This trip offers the opportunity to ski in two countries (Bulgaria and Slovenia), tour two capital cities (Sofia and Ljubljana), and experience the uniqueness of this region where eastern and western cultures merge. These are small countries, so spaces on the trip are limited!
TRIP OVERVIEW -- We depart Washington/Dulles at 5:20 pm, transfer in Munich, Germany, for Sofia, Bulgaria, and overnight in Sofia in the 4-star Hotel Sofia Princess (breakfast included). The next day we tour the Bulgarian capital before transferring late in the afternoon by bus (about a 2-hour trip) to the 5-star Kempinski Grand Arena in Bansko at the gondola station (breakfast and dinner included). After four nights and three days skiing (elective day tours to Rila Monastery, Sofia, the town of Bansko, and other sites of interest are possible), we return to Sofia and fly to Ljubljana, Slovenia. We overnight in Ljubljana in the 4-star Grand Hotel Union (breakfast included), then tour the Slovenian capital city the following day. Late in the afternoon we transfer by bus to Kransjka Gora (about 1.5 hours) to the slopeside 4-star Hotel Miklic (breakfast and dinner included). After four nights/three days skiing (elective tours are possible to Lake Bled, Ljubljana, and other local sites) we return by bus to Ljubljana for the flight home. Transferring in Munich, we arrive back at Washington/Dulles at 8:00 pm. All flights are on or managed by Lufthansa.
Bansko [ http://www.bulgariaski.com/bansko/index.shtml ] is Bulgaria's # 1 ski resort: it has benefited from a multi-million Euros investment, has the best snow record and the longest ski season (15 Dec - 15 May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts, and snowmaking covers many of the slopes. Bansko is located at 3,025 ft above sea level. The two main ski areas are between 3,600-8,510 ft elevation, and are accessible on the new gondola, which starts from Bansko. The area caters to all levels of skiers and is the best resort in Bulgaria for advanced skiers. The town of Bansko dates from around the 9-10th centuries and is situated in the north-eastern foot of the Pirin, right below the highest and most beautiful part of the mountain. In the middle of the 18th century Bansko was a big and rich settlement developing crafts and trade. The town of Bansko has around 120 cultural and historical monuments, and various souvenir shops offer the creations of the local artists and smiths. Nearby are the remains from ancient fortresses, Thracian mounds, mineral springs, and the Pirin National Park.
Rila
Monastery Elective Tour from Bansko.
http://www.visittobulgaria.com/visit/Dir.asp?d=0-4-Monasteries-Rila_Monastery
T
he
most impressive monument from the Bulgarian National Revival period
rises amidst the rugged beauty of the Rila Mountain. The monastery's
most treasured historic and artistic monuments include the 14th
century Hrelyo Tower, the five-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin
Church and the original monastery kitchen from the 19th century. The
monastery also houses a rich museum collection of valuable old
manuscripts and documents, charters and icons, an ethnographic
exhibition of fabrics, jewelry, carpets and wrought iron objects, and
a library containing more than 16,000 books.
Accommodations in Bulgaria.
Hotel Sofia Princess: Sofia. This hotel is the largest city hotel on the Balkan Peninsula. Located within walking distance from the city center, this outstanding hotel complex has 569 comfortable, air-conditioned double / single rooms, spacious bathrooms equipped with a telephone and hairdryer, direct telephone line, satellite TV with remote control, mini-bar, 24-hours room service, laundry and dry cleaning, key-lock system, as well as physical and electronic security. http://www.sofia-princess-hotel.com/
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena: Bansko. Located at the footsteps of the Pirin Mountains, the hotel is situated right next to the Gondola lift station that takes you to the highest snowcapped slopes, half pipes and snowboard facilities. The shopping and cultural district of Bansko is also easily accessible within walking distance from the hotel. The town offers a wide variety of bars, apresski pubs and traditional style restaurants with the finest Bulgarian cuisine and wine. http://www.kempinski-bansko.com/
Kranjska Gora [http://www.slovenia.info/?smucanje=58 ] is the longest operating ski resort in Slovenia and is in northwestern Slovenia near the borders with Austria and Italy. The slopes are suitable for all skiing levels. The best skiers in the world compete annually on the Podkoren run in World Cup men’s giant slalom and slalom races. Kranjska Gora has 90 days guaranteed snow with 175 acres of artificial snow making and night skiing capability. The ski area is at an altitude of 2,650-5,140 feet.
Lake Bled Elective Tour from Kransjka Gora. http://www.bled.si/en Lake Bled is an Alpine jewel and has been a tourist paradise for more than a century. The late Yugoslav Dictator Tito had a villa here. In the middle of the lake is an island with a 17th century church; overlooking the lake is a castle with a museum and art gallery. Other attractions include the thermal springs in the northeast part of the lake and the casino and shops along the eastern shore.
Accommodations in Slovenia.
Grand Hotel Union: Ljubljana, This is a four star hotel and considered one of Ljubljana's finest. It is located in a quiet and very central part of Ljubljana. The hotel has executive and business sections altogether providing 327 rooms. http://www.gh-union.si/
Hotel Miklic: Kranjska Gora, This is a four star hotel located amidst beautiful mountains in the town of Kranjska Gora at the foot of Vitranic and right next to the ski slope. Built in 1993, it is a family establishment, renowned for its hospitality and warm interiors. Each room offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. http://www.hotelmiklic.com/
INCLUDED IN PRICE -- Total Price $2,900 (double occupancy) includes all air and bus transportation, city tours of Sofia and Ljubljana, 4/5-star hotels with meals as indicated above, plus pre-trip party, portage of baggage, and post-trip party. (Price based on exchange rate of $1.33 US to Euro). Single supplement of $313 based on single room availability. Land-only is $1,900.
NOT INCLUDED: Lunches, lift tickets, ski equipment rental, elective tours, or Medical Insurance and Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance, which is strongly recommended. Please read the TRIP AGREEMENT before completing the trip application or sending a deposit.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING US OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS:
Contact Marianne or Kerry Hines at 540-364-4810 or by e-mail at SkiBalkans@pvskiers.org .
TO
RESERVE: Select
this link to download the trip application. Print
and complete the application and send it with a
deposit check for $250 per person to:
Marianne or Kerry Hines, 11019 John Marshall Highway, Delaplane, VA 20144.
Note: PVS-Balkan 2008 on the memo line.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE: DEPOSIT: $ 250; Aug.1: $500; Oct. 1, $600; Dec.1, $650; Jan. 1, $900 (or balance). Deposits are fully refundable until 24 September 2007.