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The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. Winter (December-March) is the quietest time of year to visit, as temperatures drop below freezing.

A Word from The Malt Shop Memories Cruise...

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While the mountain is the first thing you’ll notice when you arrive, Sofia has so much more to offer than just the view. The city boasts a rich history, friendly people, cheap drinks, and delicious food. Star Vista strongly encourages the purchase of trip insurance. Please inquire at thetime of booking about trip insurance, as certain preconditions mandate purchasewithin 21 days of your reservation to be effective.

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Sofia Travel Guide

While affordable, they can add up fast if you use them often so stick to public transportation if you can. Airbnb is available all over the city, with private rooms starting at BGN per night. Entire homes and apartments start around 55 BGN though prices average double that. If you’re traveling with a tent, wild camping is illegal in Bulgaria.

Activities and Events

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However, you can purchase a day pass for 4 BGN or a three-day pass for 10 BGN with unlimited rides on all public transportation. Use the official website (sofiatraffic.bg) to look up schedules and routes. This is an outdoor adventure activity center located inside Borisova Gradina park. There are all sorts of fun challenges here including rope climbing, rock climbing, mini-golf, and a tree-top obstacle course. This adventure park is considered kid- and adult-friendly (though it’s mostly for kids; there are trampolines and bouncy castles too).

You’ll need the exact change to buy a ticket from the driver on board the bus. Tickets are 1.60 BGN and you can purchase a 10-ride pass for 12 BGN. Grocery shopping is incredibly affordable here, costing around BGN per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs 12 BGN while a meal at a mid-range restaurant with a drink shouldn’t cost more than BGN. You can find foods like banica (cheese pastry) for as little as 1.50 BGN, or you can pick up a hearty shopska salad or kebab for about 5 BGN. Pizza slices and hot dogs are usually no more than 4 BGN, while a sandwich is between 4-5 BGN.

The Malt Shop Community Online

It gained autonomy from the Netherlands in 1954, but the Dutch influence is still very visible in Willemstad's architecture and culture. With the growth of the oil industry in Curacao in the early 20th century, workers and their families came to the island from more than 50 countries, providing a varied and vibrant population. Everyone should experience the sights, sounds and energy of this unique destination. Star Vista strongly recommends the purchase of TripInsurance (see below). Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

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Sofia has four distinct seasons, of which summer (June-August) is the busiest. June can be quite rainy, but otherwise, the daily temperature is usually over 30°C (86°F). Keep in mind that this is the most expensive time to visit, as prices for hostels and hotels increase. Taxi – The normal start rate for a taxi in Sofia is 2 BGN, and then an additional 1-2 BGN per kilometer.

Originally a bathhouse, the interior is painted with magnificent murals that date between the 6th and 14th centuries. In total there are five layers of ornate frescos that were painted over when the church was converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule. They were only uncovered during the church’s restoration in the 20th century. The rotunda and the ruins are surrounded by modern government buildings and preserved in a large courtyard that remains open to the public.

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Sofia

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Sofia’s bus system is extensive and can get you just about anywhere you need to go using it. You can use the sofiatraffic.bg website or the Moovit app to help plan your journey.

Put on your poodle skirt, or your leather jacket and your saddle shoes and dance the night away at our sock hops. This fully chartered sailing is sold directly by StarVista LIVE. Passengers who've sailed on the 2019 and 2021 cruise can enjoy advance access to purchase tickets before the general public. Though all of the above is included with the booking of your cabin, there may be additional on-ship costs and expenses. All of these expenses are elective and none are required payments.

There are campgrounds outside the city, however, you can’t book online or find prices in advance so you’ll need to check on arrival. Hostel prices – A bed in a hostel dorm with 4-6 beds costs between BGN per night. For a private room in a hostel, expect to pay between BGN per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

Usually referred to as the NDK, this building has 15 separate halls, making it the largest cultural complex in the country. During the summer, there is a regular schedule of various events and a diverse range of shows to check out, including concerts, dance performances, and theater. Check out their website to see what’s on during your visit. Dollars (USD) and are quoted per person based upon double occupancy, except for “Singles”, and do not include port charges, airfare, ground transportation, onboard purchases, purchased drinks onboard or excursions. It does include all meals, shows and onboard events produced by StarVista LIVE.

Car rental – Car rentals are super affordable here, costing as little as 25 BGN per day. You don’t need one to get around the city, however, if you want to explore the region a car might be helpful. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old and have an IDP (International Driving Permit). This museum is located inside a former mosque that dates to the 1400s. The museum is home to a collection of Roman and medieval items, including a delicate mosaic floor from the Church of Sveta Sofia.

The highest summit is Cherni Vrah at 2,290 meters (7,513 feet). It’s surprisingly easy to reach Vitosha’s trails, all you have to do is take a bus to the Simeonovo ski lift. Once you arrive, you’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by craggy rocks and ancient pine trees. Vitosha mountain is part of Vitosha National Park, which is one of the oldest in the Balkans and includes a massive cave you can explore. Sofia is the stylish capital city of Bulgaria, nestled beneath the towering peak of Mount Vitosha.

Dates and Ports of Call for The Malt Shop Memories Cruise

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Having opened in 2015, Quadrat 500 is the most recent admission to the National Gallery and contains 1,700 pieces of art. You can receive discounted admission on Thursdays for 2 BGN. The museum also hosts a variety of lectures in both Bulgarian and English throughout the year. Instead, I found a multicultural, fast-growing, and modernizing European hub popular with the backpacker crowd. In fact, Sofia impressed me so much that I ended up staying a few extra days!

Included/Excluded Charges:

Other artifacts come from the Thracians, a group of Indo-European tribes living in the area since the 8th century BCE. The incredibly detailed Thracian gold burial mask from the 4th century BCE has an especially impressive life-like appearance. This is a high-end pedestrian street filled with fashionable boutiques and designer shops, but it’s worth the stroll for the view of snow-capped Vitosha Mountain. Art Nouveau buildings line the street, and there are several small sidewalk cafes where you can grab a coffee and relax. Come here to browse, people-watch, and take in the local pace of life.

What Is Included in My Malt Shop Memories Cruise Package?

Food – Bulgarian cuisine is hearty and similar to that of its Balkan neighbors. Meaty stews with lamb, goat, or chicken are common, as are sausages and all kinds of yogurts (dairy products are big here). Popular dishes include kebapche (grilled mincemeat), shopska salad (a salad with tomato, cucumber, and cheese; similar to Greek salad), and moussaka. This payment satisfies Guests total obligation for Port Charges, Taxes, Gratuities, and Admin Fees.

What is Included

I personally think the best time to visit is spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). Both seasons have pleasant temperatures, fewer tourist crowds, and lower prices. The foliage around Mount Vitosha is spectacular during the fall, making for some excellent hiking. Temperatures range from 5-21°C (41-70°F) in the spring and 6-17°C (42-62°F) in the fall.

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Terms of Purchase

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The weather can be snowy and unpredictable during this time. If you like winter sports, this is the best time to visit for skiing Mount Vitosha or nearby Bansko. If you’re not coming for winter activities, though, I’d skip a visit during the winter.

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The Malt Shop Memories Cruise has been bringing a nostalgic sensibility to the high seas for over a decade, giving cruisers the chance to sail with celebrated stars of the '50s and '60s. A curated program of onboard experiences is designed to evoke the good ol' postwar days, with everyone from rock 'n' roll legends to Elvis impersonators coming onboard for the ride. You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. This enormous gallery contains artwork from both the National Gallery and the former Museum of Foreign Art.

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The payments will be equally spaced between the time of booking and final payment with final payment due due 60 days before Sail Date. After making your deposit, your remaining balance will be divided into two equal payments. The first will be due half way between the time of booking and final payment which will be due 60 days before Sail Date. 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub, shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Relive the phenomenal era of the late '50s and early '60s on the Malt Shop Memories Cruise.

Reservations are usually required and sessions cost 90 BGN. This is the most important Eastern Orthodox monastery in the country, having been a spiritual space for over 1,000 years. Rila was founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila. Then a simple hermit, the site of the monastery was believed to be the place where he lived and died. After his death, they were converted into a monastery that was a center of spiritual and social activity during the medieval period.

Malt Shop Memories Cruise 2022

Come join the biggest Rock ‘n’ Roll Party at sea, the 2023 Malt Shop Memories Cruise! Relive the good ole days of rock ‘n’ roll with your favorite performers and enjoy over 25 celebrity interactive events as we visit the beautiful ports of Aruba and Curaçao. If you’re backpacking Sofia, expect to spend about 60 BGN per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, cooking your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like free walking tours and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 BGN to your daily budget.

Home to political debates, poetry readings, and dramatic performances, the Red House is an independent cultural center that’s not as mainstream as the NDK. The building itself is a mansion from the early 20th century that once belonged to Bulgarian sculptor Andrey Nikolov. Dating to the fourth century, this tiny circular Roman building is the oldest preserved structure in Sofia and sits undisturbed amongst other Roman ruins. The red brick building was built in the 4th century on a site that was believed to be an even older pagan temple.

Certain policies allowfor a nearly full refund for almost "any reason or cause" whatsoever. After making your deposit, your remaining balance will be divided into equal monthly installments. Step onboard the Malt Shop Memories Cruise and you'll join a community of like-minded cruisers looking to reminisce and revel in performances by the stars they loved in their youth. There's a nostalgic vibe on this mid-century themed cruise, with cruisers sporting vintage gear like saddle shoes and poodle skirts. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Housed inside the former Central Mineral Baths from the Ottoman era, the history of Sofia — from prehistory to the modern day — is on full display here. The museum spans two floors and includes rooms dedicated to the Bulgarian royal families of the 19th and 20th centuries. These rooms provide a glimpse of the lavish lives they lived.

All payments will be processed on the first of each month as per your payment schedule. The lineup for the 2022 sailing includes Dion, Frankie Avalon, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Chubby Checker, Darlene Love, the Dixie Cups, Sha Na Na, Bill Haley & the Comets and Jerry Blavat. Malt Shop Cruise prices range from $2,240 to $6,205 per person, based on double occupancy. Come join our thriving Malt Shop Memories Cruise Facebook Community to share memories, hear the latest news and reconnect with friends from the cruise.

It’s a perfect budget-travel destination that sees a fraction of the tourists you’ll find in Western Europe. The charm of the city complements the beauty of this popular Caribbean island where the Dutch and indigenous cultures have merged to give Aruba its unique atmosphere. Today's visitors can enjoy this culture along with beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and exciting nightlife. After making your deposit, your remaining balance will be divided into three equal payments.

The original building was destroyed in a fire in the early 19th century and later rebuilt in the Bulgarian Renaissance style in the mid-1800s. You’ll find stunning religious art and colorful architecture, including golden domes and striped archways. Head for a hike to reach the summit and you’ll be treated to incredible panoramic views over Sofia and the surrounding area.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels cost around BGN per night. The Bulgarian president’s office lies within the eastern end of the same building that houses the Sheraton Hotel. The office isn’t open for public viewing, but the changing of the guard occurs every hour. The stomping march of the uniform-clad men can be heard all around the area. Curacao is the largest of the six islands that comprise the Netherlands Antilles.

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