Around Bulgaria”. The appropriate departure dates have been arranged, giving you the opportunity to see the most of these three countries. 05
Page 1 and 2: penguin travel - bulgaria Penguin T
Page 3: About Bulgaria More and more people
Page 7 and 8: hiking tours The Rila-Pirin Mountai
Page 9 and 10: hiking tours Bansko, Pirin Mountain
Page 11 and 12: hiking tours Rodopi Mountains Self-
Page 13 and 14: cycling tours Road Cycling in Rodop
Page 15 and 16: horseriding tours The Iskar Ranch R
Page 17 and 18: irdwatching tours Spring Birding To
Page 19 and 20: SPA & Wellness SPA & Wellness Bulga
Page 21: hostels & rent-a-car Sofia & Plovdi

Adventure, Nature, Culture - Penguin Travel

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