Bulgaria And Romania Revealed

Today, escape into the serenity of Bulgaria’s majestic Rila Mountains to visit Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its vibrant frescoes and rich spiritual history, this sacred place has stood as a beacon of Bulgarian culture for centuries. Wander through its peaceful courtyards, where the tranquil surroundings invite reflection. In the afternoon, return to Sofia, where you’ll have time to explore the city at your own pace, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Bid Sofia farewell and journey to the artistic haven of Plovdiv. On the way, stop in Koprivshtitsa, a quaint village of colorful 19th-century homes where every corner whispers tales of Bulgaria’s revolutionary past. Continue through scenic countryside to Starosel, where you’ll explore the largest Thracian royal tomb ever discovered in Bulgaria. This ancient site offers a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of the Thracian civilization. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Plovdiv, where art, history, and bohemian charm await.

Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, is a tapestry of ancient history and modern vibrancy. Begin your day with a visit to the Roman amphitheater, a grand relic from the city’s time as a Roman stronghold. The Ethnographical Museum offers a window into Bulgaria’s folk traditions, housed in a charming 19th-century home. In the afternoon, venture to Asenova Fortress, dramatically perched atop a rocky cliff, before exploring the peaceful Bachkovo Monastery, known for its stunning frescoes and spiritual atmosphere.

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

Today, head to the Valley of Roses, home to the ancient Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak. The murals within, dating back to the Hellenistic period, offer a glimpse into Thracian rituals. Then, travel to the Black Sea and arrive in the charming coastal town of Nessebar. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, lined with ancient churches and quaint restaurants, the salty sea breeze fills the air, and the historic town feels like a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Leave Varna behind as you journey toward Veliko Tarnovo, with a stop to admire the mysterious Madara Horseman, an ancient rock carving steeped in legend. Arriving in Veliko Tarnovo, you’ll explore this medieval city’s charming old town and towering Tsarevets Fortress, perched high on a hill. Once the capital of the Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo’s history and culture are woven into its streets, offering a captivating glimpse into the past.

In the morning, take a short drive to the nearby village of Arbanassi and wander through beautifully preserved 17th-century houses and churches, reflecting the life of wealthy merchants under Ottoman rule.

In the afternoon, drive north, bound for the Romanian border and Bucharest. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour of the Romanian capital.

With a population of just over 2 million, Bucharest is the largest city between Berlin and Athens. Nicknamed “the little Paris” after World War I, Bucharest today is a city of immense contrasts. Traces of bohemian times can still be found, especially in the French residential architecture and surviving churches scattered throughout the capital.

Today, venture deep into Transylvania, a land of legend and myth. Stop at Curtea de Arges Cathedral, an architectural wonder, and continue for photos of the Poienari Fortress, perched high above the valley and linked to Vlad the Impaler. Then, take in the stunning views as you traverse the Transfagarasan Road*, a breathtaking mountain pass often called the world’s best road. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Sibiu, a city rich with Saxon history and medieval charm.

*Please note the Transfagarasan Road is open only between June and September. If your tour takes place outside this period, you will travel on the road going along the Olt River valley

Your day begins with a visit to Corvin Castle, a gothic fortress steeped in history and legend. Here, Vlad the Impaler was once imprisoned, and the castle’s dark towers seem to hold the echoes of the past. Next, visit Densuș Church, believed to be Romania’s oldest, before returning to Sibiu for an afternoon exploring its medieval streets, fortified walls, and lively squares, each corner revealing another layer of the city’s fascinating history.

Today’s journey takes you to the heart of Romania’s Maramures region. First, stop at Turda Salt Mines, an underground marvel with soaring chambers and echoing halls. Then, explore Cluj Napoca, a vibrant university town brimming with youthful energy. As you head north, stop to explore the Şurdești wooden church (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The landscape changes, and you arrive in Breb, a village where life follows ancient rhythms. Here, enjoy a homemade dinner and experience the warmth of rural Romanian hospitality.

Spend a full day immersing yourself in the traditions of Maramures. Visit a local market with vibrant crafts and stop by a plum brandy distillery to taste the region’s beloved spirit. At the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, brightly painted crosses tell the stories of the departed with humor and honesty. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial to the Victims of Communism and end the day with a visit to Peri, home to the world’s tallest wooden church, a striking testament to the region’s craftsmanship.

As you leave Maramures behind, the road takes you into the serene region of Bucovina. Along the way, visit Barsana Monastery, a wooden architectural gem set in a peaceful valley, and the Ieud wooden church (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The painted monasteries of Bucovina, with their vibrant frescoes, await you. Each monastery is a canvas of history and faith, telling stories of saints, battles, and miracles through their colorful, centuries-old murals.

Today is a journey through art and spirituality as you explore Bucovina’s famous painted monasteries. Begin with the vivid reds of Humor Monastery and the iconic “Voronet blue” at Voroneț Monastery, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the East.” Later, visit Moldovița and Sucevița monasteries, each a masterpiece in its own right, before stopping at a local artist’s museum to learn the delicate art of egg painting, a cherished tradition in Bucovina.

Today, travel through the dramatic Bicaz Gorges, where towering cliffs and winding roads create a breathtaking landscape. Stop at the Nicolae Popa Ethnographic Museum, where Romanian folklore comes to life in the artist’s vivid sculptures and collections. In the afternoon, visit a Roma family, where you’ll gain a rare insight into this often misunderstood community's life, traditions, and stories, all while sharing a glass of homemade brandy.

Begin the day in the enchanting citadel of Sighisoara, one of Europe’s last remaining inhabited medieval towns. Climb the winding streets to the Clock Tower and visit the Church on the Hill, offering panoramic views of the town below. This is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, where history and legend intertwine. In the afternoon, visit Biertan’s fortified church, a stunning example of Transylvania’s Saxon heritage, towering walls, and Gothic architecture.

The village of Viscri welcomes you with its colorful old houses and timeless charm. Visit the 12th-century fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and meet local craftspeople who carry on centuries-old traditions. In the afternoon, journey to Bran Castle, perched on a hilltop and shrouded in Dracula legend. The day ends in the lively town of Brasov, where the Gothic Black Church and charming old town await exploration.