About our tours

 

GROUP SIZE
Our groups are restricted to a maximum of twelve participants plus one or two leaders depending on the particular tour. We reserve the right if the last free place is booked by a couple to include both of them in the group.
Thus the maximum number of participants will never exceed thirteen plus leader. Some of the tours are restricted to eight, two or even one person. Our minimum group size is normally three participants. Most of the wildlife photo tours we will run even with only one participant.


HOW THE TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE
In every itinerary the daily program is given. Depending of the particular tour we are starting in the morning after having breakfast. It is rare that sometimes we first go birdwatching and than back for our breakfast. Within some tours early starting is required, but it is clearly described in the itinerary.
Our lunches are sometimes picnics as this proved to be highly appreciated by all of you.
Additionally this gives us more time to stay and explore particularly sites. Walking in the tours is generally easy, sometimes moderate walks are necessary in order to reach special places which can reveal rare or difficult to observe species. Following the itinerary, we can be flexible according the group common desires within a single day. This may be a bit early start or late return to our hotel, as well as longer stay on certain place or watching special species.
Despite that within some of the tours we will see over 200 bird, of over 100 butterflies species, the tour is not rushing and stressing, but with relaxing schedule. It is forbidden to collect any wild specimen.


ITINERRARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are carefully prepared and no changes occur without a serious reason. We reserve the right to change the itinerary upon circumstances which are out of our control i.e. harsh weather, closed roads, not working chair or cabin lifts etc. However, in such a case we will discus the situation with you and the group. We will just offer different options and the final decision will be taken in mutual agreement.


ACCOMMODATION
The hotels we use are usually small, mainly family hotels, situated close to the areas we explore. The majority of them are new, reflecting the recent development of the country. Many of them offer excellent home made typical Bulgarian food. All the rooms have their own facilities and bathrooms with hot water.
Even when in developed tourist resorts, we do not use larger hotels, as this does not coincide with our view regarding responsible tourism. The basic hotels we use are very few, but they are the only available in the area. Again, the rooms here have their own facilities.


FOOD AND DRINKS
The Bulgarian national cuisine is a mixture of mediterranean, continental and oriental cuisine. It is delicious and healthy. Because of the economic situation, agriculture is still largely traditional and therefore mostly organic. Because of this, fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat products are full of flavour.
Ready-to-cook food is not popular in Bulgaria, and all the meals are prepared after they have been ordered and served immediately after they are ready. This may result in everybody around the table receiving their food at a slightly different time, but it is worthwhile and the food is excellent.
Bulgarian wines also are of very good quality. The very appropriate climate and soils, as well as the long tradition in producing wines, result in several red and white wines typical only of Bulgaria with excellent taste.


TRANSPORT
For our transfers we use mainly minibuses seating up to nine people. The Bulgarian roads are still not the best, and in some places fast travel is not possible because of the terrain and therefore slow roads. But in any case, all our routes pass through beautiful scenery, and the transfers we make are restricted to a minimum level.


WHATS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
We are the ground operator and our tour price includes everything once you arrive in Bulgaria. This includes accommodation, full board plus coffees and refreshments, guides, ground transfers, all entry fees and taxes for natural and cultural sites we visit during the tour, plus 25 EUR donation for nature conservation activities in Bulgaria (please see bellow). For our photo tours, hides and chairs are included. There are no hidden extras. The price excludes airfare, travel insurance, alcohol and all items of a purely personal nature. The price conditions are given for each tour described inside this brochure.


HOW TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY
Once you decide which tour you want to book, just let us know sending an e-mail. You will be provided with all the needed information. After you send the deposit, we will send you the confirmation and all the tour details are described and thus your place is reserved. The payment of the balance has to be done 45 days before the tour starts.

Balance payment for overseas tours outside Europe is due 90 days prior the tour start.


CANCELATION POLICY
Cancelations for the tours in Europa:

45 days prior the tour - 100% of the deposit.
44 - 0 days - 100 % of the tour price.
Cancelations for overseas tours:
91 days prior the tour - 100% of the deposit.
90 - 0 days - 100 % of the tour price.


TOUR ALTERATIONS
We reserve the right to cancel any tour that dont have the minimum required number of participants. If so, you will be informed at least two months in advance and your deposit will be reimbursed with now charges.


PASSPORT, VISA AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
To enter Bulgaria, a valid passport is required. European citizens, except those from Russia and Turkey, do not need a visa to visit the country. Bulgaria is not a country with dangerous diseases. However, some insects can be a problem, so the usage of an appropriate repellent is recommended if you visit the country in the summer months. Being high in the mountains in the summer months means that sun cream is also essential in order to prevent sun burn.


TAILOR - MADE TOURS AND EXTENSIONS
In case you want to choose one of our tours but the dates announced, the period end the length does not fit you, or you want to have a shorter, or longer species list, adding more species, we are able to do it for you for nearly every tour we offer.
Our team will do our best to comply with your requirements Almost any of the watching and photography tours offered in our tour calendar can be transformed according to your requirements.
Our photographic hides can also be used according to your chosen period and after discussing with our team about the best optimal period for photography of species.
By choosing to set up a customized tour to tailor-made tour, you need to:
• Let us know the exact dates that suit you;
• Choose the dates that best suits you (our scheduled tours always run at the “best” time of year but it does not mean that this is the only time of year to travel to a certain destination and many other months offer excellent birding / wildlife watching as well);
• Let us know about the other tour participants you will come with. Many of our regular guests travel with their friends and /or family members;
• The group size/number of people you would like to be on the tour is your choice;
• Share with us about the pace and other features of the tour you prefer;
• Do you want to include other subjects beside the wildlife tour – historical and cultural sites.
• Choose the accommodation type – luxurious where possible or budget ones.
• Looking forward to your requirements and we will do our best to fits them.