Sofia’s Choice
Beautiful Bulgaria
May 22 – June 1, 2008
AN EASY CHOICE!
As the title character in William Styron’s novel (and the Oscar-winning
film) Sophie’s Choice discovered, life is full of impossible
decisions. While most of our conundrums cannot begin to compare with
what Sophie faced, sometimes we too must make difficult choices, whether
buying a car, ending a relationship, moving to a new home, or changing
jobs. Even vacation planning offers a maddening array of enticing destinations.
Seasoned world travelers are always on the lookout for something new,
while those new to international jaunts won’t want to miss the
iconic places they’ve heard about all their lives.
The fall of the Iron Curtain in the early
1990’s opened up vast new territories to discover in Eastern Europe.
Bulgaria is one of the Balkan countries tucked away at the southeastern
extremity of Europe. Despite a turbulent history, it is the continent’s
oldest surviving state to have kept its original name (since A. D. 681),
and most of its populace are direct descendants of the Bulgar invasion
of the south Danube around that time.
Bulgaria’s crowning jewel, no doubt,
is the capital city of Sofia. Although it might seem like any other
big city around the world, especially along the route from airport to
city center, Sofia reveals its charm and character upon closer inspection.
The modern city is young and lively with plenty of entertainment and
social opportunities, while its history resides in graceful old homes,
onion-domed churches, leafy parks and Communist era monuments.
The past aside, Bulgaria has a lot to
offer in terms of natural beauty and historical significance. The Balkan
Mountains cross the country reaching to the edge of the Black Sea and
its golden beaches. The land is heavily cultivated, covered with forests
and crossed by rivers. For seasoned travelers, the country is an undiscovered
treasure trove of cultural artifacts, and this tour visits no less than
five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Beginning and ending in Sofia, our tour
makes an oval circuit of some of Bulgaria’s most impressive sites.
Travel through spectacular mountains to a remote monastery and imagine
yourself a thespian upon the stage of an ancient Roman amphitheatre.
Stroll along the beautiful Black Sea coastline, and marvel at the antiquities
dotting the landscape nearly everywhere you go.
Experience the wealth of beauty to be
found in Bulgaria, which is especially proud of its rich folklore and
traditions. The name Sofia means “wisdom” in Greek, and
the capital city was given that name in 1376 by its rulers. You will
indeed be choosing wisely if you decide to explore beautiful Bulgaria
with Toto Tours. We see the most wonderful sights, stay in top-of-the-line
hotels, and almost every meal is included. The choice is easy!
ITINERARY
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Travel Day
Arrange your international flight to leave your home city sometime
today, arriving in Sofia, Bulgaria tomorrow morning. (Search for flights
using the airport code: SOF) As with most of our international tours,
we recommend that you consider arriving one day early to get over the
jet lag. We will be happy to help you reserve an additional night at
our group hotel if you decide to arrive in Sofia early.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Arrival in Sofia
Try to schedule a flight that arrives before 1:00pm today so you do
not miss the city sightseeing tour this afternoon. One group transfer
is provided from the airport to the hotel, and it will be timed to accommodate
the greatest number of arriving passengers before 1:00pm.
Our group meets for the first time in the hotel
lobby at 2:00pm this afternoon to commence a half-day sightseeing tour
of Sofia. Dating back to the fourth century BC, the ancient capital
of Sofia is making an attempt to become a modern metropolis, but its
rich heritage prompts the most interest. It has a wealth of different
architectural styles including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian and
Turkish. The city boasts many theaters, museums, opera houses, art galleries,
universities, open-air markets, and parks (over 300 of them).
The tour includes a general orientation
and overview of the city center, plus entrance to several of the most
historic churches: Alexander Nevsky, Boyana, St. Petka and St. Sofia.
This evening we celebrate the start of our adventure together with a
cocktail and introductions at the hotel followed by a Welcome Dinner
at a local restaurant. (Welcome Dinner
included)
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Rila Monastery / Plovdiv
After a hot buffet breakfast at our hotel, we depart into the countryside,
traveling by motorcoach into the majestic Rila Mountains. Our destination
this morning is the Rila
Monastery, the country’s most famous site, which is
hidden away in a remote forested valley. Founded in the late 13th century,
this complex is no delicate religious structure but an imposing medieval
fortress. UNESCO included the Rila Monastery on its list of World Heritage
Sites in 1983. After lunch, we continue on to the town of Plovdiv, arriving
in late afternoon. Enjoy some free time after hotel check-in, followed
by dinner in the hotel restaurant. (All
Meals)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Plovdiv Sightseeing
Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second
largest city. It has a lovely old town, which has been completely restored
to its mid-19th century appearance. Each street is packed with charming
houses, museums, and galleries. Another distinctive feature is one of
the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans, still used for
performances to this day. We tour the Roman sites, then visit the Ethnographic
National Museum.
After lunch, visit the hilltop of Nebet Tepe,
where the ruins of Eumoplas, a Thracian settlement dating back to 5000
B.C., overlook the town. We also visit the Bachkovski
Monastery which ranks second only after the Rila Monastery
both with regard to size, and to architectural, artistic and literary
significance. Dinner is included tonight at our hotel. (All
Meals)
Monday, May 26, 2008
Kazanlak / Nessebar
Enjoy a morning at leisure today in Plovdiv. Our day of touring begins
with lunch at a local restaurant after we have checked out of our hotel.
After lunch we drive 75 miles to the town of Kazanlak. Tucked between
two mountain ranges, it was originally settled in ancient times as the
Roman city of Sevtopolis. The main attraction is a heavily secured Thracian
Tomb, discovered during the building of a bomb shelter in World War
II and now another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continuing on to the Black Sea, we arrive at
our destination, Nessebar, in the late afternoon. We have sea view rooms
at an all inclusive resort, so we gather this evening for dinner with
all local beverages included! (All
Meals)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Free Day
Nessebar is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one look at
the town will clue you in to the reason. This is one incredibly scenic
spot everywhere you look, with several Byzantine church ruins alongside
narrow cobblestone streets. The entire day is free to explore on your
own. You might stroll into the old town to seek out museums and historical
sites, or stroll along the waterfront. Your Toto host and your tour
guide will be happy to help you set up optional adventures that won’t
duplicate tomorrow’s touring. Our resort is all inclusive, which
means we enjoy all meals, snacks, soft drinks and local alcohol brands
at no additional charge. (All Meals
and Beverages)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Varna
Partake in a guided tour of Nesabar this morning. We see the old town
and visit several old churches. Also included are tours of the Archeological
Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, and the New Metropolitan Church (St.
Stephen). Returning to our resort for lunch, we then continue north
along the Black Sea coast to the unusual town of Varna. It is a constantly
surprising place, contrasting cosmopolitan city life and Black Sea gaiety
with hidden side streets and ancient Roman ruins. Enjoy an afternoon
sightseeing tour, visiting the Bogoroditsa Cathedral and the Roman Thermae,
a spa facility built in the 2nd century A.D. Dinner included at our
hotel. (All Meals)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Madara / Arbanasi / Veliko Turnovo
Our day begins with a drive to Madara, an important Thracian town around
5000 B.C. and later during Roman occupation. Today the town is famous
mainly for the Madara Horseman, a series of cliff carvings done in the
8th century and now recognized as another World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
After stopping to view the Horseman we continue on to Arbanasi, one
of Bulgaria’s most lovely historic monastery villages. We stop
for lunch and take an afternoon sightseeing tour, including the Holy
Nativity Church with exquisite frescoes, and the gorgeous 17th century
Konstantsalieva House.
Our final destination today is Veliko
Turnovo. After settling into our rooms, we visit the Lyaskovets
Winery to taste several regional wines, cheese and bread with dinner. (All
Meals)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Veliko Turnovo Sightseeing / Return to Sofia
Veliko Turnovo is perhaps unrivaled in all of Europe for its spectacular
and romantic setting. The Yantra River winds its way through a tree-lined
gorge, atop which sits the ancient capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire
from the 12th to 14th centuries. On Tsaravets Hill, the ruins of a massive
fortress overlook the old town and dominate the skyline. Archaeologists
have found the remains of 400 houses , 18 churches, many monasteries,
shops, gates and watchtowers.
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of the
main sights, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Digest and relax
during the three hour drive back to Sofia, arriving in the late afternoon.
Dinner is included at our hotel. (All
Meals)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Free Day / Farewell Dinner
Today is entirely free to explore Sofia in more depth and do some last-minute
souvenir shopping. Tonight we celebrate the choices we made throughout
the tour during a Farewell Dinner at one of Sofia’s lovely restaurants. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Departure
The tour ends officially after breakfast. Arrange your international
flight to depart any time today. We provide one group transfer to the
airport, timed to accommodate the greatest number of departing tour
participants. If this transfer does not meet your needs, we will assist
you in arranging a private transfer to the airport. Let us know if you
would like to extend your stay at our hotel in Sofia. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)
Sofia (3 nights): Hotel
Kempinski Zografski
Plovdiv (2 nights): Hotel
Trimontium Princess
Nessebar (2 nights): Hotel
IFA Nessebar Bay
Varna: Aqua
Hotel
Veliko Turnovo: Yantra
Grand Hotel
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements—For U.S. Citizens a valid
passport is the only document required to enter Bulgaria, for stays
less than 90 days.
Immunizations—No immunizations are currently
required for travel to Bulgaria, but it is wise to have your inoculations
up-to-date. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements—You must pay a departure tax
equal to about $20 U.S. upon departure from the Sofia Airport.
WHAT TO BRING
Temperatures in Bulgaria at this time of year are still springtime
cool, ranging between 50 and 70 degrees F throughout the country. Short
pants will have few uses. Pack light and try to limit yourself to two
small suitcases. Pack medications in a carry-on just in case your bags
don’t arrive when you do. We suggest leaving expensive jewelry
at home!
Suggested Packing List:
____ Passport
____ 5 pair long pants (mix blue jeans, cotton khakis or chinos)
____ 1 pair shorts for walking/hiking
____ Socks and underwear for 10 days
____ Light sweater and windbreaker
____ Inexpensive poncho for use in case of rain
____ Comfy walking / hiking shoes
____ Daypack or fanny pack
____ T-shirts (5 - 6)
____ Casual long-sleeved shirts (4 - 5)
____ Sleepwear (optional)
____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses
____ Personal toiletries
____ Swimsuit
____ Camera with extra batteries / plenty of film or digital memory
____ A good book for the long flights
MONEY MATTERS
The lev is the national currency of Bulgaria (the code is BGN when
looking up exchange rates). One lev is subdivided into 100 stotinki.
Notes are in denominations of Lv50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in
denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 stotinki. A bordereaux receipt
indicating the amount of currency exchanged will be given, and must
be kept until departure. Visitors are advised to exchange money at banks
and at large hotels only. ATMs are widespread, and credit cards such
as Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted
in large cities, in larger hotels, and in some restaurants and shops,
mainly in Sofia. However, Bulgaria is still a country that operates
mainly on currency, rather than credit cards. As of May 30, 2007, one
US Dollar was worth about 1.45 BGN.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the
form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check.
You also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or
MasterCard. The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure
(by March 3, 2008). Tour registration is not complete until we have
received both the signed reservation form and your deposit check or
credit card authorization.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards
as a form of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($500
maximum can be charged per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our
mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
LIABILITIES & DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to
these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard
liability form.
We strongly encourage you purchase
Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in Bulgaria! We
will provide the necessary forms upon receipt of your deposit, or you
can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page. You
can also book your travel insurance with a phone call to Toto Tours.
The tour operators reserve the right to
accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and
to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed
departure with a minimum of ten participants.
Toto Tours is not responsible for airline
cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants
for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed
departure.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even
encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified
by certain traits. They are:
-
fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor
and accentuate the positive;
-
good natured realists who are willing to accept
situations as they exist;
-
undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays
or bad weather;
-
willing to forego some of the amenities we normally
take for granted;
-
eager to try new things & test limits;
-
punctual;
-
not whiners!
No need to dither any longer about where you are going for this year’s
Memorial Day Holiday! The wise decision is Beautiful Bulgaria in the
company of Toto Tours! If you have any questions, please call toll-free:
800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $2,595 double occupancy
Private Room: $500 extra, if available. (Not
required. Toto Tours can match you with a roommate if you are traveling
alone and prefer to share a room.)
Deposit: $500 (Due at time of registration for
the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance: $2,095 double / $2,595 single
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)
Remaining Balance Due: March 3, 2008
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this
date.)
Included: Nine nights hotel accommodations; one group
airport/hotel transfer at the beginning and the end of the tour; Welcome
Dinner; Farewell Dinner; meals, activities, and transportation as listed
in the itinerary, fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Round-trip air transportation to/from
Sofia, Bulgaria; meals and activities not specifically included in the
itinerary; insurance; alcohol; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry;
telephone calls; faxes; any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips
to drivers and guides not included.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with AIG Travel Guard to
cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow
the link below or call us for more information.

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