Useful information about the ski tour in Bansko
Dear colleagues! I would like to share my impressions and some useful information received during the promotional tour in Greece and Bulgaria, organized by Mouzenidis Travel. The trip was really thought out to the smallest detail and in a week we were lucky to see a lot of new and interesting cities, sights and hotels! The uniqueness of the introductory tour lies in the fact that in one trip we (and later tourists) were able to see two countries that are unique in their own way and, despite their proximity, absolutely different from each other. The huge advantages of this trip include the fact that tourists who book a tour to Bulgaria (Bansko) through Thessaloniki are guaranteed to receive a double or multiple Schengen visa. But let's talk about everything in order!
This winter, Mouzenidis Travel Company offers the tourist market the opportunity to visit the ski resort of Bansko, combining relaxation with a visit to one of the most beautiful cities in Greece - Thessaloniki. Arrival is carried out in the city of Thessaloniki. However, as always, Mouzenidis Travel organizes a meeting of tourists at the highest level: everywhere there are company representatives who are ready to help and answer all questions at any moment. Moving to Bansko is carried out in comfortable buses equipped with modern TV and audio equipment and a free Wi-Fi system. In addition, along the way, you can simply admire the opening beauties and learn a lot of interesting things about the upcoming vacation. Thus, the road passes completely unnoticed. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive to the border with Bulgaria (do not forget about the gorgeous Greek roads). And now, you are already on the border of Greece and Bulgaria! Let no one be afraid of the fact of going through customs, because it really happens very quickly (no more than 40-50 minutes). Moreover, at the border, tourists can visit duty free or drink coffee. After that, it remains from 1 to 1.5 hours drive to the hotels. And again the unique landscapes outside the window. Without exaggeration, I can say that Bansko made a very strong impression on me: mountains, national streets and some special mountain air! Although it is not the first time I come to the mountains.
The Bansko resort itself can be conditionally divided into several parts: the route itself with tourist infrastructure, the old town and hotels. Let's dwell on each part in a little more detail.
The ski complex was built in 2001 by an Austrian company, which still continues to maintain the ski lift. There are several slopes of various difficulty categories (from blue - for beginners, to black - for professionals). The lift operates daily from 8:00 to 17:00, while you can also get to the slopes by bus that runs throughout the day. The tracks themselves are illuminated until 18:00. For the ascent, tourists purchase a ski pass: one-day or for the entire rest period (for convenience, I advise you to purchase a ski pass by the day, because the cost for the missed days will not be returned). A one-day ski pass costs 38 lev (about 19 euros), while 5 lev is returned at the end of the day. The resort has a school for teaching skiing, there are children's schools, towns, kindergartens (20 euros per day with meals), snow parks, a springboard. Near the slopes there are small cafes where you can warm up and relax if you wish. A huge plus is the climate of the resort: there are practically no winds, and the temperature stays around -10º . Ski equipment deserves a separate discussion. Firstly, under an agreement with the airline, equipment is transported absolutely free of charge. Secondly, if you wish, you can rent it right next to the lift at Tsakiris (by the way, an Olympic champion who is really dedicated to his work). Equipment rental for the day will cost about 9 euros (skis, poles, boots, helmet and goggles). Here you can make a "cosmetic repair" of your equipment and leave it for storage absolutely free. Well, in addition to skiing, there are a huge number of bars, discos, bowling and a skating rink nearby. So we can safely say that no one will be bored in Bansko! The slopes of Bansko are ideal for both beginners and athletes who want to improve their skills.
The old part of Bansko deserves special attention. Imagine: two-story houses made in the national style, reminiscent of small medieval castles made of stone and wood; narrow streets lined with stone. In all this atmosphere, even the air is somehow special! In the city you can find small souvenir shops and mehans (small local restaurants offering a varied selection of dishes). In makhanas, as a rule, everything is decorated in a traditional style, there is live music. You can eat for 10-17 lev (5-8 euros), the prices really pleased.
In addition to the above, Mouzenidis Travel offers its guests to visit a number of excursions, so no one will really be bored! Sofia, Rupite, Rila monasteries and the Bulgarian village - all within 50 euros.
And of course hotels! Firstly, the hotels are new, usually 4-6 years old. Spacious comfortable rooms, all hotels have SPA centers, visiting which is free (surcharge for procedures), almost all hotels have a free bus to the ski lift (runs at intervals of about 20 minutes), free Wi-Fi in public places. For example, I would like to give a hotel that we visited. Guinness Hotel 4*. Very good option, high level of service, value for money. It is located just 450 m from the ski lift, there is also a service to the ski lift. Very spacious reception, where every evening there is a different animation program. The hotel has a children's room, a conference room. Wi-Fi in public areas is free, in rooms 3 euros/3 hours. The rooms are comfortable and many have kitchenettes. In general, the hotel makes a very good impression.