Day 1: Sofia
Welcome to Sofia! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll receive information about the start of your tour. At approximately 3:00 p.m., we’ll begin a city tour of Bulgaria’s capital and get to know famous sights such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city’s squares and avenues known for their Stalinist architecture. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your leisure.
Day 2: Sofia - Bachkovo - Plovdiv
In the morning, we’ll head to Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria’s second most significant monastery, established in the eleventh century. With its three churches, this monastery offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. We’ll then proceed to Plovdiv, where lunch is included before going on a tour of this city, one of the oldest in Europe. Our tour includes admission to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House.
Day 3: Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Shipka - Etar - Arbanasi - Veliko tarnovo
Today’s journey will take us through the stunning landscapes of the Balkan Mountains. In the Rose Valley, we’ll visit Kazanlak, where admission is included to see the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll also learn about the local production of rose-based products. Amidst the mountains, we’ll stop at the Shipka Memorial Church, a memorial to the Russo-Turkish War. We’ll then explore Etar, a charming village and ethnographic museum. After lunch (included), we’ll travel to Arbanasi, an ancient trading city known for its fortress-like houses, where we’ll visit the Nativity Church (admission included). Our day will end in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, renowned for its picturesque medieval center beside its canyon. Note: Occasionally, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on Sunday morning.
Day 4: Veliko tarnovo - Basarbovo - Bucharest
We’ll travel to Romania, stopping along the way to visit the Basarbovski Monastery, a pilgrimage site carved into the rock. We’ll then cross the border and the Danube, arriving in Bucharest around 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, we’ll take a panoramic tour of the city, exploring the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. You’ll have free time afterward to explore on your own. Dinner will be included.
Day 5: Bucharest - Sinaia - Bran - Sighisoara
Today’s journey offers stunning scenery as we travel to Transylvania, crossing the Carpathian Mountains and lush forests. In Sinaia, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor Castles. Our next stop will be the 14th-century Bran Fortress, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle (tickets included). After some time for lunch, we’ll continue to Sighisoara, a picturesque walled medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula’s restaurant, located in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.
Day 6: Sighisoara - Biertan - Sibiu - Hunedoara - Timisoara
In Transylvania, there are many fortified churches in areas that were historically inhabited by people of German origin. Some of these churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we’ll visit one in Biertan (tickets included). Afterward, we’ll head to Sibiu, an important economic and cultural center that once served as the capital of Transylvania. Here, we’ll have time to stroll through the lively narrow streets and squares and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the impressive Hunedoara Castle (tickets included), considered the most beautiful castle in Romania. We’ll then continue to Timisoara, where you’ll have time to explore the city´s elegant central squares.
Day 7: Timisoara - Belgrade
We’ll depart for Serbia, crossing the border and traveling for about 3 hours before reaching Belgrade. In this lively capital, situated at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava, we’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour and explore the bustling city center, see the parliament, and stroll through Kalemegdan Fortress. The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, where Tito´s Mausoleum is located. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Day 8: Belgrade - Fruska gora - Sremski karlovci - Novi sad
After breakfast, we’ll depart for Fruska Gora, a stunning natural park renowned for its landscapes and beautiful Orthodox monasteries, some of which date back to the 12th century. We’ll visit the Monasteries of Krusedol and Novo Hopovo, founded by the influential Brankovic family. We’ll continue to Sremski Karlovci, one of the oldest cities in the country, dating back to 1308 when it was known as Karom. Its beautifully preserved historic center features neoclassical architecture. We’ll visit the Museum of Beekeeping and Winery Živanović, where lunch and a wine tasting will be included. We’ll then proceed to Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia, located along the banks of the Danube, known for its diverse architecture that reflects its rich history. A highlight is the Petrovaradin Fortress, considered one of the largest in Europe and a masterpiece of 18th-century European military architecture, often referred to as "The Gibraltar of the Danube."
Day 9: Novi sad - Viminacium - Manasija - Nis
We’ll journey south through Serbia, stopping first at the archaeological site of the Roman city of Viminacium (admission included). At its peak, the city was home to 40,000 inhabitants. Here, we’ll admire the Roman roads, as well as the remnants of ancient temples, streets, plazas, amphitheaters, palaces, hippodromes, and thermal baths. Our next stop will be the Manasija Monastery, one of the most important monuments of medieval Serbian culture. Surrounded by towering walls, the monastery’s church still preserves its 15th-century frescoes. We’ll continue to Nis, the third-largest city in Serbia, with a rich Roman heritage. This is where Constantine the Great was born. Overnight accommodation will be here.
Day 10: Nis - Zica - Studenica - Kraljevo
We’ll visit the Zica Orthodox Monastery, dating back to the early 13th century, also known as the Coronation Church, as seven Serbian kings were crowned here. We’ll then continue to the Studenica Monastery, the largest in Serbia, nestled in the mountains. Founded in 1190, it boasts a stunning ensemble of wood and plaster buildings, with its interior walls adorned with Byzantine frescoes. Lunch will be included. Afterward, we’ll head to Kraljevo, a charming town in central Serbia, surrounded by mountains and rich in history and culture. The town is known for its beautiful main square, dominated by a monument to Serbian warriors and its medieval fortress.
Day 11: Kraljevo - Ravanica - Oplenac - Belgrade
We’ll depart for Ravanica, home to a monastery and an impressive five-domed church. Afterward, we’ll continue to the village of Topola to discover its fascinating history. On Oplenac Hill, we’ll see St. George´s Church, founded by King Peter I of Yugoslavia. This church serves as the mausoleum of the Serbian and Yugoslav royal house and later Yugoslavia until 1945. We’ll then return to Belgrade.
Day 12: Belgrade
Breakfast and free time in Belgrade before your transfer to the airport.
