-Essential oils rose, rose of the valley, near the town of Kazanlak

-Outstanding yogurt

-Fine wine

A variety of health-water

-Merger of ancient civilizations and many religions

-Sun, sandy beaches

Light-blue seawater

The climate is temperate, warm, continental, dry, and the sea and humid subtropical. In the mountains there is a climate piętrowość. The average air temperature in January may be as high as -6 ° C (mountain) and -3 ° C (in the central part of the country) to 2 ° C (the south), respectively in July and from 18 ° C, 23 ° C and 25 ° C. The average annual precipitation ranges from 450 mm in the north to 1,200 mm in mountainous areas.

Each period in Bulgaria will attract fans of different places. For example, this summer season, at which usually consists of 90 sunny days. This is the best time in Bulgaria for lovers of sun, sea and warm sand. Summer is also a great period of mountain hiking trails and niezatłoczonymi. It is not difficult then to a fairly cheap fruit (melons, watermelons and peaches) and it is easy to spend the night. Also, the heat will not interfere with trekking enthusiasts, because the average temperature in July is about. 18 degrees. But this autumn favors traveling around the country. This season is here often very cheerful. Autumn day is the perfect time to visit old towns out of season. This allows for a more relaxing and peaceful holiday in Bulgaria. Winter is the perfect time for winter sports, especially ski. Bulgarian ski resorts from one year to present an ever richer range. There are years when, in the mountains of snow until mid-May, a good ski trails offer numerous opportunities for winter recreation and Bulgaria siarczyste frosts are rare.

No doubt the medieval Bulgaria is famous for its icons. Representatives of the fifteenth-century painting school Tyranowski created one of the most important art schools of Eastern Christianity. All this by the fact that successfully crossed the rules that govern traditional hieratic painting icons.

Choral singing is of the rich tradition. One of the best known, is a Bulgarian medieval artists Joan Kukuzel. Bulgarian singers are well-known contemporary m.in. Boris Hristov, Nikolai Giaurow whether Nikola Giuzelew, belonging to the forefront and host the best opera stages of Europe.

In the Bulgarian national revival, and so at the end of Turkish rule per turn of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, across the country created a few art schools. Representatives of the specialized in ikonopisaniu, snycerce or painting. It is they who have left to posterity the true treasures of art, architecture and painting. The most famous of these schools can include m.in. trewneńską school, Banská and samakowską (creator samakowskiej were famous primarily amazing frescoes)

The most famous contemporary Bulgarian artist Christo is undoubtedly Jawaszew. He won the acclaim of many spectacular happenings, among which the most controversial was "packing" in the film m.in. Pont Neuf in Paris or in Berlin Raichstagu.

Bulgaria's cultural heritage can be no doubt include puppet theaters, also for adults.

Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian religions 1.2%, other 4%

In Bulgaria, we can distinguish several ethnic groups, which are the Bulgarians (85%), Turks (10%), Roma (3%) and Macedonians. However, religious groups are Orthodox, Muslims and Catholics. While in Bulgaria, just remember, nodding his head indicating that with us so, Bulgaria is a sign of negation, and vice versa. The public transportation is indicated disappearance of the elderly, disabled, pregnant women and small children. In Bulgaria, considered inappropriate to tip the waiter straight to the hands, therefore, the price tip is often included in the final price of the product. Do not travel by car to Bulgaria at night, stop at unguarded parking lots, in roadside bars. On urban roads should be blocked from inside the car door. Do not leave your car unattended, especially if it is in luggage. Tourists staying in hotels, private accommodation and camping sites should not be left unattended, even for a short time, money, valuables and documents. If you are a victim of theft, you should immediately report it to the nearest police station. Police protocol will need to obtain compensation from the insurer. As soon as it should be stipulated lost or stolen credit cards and credit cards. In case of loss of passport or other travel document in addition to the notification to the police as rapidly as possible, it is necessary to contact the Polish consulate or embassy.

Other Slavic languages. Seaside will need to communicate in Polish.

Little. For English speakers, we can expect, at most, in Sofia. Zdziwmy not, however, when such. offices, no one will be able to communicate with us in English.

98.2%

When kiwaniu head during a conversation with the Bulgarians, however, it is worth to make sure that our interlocutor also does not say "da" or "AD", because many Bulgarians used both systems, probably just depending on my mood.

We, as Polish citizens can exercise their right to free movement within the European Union or European Economic Area. From 1 January 2007 can enter and reside in Bulgaria for 90 days within 6 months from the date of first entry. We can also pass in transit through the territory of Bulgaria on the basis of valid passports or identity cards. As for the carriage of goods are subject to quantitative restrictions on the general principles of the EU. In any other case, in addition to import and export of currency equivalent to up to BGN 8,000 (about EUR 4,090) and valuables in an amount commonly adopted, you must complete a customs declaration, which is the exit taken as proof of origin of exported goods and currency. After the accession of Bulgaria to the European Union can no longer claim back the VAT on goods purchased in Bulgaria.

In Bulgaria, the penalty for trafficking in drugs and narcotics, as well as components for their production are high. Illegal import or export of such penalty of imprisonment up to 10 to 15 years and a fine from 100 to 200 000 BGN (drugs), from 3 to 15 years and a fine of 10 to 100 000 BGN (drugs) and from 2 to 10 years and a fine of 15 to 100 000 BGN (for the production of components). Ownership and implementation of such measures on the market is punishable by one year to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 5 to 10 000 BGN. Instruction to their use is subject to imprisonment from 10 to 30 years and a fine of 300 to 500 thousand BGN.

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria

Al. Ujazdowskie 33/35, 00-540 Warsaw

Tel :629-40-71 to 75, 625-71-71, fax: 628 22 71

E-mail: office@bgemb.com.pl. polityka@bgemb.com.pl

Polish Embassy in Sofia

st. Chan Krum 46, 1000 Sofia

tel. (003592) 987-26-10, 987-26-60

Fax. (003 592) 987-29-39

E-mail: polamba@internet-bg.net

Marriage is an obligation within 5 days from crossing the border. Transit Tourists can stay in Bulgaria not meld to 5 days. Guests staying in a private house, Hotel Staff and students have the obligation to register with the local passport office of the Ministry of Interior. What is a report to the hotel is confirmed on the spot. Marriage to document the credentials are included in statistics on cards handed over to the border as well as bills paid accommodation. In the absence of Marriage shall be subject to the orders of the fine, which amounts to $ 100, but when it comes to long-term stay without being registered, the fine could be much higher.

At the entrance to the country made the endorsements of the vehicle, which undertakes the driver to leave the country the same car. Check another car is treated as an attempt to make the car illegal imports, since according to the regulations in force in Bulgaria, a vehicle is a commodity subject to customs procedures. Please note that confirmation of ownership of the vehicle at the entrance had not been recorded in the passenger's passport, as if traveling by car, which is owned by another person or entity, you must have power of attorney certified translated into Bulgarian, English, French or German. Goods to be exported from Bulgaria, not later than three months from the date of the invoice for tax purposes.

For help and medical care will cost. The costs borne by the patient or his insurer. People who pay premiums in the NFZ, traveling to Bulgaria, have the right to use medical care in the insurance. It is also worthwhile to think about the extra insurance. It is to be with you always evidence of insurance.

National health service in here is having problems with the supply of basic medical supplies, such as medicine or bandages.

Liability insurance in the country are mandatory. They clear the importance of the insurance policy. At the border you can also take out supplementary insurance

Inscription АПТЕКА means a pharmacy. These in turn operate in major cities around the clock.

In the case of headache zakupmy Analgin, while during cold and flu - analgin quinine. Sitoplast a bandage, and Pamuk - watt. Wearing contact lenses should note that liquids can only buy them in large cities.

On the same streets, rather there is no greater threat. There are shootings on the streets of Sofia in the framework of police and a mob mafia. No worries, however, ordinary passers are not concerned.

Be careful on the exchange rates in exchange offices in the center of Sofia. There are many scam. Look the same, but they are not. Bulgarians often operate cyferek switch maneuver, instead of 1.95 euros left for a write 1.59, and this may be fine mind.

In the bazaars and small shops should be on guard. Vendors often hear foreign accents give wrong price or wrong issue rest.

Police - 166

Tap water is drinkable after boiling, but it is best to drink bottled water.

List of vehicles crossing the border in Bulgaria:

Turkey

The limit may be exceeded in Malko Tarnovo (92 km south from Burgas) or in a master-Andreevo (20 km west of Edirne).

Greece

Border crossings in the Kulata (127 km north of Thessaloniki) and the bridge over the Maritsa near Swilengradu.

Macedonia

Transitions are Złatarewie (37 km west of Kułaty), Stanke Lisiczkowo (26 km west of Błagojewgradu) and Giueszewie (on the route Sofia-Skopje).

Yugoslavia

Go to Kałotinie (on the route Sofia-Nis) and Wryszka Czuka (45 km southwest of Widinu).

Romania

Vidin border crossing (on the opposite bank of the Danube is Calafat), Rousse (on the other side of the Danube Giurgiu), Silistra - where the Danube flows into Romania, Kardam (mainland 83 km to the north. Varna) and Durankułak (en route Balchik-Mangalia). On the border with Romania in Ruse expected significant traffic congestion and delays. Romanian Party fails to check cars especially coming from Bulgaria - must be prepared to queue up for kilometers.

Plane from Warsaw to Zurich is ok. 1300 km from Krakow, 1500 km to Geneva, Lucerne and from Gdansk to 1450 km. For best viewing at this distance on the plane, but all other travel options are practiced.

From Warsaw to Sofia to reach the train on arrival at Vienna (together almost 29 hours).

Main connections to lead Bulgaria to Bucharest (Romania), Nis (Yugoslavia), Thessaloniki (Greece), Alexandrupoli (Greece) and Edirne (Turkey). All these routes are operated three times a day by train from Istanbul, Athens, Belgrade, Budapest, Kiev, Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vilnius.

Travelling by train from Romania to Bulgaria is now easier than in the past, but you can still meet with troubles when purchasing tickets.

Regular buses travel to Sofia, in season after season, organize a travel agency. Return ticket costs about. 580 zł.

The shortest route to Bulgaria by the Medic, Lviv, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Vadul Siret, Bucharest, Rousse, thence to Varna (1200 km). When entering Bulgaria shall be levied at the border fee (toll) highways and toll roads kl. I and are per car (up to 8 persons): € 5 per week, 13 € monthly, yearly 34 €. By train the most convenient connection is periodically runs (20 Jun-28 Aug), train relations Krakow-Varna (leaves at. 22.45 every Friday and leads to the sleeping car Varna and Burgas each Thursday). Travelling without connecting lasts from 1931 to 1934 hours (price return ok. 1000 zł). Other trains going to Bourgas and Varna from Katowice, Warsaw and Tarnow have 2-3 or more connections.

On the Danube ferry has a regular exchange of Widinu to Calafatu in Romania, departures are every hour throughout the year.

You should really consider whether your journey is worth the nerves of the vehicle and the costs. When entering Bulgaria by car, there is the transition from what used to be at the exit. Depending on road tax will be charged. If during your stay plans have changed, the exit must pay the amount resulting from the difference between the tax paid at the entrance of a new calculation.

Trains are a bit cheaper than buses, but the pace is frightening (eg. 400 km route from Varna to Sofia takes 9h, bus 5-6h; route from Sofia to Plovdiv 3h, when the bus 2h).

They are, after all routes in Bulgaria, which are worth to cross train because of the natural values. Np. Sofia - Kyustendil, Sofia-Nis (Serbia)

The main bus station in Sofia (Central Awtogara) is located next to the train station (Central Garage), and international bus station (Gara Meżdunarodna). Tickets may be purchased at the counters in the station hall, although it may be and in the driver on some routes.

In Sofia there are three other stations, from which bus to smaller towns closer to the capital.

The village was situated at the foot of Musali buses from South Station (Yuzhne avtogara).

Car drives up to 100 km / h, but on most routes between small towns or in the mountains - can not exceed 60 km / h. The exception is the route Sofia-Plovdiv, where the highway and 50 km route from the border toward the Serb Sofia.

Taxis in Bulgaria are very popular and cheap means of transport, May yellow. Also hitchhiking, well it works and is free of charge, sometimes you may encounter anyone speaking English.

Internet access in Sofia and tourist spots is common. Cafes are usually clock, time should not cost more than 1lv. In the hostels we use for free, there is also WiFi.. Sofia's main street - WiFi.

Post offices usually work from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 to 17.30. Buy postage stamps, not only directly to the post office, but also in Bulgarian hotels as well as in local shops. Prices of shipments abroad frequently changed, but they are rather low. The cost of a card or letter sent from the foreign to the European country of Bulgaria is situated in the range of 0.5 to 1 left. Shipment of Bulgaria to the recipient goes 7 - 10 days. Postcards buy in Bulgaria for about 0.50 - 0.70 left.

Post cards are often sold in sets of 7 pieces, cost about. 2.5 left.

Lev (BGN) bulge. Лев = 100 stotinek

In Sofia easily find ATMs and exchange offices.

In other major cities like Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, the coastal city offices, ATMs, and also no lack of. However, selecting outside the larger city have to bring cash because ATM system is not widespread.

As for credit card payment is not liczmy it is really difficult in Bulgaria available. After kolapsie banking in 1997, a small part of the Bulgarians regained confidence in banks and deposit their money there.

Similarly, even in big shops and restaurants, including those known and expensive credit card payment is impossible.

The most expensive is the tourist center of Sofia and the Black Sea coast. Prices are falling dramatically in proportion to the number of kilometers starting from these places. Although still expensive in these places is much cheaper than in Poland.

Per night in a hostel in the center of larger cities pay in euro from 1910 to 1920 borders, but it is a private accommodation in Varna, should cost no more than 15-20 leva.

A bottle of water will cost about. 0.5 l - 0.5 leva (1 zł).

Banica with white cheese - 0,7-1 leva (1.4 - 2 zł).

Ticket tram / bus station in Sofia valid for one journey - 1 lev (2 zł).

When it comes to food it is worth to feed restaurants are very cheap and available to the public. Most Bulgarian instantly serves fast food from the grill (or mięska ground in various forms) and the fries and salad. In the provinces, so it should not cost more than lunch 5leva. On the coast or in Sofia - no more than nine leva.

The most popular souvenirs to water, soaps and creams with rose. It is worth to buy a bottle of rakiji (from 0.2 l) - cost about. 2 leva. 0.5l - 3-4 leva.

Overnight backpackerski budget to stay in Sofia or on the sea coast may be up to a maximum of 20 zł (including travel by public transport and eating in the restaurant)

Be careful to fraud in exchange offices.

Bulgarian Hotels are classified according to European standards. This means that the more stars, the better the hotel. Four star hotels in Bulgaria are able to satisfy and the most demanding guests. Operate on the principle of all-inclusive in their area have swimming pools, sauna, small shops and practically everything you need to relax. Rates such that approximately 450 zł / night.

Three-Star hotels can now book for 140 zł / night (two beds and breakfast), but prices can reach up to 400 zł. In this room will benefit from a bathroom with toilet, hairdryer, TV, telephone, and in some cases, a fridge and a minibar.

Hostels in the city cost around 1910-1920 euros per night

In Sofia ArtHostel recommended, although it is often full, the price of 13 euros per night.

In Bulgaria, camping is not recommended. Here are a few exceptions, but their choice is not the easiest. Prices vary depending on the size of the tent, access to electricity and parking. As a rule, the one person we have to pay about. 14 zł per night.

Guest houses are interesting for the younger generation of vacationers. The advantage is the possibility dogadywania the owners who are happy to prepare us for dinner guaranteed Bulgarian specialty. Prices depend on location, but the average is 30 to 60 zł / night. This includes accommodation in small villas. Standard, a 2-bedded room with own sanitary facility. You can pay extra for breakfast. Another benefit is the family atmosphere and in most cases the distance to 500 meters from the sea.

The Bulgarian private houses did not get towels, toiletries and other. All I have to bring. Helping you find such accommodations get from the local taxi or the bus station, where he is always willing to help us.

In the mountains and can sleep anywhere in the tent, and there is no penalty for it. Even in national parks.

Hostels, the true mountain are very cheap, although prices are valid for foreigners. Most I paid 12 leva (Maljowica of Rila), but it happened to pay two leva (sleeping on the ground).

As above

Bulgarian cuisine is rather well known in Poland, but the taste is worth it. Dominate it easily digestible food, rich in vegetables. Bulgarian cuisine, like kitchens neighboring Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, is a typical Balkan cuisine. Large role in shaping Balkan cuisine, including Bulgarian belongs to Turkish culture.

It is good to order a set of barbecue called Mesha Skara.

Popular elements of Bulgarian cuisine Turkish cuisine is kebabcze (spicy grilled spiced minced meat sausages in the shape) and kiufte (basically the same thing, except that round, flat, and onion)

Other traditional Bulgarian dishes, which are worth a taste is kawarma, Poultry Sarma (chopped liver, roasted rice and eggs), sarmi (a type of vine leaves stuffed cabbage or cabbage), sardella (fillets with garlic, onion and black pepper), and giuwecz plakija (dense fish or meat stew). We recommend that kiopłu regional delicacies (baked eggplant with garlic and walnuts - the region of Varna), kapama (meat with rice and sauerkraut cooked on slow fire and served in kamionkowym dish - from the area of Banska) and midi cigane (fried mussels in spicy Sauce - Black Sea). In Bulgaria, drink tea biłkow that is herbal or fruits (fruit).

It should inquire about czaren wireless, or black tea. Milk to get it only in luxury hotels.

You should not leave the country without a taste of the local natural juices, is an absolute revelation.

In Bulgaria you can enjoy excellent beers. The whole country is available and fashionable Astika Kamenica. Not bad beer comes from breweries often local, and rarely can buy them outside the family resort, is an excellent example Pirinsko Błagoewgradu beer and beer Szumensko Szumenu. Whisky and vodka produced in Bulgaria, or neighboring countries is cheap, but very strong. Other drinks, which also must be careful, it rakija plum (plum brandy) and rosalijka (rose liqueur).

First of all, in restaurants, even in the most expensive does not pay more than 7-10 leva per meal.

Usually included in the final price.

Rather, it should not give a tip to the waiter's hand.

Meals play an important role in the life of the Bulgarians. Dinner begins with a salad, it is mostly Szopska salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted peppers and onions, sprinkled with grated cheese and a glass rakiji, then served a soup and finally the main course, dessert and sipping winen.

The cities worth seeing: Koprisztvica, Plovdiv, Nesebar (off-season best), Melnik (Melnik wine from one of the best), Veliko Tarnovo, Rila Monastery and the village, they lost, between the hills, nearly all deserve attention, almost all the dying, because people under age 45 moved to the cities.

It should not be missed:

Sofia and the surrounding area: Sweta Płosztad Nedela, Little Holy Mountain, Vitosha.

Macedonia Piryńskiej and Rila: Melnik, Rozhen Monastery, Rila Monastery.

Danubian Plain and Dobrogea: PN Rusenski Lom, Shumen, Balchik.

Stara Planina: Belogradchik, Lovech, Veliko Turnovo

-Madara Rider

-Madara

-Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak

-Varna

The capital city is worth visiting the so-called. Female Bazaar. Everything is waiting for us there: the taste of the East, a childhood memory, tastes, smells and Gypsies wciskający what can be. Really worth it!

While in Bulgaria in the weekend of March is not precedence przegapmy farewell celebration of winter, a festival kukerów (Kukeri festival) - regionally held in Bulgaria. The most popular is a wide sapwood, Pernik.

Cultural attraction will Strandja. There is a time stopped 200 years ago and visits each village I will provide impressions straight zożywionego ethnographic museum.

And around Kurdżali provide agitation of cultures, experiences fascynatom. Right here you will find the Turkish villages, where often the language is Bulgarian language.

While in Sofia, do not forget to come to the cinema. There are many, and these tiny, often in unlikely places. Some sessions are free, some costs 1 leva, leva, some three. Excellent repertoire, from classical to the latest productions. The program is available for free in every bar and restaurant - a weekly brochure "Programata" or "Edna sedmica v Sofia."

Nature in Bulgaria is a fascinating. See:

Czudnite Bridge in the Rhodopes.

Rocks and sand around the pyramids of Melnik; Beogradczik rocks.

Irakli - wild beach on the Black Sea.

Seven Lakes - Rila.

Strandja Mountains along and across. Entire Redopy

Hot l ecznicze source and mud near Petrich, located on the way to Macedonia or Greece.

Here in the mountains can experience the wilderness area, nature, and from time to time you encounter an abandoned hamlets or years before the cemetery.

3 March - Liberation Day

Anniversary of the liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish slavery in 1878

May 24 - Day of Bulgarian Education and Culture, and Slavonic Literature

This feast is celebrated on St.. Cyril and Methodius, who created the alphabet that the Glagolitic script.

6 September - Unification Day

This feast commemorates the unification of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia in 1885.

September 22 - Independence Day

This feast commemorates independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908.

October

1 November - Day of National Revival

On this day people commemorate the leaders of the Bulgarian National Revival: the period of socio-economic development and integration of the inhabitants of the country under the rule of the Ottoman Empire (1762-1878).

Those who will be in Bulgaria in the first weekend in March is necessary to let him visit the village of Broad phloem in the Central Rhodopes. Bulgarians traditionally say goodbye to winter - a festival and parade of so-called. kukerów (Kukeri) is spectacular, and firmly rooted in pagan times.

Once every 2-3 years is also held an international meeting kukerów also takes place on the main square of the city of Pernik, 20 km NW of Sofia.

This often is combined with the national holiday of independence, which is March 3 and March 1, the so-called. Baba Mart - stand on the street stalls with red and white ornaments for sale or other gadgets, which distributes the knowledge of friends to celebrate. These strings are a symbol of popularity among friends, and carry them to bloom early and twigs, flowers. Then he hangs them on trees, that lasted, like length of an acquaintance.

Bulgarian nightlife is an exciting entertainment. If you want to spend time partying from dawn to dusk, well-chosen. In Bulgaria you can do that every day. You can choose between the clubs, spend time at the casino, and finally select the disco on the beach at dawn to eat breakfast in the open 24-hour restaurant.

You can also use the "game board" for the entrance fee often covers a modest meal, you can try wild boar, partridge and pheasant, as well as seafood. Often, traditional taverna turn into clubs. Bulgarians are playing by the Bulgarian folk music, but also with house music, soul, disco and the latest European and American hits.

Nightlife is an essential element of life of Bulgarian cities and large centers, such as Sofia, Varna and Burgas. However, summer resorts such as Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, Nessebar, Pomorie, Tzarevo, turn into places that offer the largest selection of bars, nightclubs and casinos.

Bars - must be over 18 to purchase alcohol in Bulgaria. Most of the bars and cafes remain open until midnight. And later you can move to the nightclub. There are also numerous bars, which operate up to 4 or 5 in the morning, and even for 24 hours.

Clubs - The Bulgarian club game music, techno, soul, house, jazz and rock to salsa. Introduction to Nightclubu is cheap. Bulgarians are very flexible when it comes to mode, and you can wear whatever you want. Even sneakers, flip flops, the most important is the convenience.

Casinos - The most popular games in Bulgaria belong - Roulette, Black Jack and Poker. Punto Banco, Baccarat, Craps is very popular among the public. There are many casinos in the cities and resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. You must be over 18 to visit any of them.

If you plan to travel by car or bike, you may forget to bring spare parts.