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.

RESERVATIONS

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

• 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.