Journey through two of Europe's most fascinating countries, as you travel through riveting Romania and onto the brilliant Bulgaria. The city of Bucharest, otherwise known as 'the little Paris", is the first place to greet you, before seeing the jaw dropping scenery of Transylvania. Famous castles such as Pele's and Brans are to be explored, with stays in the charming towns of Brasov and Sibiu. There really is so much to see on this epic adventure. Cross the border into Bulgaria, where throughout your adventure, you will learn of ancient Thracian kings at Kazanlak, the Roman rulers at Plovdiv, and the mark left by the Ottomans in Veliko Tarnovo. Along the journey, snake your way through the Rila and Rhodopi mountains, seeing priceless medieval history, and enjoy time in the captivating city of Sofia. There really is so much to see on this epic adventure.
9 days - from $5,080
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Spend time in Sighisoara, a wonderful town still set within its fortress walls
- Explore the Rila Monastery, containing UNESCO world heritage wall paintings
- Travel through Transylvania, seeing its wonderful beauty as well as learning about its fascinating history
- Have two nights in Sofia, a vibrant capital city with the mountains overlooking it
- Enter into Bran's Castle, the legendary lair of Count Dracula
DAY 1 Bucharest
Welcome to Romania! Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Stay at the Continental Forum (4 star)
Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2 Bucharest - Brasov
Travel to Sinaia today for a tour of the enchanting Peles Castle built by King Carol l. Marvel at its fine collection of paintings, sculptures and furniture, then drive to magnificent Brasov. Be taken on a city tour, and visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul, as well as the historic Old Town Hall, before finishing at your hotel for dinner.
Stay at the Boutique Hotel Casa Cranta (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 3 Brasov - Sibiu
This morning, travel to Bran where the haunting Bran castle is situated, before continuing to beautiful Sighsoara! Here you will be taken of a tour of the city, seeing the clock tower, the covered staircase and the church on the hill. Later, have lunch at the famous restaurant "Casa Vlad Dracul”, which is situated in the house where Vlad Dracula was born. In the afternoon admire the perfectly preserved, medieval town of Biertan in Transylvania which has changed little over time, before arriving into the town of Sibiu.
Stay at the Continental Forum (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 4 Sibiu - Bucharest
See Sibiu’s impressive Old Town with a sightseeing tour, exploring the largest medieval city in Romania. See the Evangelical church, Council tower and the Brukenthal Palace. Depart via the spectacular Oltului Valley dotted with centuries old churches, to Bucharest. On arrival in the Romanian capital city, commence a panoramic city tour before dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Stay at the Continental Forum (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 5 Bucharest - Ruse - Veliko Tarnovo
This morning take a tour of the Romanian Parliament building, the second largest building in the world. Next you will visit the city of Ruse, with a distinct European feel sitting on the river Danube in Bulgaria. Here you will say goodbye to your Romanian guide, and hello to your Bulgarian one. Continue through the to the rock churches of Ivanovo, famous for their unique frescoes, before arriving into Veliko Tarnovo. Discover its historic Tsarevets Hill as well as the Patriarchal Church and Emperor Baldwin’s Tower on a walking tour.
Stay at the Authentic Hotel Gurko (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 6 Veliko Tarnovo - Kazanlak - Plovdiv
Spend some time this morning at the Etara Open-Air Museum, where you will discover over 300 years of Bulgarian tradition, before continuing to Kazanluk, capital of the Valley of the Roses. Here you can learn about the production of Bulgarian rose oil followed by a visit to the 4th century Thracian Kazanlak Tomb. In the afternoon travel to Plovdiv and discover its highlights on a walking tour through the beautiful Old Town and marvel at the 18th century Bulgarian architecture, Orthodox churches, Muslim mosques and 2nd century Roman Amphitheatre.
Stay at the Ramada Plovdiv Trimontium (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 7 Plovdiv - Rila Monastery - Sofia
Pass through the beautiful Rhodopi Mountains on your way to the Rila Monastery, stopping for lunch in an authentic Bulgarian house. You will then arrive at the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s largest spiritual centre. This 10th century monastery contains a rich collection of icons, wall-paintings and rare books and included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Afterwards journey on to the capital, Sofia.
Stay at the Coop Hotel (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 8 Sofia
After breakfast embark on a panoramic city tour of Bulgaria’s capital. Highlights include the 5th century St. Sofia Basilica, National Parliament, the ruins of the Roman Serdica and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. In the afternoon you have free time to further explore Sofia, or perhaps take an optional tour to the foot of Vitosha Mountain. Here you will visit the Boyana Church, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the National Museum of History, before returning to the capital.
Stay at the Coop Hotel (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Sofia
Your tour concludes after breakfast with a departure transfer for your onward journey.
Meals included: Breakfast
- English-speaking driver/guide
- 3-4 star hotel accommodation
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- hotel porterage
- Arrival and departure transfers
- 8 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 5 dinners
Sightseeing tours:
- Sinaia
- Brasov
- Sighisoara
- Sibiu/Hermannstadt
- Bucharest, Ruse
- Ivanovo
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Kazanlak
- Plovdiv
- Rila Monastery
- Sofia
Entrance fees:
- Peles Castle,
- Sighisoara Citadel, The Clock Tower, The Covered Staircase and Dracula’s birth house
- The Church on the Hill
- The Fortified Church in Biertan
- Sibiu Evangelical Church
- The Council Tower
- Brukenthal Palace
- Parliament Palace
- Rock Churches of Ivanovo
- Veliko Tarnovo Fortress, The Patriarchal church and Emperor Baldwin’s Tower
- Etara open air museum
- Rose oil distilary
- Thracian Kazanlak Tomb
- Ethnographical Museum
- Antique Theatre
- Roman Stadium
- Bishop’s Basilica of Philipopolis
- Rila Monastery
- The Church of St Sofia
- Alexander Nevski Cathedral
| Bulgaria & Romania | ||
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Twin/Double | ||
| Price per adult in Australian Dollars (AUD) |
