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In the centre of European south-east,
on the shortest way from Central Europe to the Orient is located a thirteen-century-old
country named Bulgaria. Its territory is occupied by high mountains on the
summits of which edelweisses grow by vast beautiful valleys, of which the
one around Kazanlak is the most popular. It is the Valley of Roses
- an international tourist centre which brings a lot of people together,
especially at the beginning of June when the famous oleaginous rose blooms.
There are plenty of forests, mineral water springs, vineyards and gardens
full of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Bulgaria abounds in animal species
.Their number is almost 13,000 which is about 14 percent of all European
species. The country is rich in historical sights - traces from the Thracians,
ruins from the Roman and the Byzantine times, monasteries and churches from
the Medieval period, places connected with the Turkish yoke and the National
Movement against fascism.
The climate is temperate continental, mild and suitable for sea cruises and recreation. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of about 0oC Summer temperatures exceed 30oC. Bulgaria's eastern border (over 300 km) is the Black Sea. The world famous resorts Albena, Zlatni Pyassutsi (Golden Sands), Sozopol, Slunchev Bryag (Sunny Beach) line along its coast. I t is worth mentioning that their beaches run parallel to the eastern horizon but remember a few beaches in Europe are east-oriented. This is an advantage for every visitor who comes to find a romantic atmosphere and good rest, beauty and fun. |
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AREA - 110 000 sq. km. POPULATION - over eight million CAPITAL - Sofia, population over one million RELIGION - predominantly East Orthodox. Bulgarian church is autonomous. It is headed by a patriarch. OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS: January 1 - New Year, March 3 - Bank Holiday, Easter, May 24 - The Day of the Slavonic Script, December 25 - Christmas. TIME DIFFERENCE: Winter Time: GMT + 2 Hours (October through March) Summer Time: GMT + 3 hours (April through September) PASSPORTS AND VISAS: You will need a valid passport and a visa to enter or pass through the country. No visas are required from the citizens of the countries which have signed a visa-free regime with Bulgaria or from tourists who have bought a package tour in their home countries. MONETARY UNIT AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE: The national monetary unit is the lev. The exchange of currency is not registered and there is no compulsory exchange. Upon departure from the country any unused Bulgarian currency may be changed back into the respective national currency. CREDIT CARDS: American Express, Diner's Club, Bankamericard Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard and Carte Blanche are accepted in Bulgaria. They can be used for payments of all standard services: hotel accommodation, restaurants, night clubs, shopping centres, car rentals, plane tickets, etc. IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS IN ALL POPULATED AREAS: POLICE - 166 FIRST AID - 150 ROAD ASSISTANCE - 146 |