TOUR PROSPECTUS This prospectus sets out the contents of the tour and together with the Booking Conditions and Booking Form is the basis of our contract with you. Bulgaria Western Balkan Mountains 23 June - 7 July 2018 Tour 1832 This tour follows quiet roads through beautiful countryside. The region is characterised by verdant forests and a wide variety of impressive rock formations including gorges, soaring cliffs, caves and bizarre and beautiful sandstone pillars. To the north of the mountains lie the Danube Plain and the mighty Danube river. Signs of the rich history and culture are everywhere: in the monuments, fortresses, monasteries, towns and friendly people along the route. The mountains are host to an extraordinary biodiversity; as well as the varied plant life, you might see deer, tortoise and wild boar as well as birds of prey soaring above. Mountain springs provide refreshing cool water while cycling; the excellent food and good quality hotels, most with swimming pools, help relaxation in the evening. This is an all inclusive, moving-on tour with rest days, luggage transfer and vehicle support. Itinerary Sat 23 June Sun 24 June Mon 25 June Tue 26 June Meet at Sofia Airport for transfer to hotel in Teteven, departing at approx. 1430. Stay 2 nights. Morning walk up to a precipitous viewpoint over the valley. After lunch a short but steep ride and walk to a waterfall. Cycle to Lukovit. 61km, 900m. Stay 2 nights. Short ride to Iskar Gorge, enjoy the views, see the unique Eyes of God cave and climb down to a monastery built into the rock face. Wed 27 June Ride through the beautiful Iskar Gorge and the foothills of the mountains to Vratsa, a picturesque town built right up against the north flank of the Balkan Mountains. 64km, 950m. Stay 1 night. Thu 28 June Ride along the Danube Plain to Montana keeping mountain views to the left. 61km, 200m. Stay 1 night. Fri 29 June Sat 30 June Sun 1 July Mon 2 July Tue 3 July Wed 4 July Ride across the plain and along the Danube to the port town of Vidin. 105km, 500m. Stay 2 nights. Rest day. Options include exploring the town and fortress, using the hotel facilities, crossing the bridge into Romania or a 60km round trip to the border with Serbia. Ride to Belogradchik. After 15 kilometers the route starts climbing back into the mountains. See the most westerly and final peak of the Balkan Mountain range. 81km, 950m. Stay 3 nights. Ride to and visit the Magura Cave, which has spectacular caverns large enough to hold annual concerts. More than 750 cave paintings dating back 10,000 years adorn the walls. 57km, 750m. Walk among bizarre and beautiful red sandstone towers to Belogradchik fortress, built into the rocks - a quite other-worldly experience! The fortress is one of the best preserved in Bulgaria and originally dates from Roman times. Cycle to the spa town of Varshets via an extensive and abandoned Communist Memorial complex. 97km, 880m. Stay 1 night. Thu 5 July Ride over a mountain pass into the Iskar valley, then via a monastery to Vratsa. 74km, 820m. Stay 2 nights. Fri 6 July Sat 7 July Day ride, first into the Vratsata Gorge with 400m high cliffs, the highest on the Balkan Peninsula. Then climb up to a mountain hut for lunch. 39km, 950m. After breakfast, transfer to Sofia Airport for those with return flights.
Back-up support There will be a support vehicle for luggage, with space restricted to either two panniers or one airline bag or one medium size rucksack (60 litres) per person. There is also limited space for riders if they are unable to cycle on a particular day. Although this is not an accompanying backup vehicle, it is on call to assist with any difficulties. Cycle bags can be stored in Sofia; see leader s notes for more information. Accommodation / Meals This will be in good hotels with en-suite rooms. Hotels are 4 star for seven nights, 3 star for six nights and 2 star for one night. Most hotels have swimming pools or other spa facilities. Twin or double rooms will be shared as appropriate or, for a supplement, single rooms are normally available. Breakfasts and evening meals are provided at 11 hotels; three nights are on a bed and breakfast basis. Lunches are in restaurants where available or as a roadside picnic. Dry snacks are available on a help yourself basis for days when no restaurant meal is provided and to take as emergency rations. The food is excellent and vegetarians are well catered for. Price 1299 per person The price is based on a minimum number of 10 participants taking part in the tour and is calculated at a rate of 2.17 leva (BGN) to 1 sterling (based on exchange rates published on www.oanda.com on 21 October 2017; please note Booking Conditions, clause 3). If there are insufficient bookings by 14 April 2018 we will contact you and return all monies paid. Price includes: - Transfers between Sofia airport and hotels as specified in the itinerary - 11 nights hotels, sharing rooms, half board basis - 3 nights hotels, sharing rooms, b&b basis - Lunches - Water with lunches and two drinks with evening meals - Luggage transfer and vehicle support for riders and bikes - Entry fees at Magura Cave and Belogradchik Fortress - CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours costs Price does not include: - Travel to and from Bulgaria - Evening meals on three nights - Entry fees at any attractions not described above - Travel Insurance - Single occupancy supplement ( 150, subject to availability) Travel Insurance Clause 7 of our Booking Conditions stipulates that, for tours outside the UK, Travel Insurance is mandatory. Details of the level of cover needed and other conditions you should check are stated on the Booking Conditions. You must complete the enclosed Insurance Declaration Form and return it with your Booking Form. CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours Ltd can accept no responsibility for any costs that may be incurred due to insufficient insurance cover. Payment schedule A deposit of 130 per person must accompany the Booking Form, with the final balance of 1169 per person to be paid ten weeks prior to departure, by 14 April 2018. See payment slip for how to make these payments. Passport / visa / health requirements EU citizens must hold a passport that is still valid on the date of their return to their home country. Holders of non- EU passports are advised to check whether they require a visa. There are no compulsory health-related requirements for UK residents, but you are strongly advised to check that your tetanus protection has not expired. Cancellations Should you be forced to cancel your booking for any reason you must notify us in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows: Written notice received: Cancellation charge: Before 14 April 2018 Deposit ( 130) 14 April 2018 through to departure 100% ( 1299) To make a booking Complete, sign and return the Booking Form and top part of the payment slip, together with the relevant part of the Insurance Declaration Form, directly to the Tour Manager (address on Booking Form). CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours Ltd, Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX
TOUR MANAGER S INFORMATION SHEET The information below is given by the Tour Manager to help enquirers decide if the tour is suitable for them. The area covered by the Tour The Balkan Mountains stretch right across Bulgaria from the Serbian border in the west to the Black Sea coast in the east and give their name to the wider region, the Balkans. The range consists of a high ridge with lower foothills to the north and south. We ll be cycling in the western and second highest part of the range, the highest peak is Midzhur (2169m) on the border with Serbia, and our route passes 14km from this mountain. We should also be able to see the peak that marks the end of the Balkan Mountains, Vrashka Chuka (692m), at a distance of 10km from our route. This peak also lies on the border with Serbia and is the most north-westerly peak in the range. We will stay in interesting locations, which provides the opportunity to explore. The towns are mostly small and well-spaced out, making for quiet roads and ideal cycling. Expect contrasting scenery, from undulating hills on the Danube Plain to unspoilt, forested hills and mountains interspersed with rocky precipices and gorges. The Danube is a mighty river up to a mile wide in this region. The rocks around Belogradchik are on the Tentative List of places to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site; they were also nominated to the World "New 7 Wonders of Nature" campaign and for a long time they were leading in their category "Caves, rock formations and valleys". The area has an incredibly rich history, having been populated continuously since the first migration of humans to Europe 1.5 million years ago. In more recent history many civilisations have come and gone, including Thracians, Romans, two Bulgarian Empires, Byzantines, Ottomans and a Communist People s Republic. All have left their mark on the land and in the rich culture and folklore. A potted history is included at the end of this document. Photographs taken from the route can be viewed at https://goo.gl/photos/n8hg8mtjo62zldbr8 Rides and rest days This is a tour classified as suitable for experienced touring cyclists. There are seven moving on days, much of the riding is hilly but most climbs are less than 300m in height. The biggest single climb gains 600m in elevation. There are a few steep sections, but they re short; the longer climbs have gentle gradients which can be taken at a relaxed pace with a low gear. There are six days when we stay put; on most of these days there is an optional ride or walk organised. These days also give the opportunity to independently explore the places where we re staying or to have a complete rest and use the hotel facilities. Despite the hilly terrain most of the tour is designed around a leisurely pace leaving plenty of time en-route for taking in the views, seeing interesting sights, taking photographs, enjoying the food and experiencing the culture. Most of the time we won t ride as one group so that people can go at their own pace, particularly on the climbs, though we ll regroup occasionally throughout the day. One of us will always ride at the back to help with any problems and ensure no one is ever left behind. Travel Bulgaria Western Balkan Mountains 23 June - 7 July 2018 Tour 1832 This is a land-only tour, so you must make your own way to Sofia Airport for the transfer to the hotel, or make your way to the hotel in Teteven where the tour begins. Large bicycle bags or boxes can be stored during the tour ONLY if arriving and departing from Sofia on the following flights. Arriving on 23 June: BA from Heathrow (arrives 13:10) or EasyJet from Manchester (arrives 11:45). Departing on 07 July: BA to Heathrow (departs 14:05) or EasyJet to Manchester (departs 12:30). If you wish to join or leave the tour at the first or last hotels, only a polythene bag such as the CTC Bike Bag can be taken on the tour in the luggage vehicle. Flights to Sofia are now available from many regional airports. If you decide not to take one of the recommended flights above, make sure the flight times are suitable and that the flight will carry your bike. In particular make sure you arrive well before the recommended flights, as if your flight is delayed we may have to depart for the hotel without you. Also, make sure the flight leaves Sofia Airport after 12:30 on 7 July. There is a reasonably priced
airport hotel in Sofia which can be used if arriving/departing on earlier/later dates. Check with the Tour Manager before making any bookings. Should you fail to rendezvous at the agreed time and place, we will not be responsible for any additional expenses you incur in joining the tour. Before finalising travel arrangements to meet the tour, you should ensure that you have read and understood our booking conditions. Should this tour not attract sufficient bookings to reach the minimum operating size, we may cancel the tour at any time up to 10 weeks before departure. It is therefore recommended that you book fully flexible and refundable transport and accommodation or wait until you know the tour is going ahead. Accommodation / Meals Accommodation is in comfortable 2-4 star hotels. Rooms are en-suite and most have air conditioning and free wi-fi. Several hotels have swimming pools and spa facilities. Breakfast choice varies and can be continental style, pancakes, omelettes, scrambled eggs, French toast or a buffet. Lunches will be taken in local restaurants where available, for other days and for emergency rations dry snacks are available on a help yourself basis, these can be supplemented from local shops if you wish. Included evening meals will be eaten in the hotel restaurants. On three evenings no meal is organised, but there are restaurants in the hotels and nearby to choose from. For food expect an amazing variety of Bulgarian specialities made from fresh local produce. Most meals will be served as lots of individual dishes in the centre of the table for everyone to share. This allows everyone to try out different foods and eat from those they like most. There s plenty for everyone and vegetarians are well catered for. On previous tours in Bulgaria, dining has been considered a highlight. Group information The maximum number of participants will be 22. Weather and clothing At this time of year the weather should be sunny and warm, cooling off at night, with average temperatures of 15 C night time minimum and 27 C day time maximum. This can vary considerably according to the weather pattern at the time, and rain or thunder storms are possible. It is recommended you take a fleece and long trousers for evenings and waterproof cycling jacket and gloves in case of rain. Sunscreen is essential, as is a covering for your head. Cycles / Equipment A reliable touring, hybrid or lightweight mountain bike would be suitable for this tour. Most of the route is surfaced; some sections have new tarmac, while others are in a poor condition with potholes. There are unpaved sections 6km, 3km and 2km in length. Lights are recommended, though might not prove essential, and mudguards are optional. New tyres are recommended, of at least 32mm section and with a tread for varied road surfaces. The route is mostly hilly, with a few short steep sections and some longer, though well graded, climbs. A low bottom gear (e.g. a small chainring the same size or smaller than the largest cog on your rear wheel) is recommended; if unsure about gears, please discuss this with me. You will not need to carry luggage as this will be transferred, but a bar bag, rack pack, saddlebag or pannier will be needed for wet weather gear, camera and snacks etc. It is important that your bike is well maintained, especially the brakes, and that you have ridden it before the tour to ensure that you are happy with its handling. Each participant will be expected to bring sufficient spares and tools to deal with minor repairs and punctures. Don t forget to bring water bottles. Money The currency in Bulgaria is the Lev (plural Leva). 1 = approximately 2.17 Leva (BGN). Maps We have used OFRM Geotrade electronic maps which can be used on Garmin GPS devices. Other electronic maps, such as Google Maps and OpenStreetMap (OSM), also show the roads we will be using but are less detailed. A free map of Bulgaria can be downloaded to smartphones using OpenStreetMap. GPS tracks that can be uploaded to a suitable device will be made available before the trip. National road maps are available at a scale of approximately 1:500,000; these show most of our route although not in great detail. The only larger scale paper maps I m aware of cover just the final three days completely plus some other fragments of the route, so are of limited use. These maps, published by Domino, are as follows: Stara Planina Western: Belogradchik to Berkovitsa (Part 3): EAN/ISBN 9789546512567; Scale 1:50,000 Stara Planina Western: Berkovitsa to Zlatitsa (Part 4): EAN/ISBN 9789546512581; Scale 1:50,000
Standard Guidebooks on Bulgaria usually cover the Western Balkan Mountains and the Danube including many of the towns we ll be travelling through and staying. Travel insurance and advice In addition to travel insurance, EU nationals should carry a European Health Insurance Card, obtainable from most Post Offices. This enables you to take advantage of emergency medical services free or at a discount under a reciprocal provision that exists between EU member states. Your travel insurer may refuse to meet the extra costs of medical treatment if you do not carry this card. Make sure you have read Clause 7 in the Booking Conditions. Before booking you should check the Foreign Office Travel Advice by Country at www.fco.gov.uk or on 0845 850 2829. About the Tour Manager I am an enthusiastic cycle tourist who has been organising tours in many European countries for the past 30 years. Since 2015 I have been leading tours in Bulgaria for CTC Cycling Holidays. When touring I like to enjoy the scenery and the company rather than cycling great distances. I am married to a Bulgarian and have spent about four of the past twelve years in Bulgaria. During this time I have come to know and love the country, including learning to speak the language and cycling and walking in many parts of the country. My Bulgarian brother in law will be the vehicle driver and very much part of the tour. He ll be happy to lend a hand or answer any questions you may have about Bulgaria, or perhaps just have a chat over a beer. My assistant, Brian, has been a CTC tour leader since 1984 and has toured extensively in Scandinavia, Canada, South Africa and, more latterly, run camping tours in Scotland. He enjoyed the tours in Bulgaria in 2015, 2016 and 2017 so much that he enthusiastically accepted the chance to assist again in 2018. Stephen Millard Summerfield Cottage, Pyrford Road, Woking, Surrey GU22 8UP 07805 223304 steve@millard.ch A Brief History of the Balkan Mountains area of Bulgaria The area we ll be cycling through is steeped in history dating back to the first migration of humans from Africa to Europe; 1.5 million years old human remains have been found in the Balkan Mountains. We ll visit a cave with paintings dating back 10,000 years. From about 1500 BC Thracians ruled the region, several of the towns we stay in have evidence of Thracian settlement: Vratsa, Montana and Varshets. In 300 BC Celts arrived in the region and founded some settlements, including the port town of Vidin where we ll spend two nights. In 46AD the region became part of the Roman Empire, we ll visit Belogradchik fortress which was originally built by the Romans and modified and extended by later rulers. During this time there were incursions of Goths, Huns, Avars and Bulgars. Slavs migrated to the region in great numbers making them the dominant ethnic group to this day. The Bulgars, a Turkic nomadic people, united in 632 to form what became the First Bulgarian Empire, covering much of the Balkans well beyond current day borders. Bulgarian culture flourished including the creation of the Slavic alphabet (Cyrillic), the earliest Slavic literature, conversion to Christianity, architecture, arts and crafts. Between 1018 and 1185 Bulgaria became absorbed into the Byzantine Empire, some artistic traditions from the period such as icon painting and church architecture survive to this day. The Second Bulgarian Empire followed, the economy, arts, architecture, literature, music and culture all thrived in this Second Golden Age, the capital of which was Tarnovo in the Central Balkan Mountains. Towards the end of
this period a disinherited heir to the empire declared himself Tsar of Bulgaria and made the port town of Vidin his capital, in competition with the capital Tarnovo, Vidin has the only entirely preserved mediaeval castle in Bulgaria. Nearly 500 years of Ottoman rule followed and Bulgarian culture was kept alive with the help of the many monasteries, often in remote locations, one of which we ll visit en-route. The 18 th century saw the resurgence of national identity called the National Revival, we ll see the characteristic architecture from this period. After many battles independence was won in 1878 and there followed the Third Bulgarian State which lasted until 1946, this period was characterised by borders being drawn up by Great Powers and by wars trying redraw said borders. From 1946 until 1991 Bulgaria became a People s Republic under communism. This period is still very much in evidence with its public art, architecture, monuments and town planning. There was rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and infrastructure improvements. We ll see a major memorial complex built during this period which is now abandoned and returning to nature. The communist leader Todor Zhivkov, who ruled from 1954 until 1989, came from a peasant family in the Western Balkan Mountains. In 1990 a peaceful transition took place towards democracy and market economics; the Republic of Bulgaria was born in 1991. The pace of change has been rapid with mass privatisation and restitution of property to private ownership. However economic improvement has been more muted, and in a 2009 study only 11% of Bulgarians agreed that ordinary people had benefited from the changes.