12-Day Bulgaria & Romania Explorer: Sofia, Belgrade & Transylvania

DAY 1 | Sunday – Depart for Bulgaria

Start your unforgettable journey through Eastern Europe. Depart for Bulgaria, a land of rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.

DAY 2 | Monday – Arrive in Sofia

Arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria’s historic capital. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Sofia | Meals: Dinner

DAY 3 | Tuesday – Sofia City Tour & Optional Rila Monastery

Discover Sofia’s fascinating history:

• National Museum of History, showcasing artifacts from 8,000 years of Bulgarian civilization, including Thracian gold and silver treasures

• St. Sofia Church and the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its striking golden domes

Stroll the city streets at your own pace or join the optional Rila Monastery tour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bulgaria’s most famous monastery.

Overnight: Sofia | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 | Wednesday – Nis & Travel to Belgrade

Cross the border into Serbia and arrive in Nis, a key historic crossroad between Central Europe and the Middle East. Highlights include:

• Orientation tour of Nis, featuring historic landmarks and local culture

• Visit the 18th-century Turkish Fort, now a lively hub with shops and cafes

Continue to Belgrade, Serbia’s dynamic capital, and enjoy dinner in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, accompanied by live music.

Overnight: Belgrade | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5 | Thursday – Belgrade City Tour

Experience Belgrade’s history and charm:

• Kalemegdan Fortress, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, with a history spanning the 1st–18th centuries

• Republic Square and pedestrian Knez Mihajlova Street

• Visit Saint Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world

Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by afternoon free to explore Belgrade at your leisure.

Overnight: Belgrade | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6 | Friday – Novi Sad & Travel to Timisoara

Drive along the Danube to Novi Sad, a blend of Serbian culture and Austro-Hungarian architecture:

• Petrovaradin Citadel, the “Gibraltar of the Danube,” with panoramic views

• Walking tour through Novi Sad’s charming streets

Continue to Timisoara, Romania, a city renowned for its beautiful gardens and vibrant cultural scene. Check into the hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Timisoara | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7 | Saturday – Timisoara Walking Tour, Hunedoara Castle, Travel to Sibiu

Explore Timisoara’s historic streets:

• Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture

• The 14th-century Hunaidy Castle

Drive to Transylvania, stopping at Hunedoara Castle, the legendary 14th-century fortress of Matthias Corvinus, the “Raven King.” Continue to Sibiu, a cultural hub of music and arts festivals, and check into your hotel.

Overnight: Sibiu | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8 | Sunday – Sibiu & Sighisoara, Travel to Brasov

Guided walking tour of Sibiu:

• Great Square, Little Square, and Evangelical Cathedral

• Bridge of Lies, Romania’s first forged iron bridge

Continue to Sighisoara, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns:

• Explore cobblestone streets and 16th-century gingerbread houses

• Visit the famous Clock Tower Museum

Drive south to Brasov, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Brasov | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9 | Monday – Bran Castle & Brasov City Tour

Visit the legendary Bran Castle, known as “Dracula’s Castle”:

• Explore towers, turrets, and the museum showcasing Queen Marie’s art and furniture collection

• Return to Brasov for a walking tour of Town Hall Square and the iconic Black Church, Romania’s largest Gothic church

Overnight: Brasov | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10 | Tuesday – Peles Castle & Sinaia Monastery, Travel to Bucharest

Drive to Sinaia:

• Visit Peles Castle, former summer residence of Romania’s royal family, showcasing German Neo-Renaissance architecture

• Explore the 17th-century Sinaia Monastery, inspired by Mount Sinai

Continue to Bucharest, Romania’s capital, for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Bucharest | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11 | Wednesday – Bucharest City Tour

Tour Bucharest’s historic and cultural highlights:

• Replica of the Arc de Triomphe and Parliament Palace, the world’s second-largest building

• Romanian Athenaeum, Opera House, National Military Club, and Military Academy

• Explore the Village Museum, an open-air ethnographic museum

Afternoon free for personal exploration, followed by farewell dinner with your Tour Manager.

Overnight: Bucharest | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12 | Thursday – Depart Romania

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your immersive Bulgaria & Romania journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Highlights

• Discover Sofia’s National Museum of History and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

• Explore Nis, a historic city bridging Europe and the Middle East

• Experience Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress and bohemian Skadarlija Quarter

• Walk across Novi Sad and Timisoara’s cultural streets

• Explore medieval Sibiu and Sighisoara

• Visit Bran Castle (“Dracula’s Castle”) and romantic Peles Castle

• Tour Bucharest’s Parliament Palace and Village Museum

Package Includes

• Small-group tours with max 22 travelers

• Round-trip flights: New York–Sofia / Bucharest–New York (other cities available)

• 10 nights First Class accommodations: 2 Sofia, 2 Belgrade, 1 Timisoara, 1 Sibiu, 2 Brasov, 2 Bucharest

• 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

• Hotel taxes, fees & porterage

• Transfers with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†

• Guided sightseeing in modern air-conditioned motor coaches

• Services of English-speaking Tour Manager and local guides

• Entrance fees per itinerary, plus wireless earphones for enhanced touring

Not Included

• Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified)