GENERAL INFORMATION
About Bulgaria
A picturesque small country called Bulgaria has existed for more than 13 centuries in Europe, linking East and West. Bulgaria remembers ancient civilisations and great people that wrote its turbulent history. Situated in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria occupies the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula.
Sofia
Sofia holds in itself everything that Bulgaria has passed by. Every historical time, every culture that has reflected to Bulgaria is registered and it could be seen if you cross the main streets and have look at the buildings.
It is a very old town and is the capital of Bulgaria, since 1879. The urban population is more than 14% of the Bulgarian population in general. There are lots of curious buildings and monuments key-parts of Bulgarian history in general. Example for that is one of the Universities of Sofia – St. Kliment Ohridski.
Another curious key-part of Bulgarian history is the cathedral Alexander Nevski, situated near by the National Assembly. This stately cathedral is the biggest one on the Balkan Peninsula. Sofia's architecture style is a mix of ancient buildings, monuments of the Communism period and contemporary ones.
There is a saying – Sofia grows up and never grows old.
Passport & Visa
Foreign visitors to Bulgaria are required to bring a valid international passport. Non-EU citizens are usually required to obtain a valid visa prior to entry into the country. Please consult your local Bulgarian embassy for details. For further visa information and other entry requirements you can also visit the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site at http://www.mfa.government.bg
Climate & Clothing
The climate in Sofia in the beginning of July is warm and even hot, sometimes rainy, with average daily temperatures ranging from 25 - 32 to. Evenings are usually somewhat cooler and therefore a light overcoat is desirable.
Currency and Banks
The currency unit in the Republic of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (plural form - leva /levs/) It is advisable that foreign currency is exchanged either at a bank or at designated currency exchange bureaus. Foreign currency can also be safely exchanged at the hotel.Pegged exchange rate: EUR 1 = BGN 1.956.
Banks are operating with clients from 9.30 until 16.00 from Monday till Friday
Shopping
Most of the shops are open from either 9am till 6pm or 10am till 7pm on weekdays and till 1pm on Saturdays. There are many 24-hour food shops. The big shopping centers such as
Sofia City Center, Mall of Sofia, Central Department Store work till 10 pm. Most of them accept credit card payments, but in general you still need to carry cash.
Power
The electricity is 220V/50 Hz. Round European style two-pin plugs are used.
Time
The time zone in Sofia is CET+1hr / GMT + 2hrs
Transport
Information on airlines operating to/from Sofia can be found on the Sofia Airport website:
www.sofia-airport.com, or for more information: +359 2 937 22 11; 2 937 22 12; 937 22 13
Taxi
Sofia airport is approx. 10 km away from the City Centre.
There is a taxi stand at the Sofia airport of the main taxi operator “OK Supertrans” Tel: + 359 2 973 21 21
Other recommended taxi companies are:
“Yes taxi”, Tel: + 359 2 91 919; 91 818
“One euro taxi”, Tel: + 359 2 96 22 22 6
“Taxi- s- Express”, Tel: + 359 2 9 12 80
Language
The Bulgarian is the official language of the country.
Travel and Transfers
The Sofia International Airport is located about 10 km away from the center of the city.
A CIC welcome desk at the Sofia International Airport will be functioning in the period 10 – 11 July in order to welcome you and assist your smooth transport to the hotel.
To assist us in planning transfers, please provide arrival and departure flight details for each of you. There is a dedicated section on the registration form for this information. If you don't have your travel details at the time of registration, you may update your form online later or you may email us directly with the information. We do understand that full details may not always be available when you register, but we would very much appreciate if you could advise your details as soon as you can.