Best of Bulgaria & Romania in 11 Days

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Sofia

   A city of gorgeous architecture, rich history, and a vibrant contemporary cultural life, Sofia is a gem. The historical center is nicely compact, so everything is within walking distance, giving this cosmopolitan city a quaint feel. It’s the perfect walking city, where you can enjoy stunning tourist attractions and also make your own itinerary, reveling in the lovely restaurants and cafes, and hidden surprises around every corner, including Roman and Byzantine ruins. The restaurants in Sofia are particularly impressive, with a mix of hearty traditional fare and creative twists on modern European cuisine. But there’s much more to do here than eat. Taking a tour with a local guide will help you get acquainted with all the city has to offer. When you’re ready to go a little farther afield, a day trip to one of Bulgaria's UNESCO sites is definitely worthwhile. Bulgaria’s past will come alive for you in these incredible destinations, which are popular with tourists and yet still feel very authentic. These short day trips will also give you a chance to explore the majestic landscape of Bulgaria as you leave the big city for more historic sites. Combining an alluring history with impressive architecture and world-class gastronomy, Sofia is a perfect destination for a fun, indulgent vacation.

   After your flight arrives at Sofia Airport, we will have someone meet you at the airport and bring you to your centrally located Sofia accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes.

   

   Stroll the Streets

   Get a feel for Sofia's spirit and vibes by walking from the NDK subway station down Vitosha Boulevard towards the Palace of Justice and Saint Kyriaki Cathedral. On your way, have a quick stop on this pedestrian boulevard to enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of its numerous bars and outdoor terraces. From St. Kyriaki, head down Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard towards Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the world's largest and most impressive orthodox cathedrals in the world. On your way, you'll pass several landmarks, including the National Art Gallery, Sofia Synagogue, and Opera House. After taking some nice photos of the cathedral, you can head to the nearby Sense Hotel Rooftop Restaurant for dinner and a panoramic view over Sofia.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Sofia

   

   See Sofia on a Private Walking Tour

   Admire the National Library, Sofia University, Parliament, the St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theater, St. Sofia Church, and Sofia's oldest building, the St. George Rotunda and other architectural gems. You will learn the history behind the sites but also some overall insights about Sofia’s rich culture. 

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Rila and Boyana Private Day Tour (UNESCO Heritage)

   In this private tour you will discover two of the most famous Bulgarian monasteries and understand their importance for local and world culture. Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century, is the most-visited UNESCO site in Bulgaria and an absolute must see. The arched balconies, unique frescoes, and the fabulous mountain views make this place truly special. Next stop is Boyana Church, which frescoes brought epochal changes to the mural painting style and are considered predecessors of the European Renaissance. 

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 6-7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Traveling to Plovdiv by Private Transfer / Arrival in Plovdiv

   

   A driver will pick you up from your accommodations this morning and drive you southwest to the country’s second largest city, Plovdiv. Plovdiv has a very rich history; it is one of the oldest European towns, contemporary to Troy and Mycenae. In the historic quarter of the city you will see beautifully decorated period houses, the ancient fortress wall, the Roman theater, the forum, the stadium and magnificent churches. Plovdiv's Old Town, with its museums, historical sites, and famous houses, is perfect for sightseeing and helped the city earn the title of European Capital of Culture for 2019.

   This is a non-guided transfer and the drive should take about 2 hours.
   

   Plovdiv is a city that will charm you right away. The atmosphere here is laidback and the locals are welcoming. From the incredible architecture of the Old Town to the upbeat modern promenade with its hip cafes, bars and restaurants, there’s a mix of old and new here that will appeal to travellers of all ages and interests. Be sure to check out the local cultural calendar, as there is a rich cultural calendar including delightful concerts at the outdoor amphitheater. If you have an interests in the arts you won’t be disappointed, as Plovdiv also has numerous museums and art galleries that are always offering interesting exhibitions. To really soak up the city’s charm, you’ll want to take a walking tour with a local guide who can show you all of Plovdiv’s secrets. Besides the urban architecture, you’ll want to hike up one of the numerous paths that lead out of the city to impressive vantage points. There are also several day trips within a short drive of the city which will give you the chance to explore the countryside and some of the historical sites that are slightly farther afield. You’ll really enjoy exploring this unique destination, with its impressively eclectic local culture.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodations in the center of Plovdiv.

   

   Dive into Plovdiv

   Plovdiv has a very rich history, and the best way to see it is on a private walking tour. Let a guide take you through the Kapana historic quarter, where you'll see beautifully decorated 19th century Bulgarian Revival houses, an ancient fortress wall, Roman Amphitheater, forum, stadium, and magnificent churches and mosques. Your guide will regale you with stories from the past, and this vibrant city will come alive for you in a whole new way.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Walk Around Kapana Art District and Taste Some Traditional Bulgarian Dishes

   For your first night in Plovdiv, you should definitely go for a short walk in the lower part of Old Town, specifically in the “Kapana” district, meaning “The Trap”. Originally a crafts district some centuries ago, it was nicknamed “the trap” due to its labyrinth-like streets. In recent years, the neighborhood was fully restored and turned into the art center of Plovdiv, dedicated to creative industries. Nowadays, “the trap” means that once you get in, you won’t wish to leave. Walking around, you can admire historical monuments like the ancient Roman Stadium or Dzhumaya Mosque and stop for drinks at one of the numerous cafes & bars. For dinner, we recommend “Pavaj”, the best restaurant in town when it comes to traditional Bulgarian cuisine. For a mix of traditional and modern fusion cuisine, go with Smokini, another excellent choice. 

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Bucharest by Private Transfer / Arrival in Bucharest

   

   You’ll leave Plovdiv this morning to make the drive to Bucharest. On your way to Bucharest, you will stop in Veliko Tarnovo where you will have 2 hours to have lunch and explore the charming town on your own. The journey, including a 2 hour stop in Veliko Tarnovo, takes about 8 hours. This is a non-guided transfer. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon, or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee. Also, please note on the border between Romania and Bulgaria there's passport control. This process might be longer depending on the traffic. 

   The capital of Romania, Bucharest is a truly intriguing city where modern sophistication meets a rich and varied history. The business center of the city definitely has a cosmopolitan feel, but farther afield Bucharest still feels a little rough around the edges. The restored Old Town with its resplendent buildings is simply magnificent, as is Nicolae Ceausescu’s Palace of Parliament. One of the world's largest buildings (and with all its marble, certainly the heaviest), we highly recommend a tour of its gilded interior. This "Paris of the East" also has some amazing cafes and delicious restaurants, especially near Lipscani Street. The city is no stranger to culture either, with numerous galleries, antique shops and concert halls. The most stunning landmarks are along Calea Victoriei, but you can see something impressive on just about every corner. After discovering the incredible variety of neighborhoods and architectural styles in the city, you might want to enjoy one of its cultural festivals, or take off for a unique day trip. If you’re ready for a full day, a trip to Transylvania including Peles Castle and Dracula’s Castle, will certainly be a memorable excursion, and very Romanian. We can also arrange for a private guide to show you around the city and the notable surroundings.

   Welcome to Bucharest! Our driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Dine and Drink on Your First Night

   For your first night, it’s best to start with a short walk in the Old Town area to see a glimpse of how Bucharest looked and felt at its zenith, specifically during the 19th century when it was nicknamed the “Paris of the East”. Seek out a traditional dinner at one of the city’s historical Old Town restaurants: Manuc Inn, Hanul Berarilor or Caru cu Bere. Make sure you don’t miss the bean soup in a bread bowl, cabbage rolls, or pork stew. Save some room for dessert: the best option is Papanasi, a pastry shaped like a doughnut with a small sphere on top, filled with soft cheese, and covered in sour cream and sour jam. After dinner, you should definitely enjoy a glass of Romanian wine at one of the many rooftop bars located in the Old Town: Linea Closer to the Moon, Nomad SkyBar, or Pura Vida SkyBar. You’re in a Latin country, so get out there and enjoy the cheerful and happy vibe!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Bucharest

   

   The Little Paris

   Bucharest is an eclectic city, a place of business, parties, arts, and contrasts. Nearly half a century of communist rule dramatically changed some aspects of the city, but traces of the old bohemian times can still be found. Discover the highlights of Bucharest on an amazing half-day guided tour, and marvel at the monuments of the historic city center. Some highlights of the tour include: the Romanian Athenaeum, Revolution Square, Old City with its beautiful 19th century buildings, and the Old Court from the times of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. The tour will end with a visit inside the monumental Palace of Parliament, one of the world's largest buildings (and certainly the heaviest).
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Taste Romania’s Food and Wine with an Expert

   Discover Romania’s super-tasty cuisine with one of our expert tour guides. You can take a slow walk through central Bucharest's boulevards and charming side streets to enjoy traditional food, pastries, and desserts while learning the stories behind them. If you prefer a more leisurely tour, you can join the Traditions in Bucharest tour, where you’ll have the chance to taste several types of traditional wines along with a cheese platter after a tour at the outdoor Village Museum.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

6. Day 6 Traveling to Brasov by Private Car / Arrival in Brasov

   

   A driver-guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Bucharest this morning and drive you to Brasov, the gateway to Transylvania. Without stops, the drive should take about 3 hours but close to Brasov, you'll stop at Peles Royal Castle where you will have a guided tour inside. The transfer with a stop at Peles takes about 6 hours. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon, or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Brasov is a city of true medieval beauty, at the edge of which is the natural wonder of the Carpathian Mountains. This combination gives the place a truly unique feel, as history and the natural world come together here with astounding brilliance. The home of Romania’s largest Gothic church and the narrowest street in Europe, there is plenty here to enrich your visit. You can even take a gondola ride high above the city for new points of view. And, Brasov’s location makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Romania’s most magnificent castles. You’ll definitely want to spend a few days exploring the city, which offers everything from incredible architecture to excellent dining, a rich cultural program and fun outdoor activities. Day and night you’ll find something fun to do here, from the depths of the narrow Rope Street to the heights of Mount Tampa. Wine lovers will really enjoy a trip to the Rhein wine cellar just outside of Brasov. Here you can learn more about the local wine and of course taste it too. Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, some of Romania’s most impressive castles, are all within distance for a perfect day trip. History, culture, architecture, the great outdoors: Brasov brings all of Romania’s greatest gifts together in one place.

   Welcome to Brasov! After the drive, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Brasov from Above

   Every visit to Brasov should include a cable car ride to Mt. Tampa, where superb views are just waiting to impress you. From your first moments in Brasov, you’re likely to notice the Hollywood-like “BRASOV” sign high above the city on Tampa Mountain. You can take the cable car or enjoy an hour-long hike to the top. The walk is not challenging, but there are enough rocks underfoot along the way to warrant wearing comfortable shoes. Just next to the big letters, there’s a platform from where you can have the best panoramic view of the city. From here, you’ll fall in love with Brasov. 

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Brasov

   

   Brasov and Bran Castle Private Walking Tour

   Enjoy a guided walking tour in Brasov while learning some general facts about the town itself and the Transylvania region. Start from Council Square, visit the Black Church, the largest Lutheran church in Southeastern Europe and then continue down on the narrowest street in Europe, called Rope Street. Next, there’s just a 30 minute drive to the famous Bran Castle – a place where the legend of Vlad Impaler meets the fiction of count Dracula. 

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 5-6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Taste the Local Wines

   Romania has a lot to offer in terms of gastronomy. We recommend a private trip to the winery in Azuga to taste some of the finest sparkling wines in Romania.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

8. Day 8 Traveling to Sibiu by Private Car / Arrival in Sibiu

   

   A private driver will pick you up from your accommodations to drive you across Transylvania to the idyllic city of Sibiu. Along the way you will stop in one of the gems of Transylvania, Sighisoara, which is the birthplace of Dracula, where you will have 2 hours to explore the town on your own or to have lunch. The journey takes about 6 hours with a stop at Sighisoara. We can arrange a guided tour in Sighisoara for an extra fee.

   Did you know that Sibiu is a 3* Michelin travel destination? Did you know that it was a European Capital of Culture in 2007 and the European Region of Gastronomy in 2019? We invite you to join us and discover an amazing town with so many stories! Walking through Sibiu is like walking through a fairytale, or perhaps a medieval movie set. From the 16th century Bridge of Lies to the 15th century towers, you’ll find something romantically ancient at every turn. But that doesn’t mean the city is frozen in time, there’s also a rich cultural life here to match the incredible architecture. You’ll have a fantastic time watching history come alive in Sibiu, even as you experience its more contemporary charms. This is a city of firsts: where the first book in Romanian was printed, where Romania’s first hospital and pharmacy were opened, and also where the country’s oldest museum is housed, the Brukenthal Art museum. You’ll be charmed by this mix of old and new. You’ll certainly want to meet with our local guide, who can give you a closer look at all the most amazing sites in the city, including the main square, one of the best-preserved in Transylvania. But you won’t be limited to staying within city limits, as there are several interesting day trips to take in the surrounding region. The Jidvei Vineyard in the nearby Tarnave Valley is the perfect place to enjoy a tasting of some of excellent Romanian wines and snacks. Calnic, Sebes and Alba Iulia Citadel are also nearby sites that are certainly worth visiting, and will show you a different side of this enchanting region.

   Welcome to Sibiu! After the drive, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Sibiu

   

   Sibiu Private Walking & Corvin Castle Tour

   Take a walking tour in Sibiu, a multicultural gem of Romania and a place where for 800 hundred years Romanians, Hungarians and Saxons lived together. The highly preserved and restored Old Town looks like medieval Vienna but with unique Latin and Magyar influences. For the second part of the tour your guide will drive you to Corvin – the castle of the Ravens. This 16th century giant is the most beautiful medieval castle in Romania and was listed by the Germans in top 10 castles of Europe. 

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8-9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Discover Sibiu's Top-Notch Museums

   Sibiu is synonymous with culture. Lots of it. Founded over 800 years ago, Sibiu was an important medieval trade center, where Romanians, Hungarians, and Saxons lived together. This multicultural diversity amplified the city’s artistic and cultural movements and brought many achievements, including EU titles such as the "European Capital of Culture." With such a fabulous background, it’s no wonder Sibiu’s museums are a treat. 

   For example, Brukenthal is the oldest museum in Southeastern Europe. Winner of numerous awards, it’s unique for telling the incredible story of the Transylvanian Saxons, Germans who settled in Transylvania during the Middle Ages, building the area's main cities, living alongside Romanians, and governed by Magyars (Hungarians). The museum also displays Romanian and European art, history and natural history. Another fantastic choice is the ASTRA National Museum: the perfect collection of everything Romanian, from language and folklore, to literature and architecture. Founded in 1907, its collections expanded and also included Saxon ethnography. Of its four branches, you must absolutely visit the Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization, one of Europe's largest open-air museums.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Traveling to Bucharest by Private Car / Arrival in Bucharest

    

    Today you're headed back to the capital, Bucharest. A private driver will pick you up from your accommodations in the morning. There are two distinct routes to Bucharest and as you are traveling between July and October you should absolutely take the longer route (providing you don't suffer from motion sickness!), the twisting and turning Transfagarasan or Ceausescu's Folly. Leave early and make a day of it, for along the route there is a must-see stop: the Balea Glacial Lake, an ideal place to stop for a bite at the chalet overlooking the late and mountains and affording the best views of the winding Transfagarasan road from above. The drive takes about 8 hours.

    The capital of Romania, Bucharest is a truly intriguing city where modern sophistication meets a rich and varied history. The business center of the city definitely has a cosmopolitan feel, but farther afield Bucharest still feels a little rough around the edges. The restored Old Town with its resplendent buildings is simply magnificent, as is Nicolae Ceausescu’s Palace of Parliament. One of the world's largest buildings (and with all its marble, certainly the heaviest), we highly recommend a tour of its gilded interior. This "Paris of the East" also has some amazing cafes and delicious restaurants, especially near Lipscani Street. The city is no stranger to culture either, with numerous galleries, antique shops and concert halls. The most stunning landmarks are along Calea Victoriei, but you can see something impressive on just about every corner. After discovering the incredible variety of neighborhoods and architectural styles in the city, you might want to enjoy one of its cultural festivals, or take off for a unique day trip. If you’re ready for a full day, a trip to Transylvania including Peles Castle and Dracula’s Castle, will certainly be a memorable excursion, and very Romanian. We can also arrange for a private guide to show you around the city and the notable surroundings.

    To allow for any potential delays and to make sure you are at the airport in time for your flight, avoiding the likely traffic you could experience on the road from Bucharest's city center to the airport, we will arrange accommodation at a 4-star hotel close to the airport for your last night in Romania. Your driver will take you directly to the hotel.

11. Day 11 Departure Day

    The airport hotel you will be staying in provides a free shuttle at a preset time. The clerk at reception will advise you on the schedule.