Along the Black Sea

Bulgaria: Via Pontica and the Balkan

Tour Description: Guided

An adventurous tour which goes along the Black sea following the Roman Via Pontica road. Enjoy the scenic views and wonderful panoramas en route, reaching the pearl of the Black sea – Nessebar.

For several days we will pedal among the hills of the Balkan mountain entering the wild coastal hinterland. While passing through typical Bulgarian villages we will taste the local wines and the unique cuisine, a mixture of Balkan, Oriental and Mediterranean traditions. Discover and learn more about the Madara Rider, an essential medieval monument of the steppe culture in Europe.

This tour has several advantages, among which are 4-star spa hotels for two of the nights, additional wine tasting in Chateau Medovo, more relaxing pace on the way back across the Balkan, one more night on the seaside and really enough time for the UNESCO town of Nessebar.

The route of the tour goes along the Black sea following the Roman Via Pontica road. Enjoy the scenic views and wonderful panoramas en route, reaching the pearl of the Black sea – Nessebar. For several days we will pedal among the hills of the Balkan mountain entering the wild coastal hinterland. Discover and learn more about the Madara Rider - medieval monument carved on a high rock, one of the best examples of the steppe culture in Europe, listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

While passing through typical Bulgarian villages we will taste the local wines and the unique cuisine, a mixture of Balkan, Oriental and Mediterranean traditions. Fish and seafood are essential in the coastal area. There is high possibility to observe tens of species of birds, especially during migrating period and different mammals too, such as hare, deer, fox, jackal and even wild cat or boar. 

Learn more about guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

An adventurous tour which goes along the Black sea following the Roman Via Pontica road. Enjoy the scenic views and wonderful panoramas en route, reaching the pearl of the Black sea – Nessebar.

For several days we will pedal among the hills of the Balkan mountain entering the wild coastal hinterland. While passing through typical Bulgarian villages we will taste the local wines and the unique cuisine, a mixture of Balkan, Oriental and Mediterranean traditions. Discover and learn more about the Madara Rider, an essential medieval monument of the steppe culture in Europe.

This tour has several advantages, among which are 4-star spa hotels for two of the nights, additional wine tasting in Chateau Medovo, more relaxing pace on the way back across the Balkan, one more night on the seaside and really enough time for the UNESCO town of Nessebar.

The route of the tour goes along the Black sea following the Roman Via Pontica road. Enjoy the scenic views and wonderful panoramas en route, reaching the pearl of the Black sea – Nessebar. For several days we will pedal among the hills of the Balkan mountain entering the wild coastal hinterland. Discover and learn more about the Madara Rider - medieval monument carved on a high rock, one of the best examples of the steppe culture in Europe, listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

While passing through typical Bulgarian villages we will taste the local wines and the unique cuisine, a mixture of Balkan, Oriental and Mediterranean traditions. Fish and seafood are essential in the coastal area. There is high possibility to observe tens of species of birds, especially during migrating period and different mammals too, such as hare, deer, fox, jackal and even wild cat or boar. 

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Ancient city of Nessebar-Unesco World Heritage
• Madara Rider-Unesco World Heritage
• Varna- The World Oldest Golden treasure
• Kamchia river mouth-Unesco Biosphere reserve-the biggest riverine forest in the Western Pontic
• Devnya-Ancient headquarter of Emperor Valent - the Museum of Roman Mosaics and the karstic springs
• Byala-One of the most charming seaside vineyards in Bulgaria placed just above the natural landmark The White Rocks , where one can observe geological Creda/Tertiary border
• Tsonevo Lake - a picturesque natural dam with the Wonderful Rocks Site
• Ancient Thracian tomb in Ivanski or the Zlatar monastery
• Villages of Kozichino and Asparuhovo -Typical old style villages which population once were engaged to keep the Eastern Balkan passes in this historical borderland
• The romantic capes and lighthouses of Galata, Emine, St. Athanas   

Highlights: Self-guided

• Ancient city of Nessebar-Unesco World Heritage
• Madara Rider-Unesco World Heritage
• Varna- The World Oldest Golden treasure
• Kamchia river mouth-Unesco Biosphere reserve-the biggest riverine forest in the Western Pontic
• Devnya-Ancient headquarter of Emperor Valent - the Museum of Roman Mosaics and the karstic springs
• Byala-One of the most charming seaside vineyards in Bulgaria placed just above the natural landmark The White Rocks , where one can observe geological Creda/Tertiary border
• Tsonevo Lake - a picturesque natural dam with the Wonderful Rocks Site
• Ancient Thracian tomb in Ivanski or the Zlatar monastery
• Villages of Kozichino and Asparuhovo -Typical old style villages which population once were engaged to keep the Eastern Balkan passes in this historical borderland
• The romantic capes and lighthouses of Galata, Emine, St. Athanas   

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival in Nikolaevka
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. We have tour details and safety instructions meeting. Take a short walking or cycling round trip.

Day 2: Nikolaevka - Galata (30 miles/48 km)
At the beginning of the tour follow the flat terrain of the Dobruja and Franga plateaus. Stop en route to admire the Kalimanski Han ethno complex. In forenoon descend straight to the city of Varna (known as Odessos in Antiquity) passing by the ruins of a medieval Bulgarian monastery from 9th century. Odessos was a major city on the Roman Via Pontica which had its own city God – Darzalas and autonomous rights. Take a short tour in the city to enjoy the sightseeing of Varna first and foremost the World Oldest Golden Treasure from Varna necropolis dating back to the end of 5th millennium B.C. Then you cross the stunning Asparuh Bridge to reach the cape of Galata. Spend the night in Galata quarter situated high above the Bay of Varna.

Elevation + 886 ft (270 m)/- 1,410 ft (430 m).
Overnight in Galata. 

Day 3: Galata - Shkorpilovtsi (36 miles/58 km)
After breakfast pedal along the ancient Via Pontica among the vineyards and the woods of the plateau of Avren. At noon you reach the Kamchia river mouth. You could taste the wonderful seafood cuisine at lunch. Then take a boat on the river and make a trip along the riverine forest of the UNESCO biosphere reserve. Again on the bikes you cross the Longoza forest and keep cycling on a flat ground towards the seaside village of Shkorpilovtsi, placed just at the foothills of the Balkan Mountain.
elevation + 787 ft (240 m)/- 984 ft (300 m)
Overnight in Shkorpilovtsi.

Day 4: Shkorpilovtsi - Kozichino (31 miles/50 km)
From now on starts our three-day journey across the Balkan. In the morning you cycle uphill by the coast in the forests around the Black Cape. After the famous village of Goritsa comes a descent going to the town of Byala, renowned for its Dimyat white wine and traditional fishermen’s culture. You visit local winery for tasting, the White Cape with its marvelous rocks, where one can observe geological Creda/Tertiary border and finely a lunch in a typical kapanche restaurant. In the afternoon you take the route along the Dvoinitsa River and the steep road through the wooded Dyulino pass. At the saddle point you bike off-road for 3 km to the rich shepherd’s village of Kozichino, placed among the pastures on the extensive ridge.
Elevation + 2,001 ft (610 m)/- 885 ft (270 m).
Overnight in Kozichino.  

Day 5: Kozichino - Nessebar (29 miles/47 km)
A long descent on the southern slope of the Balkan leads you to a fertile coastal valley where is located Chateau Medovo. Stop for wine tasting of the local fine brands of whites and reds. Not very far from there is the pearl of the Black Sea – the old city of Nessebur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nessebur is found as a Thracian settlement then the Greeks from Megara built up their colony in the 6th century B.C. on a peninsula in the sea giving it the name Mesembria. Its architecture is an excellent example of the medieval Balkan orthodox culture, a mixture of Byzantine and Bulgarian cultural patterns. You have enough time for wandering in the old town and a great choice for spending the evening.
Elevation + 590 ft (180 m)/- 1,900 ft (580 m). 
Overnight in Nessebar. 

Day 6: Nessebar - Obzor (29 miles/42 km)
You leave in the forenoon riding along the shore of the Bay of Nessebur to the small village of Emona, just above the cliffs of the Cape of Emine, easternmost Balkan point. This is the most difficult part of the tour, because of the road surface for half a dozen of kilometers nearby Emona. Enjoy the marvelous coastal landscape around the cape and the lighthouse. From Emona to Irakli the road is not in good condition, but this keeps the area away from the civilization and you could enjoy the unforgettable nature and the spectacular panoramas along this seaside protected natural area. Your final stop for the day is the resort town of Obzor, the ancient Templum Iovis.
Elevation + 1,935 ft (590 m)/- 1,771 ft (540 m).
Overnight in Obzor.  

Day 7: Obzor - Venelin (30 miles/48 km) 
After the sunrise you cycle away from Obzor to turn deeper in the Balkan, where you stay for a lunch in the village of Solnik. Riding north through oak woods you cross Kamchijska Mountain, a famous hunting area. Cycling down the wide valley of Kamchia, in the late afternoon you arrive on the north bank of the river. Here you spend the night in Eco Park Venelin – a wonderful place to rest after the trans-Balkan journey.
Elevation + 984 ft (300 m)/- 951 ft (290 m)
Overnight in Venelin. 

Day 8: Venelin - Arkovna (36 miles/58 km)
Today cycling continues in the orchards of the fertile valley of Kamchia until reaching the Tsonevo dam. Then after a short, but not easy off-road uphill, the path goes down to the village of Asparuhovo. The village is famous as a nest of a peculiar old Bulgarian folklore and ethnoculture. The lunch is in a traditional restaurant with panoramic view to the vast Tsonevo Lake. Following the bridge across the dam you visit the Wonderful Rocks natural sight just opposite the village. Then again riding along the Kamchia River you stop for the night in the village of Arkovna in the chic Gyurlata Inn. The village is in a picturesque valley, closed between the foothills of the Balkan and the Royak Plateau.
Elevation + 1,345 ft (410 m)/- 1,213 ft (370 m). 
Overnight in Arkovna. 

Day 9: Arkovna - Kyulevcha (32 miles/51 km)
Today’s ride goes among woods and orchards, scattered vineyards and small fields in the narrow Kamchia corridor between the green Balkan slopes and the rocky Royak plateau. Finely the road enters the wide open space of one of Bulgaria’s most popular wine regions around Veliki Preslav. Our route heads north closely following the cliffs of the Provadia Plateau. At noon we will visit the newly discovered ancient Thracian tomb in Ivanski or the Zlatar monastery depends on the participants’ interests. After that we pedal through a hilly terrain among the rolling fields with fascinating views to the Shumen Plateau. Passing by small dams the ride for the day ends in the old village of Kyulevcha, 3km away from the rock relief “Madara Rider”, an unusual and the only one of its kind monument in Europe dated to the early Middle Ages, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a conclusion of the day we look the Madara Horseman religious and archeological complex.
Elevation + 1,213 ft (370 m)/- 1,279 ft (390 m). 
Overnight in Kyulevcha. 

Day 10: Kyulevcha - Chernevo (40 miles/64 km)
Pedal up the Provadia Plateau will take your strengths but than the route runs among forests, corn fields and villages gently going downhill. A long descent leads you in the Venchan gorge, passing nearby the ruins of a medieval monastery and observatory at Ravna. You have a picnic lunch on the edge of the Kirechlika canyon. An easy ride will take you to the town of Devnya, ancient Marcianopolis, the capital of Roman province Moesia and temporary residence of Emperor Valent between 366 and 369 A.C. Here you visit the museum of Roman mosaics, the amphitheatre and the karstic spring Havuza. Cycle on perfect greenways to the final stop of the tour - ethno complex Barite near the village of Chernevo at the foothills of the Dobrudja Plateau. The complex has a unique ethno atmosphere and an open space exposition.
Elevation + 1,541 ft (470 m)/- 1,771 ft (540 m).
Overnight in Chernevo.  

Day 11: Departure

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

May 24, Jul 12, and Sep 29, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy €1160 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room); upon request €0 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bikes (included in tour price) €0 Helmets (per day) €5

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Transfer from/to Varna and Burgas airports to Plateau Cycling Center and to your accommodation at the day before and the day after the tour
• Bike without helmet (helmets available to rent)
• English/Russian speaking leader with local knowledge
• Map
• Accommodation during the tours at family run hotels and guest houses, spa and other hotels at the quality of 3 and 4 stars including breakfasts
• Entrance fees
• 2 Picnic lunches and 2 Wine tasting programs at local wineries
• Refreshing drinks (non alcoholic) during the cycling time
• Support vehicle and luggage transfer
• Permanent technical bike support
• Medical insurance for Bulgaria
• BONUS for 2013 after-the-tour accommodation

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

The accommodation during the tour is at family run hotels and two nights in 4-star spa hotels.

The family run hotels will provide comfortable atmosphere after a cycling day. They offer a special traditional bulgarian ambience, with the personal hospitality of the landlords. In the high class spa hotels, you can enjoy a relaxing spa, massage and swimming pool.

Hotels: Self-guided

The accommodation during the tour is at family run hotels and two nights in 4-star spa hotels.

The family run hotels will provide comfortable atmosphere after a cycling day. They offer a special traditional bulgarian ambience, with the personal hospitality of the landlords. In the high class spa hotels, you can enjoy a relaxing spa, massage and swimming pool.

Bike Rentals: Guided

The bikes provided are:

DRAG CRUISER TE- touring bicycles with 27 or 24 indexed gears and flat handlebars with adjustable stem.
Drivetrain by Shimano
The bikes are with Xerama Alloy platform pedals and Selle Royal Energy Saddle.

DRAG CRUISER TE
Frameset 
Frame: Cruiser Alu 6061 
Fork: Suntour NCX-D LO 63mm travel 

Wheels 
Wheels: Drag hand-build double wall 
Tires: Schwalbe Energizer Kevlar, 37-622 
Front hub: Formula FM21-FQR 
Rear hub: Formula FM32-8QR 
Rims: Mach1 EXE, 36H 

Drivetrain 
Shifters: Shimano Deore SL-M590Shimano or Alivio
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore FD-M590 or Alivio
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT RD-M772 Shadow or Alivio 
Crank: Shimano FC-M443 48/36/26T 
Cassette: Shimano HG50-9 11/32T 
Bottom bracket: Suntour BB-XCT-SQS-122mm 
Pedals: Xerama Alloy SP-910S 
Chain: KMC Z9000 

Components 
Saddle: Selle Royal Viper 
Seat Post: SP-56, 27.2 / 300 mm 
Handlebar: FSA XC-300 ATB, 31.8 
Stem: FSA OS-190 LX 
Headset: VP Components A77C, 1-1/8“ 
Brakelevers: Tektro ML330 
Brakes: Shimano V-brake BR-M422 

Bike weight: 13.7kg

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The bikes provided are:

DRAG CRUISER TE- touring bicycles with 27 or 24 indexed gears and flat handlebars with adjustable stem.
Drivetrain by Shimano
The bikes are with Xerama Alloy platform pedals and Selle Royal Energy Saddle.

DRAG CRUISER TE
Frameset 
Frame: Cruiser Alu 6061 
Fork: Suntour NCX-D LO 63mm travel 

Wheels 
Wheels: Drag hand-build double wall 
Tires: Schwalbe Energizer Kevlar, 37-622 
Front hub: Formula FM21-FQR 
Rear hub: Formula FM32-8QR 
Rims: Mach1 EXE, 36H 

Drivetrain 
Shifters: Shimano Deore SL-M590Shimano or Alivio
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore FD-M590 or Alivio
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT RD-M772 Shadow or Alivio 
Crank: Shimano FC-M443 48/36/26T 
Cassette: Shimano HG50-9 11/32T 
Bottom bracket: Suntour BB-XCT-SQS-122mm 
Pedals: Xerama Alloy SP-910S 
Chain: KMC Z9000 

Components 
Saddle: Selle Royal Viper 
Seat Post: SP-56, 27.2 / 300 mm 
Handlebar: FSA XC-300 ATB, 31.8 
Stem: FSA OS-190 LX 
Headset: VP Components A77C, 1-1/8“ 
Brakelevers: Tektro ML330 
Brakes: Shimano V-brake BR-M422 

Bike weight: 13.7kg

Surface and Terrain: Guided

Most of the route surface is old asfalt and occasionally dirt roads. Most of the days we pedal through hilly region. Flat ground in general are the valleys of Kamchia and Provadiiska Rivers, the three plateaus and sub-Balkan area. The terrain ranges between 0 and 435 mtrs.The longest single climb is about 10 kmtrs gaining approximately 270 mtrs. The biggest part of the tour runs among or along woods. We often cross vineyard areas. 

Approximately 65% of the tour is on quiet roads; 18% on roads shared with traffic; 15% on dirt or gravel  roads; 1% on dedicated bicycle paths; and 1% on dirt mountain bike trails. The maximum daily elevation gain for this tour is 2,001 feet (610 meters), with a 8% maximum percentage grade for any climb. 

This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

Most of the route surface is old asfalt and occasionally dirt roads. Most of the days we pedal through hilly region. Flat ground in general are the valleys of Kamchia and Provadiiska Rivers, the three plateaus and sub-Balkan area. The terrain ranges between 0 and 435 mtrs.The longest single climb is about 10 kmtrs gaining approximately 270 mtrs. The biggest part of the tour runs among or along woods. We often cross vineyard areas. 

Approximately 65% of the tour is on quiet roads; 18% on roads shared with traffic; 15% on dirt or gravel  roads; 1% on dedicated bicycle paths; and 1% on dirt mountain bike trails. The maximum daily elevation gain for this tour is 2,001 feet (610 meters), with a 8% maximum percentage grade for any climb. 

This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Varna, Bulgaria

Transfers to and from the airport are included in the tour package.  

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Varna, Bulgaria

Transfers to and from the airport are included in the tour package.  

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Tour Company Background: Plateau Ltd: Guided

Plateau Ltd was found in year 2008. By actively participating in The Bulgarian society for the protection of birds, we introduced not only the historical and cultural heritage of Bulgaria but also the bird watching opportunities in our tours. We are the first to introduce cycling tours in the whole North Eastern Bulgaria and some parts of Romania.

Tour Company Background: Plateau Ltd: Self-guided

Plateau Ltd was found in year 2008. By actively participating in The Bulgarian society for the protection of birds, we introduced not only the historical and cultural heritage of Bulgaria but also the bird watching opportunities in our tours. We are the first to introduce cycling tours in the whole North Eastern Bulgaria and some parts of Romania.

Terms and Conditions: Plateau Ltd: Guided

The terms “PLATEAU CYCLING”, “We” and “Our” refer to “PLATEAU” Ltd, a Sofia/Bulgaria/ based corporation, registered under No.20100827153048 / 27.08.2010 in Commercial registry in Registry Agency of Bulgaria, with UIC 201229452, which offers and operates all the Tours listed herein.

All Tours offered are subject to PLATEAU CYCLING’s standard Terms and Conditions,

Please review the Terms and Conditions carefully prior to completing your reservation, some of these terms and conditions are set out below to draw your attention to the fact that our obligations to You are limited 

Prices, Reservations and Payment

Prices

Our prices are given in € (Euros) 

All prices are per person and are based on double occupancy. We charge a single supplement to individual travelers, who wish to ensure that they have private rooms throughout a Tour, but only if and where it is possible to be arranged. Such requirements shall be advised while booking.

Reservations

Reservations can be made by mail or e-mail, with a cheque or money order by mail and by bank transfer.

Payment

The payments terms are as follows:

The first one is an affiliation fee i.e. to reserve your Tour, we require a deposit of 250 € per person at least 3 months/90 days prior to Tour’s start day/date.

The second term, which is balance up to 50% of Tour’s price, is due 1 month/30 days prior to start day/date (p.s.d.)

The third and final term is balance of Tour’s price, which can be paid directly at arriving.

If reserving your tour within the last month prior to start day (but not later then 8 days p.s.d.) i.e. Last minute reservation, a full payment is required.

All this is summarized further below in Table Payment Terms:

PAYMENT TERMS

Changes and Cancellations

If, after reserving your PLATEAU CYCLING Tour, you want to switch to another Tour in the same calendar year, you must provide at least 30 days notice, and pay a change fee of 100 € per person. All other changes will be treated as cancellations.

Cancellations must be received in writing, via mail or e-mail.

If you must cancel your reservation, the fees for doing so are as follows: 

PERIODS OF DAYS P.S.D. AND THEIR CANCELLATION FEES (REFUND CONDITIONS)

Should you cancel your reservation more than 30 days prior to star date, the entire 250 € per person deposit is transferable as a Future Tour Credit, which can be used by the same traveller within 24 months of the original Tour cancellation date. This credit cannot be extended beyond 24 months but may be transferred to another tour only once.

Cancellation and Changes by PLATEAU CYCLING

Should by a reason, including but not limited to natural disaster or phenomena, strike and the like, the quality of the tour or the safety of the participants is jeopardized, there are too few participants arranged their tour, or by any reason at our sole discretion PLATEAU CYCLING reserves the right to cancel any Tour, considering that, by excluding the force majored circumstances and strike events, this cancellation shall not be later than 8 days posed.

In case of cancellation you will be informed as soon as possible and the refund of payments received by PLATEAU CYCLING shall constitute full and final settlement, excluding the correspondents banks’s taxes.

In the event of cancellation PLATEAU CYCLING is not responsible for any loss incurred on account of non-refundable or non-transferable air tickets or other unrecoverable travel costs.

We reserve the right to change itineraries without notice.

We reserve the right to deny participation or dismiss anyone endangering or disrupting the enjoyment of any other Tour participants, based on our judgment.

Eligibility

We require that travelers be at least 16 years of age at the time of commencing the tour.

Exception for children at age of 12 years and above is granted for Family and Short-brake Tours in the company of a legal guardian.

Preparing for Your Tour

Our Tours entail risks and rewards beyond those encountered at home, therefore we hold the participants responsible for their personal health being up to the demands of the journeys.

We insist that you fully consider our pre-tour materials about clothing, training and medical requirements and to note that in Bulgaria & Romania local living standards, practices, services and accommodations may differ from those in your country.

Please keep in mind that the participants are also held responsible for the compliance with the local traffic regulations.

Travel Documents and Passports

The visa and passport requirements of Bulgaria & Romania vary according to the nationality of each traveler and may change at any time for reasons beyond our control. Although we persist in providing you with accurate information about these requirements, it remains the responsibility of each traveler to verify that he or she has the appropriate travel documents for his or her nationality. PLATEAU CYCLING is not liable for any expenses or costs arising from any traveler being prohibited from entering a country scheduled to be visited on a Tour.

External Travel Services

PLATEAU CYCLING may recommend the services of external travel companies or other support services in response to requests made by travelers for services outside of the scope of a PLATEAU CYCLING Tour. Although that we will do our best to recommend only companies that provide high levels of service, we do not guarantee the services provided by third parties.

PLATEAU CYCLING is not liable for any injury, expenses or costs arising from any services, or lack thereof, provided by any third party, nor the standards of care which travelers experience when using those services. 

Health

By sending the deposit towards your Tour purchase and completing our web site booking form, you certify that, you do not have any physical condition or disability that would create a hazard for you or other travelers and that you have received all appropriate or necessary vaccinations indicated for your proposed Tour. Please consult your doctor.

Insurance

Before commencement of a Tour, we strongly recommend that you review your personal and health insurance, being appropriate to cover your needs and the needs of your family and dependants in case of any loss of property or illness, injury or death. 

Luggage restrictions

Luggage is restricted to two soft-sided duffel style pieces per person. One may be large, and the other must conform to airline carry-on rules, usually used as a day bag. Hard sided suitcases and extra luggage, including bike boxes, must be declared at booking, and will incur extra fees to be determined based on circumstance.

Terms and Conditions: Plateau Ltd: Self-guided

The terms “PLATEAU CYCLING”, “We” and “Our” refer to “PLATEAU” Ltd, a Sofia/Bulgaria/ based corporation, registered under No.20100827153048 / 27.08.2010 in Commercial registry in Registry Agency of Bulgaria, with UIC 201229452, which offers and operates all the Tours listed herein.

All Tours offered are subject to PLATEAU CYCLING’s standard Terms and Conditions,

Please review the Terms and Conditions carefully prior to completing your reservation, some of these terms and conditions are set out below to draw your attention to the fact that our obligations to You are limited 

Prices, Reservations and Payment

Prices

Our prices are given in € (Euros) 

All prices are per person and are based on double occupancy. We charge a single supplement to individual travelers, who wish to ensure that they have private rooms throughout a Tour, but only if and where it is possible to be arranged. Such requirements shall be advised while booking.

Reservations

Reservations can be made by mail or e-mail, with a cheque or money order by mail and by bank transfer.

Payment

The payments terms are as follows:

The first one is an affiliation fee i.e. to reserve your Tour, we require a deposit of 250 € per person at least 3 months/90 days prior to Tour’s start day/date.

The second term, which is balance up to 50% of Tour’s price, is due 1 month/30 days prior to start day/date (p.s.d.)

The third and final term is balance of Tour’s price, which can be paid directly at arriving.

If reserving your tour within the last month prior to start day (but not later then 8 days p.s.d.) i.e. Last minute reservation, a full payment is required.

All this is summarized further below in Table Payment Terms:

PAYMENT TERMS

Changes and Cancellations

If, after reserving your PLATEAU CYCLING Tour, you want to switch to another Tour in the same calendar year, you must provide at least 30 days notice, and pay a change fee of 100 € per person. All other changes will be treated as cancellations.

Cancellations must be received in writing, via mail or e-mail.

If you must cancel your reservation, the fees for doing so are as follows: 

PERIODS OF DAYS P.S.D. AND THEIR CANCELLATION FEES (REFUND CONDITIONS)

Should you cancel your reservation more than 30 days prior to star date, the entire 250 € per person deposit is transferable as a Future Tour Credit, which can be used by the same traveller within 24 months of the original Tour cancellation date. This credit cannot be extended beyond 24 months but may be transferred to another tour only once.

Cancellation and Changes by PLATEAU CYCLING

Should by a reason, including but not limited to natural disaster or phenomena, strike and the like, the quality of the tour or the safety of the participants is jeopardized, there are too few participants arranged their tour, or by any reason at our sole discretion PLATEAU CYCLING reserves the right to cancel any Tour, considering that, by excluding the force majored circumstances and strike events, this cancellation shall not be later than 8 days posed.

In case of cancellation you will be informed as soon as possible and the refund of payments received by PLATEAU CYCLING shall constitute full and final settlement, excluding the correspondents banks’s taxes.

In the event of cancellation PLATEAU CYCLING is not responsible for any loss incurred on account of non-refundable or non-transferable air tickets or other unrecoverable travel costs.

We reserve the right to change itineraries without notice.

We reserve the right to deny participation or dismiss anyone endangering or disrupting the enjoyment of any other Tour participants, based on our judgment.

Eligibility

We require that travelers be at least 16 years of age at the time of commencing the tour.

Exception for children at age of 12 years and above is granted for Family and Short-brake Tours in the company of a legal guardian.

Preparing for Your Tour

Our Tours entail risks and rewards beyond those encountered at home, therefore we hold the participants responsible for their personal health being up to the demands of the journeys.

We insist that you fully consider our pre-tour materials about clothing, training and medical requirements and to note that in Bulgaria & Romania local living standards, practices, services and accommodations may differ from those in your country.

Please keep in mind that the participants are also held responsible for the compliance with the local traffic regulations.

Travel Documents and Passports

The visa and passport requirements of Bulgaria & Romania vary according to the nationality of each traveler and may change at any time for reasons beyond our control. Although we persist in providing you with accurate information about these requirements, it remains the responsibility of each traveler to verify that he or she has the appropriate travel documents for his or her nationality. PLATEAU CYCLING is not liable for any expenses or costs arising from any traveler being prohibited from entering a country scheduled to be visited on a Tour.

External Travel Services

PLATEAU CYCLING may recommend the services of external travel companies or other support services in response to requests made by travelers for services outside of the scope of a PLATEAU CYCLING Tour. Although that we will do our best to recommend only companies that provide high levels of service, we do not guarantee the services provided by third parties.

PLATEAU CYCLING is not liable for any injury, expenses or costs arising from any services, or lack thereof, provided by any third party, nor the standards of care which travelers experience when using those services. 

Health

By sending the deposit towards your Tour purchase and completing our web site booking form, you certify that, you do not have any physical condition or disability that would create a hazard for you or other travelers and that you have received all appropriate or necessary vaccinations indicated for your proposed Tour. Please consult your doctor.

Insurance

Before commencement of a Tour, we strongly recommend that you review your personal and health insurance, being appropriate to cover your needs and the needs of your family and dependants in case of any loss of property or illness, injury or death. 

Luggage restrictions

Luggage is restricted to two soft-sided duffel style pieces per person. One may be large, and the other must conform to airline carry-on rules, usually used as a day bag. Hard sided suitcases and extra luggage, including bike boxes, must be declared at booking, and will incur extra fees to be determined based on circumstance.