Simeon Dimitrov
I've been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel a lot, most of all in my country and the surrounding ones, but travel has been part of my life since forever. It started as my hobby and a preferred way to spend my holidays which, with the time, naturally evolved into being part of my professional career.
I studied foreign languages in the high school and then specialized tourism management in the University. After that, I took one year course to become a licensed Mountain guide and today I work for one of the leading culture and adventure travel tour operators in Bulgaria as a guide and product manager.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Odysseia - In Travel specializes in off-the-beaten track experiences with unique itineraries throughout Bulgaria and the whole Balkan Peninsula including Northern Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Romania. Odysseia - In Travel offers a varied range of tours: from sightseeing and cultural experiences such as traditional crafts and folklore, wine-tasting and cuisine, through soft adventure activities such as hiking, biking and kayaking. My specialty is to make a great tour out of all of these experiences."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I've been raised and grew up in a country where about 30,000 sq.m are covered with Mountains some of which raise as high as 3000m high. Besides that, on its East end there is a Sea, the Black Sea as well as many interesting places, cities, and villages in between....for me it was a hard job not to get involved in travel.
The real start was a hiking trip with my grandmother to the highest peak of the closest to my city Mountains. I remember that there was a Mountain bike competition that day, which really took my attention and make me ask myself, what are these guys doing? My grandmother and I continued on our way to the top, but I was already hooked on the image of people riding a bicycle in the Mountains. After that, I started saving my school money and later bought my very first mountain bike. Nature & travel became one of my best friends and definitely the greatest playground."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"In 2010 I traveled to the USA as part of a student exchange program called Work & Travel. Initially I was supposed to sell student books in Oklahoma state from door to door, which sounded as a great and adventurous way to earn some cash. Only a week after I started I was exhausted and depressed by all the people who waived at me closing their door, so I decided to quit and find a better source of money.
Unfortunately, I didn't have any exact idea of how I was going to do that, plus the fact that I have just arrived in the States and going back to Bulgaria was not an option. Right here I left myself to the unknown, which was the stupidest thing I could do at this moment, 8000km away from my home.
After Oklahoma, I took the bus to live in Chicago for a month where I met my second family who took me from the street as a little puppy. From there I went to Boston state and Cape Code island only to meet some Bulgarian friends, which made the next two months a nonstop party.
Finding my way out of this situation turns out to be one of the most unique travel experiences that I have ever had as I relied on the help of strangers and the Universe, but after all everything came together on the best possible way."
Featured trips & expertise
Highlights of Bulgaria - 9 Days
This trip introduces visitors to Bulgaria's many beautiful faces: traditional villages, pristine nature, and lively cities. Drive and hike through three of Bulgaria's mountain ranges, and visit the country's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient monasteries and beautiful architecture. In nine days you'll discover Bulgaria as a welcoming and memorable destination.
Hiking Bulgaria's Peaks - 8 Days
Challenge yourself to a week of trekking in the mountains of Bulgaria. This small Balkan country's stark beauty makes a perfect getaway for the climbers and would-be mountaineers among you. You'll hike to mountain peaks, take in the beauty of glacial lakes, and delve into Bulgarian culture with trips to the Rila Monastery and a tour of Sofia.
Snowshoeing in the National Parks of Bulgaria: 8 Days
Strap on your snowshoes and make your way through two Bulgarian national parks full of independent massifs separated by deep gorges and mountain passes. This tour winds through southwestern Bulgaria for a truly authentic experience of snowy wilderness, traditional cuisine, and local hospitality.
Recent trip reviews for Simeon
Bulgaria countryside
Bulgaria
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Jul 31 - Aug 10, 2019
This trip was attractive to me as it was focused on rail travel throughout Bulgaria. A very relaxing method of seeing the countryside.
Simeon was an excellent guide with in depth knowledge of all aspects of the trip plus excellent history lessons at each destination. He is passionate about Bulgaria, past and present and positive about the future.
Ani returns to her birthplace
Bulgaria
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May 17 - Jun 1, 2019
Our family wanted to tour Bulgaria to visit our adopted daughter's birth place, We worked with Simeon Dimitrov to set up a two-week tour that included a visit to the Rila Monastery, hiking in the Rila and Pirin Mountains, and kayaking in the Rhodopes. We visited Plovdiv, the Valley of Roses and the Black Sea. One of our final stops was at the Orphanage in Targovishte that our daughter lived in until we brought her home. Simeon arranged for our daughter to meet staff in the Orphanage.... read more
Hi Alison, Ani and Chris,
thank you for the nice words, it means a lot to me. For me it was also a great trip and definitely one of the most meaningful once. The experience in the orphanage was special for me as well and I'm really, really happy that I was part of this.
All the best from me and I hope to see you again some day.
AAA Bulgaria Trip 2018
Bulgaria
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Oct 13 - Oct 21, 2018
Very interesting trip, the guide Yuhan was knowledgable , friendly and extremely good
AAA Bulgaria Trip 2018
Bulgaria
|
Oct 13 - Oct 21, 2018
Everyone in the group had a great time and appreciated the efforts made by Simeon, Ivan, Branch and the other driver.
We enjoyed the hotels which were all very reasonable.
The hikes to the mountains were memorable a d Ivan had a lot of knowledge and was very helpful to anyone who was struggling.
Trip to Bulgaria
Bulgaria
|
Sep 13 - Sep 23, 2018
The trip was Bulagaria and Romania. The guide Theodora in Bulgaria was very good and knowledgable and exposed us to the culture and history. Romania is a beautiful country and Transylvania very scenic. The castles, medieval Sibiu and Sighiasora was beautiful. Had some issues with the driver and guide in Romania. I would rate Romania portion a 3 star
Bulgaria Tour
Bulgaria
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Jul 9 - Jul 20, 2018
My two weeks in Bulgaria was thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks to the fantastic planning and organization by Simeon I was able to see many of the historical landmarks that this fascinating country has to offer. I had chosen the option to travel the country by train and I did not regret it. The train services were punctual and the folder/dossier of travel information provided by Simeon made all transfers quick and easy.
Hotels were aesthetically pleasing, clean, had friendly staff and provided... read more
Highlights of Bulgaria - 9 Days
Bulgaria
|
Jun 16 - Jun 28, 2018
We called in your office twice on Friday 29th but it was closed, so here is our report!
The trip was well planned and everything worked.
The hotels were all of good quality and in central locations.
The guest houses were well appointed, welcoming and with good food.
Breakfast at the Zograf in Tryavna was inadequate and we had to buy some fruit and yogurt to top up.
We felt that we had a good insight into the country, it's people and culture.
All trains ran to schedule and whereas we had no... read more