DESTINATION: BULGARIA LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES GENERAL DESCRIPTION ABOUT Bulgaria is one of the Balkans' most exuberant nations in virtually every possible way. From its mist-shrouded mountains and shimmering coastline, to its lively folk soundtrack and intriguing ancient mythology - there's an unexpected surprise at almost every turn. Cultural evidences in Bulgarian lands date back to 5th millennium BC with the oldest processed gold in the world (Varna Necropolis treasure). The emergence of an unified Bulgarian state dates back to 681 AD which ranks Bulgaria among the first states in Europe. In any way, visitors will find Bulgaria to be a country of fascinating culture, impressive sights of mixed historical layers and extremely gracious hospitality. CAPITAL: Sofia AREA: 111 002 km² POPULATION: 7 245 677 (2014 year) OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Bulgarian CURRENCY: Bulgarian lev BGN TIME ZONE: GMT+2 (UTC+2) LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TRANSPORT Bulgaria is reachable by air through 4 main airports – Sofia, Varna, Burgas and Plovdiv. Those airports are working all year round. Major airport is Sofia International Airport, followed by two coastal airports where charter flights land mainly in summer season, while regular operating all year round international airlines being Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Siberia Airlines to Varna and only Siberia Airlines to Burgas. Plovdiv airport serves also charter flights mostly during winter season. Easy Jet is flying on regular basis to Plovdiv as well. By sea the country is reachable from Varna and Burgas ports where cruise liners coast or by yacht ports of Balchik or Tsarevo. By river Bulgaria can be reached through 4 river checkpoints – Vidin, Lom, Svishtov, Ruse and Silistra. Tourists may reach Bulgaria by land via 17 checkpoints (6 from Greece, 5 from Serbia, 3 from Macedonia and 3 from Turkey). Main way of transport in Bulgaria is the automotive, followed by the air and the railway transport. Tourist groups are usually served by luxury buses, while individuals use private transfers or rent-a-car. LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES HOTELS & RESTAURANTS In dependence of the purpose of visit and the type of guests, MIEL always recommends quality accommodation and food. As usual, perfect hotel accommodations can be find in main cities. When we talk business, the 4* and 5* hotels are on the lead with good meeting facilities. When we talk leisure, apart from the luxury and boutique accommodation all around Bulgaria, we include 3* hotels as well, some times even guest houses and family runned properties. Those places often bring added value to the service as they are authentic, in a way sympathetic and hospitable. Bulgarian food & wine are specific and it is always worth to do like locals do and taste national cuisine. Traditional specialties like Shopska salad, Rakia, Yoghurt, Banitsa or any kind of regional meat specialty are a must to taste. Meanwhile, European and Mediterranean cuisine are widely spread, Asian and Indian cuisines are also available in certain cities as the capital city, Plovdiv, Burgas etc. LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES TOURS As a main purpose or as a social & cultural program accompanying a business event, we organize and implement half day, full day and multiday round tours. Tailor-made round tours: According to the interests of our guests MIEL can arrange variety of tours. Most preferred are the historical and cultural tours because Bulgarian lands are rich in historical and archaeological monuments and artifacts from distant past through Middle ages. Of course any other type of tours could be done. We had effected team-building programs based on different activities like sailing, cocktails, arts, cars and many more. Wine & Spa tours: Traditions of making wine in Bulgaria are very old. The first mentioned wine makers in the antiquity are the Thracians. We can organize for our guests various tours to our good winery partners in order to enjoy the delicious Bulgarian wines, some of which are one of a kind (geographically unique grape varieties). Usually we combine wine tastings with SPA procedures done via mineral waters (more than 500 mineral springs are known in Bulgaria).. LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES HIGHLIGHTS I Historical & Cultural Highlights: So many layers of historical and cultural heritage can be traced in Bulgaria. Evidence of human activity has been found some 12 000 years ago (Paleolithic). The new Stone Age is marked by the presence of the Thracians and later the Persians, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans. The First Bulgarian Kingdom dominated most of the Balkans and functioned as a cultural hub for Slavs during the Middle Ages. In the 20th century the country is under socialist rule. In the 21st century Bulgaria becomes a member of EU. From all eras there are architectural signs to be discovered. Finally this makes Bulgaria one of the most colorful palette on the Balkans. Golf & Yachting - Hobby Highlights: During last 10 – 15 years both Golf & Yachting hobby sports developed very well. There are several Golf playgrounds on a high level. Black Sea Rama, Thracian Cliffs, Pirin Golf Club etc. Just contact us and we will arrange for you the right place for your favorite sport. LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES HIGHLIGHTS II Wine & Food Highlights: Bulgarian kitchen is not so different from those of the other Balkan countries. There are some typical products and meals that one can eat only here. On the first place this is Bulgarian “kiselo mliako” – yogurt, but made by the means of “bacillus bulgaricus”. To taste this kind of yogurt will be real experience. The so called “shopska salad” is a must to taste. It is a good appetizer and goes with Bulgarian plum brandy. Visit the traditional restaurants in Sofia, Plovdiv or Kazanlak. There you will not only enjoy the food but the wine, the dancers and the singers of the live show will give you the idea about traditional Bulgarian dances and songs. Traditional Festivals Highlights: Do as locals do! Bulgarian festivals celebrate regional customs and bring villages and cities alive with rich festival program. Some of Bulgarian traditional festivals date from ancient rituals as the “nestinari dances” – dance barefoot on hot coals or the “kiukeri carnival” – Masquerade festival exorcism LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES SPECIAL PROGRAM Festival of Roses Geographically protected product of Bulgaria Bulgaria is providing 85% of the world's rose oil, mainly used for perfume essences. You are welcome to join our Festival of the Rose and be part of the process of rose picking which take place yearly end of May, beginning of June. 02 - 07.06.2016 (5 nights / 6 days) • Arrival & departure assistance, incl. professional tourist guide throughout the itinerary; • All transfers by coach; • Accommodation in 4* or 5* hotels on B& B; • Participation at the Festivities including Rose picking and local celebrations • Visit of a local Rose distillery; • 4 sightseeing city tours incl. entrance fees – Sofia, Stara Zagora, Kazanlak (UNESCO), Plovdiv. LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES ENTERTAINMENT / SOUVENIRS ... AND THE PARTY KEEP GOING ON! Leading ways of entertainment in big cities are the night clubs, beach bars (seasonal), concerts (very often world famous artists perform) and casinos. Otherwise, entertainment activities could be various: horse riding, sky diving, hiking, skiing, yachting or sailing, golf ... Typical souvenirs that you may take home from Bulgaria are products based on Rose Oil (cosmetics and candles, liqueur or brandy) or traditional craft pottery. LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES SERVICES We provide personalized services as professional local partner that you can trust. Meetings We provide high quality services for business and private meetings according to client`s requirements and budget. Incentives We offer wide range of organizational activities related to social corporate policy and in dependence of the main goal. Events The successful event is the organized and coordinated A to Z product – logistics, accommodation, conference meeting, the catering, the local food and beverages, social program, media releases etc. Leisure Travel to Bulgaria for fun, for relax or for a city break. Individual or group travel specially designed to meet client`s expectations incorporating various activities as culture & history, wine & food, golf, spa, sports, adventure and many more. LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES .