Best of Bulgaria and Romania

Today’s excursion takes you into the Rila Mountains to visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most revered religious site and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Founded in the 10th century by Saint Ivan of Rila, the monastery impresses with its colorful frescoes, ornate wood carvings, and peaceful alpine setting.

You’ll also visit the monastery’s museum, which houses precious icons, manuscripts, and the renowned Rafail Cross—an extraordinary example of medieval craftsmanship.

Return to Sofia in the afternoon.

Overnight in  Sofia, Hotel Niky*** (centrally located)

Depart Sofia this morning and travel east toward Koprivshtitsa, a beautifully preserved mountain town closely linked to Bulgaria’s 19th-century National Revival. Stroll through its cobbled lanes and visit a few of its colorful houses, now turned into small museums that tell the stories of the revolutionaries and poets who shaped modern Bulgaria.

Continue south to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation walk in center.

Overnight in Plovdiv, Hotel Evmolpia*** (located in the Old Town)

Begin the day with a guided tour of Tsarevets Fortress, the stronghold of Bulgaria’s medieval kings. Walking along its stone ramparts and towers offers sweeping views and a vivid sense of the city’s glorious past.

Continue to Samovodene Street, where traditional workshops and small galleries keep Veliko Tarnovo’s artisan spirit alive—an ideal place to meet local craftsmen and see their work firsthand.

A short drive brings you to the nearby village of Arbanassi, famous for its beautifully preserved 17th-century architecture. Visit the Konstantsalieva House, once home to a wealthy merchant family, and the richly painted Nativity Church, a masterpiece of Bulgarian religious art.

In the afternoon, cross the Danube and reach Bucharest.

Today, you’ll journey to the medieval Transylvanian city of Sibiu. On the way, make a stop at the Cathedral of Curtea de Arges, an architectural wonder featuring cupolas that seem to lean and twist at impossible angles. Its construction in the early 1500s, marred by obstacles and delays, resulted in the legendary sacrifice of Ana, wife of the head architect; she is said to rest within the walls of the cathedral.

Next, drive north into the wild Carpathian Mountains to take photos of the 13th-century Poenari Castle, the famed stronghold of Vlad the Impaler. The impossibly high cliffs and strategic location provided him with the perfect vantage point for maintaining power and control. During an infamous siege by the Turks, Vlad’s wife, Jusztina of Moldavia, flung herself from the steep precipice to avoid being taken prisoner by her enemies.

On your voyage to Sibiu, you’ll drive on the renowned Transfagarasan Road. The route traverses the Carpathian Mountains at 2000 meters (6000 feet), and the views—miles of misty cliffs and hairpin turns—are spectacular. No wonder it’s considered by the BBC Top Gear team to be “the best road in the world.”

After your journey, arrive in the idyllic Saxon settlement of Sibiu. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of the medieval Old Town, the historic center of the most heavily protected of all Saxon cities. Visit the iron-cast Bridge of Lies, the extensive, labyrinthine fortifications, and the Passage of Stairs.

Today, drive toward Maramures, an area where local traditions and culture have scarcely altered over the centuries. On the way, visit Salina Turda, one of the oldest salt mines in the region. This vast, highly unusual underground landmark is characterized by stalactites, a subterranean lake, and enormous, illuminated machinery.

Your next stop is the city of Cluj-Napoca, a young, vivacious metropolitan center. One of Romania’s foremost universities is located here, making for a fun, energized street vibe. Join your guide for a stroll in the central area of the city.

After your tour, head north to see the famed wooden architecture and carved gates of Maramures, a region immediately surrounded by untamed wilderness and vast reserves of wildlife. Visit the towering 18th-century wooden church at Surdesti (UNESCO World Heritage Site), devoted to Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

Leave Maramures in the morning, headed for Bucovina. Along the way, discover the lovely monastic complex at Barsana and stop at the Ieud wooden church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the oldest of its kind in Romania. In the afternoon, start your descent into Bucovina. Your first stop will be the village of Ciocanesti. The locals take great pride in their beautiful houses, heavily ornate with floral and geometric motifs.

Overnight in Gura Humorului, Hotel Dukat**** (centrally located)

Morning brings a tour of Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle—the psychological link with the famous story is very strong). Wander through the medieval courtyard, gardens, and secret passageway.

The road to Sinaia brings you through unparalleled mountain scenery and endless, sweeping views of the wild Carpathians. Once in town, you’ll tour the 19th-century Peles Castle, the opulent residence of Carol I. The creators of its unbelievably ornate interior knew no budget or limit; every conceivable luxury known to the era was included and showcased. Nearby, you’ll visit the Sinaia Monastery, founded in 1695 and named after Mt. Sinai in Egypt.

Arrive in Bucharest in the late afternoon.