Discover Bulgaria and Romania
Bulgaria: Sofia, the capital city; historic Plovdiv; Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital. Then, Romania: Bucharest, the “Little Paris”; city of Sibiu; Sighisoara, home of Vlad Tepes
| Style | Value Vacation Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout | ||
| Departures | Group Size | 25 travelers max | |
| Themes | History & Culture, Bucket List, City Stays | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
From the complex history and rugged terrain to the diverse heritage and medieval atmosphere, Bulgaria and Romania are two emerging Eastern European destinations welcoming culture-minded, curious travelers. Explore the numerous churches, fortresses, monasteries and other landmarks that reflect over 2,000 years of history in Bulgaria's eclectic capital, Sofia. Stand in awe upon the Rila Monastery, admiring the radiant fresco paintings created by the most famous Bulgarian artists before discovering the 1st century Roman Amphitheater in Plovdiv, considered one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theaters. Then, dive into the legend of Dracula and explore the mysterious Transylvanian towns and ancient sites. Wander the tree-lined boulevards of Bucharest, Romania's capital city once known as the “Little Paris”. Visit the lovely medieval town of Sibiu, Vlad Tepes's hometown of Sighisoara, whose walled and well-preserved old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Painted Monasteries of the Bucovina region, where the beautiful walls depict bible stories and are masterpieces of Byzantine art, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wrap up your incredible trip at the infamous 14th century Bran Castle, also known as "Count Dracula's Castle".
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 11 nights accommodations in first class hotels
- 16 Meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 dinners (including welcome and farewell dinner)
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking Tour Director and local guides
Why you'll love it
- Appreciate the highlights of Bulgaria's capital city, Sofia, including the Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
- Visit the Rila Monastery, one of the most famous places in Bulgaria founded in the middle of the 10th century.
- Surround yourself with millenary history found among the ruins of the Roman, Ottoman, and Bulgarian Renaissance at Plovdiv.
- Witness Tsarevets fortress, once home to the kings of Bulgaria.
- Walk along Samovodska Charshia, the oldest street in Veliko Tarnovo.
- Embrace the rich history of the village of Arbanasi.
- Explore Bucharest, known as the "Little Paris", and visit the Palace of Parliament and the Revolution Square.
- Tour the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary, where the son of Vlad the Impaler was assassinated.
- Take in the medieval atmosphere in Sighisoara, home of the famous Wallachian prince, Vlad Tepes, who inspired the legend of Dracula.
- See the Bucovina region's monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important legacies of Byzantine art in the world.
- Marvel at Dracula's Castle in Bran, its most famous castle.
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart the United States on your overnight flight to Sofia, Bulgaria
Day 2 Arrive Sofia
- Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
- Welcome dinner in a local restaurant
Hotel Anel, Sofia Palace Hotel or similarDinner
Day 3 Sofia
- Tour of Sofia
- Scenic drive to the Rila Mountains to visit the Rila Monastery
Hotel Anel, Sofia Palace Hotel or similarBreakfast
Day 4 Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo
- Enjoy a walking tour of Plovdiv
- Travel through the Balkan Mountains and scenic Shipka Pass
Yantra Grand Hotel, Meridian Hotel Bolyarski or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 5 Veliko Tarnovo
- Take a scenic panoramic tour of Veliko Tarnovo
- Journey to the village of Arbanasi
Yantra Grand Hotel, Meridian Hotel Bolyarski or similarBreakfast
Day 6 Ruse and Bucharest
- Visit the city of Ruse, the "Pearl of the Danube"
- Travel to Romania
Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest or similarBreakfast
Day 7 Bucharest
- City tour of Bucharest
- Guided tour of Palace of Parliament and the National Village Museum
Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest or similarBreakfast
Day 8 Curtea de Arges and Sibiu
- Visit the Cozia Monastery in Curtea de Arges
- Cross Transylvanian Alps through the scenic Otl River Valley
- Explore Sibiu on a walking tour
Golden Tulip Ana Tower Sibiu or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 9 Sighisoara, Red Lake to Piatra Neamt
- Travel across the Bicaz gorge
- Explore the medieval town of Sighisoara, hometown of Vlad Tepes "the Impaler" who inspired the legend of Dracula
- Visit the Clock Tower, home of the Musuem of History of the City
Central Plaza Hotel or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 10 Bucovina region
- Explore Sucevita Monastery, one of the Painted Monasteries of the Bucovina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit a traditional black pottery workshop in the town of Marginea
- Tour the Voronet Monastery, one of the Painted Monasteries of the Bucovina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Central Plaza Hotel or similarBreakfast
Day 12 Bran and Sinaia
- City tour of the medieval city of Brasov
- Explore Bran Castle, often thought of as Dracula's Castle
- Visit the city of Sinaia, known as “the Pearl of the Carpathians”
- Farewell dinner in Sinaia
Hotel Palace or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 13 Depart Sinaia/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport in Bucharest for your return flight
- Arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Bulgaria?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Romania?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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