Previous Trip Detail

Bansko and Sofia, Bulgaria

March 13-21, 2009
March 22-25, 2009 Istanbul Post-trip

Click here to download trip brochure as a .pdf file.
Read more information, including specific details on the trip and post-trip.

Early Sign-Up Price: $1,695*
Deposit: $500
Late Sign-up: $1,795*

• Cincinnati to Sofia, Bulgaria on Delta
• Bus transportation to Bansko (3 hours)
• Hotel Gardenia in Bansko 5 nights
• Bus transportation to Sofia
• Hotel Sveta in Sofia 2 nights
• Optional tour programs in Bansko and Sofia (TBD)
• Post-trip option to Istanbul, Turkey; 3 full days to explore! Additional price: $695

* includes departure taxes and fuel surcharge which is subject to change until air ticked is issued

The Hotel Gardenia at Bansko Ski Resort

• 5 Nights accommodations
• Includes daily breakfast and dinner
• English speaking guide
• Option tour programs (events and cost TBD)

Accommodation: Park Hotel Gardenia offers a total of 89 rooms. All rooms have wireless Internet connection, telephone, safe deposit box, mini-bar, bath-tub, hair-dryer, telephone and panic button. The rooms have nice balcony views either towards the mountain peaks or the resort park.

Wine & Dine: Park Hotel Gardenia Mehana is a traditional modern restaurant set on two levels, offering specialties from the Bulgarian cuisine (mehandjiiska salad, katak, katino meze, banski starets), as well as many dishes from the Italian and the European cuisine. The hotel also san Italian style restaurant. The restaurant serves International cuisine and is open from 12.00 pm to 12.00 am.

Spa & Wellness: Spa centre "Sparadise" offers many spa procedures with the fine products of Thalgo, Gerard’s and Olos. A variety of 70 types of massages is offered. Fitness hall, indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, solarium and sauna available.

Bankso Ski Resort: The town of Bansko is located at 925m above sea level, and its skiing area is at 2000-2600 meters. The Pirin mountain has a predominately Alpine character and the highest peak in the area is Vihren at 2914m.

The ski area in Bansko is serviced by 22km of speedy and comfortable lifts. One 8 person gondola, 5 four-seat high speed chair lifts, 1 three-seat chair and several tow lifts. Enjoy every one of the total of 70 km (18 marked ski trails and off piste skiing) of perfectly prepared and secured ski runs. Difficulty scale distribution is as followed: 30% Beginners, 45% Advanced and 35% Expert. 100% of the ski runs are covered by snow cannons, which guarantee sufficient snow coverage from December to May.

About the Bansko Resort

• Height of the resort: 925 m
• Highest skiing area: 2600 m
• Ski runs: 18 trails/70 km total
• Longest track combo: 16 km
• Direction of slopes: North

Ski Pass Prices #
1 day $42
2 day $77 (consecutive)
3 day $124 (consecutive)

Equipment Rental Prices #
Skis, boots, poles
1 day $29; 3 day rental $ 69
Snowboard and boots
1 day $44; 3 day rental $116

# not included in trip cost

Hotel Sveta Sofia

• 2 Nights accommodations
• Includes daily breakfast
• English speaking guide
• Option tour programs (events and cost TBD)

The 4- star hotel Sveta Sofia is located on one of the most famous shopping streets in the heart of the capital, in the vicinity of the main city attractions and business infrastructure.

Hotel Facilities: room service, information, laundry and dry cleaning, conference rooms, shops and boutiques, restaurant. There's a separate floor with non- smoking rooms.

Room Facilities: air- conditioning, direct dial telephone, satellite/ cable TV, internet access, mini-bar, bath/ WC, hairdryer, sound- proof windows, non- smoking rooms; Rooms are spacious and sunny.

Sofia, capital city of Bulgaria
A picturesque small country called Bulgaria has existed for more than 13 centuries in Europe, linking East and West. Bulgaria remembers ancient civilizations and great people that wrote its turbulent history. Situated in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria occupies the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula.

One of the oldest cities in Europe (2nd oldest) the history of Serdica-Sofia can be traced back some 7000 years ago—prehistoric settlements were excavated in the center of the present city near the royal palace. Sofia has several names in the different periods of its existence, and remnants of the city’s history can still be seen today along side modern landmarks.

Walk around ancient ruins, museums, churches, galleries and restaurants (savor traditional organic Bulgarian cuisine) then peek into small Bulgarian shops with affordable prices, and end the day at one of the many night clubs where you can dance until morning.

Istanbul, Turkey (post-trip)
March 21-25, 2009
$695 pp/dbl occupancy

• Sofia to Istanbul, Turkey by train
• 3 full days to explore Istanbul
• Optional tour programs
• More details to follow!

Contact:
Daniel J. Hapner
Trip Leader
937-454-0560
rosehapner "at" aol.com