Day 1: Sofia
Welcome to Sofia! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll receive information about the start of your tour. At approximately 3:00 p.m., we’ll begin a city tour of Bulgaria’s capital and get to know famous sights such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city’s squares and avenues known for their Stalinist architecture. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your leisure.
Day 2: Sofia - Bachkovo - Plovdiv
In the morning, we’ll head to Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria’s second most significant monastery, established in the eleventh century. With its three churches, this monastery offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. We’ll then proceed to Plovdiv, where lunch is included before going on a tour of this city, one of the oldest in Europe. Our tour includes admission to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House.
Day 3: Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Shipka - Etar - Arbanasi - Veliko Tarnovo
Today’s journey will take us through the stunning landscapes of the Balkan Mountains. In the Rose Valley, we’ll visit Kazanlak, where admission is included to see the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll also learn about the local production of rose-based products. Amidst the mountains, we’ll stop at the Shipka Memorial Church, a memorial to the Russo-Turkish War. We’ll then explore Etar, a charming village and ethnographic museum. After lunch (included), we’ll travel to Arbanasi, an ancient trading city known for its fortress-like houses, where we’ll visit the Nativity Church (admission included). Our day will end in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, renowned for its picturesque medieval center beside its canyon. Note: Occasionally, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on Sunday morning.
Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo - Basarbovo - Bucharest
We’ll travel to Romania, stopping along the way to visit the Basarbovski Monastery, a pilgrimage site carved into the rock. We’ll then cross the border and the Danube, arriving in Bucharest around 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, we’ll take a panoramic tour of the city, exploring the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. You’ll have free time afterward to explore on your own. Dinner will be included.
Day 5: Bucharest - Sinaia - Bran - Sighisoara
Today’s journey offers stunning scenery as we travel to Transylvania, crossing the Carpathian Mountains and lush forests. In SINAIA, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor Castles. Our next stop will be the 14th-century Bran Fortress, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle (tickets included). After some time for lunch, we’ll continue to SIGHISOARA, a picturesque walled medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula’s restaurant, located in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.
Day 6: Sighisoara - Turda - Alba Iulia - Hunedoara - Sibiu
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Turda Salt Mine (entrance included), one of the most spectacular mines in Europe, with origins dating back to Roman times. Inside the mine you’ll find health treatments, an underground lake with boat rides, a Ferris wheel, and a vast hall reaching 80 meters in height.We then continue to ALBA IULIA, a city steeped in history and a symbol of Romanian identity. Its imposing Alba Carolina Citadel, built in the Vauban style, houses churches, museums, and monumental walls, and is famous as the site where the union of Transylvania with Romania was proclaimed in 1918. Free time to stroll and have lunch.Our journey continues to HUNEDOARA, where we include entrance to Corvin Castle, a 15th-century fortress and one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.We then continue on to SIBIU. Arrival and accommodation.
Day 7: Sibiu - Cozia convent - Bucharest
In the morning, free time in SIBIU, the former cultural capital of Transylvania, founded by Saxon settlers and preserving a historic center full of charm. Its medieval squares, Gothic churches, and colorful houses with “eyes” on their roofs earned it the title of European Capital of Culture in 2007 and a place among Romania’s most beautiful destinations.At midday, we depart back toward the Romanian capital. En route, we’ll stop in COZIA, home to one of the oldest and most valuable monasteries in Wallachia, renowned for its Byzantine frescoes and its beautiful mountain setting. The atmosphere of popular devotion here will surely impress you. Afterwards, free time to stroll and have lunch in this spa town. Arrival in BUCHAREST around 6:00 p.m.
Day 8: Bucharest
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
