Trip Notes WILD BULGARIA: WINTER WALK & SNOWSHOE HIGHLIGHTS IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? SUMMARY LAND ONLY ITINERARY

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1 Trip Notes WILD BULGARIA: WINTER WALK & SNOWSHOE Trip Code: CAB Country: Bulgaria Amended: August 2013 Edition No: TW Valid from: 01 Jan to 01 Apr 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Explore remote mountain landscape Discover subterranean caves Taste delicious local cuisine and wines SUMMARY Encircled by the rivers Mesta and Maritsa, the Rodopi Mountains are the most extensive mountain range in Bulgaria, covering a vast area in the southern part of the country, and rolling on across the border into Greece. It remains one of the least-visited corners of Europe and is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. This one week winter adventure explores a world far from the crowded pistes of the major winter resorts. A highly varied selection of carefully designed winter walks (assisted with snowshoes where necessary) will lead us through ancient forests, across panoramic ridges and into deep gorges studded with mysterious caves, allowing you to discover more about the amazingly rich wildlife and rural heritage of the region. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? This trip is for those who seek a winter wildlife and cultural experience in a remote and unspoiled mountain environment far away from the bustle of crowded ski resorts, and who appreciate the excitement of tracking, observing and photographing elusive animals. It also offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional culture of rural Bulgaria. Walking for between 3-5 hours each day, we will explore a range habitats including caves, cliffs, forests and rivers, following traditional shepherds' paths, forest tracks, and ancient Roman roads. Although for the most part moderately gentle, the trails on this holiday can sometimes be rough and undulating, and do include the occasional steeper ascent and descent as we climb over ridges or drop down into gorges. In places, it is likely we will encounter deeper snow, so on some of our walks we will use snowshoes and ski-poles to ease our progress. LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type of accommodation normally used (if different standards of accommodation are used - see accommodation section below for key to codes), and meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 Start Sofia Airport Start at Sofia Airport (Terminal 2) where you will be met by your leader and transferred east across the Thracian Plain to the historic city of Plovdiv where we will spend the first night. SH (D) Day 2 Rodopi Pilgrimmage After breakfast, we will have a short walk around the old part of Plovdiv, seeing some of the main sights such as the Roman theatre, stadium and beautifully preserved merchants' houses. Then, having bought ourselves some picnic food, we drive south into the Rodopi Mountains and begin our explorations with a visit to one of the most sacred sites in Bulgaria, the Bachkovo Monastery. One of the largest and most atmospheric monasteries in the country, we enjoy a glimpse into the seemingly timeless monastic world of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and have a chance to admire some of the most outstanding examples of religious art in the country. As well as visiting the monastery itself, we will also enjoy a gentle walk (2 hours) in the tranquil valley behind, a nature reserve that shelters several picturesque chapels. In the afternoon we drive on into the heart of Exodus Travels Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: sales@exodus.co.uk

2 the Rodopi Mountains, briefly stopping off at the village of Shiroka Laka, an architectural reserve that preserves a picturesque church and some fine examples of local vernacular architecture. Completing our transfer, we then arrive at the remote village of Yagodina, seemingly located at the end of the world in a rugged karst region. Here we will be based for the next four nights in a comfortable family-run hotel that is renowned for its hospitality and delicious traditional food. SH (B D) the realm of the Grey Wolf, and we will keep our eyes open for any signs of their presence, as well as look out for the tracks of other animals such as Wild Boar, Roe Deer, Brown Hare and Red Squirrel. The silent forests also shelter a variety of interesting birds, and if we are lucky we may encounter species such as Black Woodpecker, Hazel Grouse and Crested Tit. Finally, having made our way across the mountains to the village of Trigrad, we will be picked up by our bus and driven back to Yagodina. Before dinner, we will be able to visit the village ethnographic museum, and see some of the traditional handicrafts that are still used and manufactured by the locals. Later in the evening, some of the village ladies will come to the hotel and, as well us entertaining us with traditional songs, will also teach us some of the local folkdances, thus bringing a lively close to our stay in Yagodina! SH (B L D) Day 6 Sentinels of the Forest Leaving the village of Yagodina, we have a short drive to the nearby town of Devin. Here, in the mountains surrounding the town, we will meet up with guides from the local game reserve and spend several hours trying to track, observe and photograph a variety of elusive animals such as Wild Boar, Balkan Chamois, Mouflon, Roe Deer and Red Deer. Our exciting forest safari will be partly on foot and partly in four-wheel-drive vehicles. Later in the afternoon, you can then thaw out and soothe away any tired and aching muscles in the warm mineral waters of our hotel swimming pool; or if you are feeling especially self-indulgent, perhaps treat yourself to a massage or other treatment in the hotel spa. SH (B L D) Day 7 Riverside Ramble Day 3 Where Eagle's Soar Setting off on foot from the hotel, we will climb steadily up onto the broad open ridge that rises directly north of the village. Here on the cliffs at the westernmost end of the ridge we will find an amazing viewpoint known as the 'Eagle's Eye', from which there is a breathtaking view down into the depths of the Buynovo Gorge. The cliffs are the haunt of Peregrine Falcon, and occasionally Golden Eagle can also be seen soaring overhead. Resuming our walk (3-4 hours), we then head east along the ridge, being rewarded with a succession of stunning winter panoramas that stretch out over the village and across the seemingly unending folds and forests of the Rodopi Mountains. Having returned to the hotel, we will then receive a cookery lesson, and have an opportunity to prepare ourselves a traditional Rodopi dish that will then be served up as part of our dinner. SH (B L D) After breakfast, we will spend the morning walking (2 hours) along the valley of the Devinska Reka, following a specially constructed eco-trail that sticks close to the water's edge. The sparkling stream is home to Otter and a habitat for typical riverine birds such as White-throated Dipper, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. Finally, having checked out of the hotel and bought yourself something for lunch in the town of Devin, we then start the transfer back to Sofia, a long but interesting journey that first takes us through the dramatic Krichim Gorge, then out into the Thracian Plain. The final night of the holiday is at a hotel in the Bulgarian capital Sofia. S H (B D) Day 8 End Sofia Depending on flight schedules, there should be time for a short sightseeing tour of Sofia's main sites, before driving on to the airport for departure. (B) Day 4 Life in the Underworld The focus of todays' exploration is the amazing subterranean world of the Trigrad-Yagodina karst region. During the day we will visit two of the most famous caves in Bulgaria, and discover more about their formation as well as the fascinating creatures that live within. Beginning at the dramatic Trigrad Gorge, we first visit the so-called 'Devil's Throat' Cave, an enormous chasm containing a thundering waterfall and underground river. This is the cave from which Orpheus is said to have emerged after his fateful trip to the Underworld. However, today the cave is renowned as one of the most important hibernating sites in Europe for Schreiber's Bent-winged Bat which is found here in colonies numbering several thousand, accompanied by smaller numbers of Long-fingered Bat. Having emerged from the cave, we then make our way back towards Yagodina on foot (3 hours), skirting around the Durdaga massif through prime Brown Bear habitat. At this time of the year, the bears are normally tucked away sleeping in their dens, but if the weather is unseasonably mild, then they often awake from hibernation, and we may come across their tracks and scats. Our hike finishes at the Yagodina Cave, internationally renowned for its great variety of cave formations. We will spend about an hour walking through the cave learning about the different speleothems, and also keeping our eyes open for hibernating Greater Horseshoe Bat and Lesser Horseshoe Bat. SH (B L D) Day 5 Realm of the Wolf Leaving the hotel on foot, we set off on an exciting walk (4-5 hours) into the lonely wilds of the surrounding forests. Often this part of the mountains experiences significant snowfall in winter, so it is likely we will need to use snowshoes in places to help us break a trail. Our route leads us into a remote region that in winter becomes ACCOMMODATION Our first night is spent at a centrally located hotel in the city of Plovdiv. We then have four nights based in the village of Yagodina, a traditional rural settlement famed for its self-sufficiency and the hospitality of its inhabitants. The village lies tucked away in the Trigrad Karst region and is one of the most remote parts of the Rodopi Mountains. Here we stay in a small village hotel offering comfortable twin rooms with en suite facilities. The hotel is owned and run by a local family and most of the food (including milk, cheese, butter, jam, honey etc.) is 2

3 home produced. We then have one night at a spa hotel in Devin, a mountain town famed for its mineral water, before moving on for a final night at a hotel in the Bulgarian capital Sofia. Single Accommodation: Single rooms are available for a supplement of 115 (or approx. US$210). Please note that due to the size of some hotels, the number of single rooms available may be limited. 30 to 45 minutes, with the longer drives on day 2 and day 7 being broken up by walks or comfort stops WEATHER AND SEASONALITY KEY TO ACCOMMODATION: We indicate in the itinerary what type of accommodation is provided on each day. The descriptions are guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation offered, rather than an exact description. SH Standard Hotel, Lodge or Gite - no-frills hotel, usually with twin rooms and en suite facilities. Service and amenities are generally adequate. FOOD & TRANSPORT Food In the itinerary we state which meals are included each day: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 7 dinners are included in this trip. Typical Meals Breakfast: Will usually include tea or coffee, bread, jam, honey and cheese, supplemented in Yagodina by fresh home-made yoghurt and traditional local specialities such as thick pancakes known as 'katmi' and a rice-based dish called 'rodopski klin'. Lunch: Picnic lunches will be eaten in the mountains and typically comprise of bread, cheese, salami, salad, biscuits and fruit. Our hotel in Yagodina provides us with picnic food, but on other days you will need to buy your own provisions in local shops. Dinner: Will be taken in our hotel restaurants, and will normally include four courses comprising a salad, soup and main course, followed by a dessert of fruit, ice cream, or cake/pudding. The cuisine reflects a mixture of Bulgarian, Greek, Turkish and Slavonic influences. We sample many traditional local specialities including 'smilyanski fasul', a delicious bean soup and 'patatnik', a local delicacy made with grated potatoes, onions, and cheese, then seasoned with mint and other herbs. Jugs of tap water will be provided on the table with the evening meal. Bottled mineral water, soft drinks and alcohol are not included but may be purchased. There are several local wines that you may wish to try, including an excellent red 'Mavrud' from vineyards on the northern slopes of the Rodopi. Vegetarians and Vegans: Bulgaria is famed for its fresh vegetables and fruit, so vegetarians are usually well catered for. However, as dairy produce and eggs form the staple part of the diet in this region and occur in the vast majority of meals, it is more difficult for vegans who will find the variety of their menu more restricted. Transport A private minibus will be used for all transport throughout the week. The roads in the Rodopi are typically small and winding mountain lanes, occasionally with rough surfaces, and in winter journeys can sometimes be subject to delays and alterations if roads become temporarily blocked by heavy falls of snow. Most of the drives are very picturesque and interesting. Average journeys each day vary between Whilst Bulgaria's plains and valleys can often be grey and foggy in winter, the weather in the Rodopi Mountains is typically much brighter. However, occasionally temperatures can plummet, and in exposed windy places it can feel very cold. Central parts of the Rodopi often experience heavy winter snowfalls, which can blanket the mountains in deep drifts necessitating the use of snowshoes for walking. In some years, unseasonably warm Mediterranean winds can suddenly blow in across the mountains from the south bringing with them a rapid thaw and awakening the local brown bears from hibernation. It must also be remembered that mountain weather can at times be very fickle, and as a result we may occasionally be forced to amend the itinerary to suit prevailing conditions. JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 8 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office. 3

4 JOINING THE TRIP IN SOFIA AIRPORT 8 days, normally start Sofia Airport Sat, end Sofia Sat The group flight in 2013 is with British Airways arriving at Sofia Airport (Terminal 2) - the 'New Terminal'. This is the terminal also used by all other major National Airlines. All the other smaller 'low-cost' and 'budget' airlines such as EasyJet and Wizz Air land at Sofia Airport (Terminal 1) - the 'Old Terminal'. Therefore all PAX who flying into Terminal 1 will need to transfer themselves to Terminal 2 where the leader will be waiting. The two terminals are quite a distance apart and they will need to use the official airport Shuttle Bus. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. Basing ourselves for four nights at a small family-run hotel in the village of Yagodina, we are making a direct contribution to the economy of local community, as well as supporting the development of eco-tourism in the region and the preservation of its habitats, flora and fauna. The interest in the traditional local handicrafts and customs shown by clients on our previous tours has promoted a resurgence in pride amongst the local people for their old crafts and traditions. Not only has a village folksong and dance troupe now been set up, but also the owners of the hotel have established an ethnographic museum in the village. Furthermore, our local operators in Bulgaria have now founded a new Non-Governmental Organization Wild Rodopi, aimed at researching and conserving the wildlife and rural heritage of the Rodopi Mountains. Leaders and any clients interested in contributing to the NGO's research and conservation projects are encouraged to submit wildlife observations and photographs made during the trips so that their records can be added to the database of local flora and fauna. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. Local Time GMT +2 Electricity You will need a round 2-pin type C plug. This type of plug is very common in most universal adaptor sets. Plugs are generally 230V and 50Hz frequency. You will be able to charge a phone/camera etc on every night during this trip. Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 6 and 16 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGL), with an exchange rate of 2.29 to the UK and 1.46 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. With little or no opportunity to use Credit Cards and Traveller's Cheques on this trip, it is recommended you obtain local Bulgarian currency for all purchases and expenditures. If you decide to obtain Bulgarian currency in your home country before departure, it is advisable to request as small denomination notes as possible. Shops and restaurant in Bulgaria rarely have much in the way of small change and often refuse to accept larger denomination notes. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques There are ATM machines available in the arrivals hall at Sofia Airport, also available during our short stays in Plovdiv and Devin. There are no banks or ATMs in Yagodina. Extra Expenses and Spending Money You may wish to change approx. 75 into local Bulgarian currency to cover the costs of entrances to the two caves visited on this programme, for drinks with meals, and for the purchase of any local handicrafts or other souvenirs. If you decide to book yourself a massage or other treatment at the spa hotel in Devin, then you will need to budget extra. Tipping (leader and local staff) If you receive good service it is customary to tip staff in Bulgaria in appreciation of their help and friendliness, although this is in no way compulsory. Visas are not required for Bulgaria for British and other EU passport holders. Other nationalities should check with the relevant authorities. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no specific health risks on this trip. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing In addition to your "normal" daily clothes, you will need the following: Walking boots: 3 or 3-4 season waterproof walking boots with semirigid soles, and good ankle support. 4

5 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. Medium sized daypack: (approx 30 litres), on occasions you should expect to carry your snowshoes strapped onto the outside of your pack, packs with a lid or adjustable side straps are well suited for this. Outdoor/winter clothing as follows: Good quality waterproof jacket; waterproof trousers and gaiters; warm fleece; warm hat and gloves. Occasionally we experience unseasonably warm days, where t-shirts, lightweight trousers and light fleeces are all that's required. Other essentials: large capacity water bottle and/or thermos flask; sunglasses and high factor sun cream and lip protection; trainers/ comfortable shoes for the evenings; blister kit (some people find they are more prone to blisters with snowshoes); sit-mat (or small square of karrimat) for taking lunches in the snow. Optional items: Plastic sandwich boxes are useful for picnic lunches and are much more environmentally responsible than simply putting food into new plastic bags every day. Please note, bathrooms in Bulgaria are typically 'wet rooms' without shower cabins, thus their floors often remain damp making a pair of flip-flops very useful to have in your room. Swimming costumes are needed for those wishing to make use of the swimming pool and other spa facilities during their stay at the hotel in Devin. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? 5

6 HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay by cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 6