BEfascinated

May 19 - 31, 2020 Discover

It’s time to spread your wings... Included and discover Eastern Europe’s best kept secret! Known as the oldest country • Private group arrival & departure transfers (based on group air times) in Europe, there are a plethora of reasons why you should choose to travel • 12 nights’ comfort/superior accommodation: to Bulgaria. From the breathtaking Mountains to the stunning beaches of • (1 night), (2 nights), (3 nights), Nessebar (2 nights), the Black Sea the country is chock-full of diverse beauty, soulful and friendly Varna (1 night), (1 night), Sofia (2 nights) people, remarkable ancient sites, a rich cultural heritage and a sweet and savory • Meals as listed: breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 10 dinners cuisine. It’s a cultural melting pot with Greek, Slavic, Ottoman and Persian • Guided tours of Sofia, Plovdiv, Nessebar and Veliko Tarnovo influences resulting in fascinating music, arts and dance and is home to some of • Visits to the , rug factory, Thracian Tomb of , ancient the most remarkable artifacts found around the world. Bulgaria truly is Eastern theatre, ethnographic museum, open air living village museum, sheep farm, European’s hidden gem. It’s one of those destinations that will drastically change cheese production facility and the rose fields as it gains in popularity. So, beat the rush and join us on this incredible journey • Ride on the narrow gauge train as we travel with the gals through Bulgaria. • Chocolate tasting and wine tasting at a local wine estate Space is limited. Book now! • All transportation between destinations and to/from included activities • Local English speaking guide for the duration of our tour • Services of a Board Escapes tour manager • All applicable taxes and service charges as of this contract date • 24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours Emergency Contact while on tour

Not Included • International airfare – inquire with us about group space • Beverages and meals not mentioned above • Passport photos, government fees or visa fee if required • Vaccinations, luggage handling, incidentals • Driver and local guide gratuities • Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the governments or our suppliers

$3650.00 CAD $750.00 CAD Optional Twin occupancy Single supplement • International group air from Toronto. (We would be pleased to book your (Minimum of 16, maximum of 24 travellers) flights to connect with the group flight from Toronto or from any departure gateway) • Manulife Travel Insurance (coverage available for Canadian residents who have a Payments valid provincial health card - includes emergency medical coverage, cancellation and • Deposit $700.00 CAD + insurance due at time of booking interruption, limited baggage insurance – see policy for terms and conditions) • Balance due February 18, 2020 Discover Bulgaria May 19 - 31, 2020

Day 1 – Tuesday, May 19 – International Arrival in Sofia D Day 6 – Sunday, May 24– Plovdiv – Ustina – Plovdiv B/L/D Upon arrival at Sofia International Airport meet our professional English Wet your appetite today tasting the region’s delicacies. Begin with a speaking guide and driver for a private group transfer to the hotel. Enjoy chocolate factory bean to bar tour followed by a visit to a wine an afternoon orientation walk and a welcome dinner with fellow travellers estate for wine tasting and a delicious lunch. Tonight’s dinner will feature in the evening. a folklore show in the Old Town of Plovdiv.

*Broad Escapes will have a designated group flight from Toronto. The group transfer will be based on the designated group flight arrival time. Private Day 7 – Monday, May 25 – Plovdiv – Skobelevo – transfers (at additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a different Kazanlak – Nessebar B/L/D date/time. Flights from all gateways can be arranged through Broad Escapes. Today we will depart for the Valley of the Roses. Our first stop will be at a local sheep farm and cheese making facility. Next we’ll visit one of the Overnight in Sofia – Arena di Serdica (or similar) – 1 night largest producers of in the world to taste the rose jam and liquor. Continue to Kazanlak to visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO) – a remarkable monument of Thracian art from the early Day 2 – Wednesday, May 20 – Sofia – Rila – Hellenistic era. Continue to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast to the town of – Bansko B/L/D Nessebar, our home for 2 nights.

This morning we travel south to the Rila Mountains to visit Rila Overnight in Nessebar – Boutique The Mill (or similar) – 2 nights Monastery (UNESCO) the largest and most beautiful monastery in Bulgaria. After lunch enjoy the stunning scenery and a visit to the small Day 8 – Tuesday, May 26 – Nessebar B mountain village of Dobarsko to meet with locals and learn about the This morning we will embark on a guided tour of the ancient town traditions, songs and delicacies of the region. of Nessebar, a city founded 3000 years ago on a picturesque peninsula. Here we’ll see the cultural wealth and unique architectural reserve of the Overnight near Bansko – Hot Springs Medical and Spa Hotel (or similar) – town recognized by UNESCO. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to 2 nights explore the small cobbled streets, galleries, museums and cafés or stroll down to the beach and dip your toes in the Black Sea.

Day 3 – Thursday, May 21 – Bansko – Spa Day B/D After a morning group activity enjoy free time to immerse yourself in the Day 9 – Wednesday, May 27 – Nessebar – Varna B/D fresh mountain air at the spa hotel. Relax in the silky mineral hot pools or Transfer to Varna, the third largest city in Bulgaria, often called the sea enjoy the services of the hotel’s sauna, steam bath, Turkish Hamman and capital of the country. Visit the Varna Necropolis, a burial site from massage. 4569-4340 BC considered as one of the key archaeological sites in the world prehistory, and the Archaeological Museum, displaying the oldest jewelry in the world. The remainder of the day will be at leisure Day 4 – Friday, May 22 – Bansko – Plovdiv B/L/D to explore, relax or simply soak up the sun on one of the popular sandy Embark on a ride on the only narrow gauge train in Bulgaria, known as the beaches. “Rhodope Mountain Railway”, for stunning views of the mountains and small villages. Enjoy a picnic on the Balkan Peninsula followed by a Overnight in Varna – Boutique Splendid (or similar) – 1 night visit to a rug factory in the village of . This family business has produced world-renowned handmade rugs, including pieces owned by the British Royal Family. Day 10 – Thursday, May 28 – Varna – Veliko Tarnovo B/D Transfer to fairy-tale like VelikoTarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s most Overnight in Plovdiv – Imperial Hotel (or similar) – 3 nights picturesque cities. Here we’ll visit the Tzrarevets Fortress and the old market street “Samovodska Tscharschia” where artisans are still producing their goods. Day 5 – Saturday, May 23 – Plovdiv B/D Today we will have a guided tour of Plovdiv. Here we’ll visit the Roman Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo – Grand Hotel Yantra (or similar) – 1 night Theatre, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theatres and the Roman Stadium. Continue to the Royal Ethnographic Museum, a magnificent house built by a wealthy merchant. Later, enjoy leisure time to explore the cobbled stone streets and architecturally rich and charming Day 11 – Friday, May 29 - Veliko Tarnovo – Etar – Old Town. Golyam Izwor – Sofia B Transfer to ETAR , the largest open air living village museum in Bulgaria, representing life in the Bulgarian village from the 18th – 19th century. On our way to Sofia, spend time with the locals in the Day 13 – Sunday, May 31 – Sofia – Sofia Airport – Home B picturesque Balkan village of Golyam Izvor. Listen as members of the Say farewell to Bulgaria on the private group transfer to the Sofia community talk about life in the village today and during the communist International Airport. era. Take a seat in the class room of a 19th century monastic school to experience life during the Revival period. After the visit, continue on to Sofia for an evening at leisure. *Broad Escapes will have a designated group flight to Toronto. The group transfer will be based on the designated group flight departure time. Private Overnight in Sofia – Arena di Serdica (or similar) – 2 nights transfers (at an additional cost) can be arranged for those departing at a different date/time.

Day 12 – Saturday, May 30 – Sofia B/D This morning enjoy a guided tour of Sofia including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. George’s Rotunda and Military Club B - Breakfast / L- Lunch / D - Dinner Building. Enjoy an afternoon of free time to explore the city, shop for denote meals included in tour cost last minute souvenirs or relax in a café sipping on your favourite beverage. Gather this evening with fellow BE travellers for a farewell dinner to reminisce about the wonderful memories shared on this trip.

Please note that an average/moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy the various activities of this tour. Trip activities include walking, sometimes on uneven ground, climbing stairs and getting on and off buses, boats etc. As a courtesy to fellow travellers all Broad Escape tours are considered non-smoking in that smoking will not be permitted during group activities or on board the bus. There are a few relatively long travel days in this itinerary, and that is because of the nature of the destination – but the travel days are also part of the adventure and an opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of Bulgaria.

**While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the tour. Due to traffic or other circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. Broad Escapes reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary.** TERMS & CONDITIONS Reservations: To reserve space on this tour, contact your Ellison Travel & Tours Travel Consultant

Deposits & Payments: A deposit is due at the time of booking. The amount of the deposit varies according to the tour booked. Final payment depending on the tour is due 60 to 120 days prior to departure. Both deposits and final payments are non-refundable at time of payment unless covered by insurance.

Forms of Payment: Ellison Travel & Tours will accept payment in the form of cheque, Visa or Mastercard. Cheques must be made payable to Ellison Travel & Tours. If the credit card sale is declined, the customer will be informed immediately, and payment will be considered not received. Verbal authorization of the use of your credit card commits you to your reservation whether or not you have signed a credit card draft. Refunds will be processed in the form they were received.

Goods & Services Tax: The Canadian Government's G.S.T. and/or H.S.T. may apply to the cost of your tour. Your vacation consultant will advise of the additional G.S.T./H.S.T. charges, if any, that apply to the cost of your tour. Ellison Travel & Tours reserves the right to pass any Government changes to the tax structure on to the consumer.

Price Guarantee: Once the deposit is paid, the tour cost is guaranteed. Prices are however subject to change to cover any unexpected costs over which Ellison Travel & Tours has no control, such as fuel surcharges, government taxes and country visas. In the event of a surcharge tour members and/or vacation consultants will be advised of any surcharge on their tour. If a rate increase of more than 7% is necessary, clients may cancel with no penalties. No surcharges will be added within 30 days prior to departure.

Insurance: Ellison Travel & Tours strongly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage, and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Details are available from your travel agent.

Proof of Citizenship: Canadian Citizens are asked to carry a passport for tours to the United States. For international travel a valid passport is required. Citizens of other countries or landed immigrants should check with their travel agent for requirements for travel outside Canada. Passengers must have valid passports for travel abroad and visas for some countries. Ellison Travel & Tours does not accept responsibility for passengers who do not meet correct visa and passport requirements.

Currency: All prices are shown in Canadian Dollars.

Baggage: Maximum baggage allowance on motoroach tours is one large suitcase per person. All hand luggage must be carried personally aboard the motorcoach or aircraft. The Tour Manager and Coach Driver supervise the transfer of luggage to and from the motorcoach and every effort is made to handle luggage as carefully as possible. Ellison Travel & Tours cannot assume liability for loss, theft or damage due to breakage, fire, water, etc.

Accommodation: All hotels listed in itineraries have been confirmed at the time of printing and are subject to change. On most tours, TWIN refers to two persons sharing one room with two beds; however, in some areas, only one double bed may be available, so please specify at time of booking if you wish two separate beds. TRIPLE or QUAD usually refers to three or four persons sharing one room with two double beds, all with private bath. Please keep in mind that in some areas local customs may mean that there is a change in the type of accommodation provided.

Items not included: Items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges and drinks with meals other than noted in the tour Inclusions.

Responsibility: Ellison Travel & Tours acts solely as organizer of the tours outlined herein and is responsible for making all reservations and charting the routes as outlined but it is expressly understood and agreed between the tour organizer and the passengers that Ellison Travel & Tours or its agents shall not be held responsible for: a) non-performance on the part of any hotel or accommodation for any act or omission that is not directly attributed to the neglect of the tour organizer; b) any delays, misconnections, loss, damage or injury to persons or property or for mechanical defects or failure, however caused or for any substitution of hotels or carrier equipment beyond the control of the tour operator, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby; c) any inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration whether physical or mental however caused, except where caused directly by the tour operator; d) any additional costs incurred or any ancillary loss sustained as a result of cancellations or delays of tours caused by inclement weather conditions, acts of God, or any other event, which result in one or more persons being unable to continue or complete the tour through no direct fault of the tour organizer. The tour organizer reserves the right to make any changes before or during the tour for the comfort and enjoyment of the passengers and it is agreed and understood that any increase in costs occasioned by such change shall be paid by the passengers or any decrease in costs occasioned by the change shall be refunded to the passenger.

Force Majeure: Except where otherwise expressly stated in these conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any injury, damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of “force Majeure”. In these conditions, “force Majeure” means any event which Ellison Travel & Tours or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include actual or threatened war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, disease, fire and all similar events outside our control.

Promotional Photography: Ellison Travel & Tours reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any tour and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking travel with Ellison Travel & Tours, tour members agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Tour members who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their travel planner or tour leader at the beginning of their tour.

All tour itineraries are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Tour managers are subject to substitution where deemed necessary.

Ellison Travel & Tours shall have no responsibilities beyond their refund of all monies paid by the passenger which is deemed to constitute full settlement. The tour organizer reserves the right to decline any person as a member of the tour at any time before or during the tour should such person's presence be considered detrimental to the interest, comfort and enjoyment of the other tour members. Persons leaving the tour during operation will not receive a refund of unused services.

Ellison Travel & Tours, its agents and all passengers agree that conditions set out herein are part of the terms between the passenger and the tour organizer. Acceptance of the ticket for the tour or any deposit given to the tour organizer represents acceptance by the passenger of all the aforementioned conditions.