The venue

Most of the courses include self catering accommodation however some of them may require you to book additional nights if you wish to arrive and have time to relax before the courses start. It is also a possibility to book additional nights after your course is finished if you wish to relax and explore the area, or even keep painting and making use of some of the facilities provided. Please note this is only an option if there is availability, so please check here.

There is also a large Barn/ Studio where the lessons will be held, it is roughly 20 meters walk from your accommodation. In addition there is plenty of outdoor space that may be utilized for some outdoor aspects of the courses such as landscape drawing.

The venues are Ability accessible but please add a note if you have any access requirements and let us know what they are in advance.

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Accommodation.

 Additional accommodation is provided subject to availability.

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The venues are Ability accessible but please add a note if you have any access requirements and let us know what they are in advance. If you are booked on a course, you will have;

Your own bed and room in a house with shared bathrooms and kitchen.

There will be basic facilities provided including WiFi

Provided are bedding, towels and toiletries.

Washing machine

There will be free tea and coffee throughout your stay.

Meals are self catering with an option of catering at an additional cost. Please check this service is available for your course.

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Kitchen.

If you are being catered for please check we are able to accommodate food preferences, however we cannot cater for food allergies. The kitchen is shared with others on the course. There is a fridge, cooker, microwave and dishwasher and all utensils, pots, pans and plates are provided. Its worth asking others if they want to share cooking meals together. There is a supermarket in Lom or a small shop within walking distance in the Village that sells all the bare necessaries. There may also be fresh vegetables available from the Garden.

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The Studio

The studio provides a large work space for sculpture and Art, with desks and easels for Drawing.

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Food

More about the food. There is mostly poultry and goat available in Bulgaria, with a large selection of beautiful homemade Cheeses readily available. There are some restaurants in Lom with a variety of cuisines. Here at the House; for breakfast we will provide a range of bread, condiments and cereals. There is also an option of eggs and cheese available. For an evening meal you will be provided with a hot dish of the day.

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I have never been to Bulgaria before, what should I expect?

More about what to expect in Bulgaria if you have never been before. Some people speak English however you can not rely on it.The locals in Kovachitsa still use Horse and Cart as their local transport . The currency is Lev. You can use your credit card in all big towns however if you bring GBP with you, it is very hard to change it up unless your notes are completely fresh, and have no folds in them, they need to look brand new.

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Directions

There are a number of ways to arrive in Kovachitsa. There is a Bus from London, but this is not recommended as it takes a long time and and costs £300. Alternatively you can go the whole way by train, but if you are feeling less adventurous then please check out some of the below options.

When arriving in the Village, if you are driving from Lom, you go to the end of the street, past the shop and Bakery, and you get to a fork, turn Left there and drive about half a mile till you reach the last house on the Left, (the Green House) You have reached your destination.

Driving

Driving to Bulgaria from Dover is roughly 1600 km. It is recommended that you book AirBnBs along your route well in advance as it takes approximately 2.5 days depending on your Route. There are Tolls along the way that can be paid as you go. If you are driving please be aware that you are advised to have a certain tread on your tyres in some countries. Also in Bulgaria it is compulsory to drive with your lights on all the time. You will also need to carry a breathalyzer, red triangle, GB stickers and it is advised that you get breakdown cover as some potholes in Bulgaria can be large. Watch out for them. You will also be required to drive on the right hand side of the road in Bulgaria. If you are hire a car from the airport be sure to take up their satnav offer at a small additional cost or bring your own.

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Flying

The cheapest time of year to fly is before May where there are return flights from London Airports from between £14-£59 return to Sofia. Please check with your airline well in advance.

Sofia is the closest main Airport in Bulgaria, it is roughly 2.5 hours drive from Kovachitsa.

Car hire is available from your airport, and costs approximately £14 in petrol for the week.

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By Train

Catching the train from the airport means getting to the train station which is a short bus ride away. The train takes around 6 hours, with a beautiful scenic route through the mountains. Its not fast. It costs around £6.50 and arrives in Lom, where OrayaArt would be happy to provide a shuttle for you to your accommodation.

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Other facilities

121 online club.

There are numerous benefits to be had by joining the 121 club. Some of these include;

Online viability for your art works on the Gallery page.