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Day 1-2: Meet in Sofia
An easy walking tour, including the 4th century St. George Rotunda, 6th century St. Sophia Christian Basilica, the Spanish-Moresque style synagogue and Jewish Museum. Mountain Vitosha tour with a visit to the 13th century Boyana Church.
Day 3: Rila and Rozhen Monasteries - Melnick
Enjoy the 10th century colorfully-painted Rila Monastery, where a few monks still reside, and see its rich museum collection, ethnographic exhibition and library containing more than 16,000 books. Next, 12-13th century Rozhen Monastery with its Blessed Virgin Church, decorated with over 150 biblical scenes. Onward to the charming museum town of Melnik. Relish tastings at Manolev's wine cellar, dug into sandstone rocks on top of a hill above town.
Day 4-5: Bansko - Plodiv
In Melnick, visit Kordopulova House, a historical museum built in 1758. A delightful time in Plodiv's famous Old Town, with distinctive revival architecture popular among 18th-19th century merchants.
Day 6-7: Koprivshtitsa - Valley of Roses - Veliko Turnovo We stop first in the village of Koprivshtitsa, known for its international folklore festival which occurs once every five years. We continue through the Valley of the Roses, along the Balkan Range to Banya and Kazanlak. Culminate the tour with a full day of sightseeing in Veliko Turnovo, the capital of the second Bulgarian Kingdom, 12-14th century.
Day 8: Drive to Bucharest Romania
A lovely day of sightseeing as we drive to Romania (3.5 hrs) with stops to visit Ivanovo Rock churches near Rouse and lunch.
Day 9: Bucharest
Enjoy a panoramic tour including a visit to the outdoor Village Museum, the Museum of the Romanian Peasant, the Palace of Parliament, Revolution Square, Patriarch's Cathedral and a walk in the historic area.
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Day 10-11: Sibiu
Crossing the Carpathians, we drive along the picturesque Olt Valley to Cozia Monastery, built in 1386. Arrive in Sibiu, one of the oldest Saxon towns in Transylvania. A walking tour of the medieval town with cobblestone streets and pastel houses. We visit the Bruckental Palace Museum, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the open air museum of Astra and visit traditional villages nearby.
Day 12: Sighisoara
Explore Sighisoara, one of the best preserved and continuously inhabited medieval cities of Europe, with a walled citadel on the hilltop, secret gateways and passages, and a 14th century clock tower. Sighisoara is the birthplace of Prince Vlad Tepes (Dracula).
Day 13-14: Vadu Izei Village in Maramures
Soak up the ambiance in Maramures, the land of wooden churches, unique folk costumes and timeless traditions, where ancient Romania co-exists with modern times. Experience the local peasant lifestyle with a delightful village family. See the whimiscal Merry Cemetery in Sapanta Village. Special treat, dinner with "ceterasi", the local violin players.
Day 15-16: Bucovina
Travel through the scenic Prislop Pass to the Bucovina region, renowned for the wondrously detailed exterior frescoes on the walls of its monasteries and churches. Visit the famous painted monasteries of northern Moldova in their construction and painting order: Humor, Voronet, Moldovita, Sucevita.
Day 17-18: Brasov - Bran - Sinaia
A walking tour in the historical center of Brasov including the Black Church, the largest gothic structure between Vienna and Istanbul. Visit “Dracula’s Castle” in Bran and the fabulous Peles Castle in Sinaia.
Day 19: Depart or Continue to Moldova
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