Jim Gold International Folk Dance Tours

Travel to
Bulgaria
broadens
one!
Best of
Bulgaria
Folk Dancing, Folk Music, Art, History, Culture, Adventure !

Sofia, Bansko, Plovdiv,

Gela Folk Festival,
Nessebar, Varna, Black Sea,
Veliko Turnovo,
Koprivshtitsa Folk Festival

July 30-August 12, 2024

Led by Ventsi Milev

Bulgarian folk dancing with Niki Enchev
and musician Ventsi Andonov

! Attend Gela and Koprivshtitsa Folk Festivals

! Video of folk dancing at Koprivshtitsa
! Meet and dance with Bulgarian folkdance groups
! Daily folk dancing with Bulgarian folkdance teacher,
Niki Enchev; live music with gaida player, Ventsi
Andonov.
! See villages, historic homes, and sites
! Enjoy traditional cuisine and wines.
! Visit 10 th Rila monastery, a UNESCO site
! Price includes city tours, transfers, hotels, two meals
daily, and our own private bus
Itinerary
July 29: Monday: Depart on airline of your choice.

Day 1: July 30, Tuesday: Sofia

The magic adventure in Bulgaria begins: (As a prelude, watch some Bulgarian dances.) Check into
our 5-star Grand Hotel Sofia. Orientation, meet-and-greet, followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 2: July, 31 Wednesday: Sofia

A guided walking tour of ancient and contemporary Sofia. In the midst of busy cafés and imposing
socialist buildings from the past century, you will come upon tranquil green squares and still active
churches from Roman and Byzantine time. St. George Rotunda (a fully preserved structure from
the 4th cent.) blends elegantly in the courtyard of the Presidency and the 5th cent. St. Sofia
Basilica (which inspired city’s coat of arms) lies next to Sofia’s
greatest sight – St. Alexander Nevski
Cathedral, the National Opera and a quaint
Flea market. Sofia’s unique yellow-brick road,
paved in 1907 with Austro-Hungarian
cobblestone, runs along Capital’s most
important landmarks – it starts with Sofia
University, National Library, the Parliament
and art galleries in the east; goes by the
ex-Royal Palace, Russian Church and National theater, and reaches
the recently excavated Roman Forum and “St. Nedelya” Church in the west. The latter, along with
the nearby “Banya Bashi” Mosque built in 1576, Sofia Synagogue (the largest Sephardic Temple in
Europe) and “St. Joseph” Catholic Cathedral are spoken of as the “square of tolerance” among
faiths!
Afternoon free for individual activities or visit at the National History Museum in the
outskirts of the capital. Dinner with live Bulgarian folk dancing in "Chevermeto" (the Spit roast). (B,
D) Overnight at 5***** Grand Hotel Sofia ,

Day 3: August 1, Thursday: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Bansko

Travel south to the 10th century Rila Monastery. UNESCO listed, It is one of the most impressive
religious sites on the continent with its size, abundance of frescoes and unique architecture. Dine
on a local specialty for lunch –fresh river trout and traditional Bulgarian bean soup – then continue
south to the town of Bansko, a stronghold of Bulgarian revival architecture, culture and traditions.
In winter the town is a busy ski resort and
in summer, a home to a popular
International Jazz Festival. Enjoy a leisurely
sightseeing walk in Bansko’s cobbled-stone
alleys and panoramic mountain views of
the slopes of Pirin National Park – also in
UNESCO’s world heritage list (of natural
sites).
A brief evening drive to the nearby
village of Gorno Draglishte where baba grandma Deshka will welcome us in her house and to a
homemade dinner which she herself and with the help of other local women has cooked during
the day. Expect to be invited to some authentic for the region folk dancing and rituals. (B, L, D)
Overnight at 5***** Premier Luxury Mountain Resort.

Day 4: August 2, Friday: Bansko – Dobursko – Batak – Plovdiv

Day in the deep countryside. After breakfast, carry on northeast through the Rhodopes, birthplace
of mythological Orpheus. Visit the mysterious village of Dobursko, where the local choir “Doburski
Babi” (Grandmas from Dobursko) will give us a private performance followed by a
traditional homemade (by the grandmas) Bulgarian “Banitsa”
pastry and yogurt snack. Continue east through some “Pumak”
villages and stop for another fresh fish lunch on the bank of the
picturesque Batak Lake. Then visit the nearby town of Batak.
One of the darkest events in Bulgarian history took place
here in 1876. Ironically, it marked the beginning of the end of
the 500-year Ottoman Rule in Bulgaria. Afternoon arrival in
Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second largest city and its artistic capital. In
2019 Plovdiv was granted the title “European capital of culture”.
Plovdiv is also one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe! (B, Snack, L)
Overnight at 4* Hill House Hotel.

Day 5: August 3. Saturday: Plovdiv – Bachkovo Monastery – Gela Folk Festival– Plovdiv
It’s a festival day! Before driving deep into the Rhodopes mountain to the village of Gela and its
famous Rhodopes ”Kaba” bagpipe festival, we will visit the 11th
cent. Bachkovo Monastery – second-largest in Bulgaria and
known for its fine architecture, exquisite murals and à 14th
century miracle-making icon of Mother Mary.
An hour and half later and for the rest of today – music
and dancing at Gela festival – a happening with centuries old
history and mysteriously no remembered beginning. NB! Be
sure to bring sun cream, water, a big hat and plenty of your
passion for authentic folklore!
Late afternoon departure to Plovdiv and a stopover at Bachkovo Monastery
again - this time for dinner at an old traditional restaurant overlooking a scenic mountain river. A
short drive to Plovdiv for a good night sleep! (B, D) Overnight at 4* Hill House Hotel.

Day 6: August 4, Sunday: Plovdiv

Morning sightseeing tour of Plovdiv Old Town, often compared to Montmartre Hill in Paris for its
art galleries and antique shops. View masterpieces of 18-19th century Bulgarian Renaissance
architecture, Thracian and Roman remains, orthodox
churches and its highlight – a 2nd century Roman
Amphitheater. We will visit the country’s richest
Ethnographic Museum set in a gorgeous baroque house
from 1847 and then stroll down Plovdiv’s lively pedestrian
street offering more historic attractions and lovely cafés
and restaurants.
We will see a Roman Stadium, a Roman Forum, a
15th century Mosque and the newly opened Bishop’s Basilica – in UNESCO’s tentative list. In the
late afternoon come to the main square for tradition Sunday folk dancing or “Sunday horo” (B)
Overnight at 4* Hill House Hotel.

Day 7: August 5, Monday: Plovdiv – Nessebar & Sunny Beach – Varna

Today we’ll travel east to the Black Sea coast where our first stop will be Nessebar, a beautiful old
town set on a narrow peninsula and bursting with winding cobbled stone alleyways, timber
houses, churches and medieval fortification walls. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe and a
UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch with a delightful view, we’ll continue on to Varna , sister
city to Miami! Watch and learn Varnenski Horo, On our way north, watch out for amazing
panoramas from the easternmost altitudes of the Balkan Range, stretching all the way from
Bulgaria’s west border to the sea. Early evening arrival in Varna, the marine capital of Bulgaria.
This morning bagpipe player Ventzi Andonov and folk-dance teacher Niki Enchev will have
joined our team and for the next 5 days! Bulgarian folk dance lessons will be the norm daily! (B, L)
Overnight at 4* Panorama Hotel.

Day 8: August 6, Tuesday: Varna – Balchik – Dalboka Mussel Farm – Varna

With wide pedestrian boulevards, shady Sea Gardens and an expansive sandy beach, Varna has the
tranquil air of a coastal resort, despite its being a major port, center of commerce and Bulgaria’s
third biggest city. Highlights of the city tour include 2nd century Roman baths
(largest on the Balkan Peninsula and 4th largest in Europe) and
the Archaeological Museum housing the “Oldest Gold” (from
4600 BC).
Late morning drive to Balchik. In 1913 the region around
the town was annexed by Romania. It returned to Bulgarian
sovereignty in 1940, but this short period of Romanian rule left
the town the legacy of its greatest attraction – the Summer
Palace of Queen Marie – which we’ll visit, together with Balchik’s famous botanical garden.
Lunch of fresh mussels and fish at the Dalboka Mussel Farm and Restaurant, overlooking
the beautiful Kaliakra Bay. Return to Varna and Bulgarian folk dancing with Ventzi and Niki! (B, L)
Overnight at 4* Panorama Hotel.

Day 9: August 7. Wednesday: Varna – Madara – Veliko Turnovo

Today the Black Sea will stay behind as we carry on west to Veliko Turnovo – Bulgaria’s medieval
capital. En route stop at one of the country’s 9 UNESCO sites – the Madara Rider. In the 8th
century, at the time of the 1st Bulgarian Kingdom, a large figure of a horseman and
his dog was carved in the rocky face of Madara Plateau. Nowadays it’s known as the
Madara Rider and is the only rock-cut relief in Europe. Lunch.
Arrival in Veliko Turnovo, built on the steep
cliffs of the meandering Yantra river gorge. We’ll
walk around the remains of fortress walls, palaces
and churches on the emblematic Tsarevets Hill, visit
the Four-Horsemen monument and the famous
Samovodska Street, where in the beautifully
lined-up little shops, we will meet pastry cooks,
master goldsmiths, potters and wood carvers willing
to talk and sell their articles!
Today Veliko Turnovo is a fusion of romantic natural scenery, its distinctive
historical ambience and vibrant student life. In the evening and during the day more
Bulgarian folk dancing with Niky and Venzi! (B, L) Overnight at family-owned Gurko Boutique Hotel.

Day 10: August 8, Thursday: Veliko Turnovo & Arbanassi Village

Morning trip to Nikopolis ad Istrum, a Roman city founded in 106 AD by Marcus Ulpius Traianus
(98 – 117 AD). An archeological gem for the fact that unlike places like Sofia and
Plovdiv, and Varna where the roman city has long been buried and then built over,
here the Roman city never became a modern city and was never “lost” underground.
Return to Veliko Turnovo and leisure time. Afternoon visit to the charming
village of Arbanassi, situated a short drive away on a high plateau above the city of
Turnovo. It’s famous for its traditional 18th cent. architecture and beautifully
decorated churches. One of them, the Church of Nativity, although extremely modest
on the outside, has a most extraordinary interior and unique collection of 16-17th century
frescoes. Bulgarian folk dancing with Niki and Ventzi, dinner and return to Veliko Turnovo for a
second overnight. (B, D) Overnight at family-owned Gurko Boutique Hotel.

Day 11 Aug 09 FRI: Veliko Turnovo – Etara – Shipka Pass – Rose Valley – Koprivshtitsa
After breakfast enjoy a scenic drive south across the Balkan range and through the world-famous
Valley of Roses and Valley of Thracian Kings (another UNESCO World Heritage Site!). En route,
stroll around Etara – a Life open-air Village Museum displaying authentic
housing and crafts traditions of the past three centuries.
Meet plenty of craftsmen and check their original goods.
We’ll pay a visit to the exquisite, gold-domed Shipka
Memorial Church and to one of the richest and
best-preserved Thracian tombs in the area. Lunch.
A couple of hours later to the west, amid green meadows
and pine forests, is situated the small, quaint town of
Koprivshtitsa.
Here in 1876 was fired the first shot of the April Uprising which marked
the prelude to the end of the five-century Ottoman rule in Bulgaria. Miraculously, the town of
Koprivshtitsa survived the Uprising and is now one of the few thoroughly preserved architectural
reserves from the Bulgarian Revival Period. Dinner. (B, L, D) Overnight at family-owned traditional
country lodge.

Day 12: August 10, Saturday: Koprivshtitsa Folk Festival

A whole day at the festival – included in UNESCO’s list of
immaterial heritage since 2016. The small town gets full of
visitors from all parts of the world. (B) Overnight at family-owned
traditional country lodge.

Day 13: August 11, Sunday: Koprivshtitsa - Sofia

We will stick around Koprivshtitsa a little longer to make sure we don’t leave
prematurely and miss any dancing and singing. Then travel west to Sofia for more exploration of
the Capital, perhaps some shopping, a farewell dinner and last overnight. (B, D) Overnight at
5***** Grand Hotel Sofia.

Day 14: August 12, Monday: Sofia (departure)

After breakfast your guide will accompany you to the airport for departure flight. (B)

SERVICES INCLUDED:
- 13 overnights in selected, centrally located 5* hotels (4x nights), 4* hotels (5 nights), 3*
boutique hotel (2x nights) and a traditional county lodge in Koprivshtitsa (2x nights)
- Breakfast daily (B)
- 13 other meals (L) = Lunch (6 lunches), (D) = Dinner (7 dinners),
- 3+ dinners with Life Folk Entertainment
- Wine/Rakia with 4+ dinners
- 1 home-made pastry snack prepared by the Dobursko Grandmas
- Participation in 2x famous Bulgarian Folk Festivals
- Ventzi Andonov & Niky Enchev from day 7 to day 11 (5 days) – TO BE
DISCUSSED
- Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Private air-conditioned car/minivan/van throughout the tour
- Accommodation and meals for guide and driver (1-5 pax guide will also drive)
- Fuel, parking charges and road tolls
- Entrance fees to museums and sites (as per itinerary)
- All hotel taxes (porterage and tips not incl.)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

- Drinks other than mineral water with meals except where wine/rakia is included
- Porterage at hotels, - Travel insurance- Tips

About Ventsi Milev

Ventsislav Milev was born in Sofia, Bulgaria in a family of travel specialists. He lived
in London for a decade, studying Business Administration at Richmond University
and Photography at Westminster University. He worked for British photo libraries
and travelled extensively. On return to his home country, he took over the family
business and, for the last 13 years, he has been designing and managing preset and
tailor-made tours in Bulgaria and most Balkan countries. He has been collaborating
with Jim Gold International from Teaneck, N. J., Tradesco Tours from Woodland,
CA, Sephardic Balkans from Philadelphia, PA, Inghams from the UK, and others.
Ventsi also guides many of his tours, perfecting the entire travel experience of his
clients from the initial contact, through program writing and meticulous
organization, to the invaluable human interaction on the road!

Land Only: $3995

REGISTRATION FORM: Enclosed is my registration deposit of $200 per person.
Single supplement: $795. Additional charges: $185 hotel taxes and service. Gratuities and drinks
during meals not included. Program subject to change without notice. Cancellations 90 days
prior to departure: Total refund: Less than 90 days: No refund. Travel insurance always
recommended. Total balance due May 1, 2024.

Name___________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
No. of people____Phone_(_____)_________________email_______________________

Make checks payable to: Jim Gold International 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666
U.S.A. Phone (201) 836-0362. Web site at www.jimgold.com Email: jimgold@jimgold.com

JIM GOLD INTERNATIONAL: TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Air Transportation: International air not included except as noted.
Rates: Tour rates are subject to change in the event of currency fluctuations or increase in costs. Inclusive
tour rates are per person in double occupancy. In case of computer or human billing errors, we reserve
the right to re-invoice clients with corrected billing.
Reservations: Deposits and Payments: Deposit of $200 per person is required at time of reservation.
Balance is due 90 days prior to departure date.
Changes: Prices and program subject to change without notice
Baggage: One baggage per person and a carry on is allowed.
Cancellations: Cancellations 90 days prior to departure: Total refund. Less than 90 days: No refund.
Additionally, any cancellation fees imposed by the respective hotels, airlines, tour companies and cruise
lines will be charged. Travel Insurance is non-refundable as are unused services.
Gratuities: Tipping to guides, drivers, transfer personnel and hotel staff is left to the discretion of the
participants and is not included.
Insurance: Tour participants are strongly recommended to purchase insurance for trip cancellation, trip
interruption, accident, sickness and/or loss of baggage and personal effects.
Dispute Resolution: The sole and exclusive method of resolving any dispute which might rise under this
agreement and any agreement between Jim Gold International, Inc., and another party (ies), the brochure
or website and deemed to arise in the United States of America, shall be by arbitration before the
American Arbitration Association in New York City pursuant to the Association’s rules then in effect. Any
such arbitration must take place in N.Y.C., N.Y. In any such arbitration, the substantive law of N.Y. will
apply. In the event a tour participant should find a service or hotel unacceptable, it should be reported
immediately to the local representative and to Jim Gold International, Inc. upon their immediate return.
No claim shall be deemed legitimate if not reported to the local representative and if reported after the
scheduled service or after departure from the hotel.
Responsibility: Jim Gold International, Inc. Of 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 U.S.A acts
solely in its capacity as marketing agent on behalf of its suppliers such as air carriers, ground operator, taxi
suppliers, motor coach suppliers, excursion or tour companies and hotels identified on documents
supplied in connection with purchase of the tours. Jim Gold International, Inc. shall not be held
responsible for any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions by any supplier or other party not directly
owned or exclusively controlled by Jim Gold International, Inc. or by the failure of any equipment
operated by any such supplier or other party. Jim Gold International, Inc. shall not be liable for any loss,
injury or damage to person, property or otherwise, in connection with any accommodations,
transportation, or other services, resulting directly or indirectly from any acts of God, dangerous incident
to the sea, fire, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of government or other authorities, wars
whether or not declared, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics,
quarantines, medical or customs regulations, defaults, delays or cancellations of or changes to itineraries
or schedules, or from any causes resulting from insufficient or improperly issued passports, visas, or other
documents passports, visas, or other documents.
Neither Jim Gold International, Inc. nor any of its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be or become liable or
responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of
any of the aforementioned causes. Tour participant agrees that any claim against Jim Gold International,
Inc. is subject only to the jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the cause of action arose. The
right is reserved to substitute hotels and to alter itineraries. The right is also reserved to cancel the tour
prior to departure. If any tour is canceled prior to departure, Jim Gold International, Inc. will be
responsible only up to the amount of monies Jim Gold International, Inc. received less any cancellation
fee applied by a supplier as defined above. Travel Insurance is recommended.
Jim Gold International, Inc. is not responsible or liable for defaults of those not directly under the
exclusive control of Jim Gold International, Inc.
All tickets and vouchers issued for transportation and services are subject to the terms and conditions
under which such transportation and services are provided to the participant by the owners or
contractors. The traveler assumes full responsibility for, and hereby releases Jim Gold International, Inc.
from any duty of checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination or other entry
requirements for each destination, and all safety and security conditions during the length of the
proposed travel. Should any clause contained here in be determined void by any court of law, such a
finding shall not affect the other clauses contained herein; each clause is a covenant which stand on its
own. The receipt of your deposit and/or final payment will indicate that you have read these Terms and
Conditions, and that you have agreed to them. Prices are subject to change.

Jim Gold International, Inc. 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 U.S.A.
Phone: (201) 836-0362 www.jimgold.com e-mail: jimgold@jimgold.com