9D8N Transylvania Tales – Romania & Bulgaria (ECT222132)

• Begin your Balkan adventure with an early morning arrival at Bucharest Airport (OTP). Delve into the capital’s vibrant blend of history and culture with a city tour of Bucharest. Visit the charming Old Town, a testament to the city’s rich history, showcasing a mix of medieval, neoclassical, and Art Nouveau buildings. In the evening, embark on a journey to Ruse, where you’ll settle in for the night.
• Overnight in Ruse, ex. Grand Hotel Riga 4* or similar.

Included Cities: Veliko Tarnovo, Shipka, Kazanlak, Asenovgrad

• After breakfast, transfer to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s historical heartland. Explore its old town, Tsarevets Fortress, and vibrant artisan streets. Next, a brief stop at Shipka will allow you to admire its Freedom Monument. Continue to Kazanlak to explore the Thracian Tomb (UNESCO site). Conclude the day with a transfer to Asenovgrad for overnight accommodation.
• Overnight in Asenovgrad, ex. Hotel Sani 4* or similar.

Included Cities: Plovdiv, Rila, Sofia

• Journey to Plovdiv, where you’ll be enchanted by its Ancient Theatre and beautiful Old Town. The next highlight is the Rila Monastery. Nestled in the mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Bulgarian Renaissance art and architecture. The day ends in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, where you’ll rest.
• Optional: Experience a Bulgarian folklore program with dinner (EUR 36 / pax).
• Overnight in Sofia, ex. Hotel Grand Hotel Astoria 4* or similar.

Included Cities: Sofia, Belogradcik, Vidin

• Start with a visit to Sofia, exploring its landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Vitosha Boulevard. In the afternoon, journey to Belogradcik to visit its imposing fortress amidst unique rock formations. Your day concludes with a transfer to Vidin for the night.
• Overnight in Vidin, ex. Hotel Impuls 3* or similar.

Included Cities: Danube Gorge, Drobeta Turnu Severin, Târgu Jiu, Petrosani

• Begin with a transfer to Danube Gorge, visiting the Decebalus Rex statue. Make a stop in Drobeta Turnu Severin before exploring the Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brâncuși at Târgu Jiu. Optional: A thrilling Danube cruise on speed boats (EUR 18 / pax). The journey through Jiu Gorge includes a photo stop at Lainici Monastery, ending in Petrosani.

Overnight in Petrosani, ex. Hotel La Belle Epoque 4* or similar.

Included Cities: Hunedoara, Sibiu

• Travel to Hunedoara for a visit to the majestic Corvin Castle, a gothic-Renaissance architectural gem. Next, head to Sibiu, one of Europe’s most idyllic cities with its large and small squares and historic bridges.
• Optional: Dinner at a local family’s home in a village near Sibiu, featuring a Romanian folklore program (EUR 45 / pax).

Overnight in Sibiu, ex. Hotel Ramada 4* or similar.

Included Cities: Sighisoara, Prejmer, Brasov, Predeal

• After breakfast, a transfer to Sighisoara introduces you to its medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Prejmer to explore its fortified church, another UNESCO site. Proceed to Brasov for a city tour, including the Black Church and Council Square. The day concludes with a transfer to Predeal.

Overnight in Predeal, ex. Hotel Rozmarin 4* or similar.

Included Cities: Sinaia, Bran, Predeal

• Journey to Sinaia to visit the exquisite Peles Castle, followed by the Sinaia Monastery. Optional: A cable car ride to the Bucegi Mountains to see the Sphinx (EUR 50 / pax). Next, head to Bran to visit the legendary Dracula’s Castle. Return to Predeal for overnight.

Overnight in Predeal, ex. Hotel Rozmarin 4* or similar.

Included Cities: Bucharest

Transfer back to Bucharest for some free time, exploring its vibrant streets and hidden gems. In the evening, prepare for your departure at Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) Airport, filled with memories of a journey through time and culture across the Balkans and Romania.