Tour Itinerary – Classical Bulgaria & Romania Tour

Day 1 – Sofia

Arrive in Sofia – Bulgaria’s capital city situated at the base of Mount Vitosha –  where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your Hotel for check in.
Dinner is included at the hotel on your first night on this magical tour.

Overnight in Sofia
Meals (D)

Day 2 – Sofia

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by sightseeing tour of Sofia – a city with a 7000 years long history, concentrating numerous cultural and historic monuments from different periods. Visits included to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral the second largest cathedral on the Balkan Peninsula, 4th century St. George Rotunda a red brick church which is considered the oldest building in Sofia, St. Sofia Basilica and the Ruins of the ancient city of Serdica – the Roman foundations of modern Sofia.
Free time in the afternoon to explore the Bulgarian capital at your leisure.

Overnight in Sofia
Meals (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Sofia, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv

Following breakfast, departure to Rila Monastery, a 10^th century UNESCO World Heritage site, the largest and the most impressive monastery in Bulgaria. Tour of the monastery complex, church and museum with its lavish collection of precious old manuscripts, icons, jewellery, masterpieces of woodcarving, ethnographic exhibition of fabrics and carpets.
We continue to Plovdiv – the second largest of Bulgaria’s cities. Plovdiv is one of the most ancient cities in Europe and in the world. Sightseeing of the Old town of Plovdiv with National Revival architecture and excavations from Roman times. Here we visit the ancient Roman theatre with impressive marble statues, decorative columns and arcades. 

Overnight in Plovdiv
Meals (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Plovdiv, Kazanlak, Tryavna, Veliko Tarnovo 

“…The modern city of Kazanlak dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. Founded as a military fortress to protect the Shipka Pass it later developed as a city of craftsmen. More than 50 handcrafts developed such as tanning, coppersmithing, goldsmithing, frieze weaving, shoemaking, cooperage and, of course, rose cultivation. The oil-producing rose, imported from central Asia via Persia, Syria and Turkey, found all the necessary conditions to thrive – proper temperature, high moisture and light, sandy, cinnamon-forest soils…” 

After breakfast at the hotel, departure for Kazanlak, the capital of the famous Valley of Roses. We visit the Kazanlak Historical Museum to see the Thracian golden treasures. Continue to one of the UNESCO sites – the site of the Thracian Tomb dating from the 4th century b.c. Departure to the town of Tryavna, where we have a walking tour to see the vaulted stone bridges, houses, churches and town square with a clock tower preserving the spirit and talent of the artists from Tryavna School of Art from the 17th century. Medieval history emanates from Veliko Târnovo’s fortified walls and cobbled lanes. We visit the Woodcarving Museum before continuing our journey to Veliko Tarnovo. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the Old Town area, where you’ll find delightful handcraft shops offering demonstrations of icon painting, woodcarving, textile arts and traditional metalworking and take the opportunity to savour a cup of Turkish coffee brewed over hot sand, just as it was done in times long past.

Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo
Meals (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Veliko Turnovo, Arbanassi, Bucharest 

In the morning, visit to Tsarevets fortress – an impressive sight with medieval fortifications and dramatic architecture. Departure to the museum town of Arbanassi, which boasts a genuine gallery of religious art in its Church of Nativity. Visit also Konstantsalieva house – a fine example of a 17^th century house of a wealthy merchant.
Leaving Romania, we head to Bucharest in Romania for dinner and overnight.

Overnight in Bucharest
Meals (B, L, D)

Day 6 – Bucharest, Curtea de Arges, Sibiu

“…Sibiu: is home to the first hospital in Romania (1292), the first pharmacy (1494), the first book in the Romanian language was printed in Sibiu in 1544, Samuel von Hahnemann opened the world’s first homeopathic laboratory in 1797, the oldest museum in Romania – the Brukenthal Museum – was opened in 1817.  The Old Town has two distinct sections: the Upper Town; home to most of Sibiu’s historic landmarks. The Lower Town; lined with colourful houses on cobblestone streets, bounded by imposing city walls and defence towers overlooking the river Cibin…”

After breakfast, departure for Curtea de Arges, the former capital of Wallachia. Visit the Episcopal Church built by Prince Neagoe Basarab (1512-1517), where the Romanian Kings are buried. Drive along the picturesque Olt Valley to Sibiu, one of the oldest cities in Transylvania – formerly Hermannstadt – founded by the Saxon colonists. Here we enjoy a guided walking tour of the medieval town (the Main Square, the Evangelical Church, the Liars’ Bridge).  Take your time to discover the former European Capital of Culture (2007).

Overnight in Sibiu
Meals (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Sibiu, Biertan, Sighisoara, Bistrita

This morning we depart towards Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. En route, we visit the fortified Church at Biertan (UNESCO). This Saxon villages display a remarkable, unspoilt harmony between people and landscape. We arrive at Sighisoara and discover the medieval Citadel, (UNESCO): the Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill and the roofed stairways. Continue to Targu Mures, walking tour through the elegant city centre, well known for its architecture: the Palace of Culture, the Orthodox Churches and the Teleki-Bolyai Library. We continue to Bistrita and one of the 7 medieval cities in Transylvania; we visit the 16th century Gothic Cathedral with its 75m high tower dominating the city and the renowned Gothic style houses called “sugalete”.
Bistrita is the place where Jonathan Harker, Bram Stoker’s hero spent the night before arriving at Dracula Castle. Dinner in Bucharest.

Overnight in Bucharest
Meals (B, L, D)

Day 8 – Bistrita, Campulung Moldovenesc, Voronet, Gura Humorului

Following breakfast, we depart for Bucovina – the “upper land” – and home of the unique painted monasteries belonging to UNESCO World Heritage. Crossing the land of Dracula, wonderfully depicted in Bram Stocker’s novel “Dracula”, we arrive at Campulung Moldovenesc and visit the Wooden Museum. In the afternoon, we visit the Moldovita Monastery – a symphony in purple-red, a medieval art treasure. We continue with a visit to a Painted Eggs Museum workshop, as well as the village of Vatra Moldovitei, with its traditional small houses, old steam train and unspoiled nature.  We visit Voronet Monastery, called “the Sistine Chapel of the East” due to the dominant “blue” of its frescoes and the beauty of the paintings, masterpieces of the post-Byzantine time, of which the scene of the “Last Judgement” is worldwide known. Dinner in Gura Humorului.

Overnight in Gura Humorului
Meals (B, L, D)

Day 9 – Gura Humorului, Tarpesti, Agapia, Miercurea Ciuc  

This morning we travel to the village of Tarpesti to visit the remarkable Popa Museum. At his home, Nicolae Popa gathered an incredible collection of Romanian folk art and handicrafts, giving us a fantastic insight into the ancient traditions of this region. Next, we will discover Agapia Monastery, painted by Nicolae Grigorescu, in 1858. The church of Agapia Monastery is a true architectural jewel which combines the characteristics of byzantine style with neoclassic style and Romanian art. In the afternoon, drive along Bicaz Lake and its impressive dam, to admire the scenic view. Cross the fabulous Bicaz Gorges – on foot, if weather is fine. Arrival at Lacu Rosu (Red Lake), located at 1000 metres altitude and formed over two centuries ago after a massive landslide that blocked the water’s path. At the surface of the ten metre deep lake, the tips of the tree trunks swallowed by the waters can be seen, where birds and wild geese are resting. Dinner in Miercurea Ciuc.

Overnight in Miercurea Ciuc
Meals (B, L, D)

Day 10 – Miercurea Ciuc, Prejmer, Bran, Brasov

“…Located high on a cliff in Transylvania, is the gothic fortress of Bran Castle. One of Romania’s most popular tourist attractions, it is widely known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’ as it is thought to have inspired Bram Stoker’s eponymous novel. Whilst he never actually visited the castle, the description in his novel ‘Dracula’ closely resembles Bran Castle. The Castle’s history dates back to the 14th century, when it was built to protect Transylvania. In 1920, the castle was bestowed to Queen Marie who lovingly restored it. Marie was so fond of her castle home that she instructed that her heart should be buried beside it upon her passing…”

After breakfast, we depart for Brasov, driving through the Eastern Carpathians. Stopping at Prejmer, we visit Prejmer fortified church (UNESCO). Afterwards, we drive on to Bran where we visit the famous medieval castle (known as “Dracula’s” Castle) built in 1377 as a fortress for the citizens of Brasov to defend the city. Prince Vlad Tepes (Vlad Dracul) used the Castle as a general headquarters during his incursions in Transylvania. In 1922, Queen Maria of Romania adopted the castle as her Royal residence. Becoming the best-known castle in Romania for many years, it was also an interesting medieval art museum. We have lunch and drive to Brasov, formerly called Kronstadt, founded by Saxon colonists as the South gate of Transylvania. Our walking tour through the old town centre, includes the Black Church, Council Square, the Hirche House and baroque style buildings from the Austro-Hungarian times. Dinner in Brasov.

Overnight in Brasov
Meals (B, L, D)

Day 11 – Brasov, Sinaia, Bucharest

In the morning, we cross the Carpathians toward Sinaia, one of the most beautiful mountain resorts, also called “the pearl of the Carpathians”. Here we visit the fabulous Peles Castle, an exquisite piece of architecture and one of the most spectacular castles in Europe. with its arms and armoury collection, unique for its richness and diversity. The Castle served as the Summer residence of the Romanian Royal family. We continue to Bucharest. Panoramic tour of Bucharest, the city of contrasts between old and modernity, with large boulevards and magnificent buildings (the Romanian Athenaeum, the Patriarchal Church). Visit the famous Parliament Palace, built 1984 – 1989, the largest building in Europe and the second one in the world, with its unique marble decorations and wooden sculptures. Walking tour in the old city centre where we learn why Bucharest is called the Little Paris of the East. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell dinner in a lovely brasserie, keeping alive the old time spirit of Bucharest.

Overnight in Bucharest
Meals (B, L, D)

Day 12 – Departure

After breakfast, check out.  Time at leisure depending on your departure flight.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Meals (B)

Bran Castle

Hotel Budapest 3* in Sofia – or similar

Hotel Alliance 4* in Plovdiv – or similar

Hotel Panorama 4* in Veliko Tarnovo – or similar

Hotel Central 4* in Bucharest – or similar

Hotel Parc 3* in Sibiu –  or similar

Hotel Coroana de Aur 3* in Bistrita – or similar

Hotel BW Bucovina 4* in Gura Humorului – or similar

Hotel Casa Wagner 3* in Brasov – or similar

Classical Bulgaria & Romania Tour – Departure Dates 2023 (Wednesday)

• 10 May 2023
• 14 June 2023
• 05 July 2023
• 16 August 2023
• 30 August 2023
• 13 September 2023

Prices in EUROS 2023

Prices are per person and based on two persons in a twin room.

€1995 per person
€375 single room supplement

Price valid on all dates

Classical Bulgaria & Romania Tour – Price Includes

• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Accommodation as per the above programme in tourist class (3 and 4 star) hotels
• Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) throughout the programme, dinner on the day of arrival is subject to flight schedule
• Private car (for 2-3 persons) or air-conditioned van, minibus or coach for all the above itinerary and programme
• English/French speaking guide throughout (for parties of 2-3 persons, the guide will also drive)
• All entrance fees to museums, monasteries and sites included in the programme
• All Bulgarian and Romanian taxes

Not Included in Price

• International Flights
• Beverages
• Sightseeing entrance fees not specified in the inclusions
• Fees for photography or filming in places of interest
• Gratuities / Tips for guides and drivers
• Photo and video charges at museums and places of interest
• Travel Insurance
• Porterage at hotels
• Extra personal costs incurred at the hotel
• Visa service (if required)

Classical Bulgaria & Romania Tour – Notes

• Hotel – check in after 14.00 hours only. Check out by 11.00 hours
• Accommodation may be substituted with similar grade hotels
• Group size 15-20 approximately
• Meals are pre-set, please notify us of any dietary requirements
• Visa (if required).  Please check with your local Consulate
• Airport information:
  Sofia International Airport (SOF)
  Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
  Bucharest Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU)

Please email info@select-a-tour.com  for further details.