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Supplier: M14455

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InfoHub supplier since Jun 2006!
Base of operations: Bulgaria -- Number of InfoHub client requests accepted: 144
Patrick Peneff - personal independent tour guide and passionate traveler, based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Offers exclusive private tours for small groups up to a maximum of 4 people. Each tour is custom designed to fit the clients interests and preferences. Fully fluent in English&Spanish and highly experienced (over 18 years of local guiding).

Join his tours and you will encounter the real Bulgaria - you will wander around small villages and visit hidden monasteries, will ride down the Black Sea coast and up the mysterious Rila mountain, will re-discover Roman ruins and Thracian tombs, will pass over colorful farmland and pop in fruit markets, will chat to local people and relish home cooked meals... will enjoy an authentic Balkan experience going far beyond your expectations!!!

His services were chosen to be featured in International Travel News magazine 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. He is fully licensed and a member of the Association of Bulgarian Tour Guides.
Questions and Answers
Bulgaria personal tour guide

1. How long has the business been operating and how did it start?

I have over 20 years of experience as a personal tour guide. Beginning was in 1993 when I joined the Institute of International Tourism in Varna. Started as a hobby (I am a passionate traveler) and since 2005 is my main business

2. What is your company's mission?

Offer tours with a "personal touch" and introduce to my guests the Real Bulgaria, so they can always carry a "little piece of it" in their hearts ....

3. What does your company specialize in?

Exclusive private tours for individuals, couples and small groups. Each trip is custom designed to fit the guests interests and preferences.

4. Who is the founder or owner of the company and briefly describe his/her past activities?

I am both owner and founder and my past activities could only be described as exploring the world, meeting new people and getting introduced to new cultures

5. What is your most popular travel package and why?

Without any doubt the bestseller is my "Exclusive Bulgaria round tour" and the simple reason is that it gives you the best general view of Bulgaria and that's what most of the people want. For the connoisseurs I offer more refined trips such as my "Ancient Bulgaria tour", "Rural Bulgaria - Europe as It Used to Be", "Communist Bulgaria - behind the Iron curtain", "Hidden treasures in Southern Bulgaria", etc. etc.

6. What is the best compliment you received from a client?

"Patrick, you are the best ambassador of Bulgaria!"

Vacation Packages offered by supplier M14455
Picture Name Highlight Activity Price Destination

Exclusive Bulgaria Round Tour Exclusive Bulgaria Round Tour 10% off.

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Ultimate Balkan experience going far beyond your expectations. Personalized itinerary guided by your schedule and interests. Particularly suitable for individuals, couples, small groups!

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
EUR 995 Bulgaria

Fishing in Bulgaria Fishing in Bulgaria 10% off.

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Personal self experienced fishing tours all around the best fishing spots in the Central Balkan area

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Tour Package
Fishing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Thracian Heritage Tour Thracian Heritage Tour 10% off.

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Take this 5 days private tour following the route of Thracian heritage - the Valley of Thracian Kings, the tomb in Mezek, Perperikon, Tatul - places of glory, enigmas, pagan rituals and prophecy.

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

"Roman Bulgaria" Tour "Roman Bulgaria" Tour 10% off.

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A complete tour around the incredible achievements of the ancient Roman Empire in today's Bulgaria: the theater in Philippopolis, the baths in Odessos, the forum in Nikopolis ad Istrum ...

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Birdwatching in Bulgaria Birdwatching in Bulgaria 10% off.

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The 3 best birdwatching spots in Bulgaria for 3 days!

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Tour Package
Birdwatching
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Ancient Bulgaria Tour Ancient Bulgaria Tour 10% off.

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Private guided tour showing you the best of Bulgaria's known and unknown ancient sights!

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Bulgarian Churches and Monasteries Tour Bulgarian Churches and Monasteries Tour 10% off.

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Exceptional tour among Bulgaria's best spiritual places!

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Tour Package
Church Tours
Cultural Journey
EUR 10 Bulgaria

At World's End - Yailata At World's End - Yailata 10% off.

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A combination of ancient history, wild sea, glorious views, unique nature and wandering winds.

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Tour Package
Walking Tours
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

'The Stone Forest' tour 'The Stone Forest' tour 10% off.

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Visit 'The stone forest' - place born when the dinosaurs were masters of the world.

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Tour Package
Natural wonders
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Walking on the Edge - Russalka, Yailata, Tyulenovo Walking on the Edge - Russalka, Yailata, Tyulenovo 10% off.

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1 Day tour walking on the edge of civilization!

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Tour Package
Nature tour
Hiking & Trekking
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Queen's Winery House in Balchik Queen's Winery House in Balchik 10% off.

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During this one day tour you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best wines and the finest brandies not just in the region, but all over Bulgaria!

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Tour Package
Food & Wine
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

The Thracian Tomb in Sveshtari The Thracian Tomb in Sveshtari 10% off.

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Day tour to the most impressive UNESCO sight in Bulgaria - absolutely unique example of the ancient Thracian culture!

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Traditional Christmas Hog Roast Traditional Christmas Hog Roast 10% off.

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Join us in the Troyan Balkan mountains for a special Christmas 2 day tour! Experience a traditional family feast with your friends and take part in an old Bulgarian tradition!

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Tour Package
Christmas/New Year Tours
Food & Wine
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Troyan Monastery Tour Troyan Monastery Tour 10% off.

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A place where the time has stopped centuries ago! Unspoiled, with beautiful nature spread all around - "Enjoy the silence" in Troyan monastery!

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Tour Package
Church Tours
Cultural Journey
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Veliko Turnovo - Journey Back in Time Veliko Turnovo - Journey Back in Time 10% off.

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This is a walking tour around Veliko Turnovo - one of the most picturesque Bulgarian towns, preserving the atmosphere of the past century.

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Ivanovo Rock Monastery Tour Ivanovo Rock Monastery Tour 10% off.

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Come and see Ivanovo's "Last Supper" - 140 years older than Leonardo's!

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Tour Package
Church Tours
Archeology/History
EUR 10 Bulgaria

"The Madara Horseman" Tour "The Madara Horseman" Tour 10% off.

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Day tour to one of the most popular Bulgarian monuments included in the UNESCO World Register of Historical Sites since 1979!

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Museum of Mosaics in Devniya/ Marcianopolis Museum of Mosaics in Devniya/ Marcianopolis 10% off.

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The only museum of its kind in Bulgaria featuring exquisite Roman mosaics that depict personages and scenes of the Greek and Roman mythology, exotic animals and birds, floral and geometric shapes.

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Tour Package
Museum Tours
EUR 10 Bulgaria

One day private tour in Varna and "The Palace" in Balchik One day private tour in Varna and "The Palace" in Balchik 10% off.

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Specially designed for the Black Sea cruises going to Varna!

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Kamchia Nature Reserve Tour Kamchia Nature Reserve Tour 10% off.

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Boat riding on the amazing and mysterious Kamchia river and a short march through the last swamp forest in Europe!

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Tour Package
Nature tour
Boating and Sailing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Alaja Monastery Tour Alaja Monastery Tour 10% off.

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Explore the remains of the “Colored” monastery, covered with myths and legends, one of the few rock monasteries in Bulgaria!

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Tour Package
Church Tours
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Cape Kaliakra Tour Cape Kaliakra Tour 10% off.

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Find the cultural and the natural value of Cape Kaliakra reserve in its Medieval fortress remains, the caves, the rock niches, the diversity of birds and the glorious views to the Black Sea.

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Tour Package
Nature tour
Archeology/History
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Visit to Pliska Visit to Pliska 10% off.

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Visit and explore the First Bulgarian capital back in time when Bulgaria was just "born"!

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Veliko Turnovo and Arbanasi Tour Veliko Turnovo and Arbanasi Tour 10% off.

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This is a 2-day tour around Veliko Turnovo and Arbanasi, where you can see some of the most impressive monuments of Bulgarian art of XIV-XVIII centuries.

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Tour Package
Sightseeing
Archeology/History
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Visit to the Palace of the Romanian Queen Maria in Balchik Visit to the Palace of the Romanian Queen Maria in Balchik 10% off.

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A remarkable walking tour around Balchik, the Palace of Queen Maria and the Botanical garden.

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Tour Package
Sightseeing
Archeology/History
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Visit to Preslav Visit to Preslav 10% off.

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Visit the Second Bulgarian capital back in the time when Bulgaria was becoming an empire!

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Snorkeling in the Black Sea Snorkeling in the Black Sea 10% off.

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Snorkeling adventure in the shallow crystal clear waters of "St. Marina" cove near Varna

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Tour Package
Snorkeling
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Beach Camping in Bulgaria Beach Camping in Bulgaria 10% off.

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Wild camping on the beaches North and South of Varna.

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Tour Package
Camping
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Hiking the Central Balkan Hiking the Central Balkan 10% off.

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An exciting journey through the heart of the Central Balkan National Park

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Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
National Parks
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Central Balkan Mountain biking Central Balkan Mountain biking 10% off.

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Private cycling tour on the mountain roads of the Central Balkan Range, combining challenging cycling in great natural landscapes and visits of cultural and historical landmarks.

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Tour Package
Bicycle Touring
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Rodopi Mountain Biking Rodopi Mountain Biking 10% off.

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An unforgettable 3 days bike adventure in the beautiful Rodopi Mountain. Flexible tailor-made itinerary combining breath-taking views and some of the most exciting tracks you can imagine!

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Tour Package
Bicycle Touring
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Fly Fishing for Brown Trout Fly Fishing for Brown Trout 10% off.

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Ultimate fly - fishing in the last unspoiled river in Bulgaria - Rezovska river!

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Tour Package
Fishing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

The Secrets of Strandja Mountain The Secrets of Strandja Mountain 10% off.

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3 day tour discovering the secrets of Strandja mountain - the cursed tomb of Goddess Bastet, Indipasha miraculous sanctuary, the Thracian tomb in Mishkova niva and the hidden Brashlian village

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Tombul Mosque Day Tour Tombul Mosque Day Tour 10% off.

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Visit Tombul mosque - one of the most impressive temples and cultural monuments on the Balkans.

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Tour Package
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Bulgaria Extreme Sports Week Bulgaria Extreme Sports Week 10% off.

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7 days maximum adrenalin - do you feel like it?

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Tour Package
Multi-activity
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Demir Baba Teke - Holy Place for Muslims and Christians Demir Baba Teke - Holy Place for Muslims and Christians 10% off.

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... days of drought when all people and animals perished for lack of water. Then they turned to Demir Baba for help. And he reached with his hand into the rock and a spring gushed forth ...

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Tour Package
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Fire Dancing in Bulgaria Fire Dancing in Bulgaria 10% off.

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Witness one of the oldest pagan rituals in the Balkans! Join us on this tour in Bulgaria and have the chance to observe one of the most fascinating rituals - the day of Saints Constantine and Helen.

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Tour Package
Festival Tours
Cultural Journey
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Hidden Treasures in Southern Bulgaria Hidden Treasures in Southern Bulgaria 10% off.

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On this 9-day tour you will visit monasteries and little villages that bears great cultural and historical knowledge, mysterious Thracian burial niches and much more of undiscovered Bulgaria.

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Private UNESCO Tour in Bulgaria Private UNESCO Tour in Bulgaria 10% off.

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7 days private tour for the 7 UNESCO properties in Bulgaria - Rila Monastery, Boyana church, Madara Horseman, Nesebar, Ivanovo rock churches, Kazanlak and Sveshtari Thracian Tombs

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Romania to Bulgaria - 4 days private tour starting from Ruse Romania to Bulgaria - 4 days private tour starting from Ruse 10% off.

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Travelling in Romania and looking forward to visit Bulgaria as well? Doing a Danube river cruise and opting to travel Bulgaria? Then this is your tailor made tour on the South side of the Danube

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Bulgaria Customizable Non Guided Tours Bulgaria Customizable Non Guided Tours 10% off.

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My answer to your shoestring budget. Non-guided tours for independent travellers who wish to explore Bulgaria without the need for a permanent guide.

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Tour Package
Sightseeing
EUR 150 Bulgaria

3-Days Private Tour of Bulgaria, Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo - Plovdiv 3-Days Private Tour of Bulgaria, Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo - Plovdiv 10% off.

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3-day private tour extension before/after a business trip to Bulgaria or on your way to another Balkan country. Suitable for business people or travelers visiting Bulgaria for a short period of time!

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Bulgaria Fall Foliage Tour Bulgaria Fall Foliage Tour 10% off.

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Come and see the glorious change of colors in the mountains of Bulgaria! Enjoy some leaf peeping in Rila Mountain when you visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rila Monastery.

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Tour Package
leaf peeping tour
Cultural Journey
EUR 10 Bulgaria

4 Days Private Tour in the Central Rodopi Mountains starting from Plovdiv 4 Days Private Tour in the Central Rodopi Mountains starting from Plovdiv 10% off.

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An exciting tour in the Central Rodopi mountains, combining visits of historical landmarks and hiking in great natural landscapes of Southern Bulgaria.

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Hiking & Trekking
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Rila Monastery and Plovdiv 10% off.

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2 days private tour to 2 of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments!

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Tour Package
Church Tours
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Rose Festival in Kazanlak, 2014 Rose Festival in Kazanlak, 2014 10% off.

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Kazanlak Rose Festival is one of the most remarkable events you can experience in Bulgaria! Booking this tailor-made tour will ensure you the best seats for the Rose Parade + free buffet and drinks

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Tour Package
Festival Tours
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

5 days private trans-Balkan tour 5 days private trans-Balkan tour 10% off.

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Probably the best way to explore a bit of Bulgaria's beauty before you continue your trip over the Danube to Romania.

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Communist Bulgaria - behind "The Iron curtain" Communist Bulgaria - behind "The Iron curtain" 10% off.

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Come and see for yourself how half of Europe had to live for almost 50 years, come and visit Communist Bulgaria!!!

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Rila Mountain Biking Rila Mountain Biking 10% off.

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6 days private mountain bike tour in the majestic Rila mountain. Breathtaking views, long downhills, picturesque villages . . . .

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Tour Package
Bicycle Touring
USD 1600 Bulgaria

Bulgaria - Food and Wine Bulgaria - Food and Wine 10% off.

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Have this unforgettable 8-day tour over Bulgaria. Take traditional cooking lessons, get acquainted with authentic culture and local wines.

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Tour Package
Food & Wine
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Bulgaria - Hiking and Sightseeing Bulgaria - Hiking and Sightseeing 10% off.

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An excellent combination of hiking the 3 most famous Bulgarian mountains (Rila, Pirin, Central Balkan) and touring remarkable sights such as Valley of Thracian kings, Veliko Tarnovo, Rila Monastery

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Tour Package
Hiking & Trekking
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Rural Bulgaria - Europe as It Used to Be Rural Bulgaria - Europe as It Used to Be 10% off.

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Fascinating mix of small villages and local life, traditional crafts and colorful markets, natural wonders, turbulent history and ancient cultures.

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Hidden Treasures in Northern Bulgaria Hidden Treasures in Northern Bulgaria 10% off.

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Off the beaten track in Northern Bulgaria with a local guide.

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Rila Monastery, Melnik and Dobarsko Rila Monastery, Melnik and Dobarsko 10% off.

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Custom tour taking you around the South-West of Bulgaria, revealing some of the most important sights in that part of the country

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Bulgarian fortresses and castles private tour Bulgarian fortresses and castles private tour 10% off.

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Comprehensive private tour taking you around the best preserved ancient and medieval fortresses on the territory of today's Bulgaria.

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Tour Package
Archeology/History
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Plovdiv day tours Plovdiv day tours 10% off.

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Day tours to Bachkovo Monastery, Koprivshtitsa, Valley of Thracian kings and others with Plovdiv as a starting point

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Tour Package
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Varna day tours Varna day tours 10% off.

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Day tours to Balchik, Kaliakra, Madara, Nessebar and others with Varna as a starting point

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Tour Package
Sightseeing
Cultural Journey
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo day tours Veliko Tarnovo day tours 10% off.

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Day tours to Arbanassi, Etara, Ivanovo rock churches and others with Veliko Tarnovo as a starting point

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Tour Package
Sightseeing
Cultural Journey
EUR 10 Bulgaria

Bulgaria personal tour guide Bulgaria personal tour guide 10% off.

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Exclusive private tours for Individual Travelers and small groups up to 4 people.

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Tour Guide
EUR 80 Sofia
Reviews and Comments
Rating By Subject Added

 1  Paul Edward / Daniel Streater Verified User Review 2011-06-03
"Patrick is an a very knowledgeable, reliable and hospitable Tour Guide. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to discover the Ancient Civilizations of ... view more Bulgaria stretching back 6000 years."

 2  Mimi Tedesco Verified User Review 2011-06-03
We just returned from a trip to Bulgaria in May 2011. For our trip we employed the services of Mr. Patrick Peneff.
We found Bulgaria a wonderful place to ... view more visit, the people very nice, excellent food, and very good wine. An excellent place to visit, especially if you want something a little off the beaten tourist path. For a total of 2207 euros (approximately $3225.00) for two of us, we had Patrick's services as our guide and driver. The price also included his automobile, petrol, and 16 nights accommodations, and airport pick up and drop off. I must say that the accommodations provided by Patrick far exceeded my expectations, very very nice and comfortable. Patrick did an excellent job as our guide, he went out of his way to show us the real Bulgaria and took us to places not on the usual tour routes. He speaks excellent English and is very easy to understand. An added plus is that he is an excellent driver and you will be completely comfortable riding with him. All in all, I feel the whole trip definitely exceeded our expectations. I can wholeheartedly recommend Patrick for a great trip in Bulgaria.

 3  René Gospodin (Dincho) Buhler Verified User Review 2011-05-12
"We spent 8 days with Patrick touring Bulgaria. He took us to some extraordinary and wonderful places: major sites, such as Varna and Plovdiv, and out of ... view more the way places, such as ancient Thracian tombs, an obscure Islamic site, and a delightful rural village. He is very knowlegable. His English is excellent. He is punctual and reliable. He is a very good driver. His prices are excellent. He provides very good accommodation."

 4  Sue & Ernie Binz Trip to Bulgaria 2010-10-25
Sue and I are so happy about our days in Bulgaria with you. Your attention, planning and knowledge made our visit one of the best parts of our entire trip to Eastern Europe.

 5  Mary Ann and Lloyd Wonderful trip 2010-10-25
We loved our trip and being with you. You were just as wonderful as we had heard. After all the e-mails it was wonderful to finally meet you.

 6  James and Jeanette Bulgaria private guide 2010-09-01
From the initial meeting until the final farewell, Patrick was an awesome guide. His fluent English, knowledge of Bulgaria and its history, and his enthusiasm ... view more made for a most delightful, entertaining, informative and fascinating visit to Bulgaria. We were especially impressed with his knowledge of people and sites, some of which have only recently been opened to the public. On several occasions he introduced us to locals. He seems to have friends and is well liked everywhere in the country!

Within the first day, he had a good "fix" on what we would enjoy seeing, and incorporated these sites into our already full schedule. He even arranged for some museums to be open especially for us. We highly recommend Patrick as a guide and definitely plan on using him again the next time we visit Bulgaria (to see the sites we were not able to fit into our schedule).

 7  Margot Hudacek Visiting Bulgaria 2010-04-01
We visited Varna, Bulgaria on our cruise in May 2008. I had contacted Patrick ahead of time and arranged to meet him at the port for our day trip in Varna. ... view more Patrick offered us several options and we decided to go to the Palace of Queen Maria in the morning and walk through Varna in the afternoon. We had the most enjoyable shore excursions of our whole trip. Patrick was very knowledgeable and had answers to all our questions.

There were 4 of us on this trip and we all fit into his car. Patrick likes to individualize his tours so 4 people is his maximum. We highly recommend that you hire Patrick for your shore trip.

 8  Fern Prosnitz Verified User Review 2009-11-17
Going to Bulgaria? Do we have a tip for you.

Via the internet, we (two couples) found Patrick, a simply marvelous Bulgarian guide. Even before we ... view more boarded the bus in Istanbul which was to take us (in 9 1/2 hours) to Varna, Bulgaria, Patrick was on the job. There was a seemingly insurmountable problem with our bus ticket at the station in Istanbul. A Bulgarian fellow traveler (you should excuse the expression) came to our rescue with the loan of his cell phone. Patrick had the matter sorted out in short order.

He met us literally as we stepped off the bus in Varna, with characteristic efficiency stowed our luggage in his (own) Renault and we were off. He had put together an extremely reasonable 3-day package for us that included very comfortable hotels (Hi Hotel in Varna and Hotel Gurko in Veliko Tarnovo) and a 200 year old traditional village house (with modern fixtures). Over the three days, he showed us a Bulgaria that many never see.

With boundless energy, wonderful good humor and complete command of every situation, no matter how unexpected (snow in October?), Patrick showed us ancient monasteries, fabulous frescoes in old churches, an almost untouched traditional village and other fascinating sites far off the beaten track. We ate marvelously well in small, family-run restaurants, and in general enjoyed every minute of our time with Patrick.

Although it’s not our style, he also does trekking tours and spear fishing tours. He’s absolutely fluent in English and in Spanish as well. He prefers small groups (1 to 4), though he’s willing on occasion to hire a larger vehicle for larger groups.

We are hoping that he and his wife Vanya (whom we did not meet) will come to visit and stay with us in Walnut Creek, CA. Is that a strong enough recommendation?

Fern & Don Prosnitz
Yvonne LaLanne
Mark Rubenstein

 9  Enid Bilton Verified User Review 2009-10-19
So you feel like a holiday break that offers something a little different?! You don't want to travel too far and you would appreciate a good rate of ... view more exchange for your Euro... You like a mixture of history, culture, scenery, good food and time to take in the view. How about a trip to Bulgaria - and yes it is in the European Union.

I had some air miles to use and so looked for where to go, using the miles I had that I hadn't visited before .... Bulgaria! At the time of booking I knew very little about this European member and so I began a little research. A country similar in size to the U.K. but with a population of under eight million leaves a lot of space - some of which is taken up by wonderful mountains, loved by winter sports enthusiasts. But a number of National Parks and Reserves too and lakes. Cosmopolitan cities, mountain villages and coastal resorts, Bulgaria can offer a great deal!

My web and library searches led me to wanting a UNESCO trail. I looked for tours as I usually do and found a number on offer - at a price for a single traveller and then I found Patrick! Yes, a Bulgarian called Patrick - so that's what I went for and couldn't have made a better choice. Conscientious, friendly, efficient, enthusiastic, etc. etc. - all you could ask for (and I have met a few guides in my years of travelling).

The UNESCO sites at Ivanovo, Sveshtari, Kazanlak, Madara, Boyana, Rila are astounding and even tourist Nessebar has some treats. Then there were all the other "bits" - the churches at Arbanassi, exceptional museums full of Golden treasures; and so much more that you can only experience; and with a "private guide" there is time to get off the beaten track and time to enjoy he moment etc.

I can only recommend Bulgaria as a destination and I would thoroughly recommend Patrick the private guide as the way to see it!

 10  Dr. Gerald L. Boarino Verified User Review 2009-05-21
Hello,

I have just returned from a trip to Albania, Bulgaria and Romania. By far, Patrick was the best guide of the three (and the other 2 were quite ... view more good!) and Bulgaria the most interesting and beautiful of the countries that I visited. The food was excellent and portions obscenely large (Patrick took us to any number of restaurants and the like which specialized in home cooking. Almost without exception the quality of the food was superb.)! The people were quite friendly, esp. outside of Sofia. I had expected that the effects of Communism would be lingering and, thus, produce a dour people. Happily, this was not the case.

Patrick has an excellent command of the English language, even knowing a great deal about idiomatic English. Of equal importance, he knows his country well and abounds with enthusiasm and the desire to communicate his love/appreciation of Bulgaria. Also to be noted: he does not smoke and drink on the "job". I would recommend him without reservation.

By the way, if you decide to travel with Patrick, and if you like natural yogurt as I do, ask him to stop where possible to buy yogurt made from buffalo milk. In case you do not know, this is the source for genuine mozzarella cheese. This yogurt is absolutely wonderful!

Dr. Gerald L. Boarino

 11  Pam Springle Patrick - Sea Shadow 2007-10-02
We had some birdwatching days with Patrick, and he was brilliant. His English was absolutely excellent. Patrick was willing to fit in with our routine, and stop ... view more when we wanted to, his aim being to facilitate our day to the best of his ability. When I'd had a fall, he offered to take me to hospital, at any time, even during the night, and was contactable in case we ran into any difficulties during our stay.

I would have no problems in recommending him to anyone for a good day out. He has a very nice personality, and his car is comfortable and his driving very good and safe. The only reason that I didn't put the score as perfect is because, although he was very interested in birds, and knows many common birds he couldn't identify the rarer species, and as I'm not particulary good, many remained unidentified. Otherwise, 100% for Patrick and I would definitely use his facilities again for taking us around the country. Thank you for a great time!

 12  Phil Sharratt Recommended guide 2007-09-29
Patrick is good company and is an enthusiastic and interesting guide. After enjoying one day out with him, we immediately booked another and look forward to ... view more using his services on future trips next year. I’m more than happy to recommend him.

 13  Adam Yeung Spearfishing Tour 2007-09-25
Hey Patrick, how are you doing? I wanted to thank you again for the spearfishing experience. It's something I'll never forget and I really appreciate ... view more how you are helping backpackers. I will definitely recommend you to anyone I know who is going to Bulgaria.

Best of luck to you!
Adam Yeung

 14  Ursula O'Neill Varna tour 2007-07-26
Hola Patrick,
Una nota para decir muchas gracias por su tiempo durante nuestra visita en Varna. Hemos pasado un tiempo muy agradable y la visita de Varna ... view more contigo era incredible.
We all hope to meet you again and let our Clients enjoy the experience also.
Best wishes
Kind regards
Un saludo
Ursula O'Neill

Once again, many thanks for your time.

 15  Dennis Edwards Balchik castle and Chiflika Chukurovo tour 2007-07-26
Dear Patrick,
Thank you for the recipe for Chicken kavarma. I made it but it didn't taste as good as it was at the restaurant you took us to!
I ... view more also don't have the Picantina spice here in the U.S. so maybe that is why!
Thanks again for a terrific day - it was one of the highlights of a fantastic trip.
Best Regards,
Dennis & Mark

 16  Hilary and Mark Veliko Turnovo tour 2007-07-01
Dear Patrick,
Just a note to say once more how much we enjoyed our holiday in Bulgaria. Thank you so much for all your careful planning and attention to our ... view more every comfort and need. It was great to spend time with you -we feel to have made a special friend, whom we look forward to seeing again. Your passion for Bulgaria, its culture, history and glorious past was infectious and we feel a real connection and desire to come back to this welcoming and remarkable country. Everything was great!!!
Love and best wishes
Hilary and Mark

 17  Eileen Bulgaria round tour 2007-07-01
Dear Patrick,
Thank you so much for taking such good care of Tom and Kitty. We spoke to them last night and they had a wonderful time with you. We look ... view more forward to seeing the photos when they get back and hearing more of their stories of their trip!
Once again Thank You they really enjoyed themselves.
Regards,
Eileen

 18  Nobuo Yumoto Veliko Turnovo tour 2007-06-29
Dear Patrick,
I am very grateful to you for your kindness during our tour in and from Veliko Turnovo. We enjoyed the travel to Troyan and the lunch at the ... view more guest house. You are the best tour guide I met during our trip in Bulgaria and Romania.
Yours,
Nobuo Yumoto

 19  DONNA PERELMAN Verified User Review 2007-06-22
PATRICK WAS EFFICIENT, ENTHUSIASTIC, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND A WONDERFUL TOUR GUIDE. HE RATES A 10 ON ALL POINTS. WE WERE SO HAPPY WITH HIM AND WERE SO LUCKY TO HAVE ... view more FOUND HIM.

HE IS VERY CONSCIENTIOUS AND CARING. OUR TOUR WAS TERRIFIC. CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT HIM.

 20  Shirley Patrick, tour guide 2007-05-30
Patrick was an excellent guide and driver during the 4 days we were in Bulgaria. He provided good information about each of the places we visited. He speaks ... view more English very well, has a great sense of humor, is very helpful. Enjoyed him lots!

 21  Elizabeth Smith Verified User Review 2006-12-06
The young man, Patrick, who was our driver and guide for Varna was first class an we had a most informative and entertaining day with him.

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