Eastern European Delights – Enchanting Balkans and Transylvania

12 days

from 1605€

flight tour

Tour description

Explore Bulgaria and Romania on a 12-day tour filled with history, architecture, and culture. Visit Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnavo, Bucharest, Sibiu, and more. Highlights include Rila Monastery, ancient landmarks, wine tasting, Dracula Castle, and Peles Castle. Enjoy guided tours, traditional meals, and free time to explore. An unforgettable journey awaits!

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Image gallery

Daily program

Upon your arrival in Sofia, you will be greeted by a local guide who will accompany you throughout your trip. After transferring to your hotel and checking in, explore the city center and local restaurants. This is a great opportunity to taste traditional Bulgarian cuisine and get a feel for the local culture. (B)

Start your second day with an excursion to the magnificent Rila Monastery. Explore the stunning architecture and rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour of Sofia and visit the impressive Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Take your time to explore the charming Old Town at your leisure. For dinner, you have the freedom to choose from the many dining options available in the city. (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the city with a walking tour of the Old Town, where you’ll discover architectural marvels and visit the Ancient Roman Theatre. Explore the Folk Art Museum and take some time for a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, indulge in a visit to one of the local wineries and experience the flavors of Bulgarian wine. (B)

Embark on a scenic drive to the Kazanluk Valley, known for its rose production. Visit a traditional rose oil distillery to learn about the process and sample some local products. Explore the replica of the Thracian Tomb in Kazanluk, offering insights into Bulgarian history. Next, proceed to Gabrovo and visit the Etar Open Air Museum, where you can delve deeper into Bulgarian folklore. After checking into your hotel, you will have free time for dinner. (B)

Discover the rich history of Veliko Tarnavo as you embark on a walking tour and visit the Tsarevets Fortress. Make a stop in the charming village of Arbanassi to explore its unique architectural traditional houses. Bid farewell to your Bulgarian guide and cross the border into Romania, transfer to Bucharest, where you’ll check into your hotel. In the evening explore Bucharest’s historic Old Town on your own, where you can enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants in the area. (B)

Start the day with a visit to the Parliament Palace, one of the largest buildings in the world. Take a guided tour of this grand structure, marveling at its impressive size and ornate interiors. Explore the Old Town of Bucharest with a guided walking tour and take some time for lunch at your leisure. Continue your city tour before heading to Sibiu. Discover the University Square, the Revolution Square with the Royal Palace and Romanian Athenaeum and the Union Square. In the later afternoon you will arrive in Sibiu, where you’ll check into your hotel for a two-night stay. (B)

Embark on a walking tour of Sibiu, a cultural and historical gem of Romania. Explore the Grand Square, Small Square, and the iconic Bridge of Liars. Learn about the fascinating history of Sibiu, known for its medieval charm and architectural beauty. Visit the impressive Lutheran Church and take time to explore the charming Old Town at your leisure. Enjoy the freedom to choose a restaurant for dinner on your own, where you can savor the local flavors. (B)

In the morning, visit the Biertan Fortified Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architectural beauty. Transfer to Sighisoara, a perfectly preserved medieval town. Take a guided walking tour, visit the Clock Tower, and explore the Church on the Hill. Indulge in a tasting of famous Transylvanian brandies at a local wine cellar and enjoy some free time before dinner. Choose a restaurant and experience the local cuisine. (B)

Head to Viscri in the morning and explore the picturesque village, which is frequently visited by King Charles himself. Visit the church castle Deutschweisskirch and take a walk through the village.  Transfer to Brasov and take a walking tour of the city, including a visit to the iconic Black Church. Enjoy some leisure time in the Old Town and choose a restaurant for dinner on your own. (B)

Spend the morning at leisure in Brasov, where you can take the cable car or embark on a hike to enjoy a stunning panoramic view from the Tampa Mountain. In the afternoon, drive to Bran and explore the legendary Dracula Castle. Transfer back to Brasov for the night. (B)

Visit the enchanting Peles Castle, a masterpiece of German Renaissance architecture nestled in the stunning Carpathian Mountains. Explore the Sinaia Monastery and its tranquil surroundings. Transfer back to Bucharest and celebrate the end of your journey.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure. We hope you had a wonderful time exploring Bulgaria and Romania, filled with unforgettable memories and experiences. (B)

Highlights of the trip

  • Former Roman Town, Plovdiv
  • Capital cities: Bucharest, Sofia
  • Castles: The Peles Castle, Bran Castle
  • Medieval cities: Sibiu- 2007 Cultural Capital city, Brasov -The Crown of Transylvania, Sighisoara – The UNESCO World Heritage Site citadel
  • Monasteries: Rila Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Churches: The Black Church, The Church on the Hill

Included services

  • 11x nights at centrally located 4**** hotels
  • 11x breakfast at the hotel
  • 1x visit of Rose Oil distillery in the Rose Valley Bulgaria and tasting of local products
  • 1x visit of winery and wine tasting (3 wine samples) at local winery in Bulgaria (Plovdiv Region)
  • 1x brandy tasting (4 brandy types) in Romania (Sighisoara)
  • Throughout English speaking guide in Romania and Bulgaria
  • Entrance fees and visits as per itinerary (Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Rila Monastery, Ancient Theatre Plovdiv, Folk Art Museum Plovdiv, Thracian Tomb Kazanluk, Etar Museum, Tsaravets Fortress, Palace of the Parliament, Lutheran Church Sibiu, church castle Biertan, Clock Tower Sighisoara, Church on the Hill Sighisoara, church castle Viscri, Black Church, Dracula Castle, Peles Castle, Sinaia Monastery)

Optional services package:

  • 1x 3 course set menu welcome dinner at local restaurant in Sofia incl. 1 glass of wine
  • 1 x 3 course set menu welcome dinner at local restaurant in Sofia incl. 1 glass of wine
  • 1 x 3 course set menu dinner at traditional restaurant in Plovdiv
  • 1x 3 course set menu dinner at historic restaurant in Bucharest incl. 1 drink of choice
  • 1x 3 course set menu dinner at local restaurant in Sibiu
  • 1x 3 course set menu lunch at the locals from the village Viscri incl. 1 glass of wine
  • 1x 3 course set menu dinner at the Dracula Castle’s restaurant incl. 1 glass of wine
  • 1x 3 course farewell dinner at local restaurant from the Old Town of Bucharest incl. folklore show

Price and Booking

Departures:

25.03.2025

22.04.2025

13.05.2025

20.05.2025

03.06.2025

17.06.2025

15.07.2025

29.07.2025

12.08.2025

26.08.2025

02.09.2025

09.09.2025

23.09.2025

30.09.2025

14.10.2025