Environment

Activity:
Few holidays have as little detrimental impact on the environment and local residents as a walking and trekking trip. Erosion on and adjacent to popular paths is a growing problem in certain places and therefore our trip leaders encourage clients to stick to advised routes in order to minimise this. We do believe in leaving no more than footprints although this tour actively encourages guests to talk to local people, visit local cafes and restaurants, use markets to purchase traditional gifts and crafts. We also leave a positive impact by paying National Park fees and buying from the Rila Monastery to contribute to upkeep.

Water:
Water is important with active trips and whilst we must stay hydrated, it is also vital that we have a system for providing clean water without causing lots of waste with plastic bottles. We suggest that instead of repeatedly buying bottled water, guests should re-fill a singular bottle from taps and fountains in the mountains. 10. The local water in the village is drinkable and of good quality so all clients are advised that it is preferable to drink this rather than purchase bottled water.

UK Office:
It all starts at home so we have first worked at reducing our carbon footprint in our UK Offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

Community

Accommodation & Meals:
We spend all seven nights in family run hotels, which employ local people and take every opportunity to source produce and supplies within the area. There is an abundance of local cuisine on offer and the villages in which we stay often produce their own dairy products, eggs, seasonal vegetables, pulses, jams and honey etc. Or when it is necessary, the ingredients will come from the surrounding region – such as trout from a nearby fish farm. In supporting local agriculture and hotels, we bolster the local economy and provide clients with a really authentic experience. Where meals are not provided we suggest you visit the local market in Bankso or a traditional inn.

Local Craft and Culture:
During their stay in Bankso and whilst visiting the Rila Monastery, clients have the opportunity to purchase local produce and products that have been manufactured by local communities. Whilst staying in the village of Govedartsi , we arrange for the local folk dance group to perform for the group, and for this we pay the men from the ensemble a fee, plus clients usually give tips of their own. This is a great chance to provide an avenue of income for a rural community.

Group Size:
This small group tour has a maximum of 16 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in unique, family-run hotels that cannot benefit from coach tours and other mass tourism due to their limited sizes.