Best of Bulgaria and Romania

The morning offers a tranquil escape to the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site tucked away in the Rila Mountains. As you enter this spiritual haven, the vibrant frescoes and ancient icons reveal stories of Bulgaria’s faith and resilience. The mountains surround the monastery, evoking a sense of timelessness. After immersing yourself in the serenity, head back to Sofia in the afternoon, where you will also visit the Boyana church (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

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

Today, leave the busy streets of Sofia and journey into the heart of Bulgaria’s history. First stop: the charming village of Koprivshtitsa, a place where time seems to have stood still. Stroll through its cobblestone lanes, past 19th-century houses, each filled with stories of Bulgaria’s revolutionary past. By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Plovdiv, where your guide will take you through the winding streets of its Old Town. Renaissance homes, Roman ruins, and an artistic vibe fill the air, making Plovdiv a delightful blend of history and culture.

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

This day offers a deep dive into Bulgaria’s ancient and medieval past. Departing from Plovdiv, your journey leads you to the Valley of Roses and the Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak, where ancient murals whisper the tales of a long-lost civilization. The scenic Shipka Pass takes you across the Balkan Mountains, where the memories of Bulgaria’s struggle for liberation are etched into the landscape. Before you arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital, your final stop is the charming Etara Ethnographic Complex, a collection of traditional houses and craft workshops.

In Veliko Tarnovo, you start your day by wandering through the winding streets of the Old Town, discovering artisan workshops where traditional crafts thrive. Next, climb to Tsarevets Fortress, which stands proudly on a hilltop offering panoramic views that recount the tales of royal Bulgarian dynasties. A short drive will take you to the village of Arbanassi, a treasure trove of Ottoman-era architecture and charming 17th-century merchant houses. Afterward, you cross into Romania and arrive in the vibrant capital of Bucharest by late afternoon. Enjoy a panoramic city tour upon arrival.

This is the day Transylvania unveils some of its mysteries. First, visit the hauntingly beautiful Curtea de Argeș Cathedral, where legends intertwine with history. The twisting spires seem to defy gravity. Your next stop is Poenari Castle (photo stop), once the stronghold of Vlad the Impaler, dramatically perched on a cliff. Then, the famous Transfăgărășan Road winds through the Carpathians, offering spectacular views that feel like they came straight out of a fairytale. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Sibiu, where medieval streets and imposing Saxon walls beckon your exploration.

Step further back into history as you journey to Biertan, home to one of Transylvania’s most remarkable fortified churches built to protect villagers from invaders. Then explore Sighişoara, a vibrant medieval citadel with cobblestone streets and centuries-old towers. You’ll walk through the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the infamous figure behind the Dracula legend, and ascend to the Church on the Hill for stunning views. In the afternoon, drive to Alba Iulia, a city rich in Roman and Habsburg history, where the grand fortress dominates the skyline.

Today, venture deep underground to the Turda Salt Mines, a surreal world where striking lights illuminate massive chambers. Then, stop in Cluj Napoca, a vibrant university city where history blends with youthful energy. The final destination is Breb, a village in the remote Maramureş region. Along the way, explore the Şurdeşti wooden church (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

In Breb, you’ll experience life as it has been lived for centuries. Surrounded by wooden churches and intricately carved gates, you’ll enjoy a home-cooked dinner, savoring the flavors of this untouched corner of Romania.

Immerse yourself in the traditions of Maramureș, where the medieval way of life remains vibrant. Visit a local market filled with handmade crafts and taste the region’s famous plum brandy. A stop at the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța reveals a humorous side to death, featuring colorful tombstones and witty epitaphs. The day continues with a trip to the towering wooden church in Peri, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, and an exploration of the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. By evening, return to Breb, where the warmth of village life surrounds you.

Travel through the Eastern Carpathians to the picturesque region of Bucovina, famous for its exquisite painted monasteries. Your journey begins at Bârsana Monastery, a tranquil retreat set in nature. As you arrive in Bucovina, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant frescoes that adorn the walls of Moldovița and Sucevița Monasteries, each depicting ancient stories of faith and history. It’s a day of spiritual exploration, concluding in the charming town of Gura Humorului, where you’ll rest amidst Bucovina’s natural beauty.

Start your day with a visit to two of Romania’s most celebrated painted monasteries, Voroneț and Humor, each a masterpiece of medieval art. Voroneț’s blue frescoes are particularly famous, featuring intricate details that captivate all who come to see them. Afterward, journey through the dramatic Bicaz Gorges, where towering cliffs and winding roads provide some of the most breathtaking views in Romania. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Brașov, a Transylvanian gem with its medieval charm still preserved.

Your final full day is one filled with legendary castles. Start by visiting Bran Castle, perched high on a rocky hill and forever linked to the Dracula legend. Next, travel to Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of Romania’s royal family, where each room sparkles with luxurious details and stunning woodwork. As you navigate through the Carpathians, the day concludes with a visit to the Sinaia Monastery before returning to Bucharest for one last night in Romania’s vibrant capital.