I am considering Bulgaria for a 2 -3 week trip late winter or spring/summer. I would like to see the villages and nature areas in addition to the city attractions. I have heard about drivers there - what is the best way to get around the country, car, bus, or? Best times to go/avoid? Any recommendations for an older woman traveling alone for places/ situations to see/avoid ? Comments on Rick's suggestions? I would like to experience the local art, architecture, music, nature, hiking, gardening/ag and food, of course. I do not speak Bulgarian or any Slav languages (at this time). Thanks for your input.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17854 posts
Well @whitehair; Bulgaria is fascinating and a wonderful trip. Our first trip a few years ago was Budapest to Sofia then four days traveling, ending back in Sofia for a flight back to Budapest. Earlier this year we returned on a fishing trip. We flew into Sofia and then worked our way east for four days finally crossing the border and on to Istanbul; from which we flew on to Budapest after a 3 day visit. https://vasvaripalvacationphotos.shutterfly.com/bulgaria
To answer your question, I can't imagine getting around without a private car. Prices are reasonable. All the basic costs including a private guide with a car, hotel, food, transportation costs, etc can run as low as $350 a day.
On both trips we utilized a tour guide with a car. A wonderful woman named Pavlina Docheva: Pavlina Docheva
Manager and Tour Designer
Easy Bulgaria Travel Ltd
Bulgarian Tour Operator
Member of the Association of Bulgarian Tour Guides
1839 Sofia
Vrajdebna district, 9, 61 str.
www.easytouristguides.com
pavlina@easybulgariatravel.com
skype: polinkaa1
Tel. 00359 878 956 414
If you contact her tell he hello from Texas and our best to little Boris.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7327 posts
Our one trip was 10 years ago and we had a really enjoyable visit, met wonderful people, and experienced great food - including possibly the best vegetables and yogurt in the world. We rented a car and had no problem with drivers. The potholes in the roads and streets were challenging at times though, and on the highway we were passed sometimes by speeding black Mercedes-Benzes, but they sped by us and were gone in an instant, and didn't necessarily pose a direct danger. Maybe the traffic scene has changed since 2004. Our rental car turned out to be a rent-a-wreck VW with bald, repeatedly patched tires and a sagging body panel. If you rent and do your own driving, make sure you have a safe, reliable car -- it could be worth paying more for that assurance.
Be sure to visit the Valley of The Roses around Kazanlak, with field after field of roses and a source for rose oil, soap, and cosmetics.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
You can start with Rick's Bulgaria Tour itinerary as an outline. The Lonely Planet guidebook will help fill in the details and will tell you specifically when bus service is faster, more frequent, or more direct than train, which it often is in Bulgaria. Train is not usually top choice. If you have driven in other parts of Europe, then I wouldn't hesitate to drive in Bulgaria, but probably avoid driving after dark, so that you do have a clear view of the potholes and traffic.
You don't need to speak the language, just be prepared for more pointing, sign language, and creative communication.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17854 posts
AND, If I had two or three weeks I would pair Bulgaria with two of these:
Turkey
Romania
Hungary
Albania
Romania, Bulgaria then Turkey possibly being the easiest pairing. A week in each would make a terrific trip.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
1966 posts
I “did” Bulgaria in 2007 in two weeks, using only public transport and twice a taxi. Moving around there goes significantly slower, but is also the best way to meet people and getting a more involved travel experience and I really liked this way of travelling. About safety I speak for myself: never met a serious safety hazard, no more then anywhere else, however rip offs can happen, like paying for a taxi or hotel too much. If you don´t care too much about convenience, not being rushed and like to slow down, physically in good shape you can consider this more adventurious style of travelling.
This way I met a lot off people of all kind, what absolutely added to the experience, so personally I think luxury will keep you away from that. You must be well motivated to do the trip basic style, so if this appeals you can consider it. Btw I used a Lonely Planet guide for this.
About the language: With good will you can travel far, anywhere. However now conditions of life are more and more improving in Bulgaria young people are coming back from abroad, among many from the US. Many others are well educated, so enough can speak English.
With an open mind you can put Bulgaria on your list for sure.