Balkan Trails S.R.L. 29 Mihail Sebastian St. 050784 Bucharest, Romania Tour operator license #757 Highlights of Bulgaria and Transylvania (8 nights) Tour Description: Begin your tour in the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia. Visit the 11th-century Boyana Church before venturing into the mountains to the Eastern Orthodox Rila Monastery, built 1147 meters above sea level. In Plovdiv, site of an ancient Thracian settlement, you’ll tour the Old Town, Roman Stadium, and Antique Theater. In Kazanlak, a major producer of precious Bulgarian rose oil, visit the celebrated 4th-century B.C. Thracian Tomb. On the way to Veliko Tarnovo, traverse the breathtaking Shipka Pass. Visit the medieval Tsarevets Fortress, and explore Samovodene Street, a treasure trove of local Bulgarian crafts. Next, tour the village of Arbanassi, filled with houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Tour Konstantzalieva House and learn about the daily life of a wealthy 17th-century family. Cross the Romanian border to Bucharest for a city tour, then visit the 14th-century Curtea de Arges monastery, haunted by tragic legends. At Poienari Fortress, climb 1480 steps to the high throne of Vlad the Impaler. In Sibiu, tour the quintessential Saxon city, known for its extensive fortifications. In Sighisoara, a beautifully- preserved medieval citadel, enjoy the view from the 13th-century Clock Tower. Take a picturesque covered staircase to the Gothic Church on the Hill. Discover the ancient village life and long forgotten crafts brought back to life in the exquisite Transylvanian village of Viscri. Proceed to legendary Bran Castle, then visit Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, the extravagant 19th- century royal residence. Wind up your tour at the mysterious island monastery of Snagov. Tour Highlights: • discover 6 of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bulgaria and Romania • explore the charming medieval towns of Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria • visit the Boyana church and the Rila monastery, the most famous churches in Bulgaria • discover Transylvania's most famous sights: Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov, along with the Peles and Bran Castles • spend a full day in Viscri, one of the best preserved villages in Transylvania, and learn about some of the ancient crafts in the area • enjoy the services of a private, licensed tour guide, who will uncover the best sights along your route • overnight in centrally located, quaint, locally-owned 3 and 4 star hotels, perfect for exploring on own Day-by-Day Itinerary Day 1: arrival in Sofia, city tour Arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria, and greet your guide; then regain your equilibrium at Hotel Niky, a cozy home base for your immersion in the buzzing, vibrant energy of this modern city. In the afternoon, revel in a guided walk through the streets of Sofia, magnificently paved in yellow-painted brick. You’ll visit the stunning Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, the Neo-Renaissance main building of the National Assembly, and the Early Christian St. George's Rotunda.
Transcript
Balkan Trails S.R.L.
29 Mihail Sebastian St.
050784 Bucharest, Romania
Tour operator license #757
Highlights of Bulgaria and Transylvania (8 nights)
Tour Description:
Begin your tour in the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia. Visit the 11th-century Boyana Church before venturing into the mountains to the Eastern Orthodox Rila Monastery, built 1147 meters above sea level. In Plovdiv, site of an ancient Thracian settlement, you’ll tour the Old Town, Roman Stadium, and Antique Theater. In Kazanlak, a major producer of precious Bulgarian rose oil, visit the celebrated 4th-century B.C. Thracian Tomb.
On the way to Veliko Tarnovo, traverse the breathtaking Shipka Pass. Visit the medieval Tsarevets Fortress, and explore Samovodene Street, a treasure trove of local Bulgarian crafts.
Next, tour the village of Arbanassi, filled with houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Tour Konstantzalieva House and learn about the daily life of a wealthy 17th-century family.
Cross the Romanian border to Bucharest for a city tour, then visit the 14th-century Curtea de Arges monastery, haunted by tragic legends. At Poienari Fortress, climb 1480 steps to the high throne of Vlad the Impaler.
In Sibiu, tour the quintessential Saxon city, known for its extensive fortifications. In Sighisoara, a beautifully-preserved medieval citadel, enjoy the view from the 13th-century Clock Tower. Take a picturesque covered staircase to the Gothic Church on the Hill. Discover the ancient village life and long forgotten crafts brought back to life in the exquisite Transylvanian village of Viscri.
Proceed to legendary Bran Castle, then visit Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, the extravagant 19th-century royal residence. Wind up your tour at the mysterious island monastery of Snagov.
Tour Highlights:
• discover 6 of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bulgaria and Romania
• explore the charming medieval towns of Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria
• visit the Boyana church and the Rila monastery, the most famous churches in Bulgaria
• discover Transylvania's most famous sights: Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov, along with the Peles and Bran Castles
• spend a full day in Viscri, one of the best preserved villages in Transylvania, and learn about some of the ancient crafts in the area
• enjoy the services of a private, licensed tour guide, who will uncover the best sights along your route
• overnight in centrally located, quaint, locally-owned 3 and 4 star hotels, perfect for exploring on own
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: arrival in Sofia, city tour
Arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria, and greet your guide; then regain your equilibrium at Hotel Niky, a cozy home base for your immersion in the buzzing, vibrant energy of this modern city. In the afternoon, revel in a guided walk through the streets of Sofia, magnificently paved in yellow-painted brick. You’ll visit the stunning Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, the Neo-Renaissance main building of the National Assembly, and the Early Christian St. George's Rotunda.
*Please note that if you experience a delayed arrival in Sofia for any reason, the city tour can be broken into two parts: the afternoon of your arrival day and the following morning.
Overnight in Sofia, Hotel Niky*** (centrally located)
Day 2: Boyana Church - Rila Monastery - Plovdiv
Venture near the base of the local mountain massif, Vitosha, to explore Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its definitive collection of medieval frescoes and iconic art—all nearly untouched by the hand of time.
Journey on to the majestic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure first established by Saint John of Rila, a revered saint who lived in deep seclusion. According to the legends, the saint was so in tune with nature that wild animals and birds could surround him without fear or trepidation. Rila Monastery is regarded as one of the country’s most hallowed places, and the complex became an important repository of Bulgarian culture from medieval times all the way through to the 1800s.
End the day in Plovdiv.
Overnight in Plovdiv, Hotel Evmolpia**** (located in the Old Town)
Day 3: Plovdiv - Kazanlak Thracian Tomb - Shipka Pass - Veliko Tarnovo
With your guide, wind your way through historic Plovdiv, 6000 years old and one of the most ancient cities in all of Europe. Named Eumolpias by the Thracians, Philippoupolis by the Greeks and Trimontium (Three Hills) by the Romans, the city of Plovdiv only received its modern name in the 11th century. It is now imbued with progressive, avant-garde culture and boasts a thriving artistic community. Stroll through the ancient Roman Theater and visit the Ethnographic Museum, housed in the 1847 Kuyumdzhioglu House; with its exquisitely curved roofline, it stands as a beautiful representation of the Baroque-inspired architecture of the time.
Afterward, move on to Kazanlak, situated at the foot of the Balkans amidst Bulgaria’s famous rose fields. Here, you’ll visit the extraordinary Thracian Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Please be aware that you will tour the replica, as visits to the original site are seldom allowed. The impressive Thracian necropolis, constructed during the Hellenistic era, displays superb murals, which represent Bulgaria’s only completely-preserved Hellenistic works of art.
Next, journey on toward Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval Bulgarian capital. You’ll travel there via the high mountain views of the Shipka Pass, and receive a fascinating description of local history and culture on the way. You’ll visit the onion-domed Russian Church in the village of Shipka and the historical marker at Shipka Peak—a sacred place for all Bulgarians, built in honor of their valorous ancestors.
Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo, Hotel Bolyarski**** (located in the Old Town)
Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo - Arbanassi - Bucharest
Morning brings an intriguing tour of Veliko Tarnovo. Stroll through the Old Town and sift through the wares offered in the lovely handcraft shops. Learn about the living artistic, textile, and metalworking traditions, and taste a cup of Турско Кафе (Turkish coffee) brewed by hand on heated sand.
Next, venture on to 12th-century Tsarevets, a high fortification and palace that served as one of the strongest medieval fortresses in Bulgaria. The imposing and highly strategic edifice historically functioned as a primary royal residence and the home of religious patriarchs. Investigate the three-meter-thick fortress walls along with the towers, throne room, and site of the old drawbridge.
Next, take a short trip to the village of Arbanassi, a beautiful little town rich with examples of 17th- and 18th-century architecture. The town formerly benefitted from Ottoman support, and became a center for the wealthy and privileged. Visit Konstantzalieva House, and become familiar with the quotidian life of an affluent 17th-century family. Tour the intriguing Nativity of Christ Church, built partially underground due to Ottoman restrictions.
In the afternoon, travel on to Bucharest. You’ll begin your discovery of the Romanian capital as soon as you arrive. Here, in Europe’s sixth-largest city and glimmering hub of industry, transportation, and the arts, you’ll
find a lavish mix of architectural styles: neoclassical, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Communist-period, and ultramodern/contemporary. Let your guide fill you in on the story of Bucharest, as evidenced in its outer diversity. You’ll take part in a panoramic city tour, providing you with an exclusive view into the living culture and deep history of this remarkable city.
Overnight in Bucharest, Hotel Berthelot**** (centrally located)
Day 5: Bucharest - Curtea de Arges - Poienari ruins - Transfagarasan road - Sibiu
This morning, you’ll depart on a journey into the wild depths of Transylvania. Bound for the gorgeous city of Sibiu on the breathtaking Transfagarasan Road, you’ll stop at Curtea de Arges monastery, a major architectural feat with trompe l’oeil cupolas, a soaring façade, and an interior to match. Constructed in the early 1500s, this Romanian Orthodox cathedral is filled with legends surrounding its creation: attempted human flight, deadly ultimatums, and the tragic death of a wife.
Next, drive to the breathtaking ruins of Poienari Castle, home and nearly inaccessible fortress of Vlad the Impaler. Poenari perches on an impossibly high cliff face, and is protected by ruined walls; visitors must ascend over 1,400 steps in order to gain entry. Vlad reportedly used slave labor to restore it, first arresting members of the aristocracy as traitors and then forcing them into hard labor. Their lives were utterly dispensable, and due to the perilous location and unmerciful circumstances, very few outlived its construction.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in exquisite Sibiu and get settled at your hotel. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the medieval Old Town, the most protected and secure of all Saxon settlements. As an important center for trade, Sibiu was frequently bombarded with attacks, and remains encircled by a complex system of bastions and walls.
*please note the Transfagarasan road is open only between June and September. If your tour takes place outside this period, you will travel on the road going along the Olt river valley
Overnight in Sibiu, Hotel Casa Levoslav**** (located in the Old Town)
Day 6: Sibiu - Biertan - Sighisoara - Viscri
From Sibiu, travel to the soaring church fortress of Biertan (UNESCO World Heritage Site). With its high, fortified walls and nine gate towers, Biertan—built by the people of the village—allowed the townspeople to protect themselves without the necessity to bear arms during frequent Ottoman attacks.
The inhabited citadel of Sighisoara marks your next stop. Take a walk through the medieval Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with your guide, and ascend the 13th-century clock tower and old covered staircase to the Gothic Church on the Hill. Sighisoara is also famous as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the house of his birth now serves as an outstanding restaurant.
Afternoon brings a trip to Viscri, a beautifully-preserved rural Transylvanian village. The town, hidden away for centuries, caught the attention of Charles, Prince of Wales, who bought an 18th-century house there and remains vocal about the preservation of Transylvanian culture and vast forested areas.
Discover the Viscri fortified church (UNESCO World Heritage Site) as you arrive, and then join your guide for a leisurely stroll in the village. Tonight, you will enjoy a Transylvanian dinner, a great chance to discover the taste of the region's traditional cuisine.
Overnight in Viscri, Viscri 125 B&B**** (home-cooked dinner included)
Day 7: Viscri - Bran Castle - Brasov
Spend you morning with some more discoveries in Viscri. Here, you can truly step into the past to experience a way of life lost to the rest of the world. Watch a traditional blacksmith work at his forge, then ride in a horse-drawn cart outside of the village to encounter brick-makers living close to the wild in the old way. If you’d like, a second open-air horse-cart ride can be scheduled, allowing you to visit the shepherds living in the hills.
Around noon, depart for the legendary Bran Castle (known to many as Dracula’s Castle). The castle’s fairy-tale architecture and fascinating history will leave you breathless: it was the home of kings and warlords in
addition to good Queen Maria and Princess Ileana, ultimately exiled by the Communists. The exquisite castle was abandoned several times, and even occupied by foresters and woodsmen during interim times of undetermined ownership. Be sure to sample the local delicacies available here: wonderful cheeses, pálinka (plum and pear brandy), and traditionally-cured sausage and ham.
Arrival in Brasov in the afternoon, rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Brasov, Hotel Armatti*** (located in the Old Town)
In the morning, enjoy a guided walk through the Old Town of Brasov, surrounded by seven-foot-thick Saxon walls and famous as the backdrop for The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Explore the towering Black Church and the Old Town square, surrounded by red-roofed houses belonging to the elite of yesteryear.
Depart Brasov and traverse astonishing mountain scenery to reach Sinaia in the Carpathian Mountains. Visit Peles Castle, the 19th-century residence of Romania’s first king; no expense was spared in the formulation of the jaw-dropping interior, dripping with mirrors, crystal and exotic wood. Nearby, make a stop to view the gorgeous Sinaia monastery, after which the town was named.
Next, proceed to Snagov Monastery, built on a stunning islet in Lake Snagov. Many believe this to be the final resting place of Dracula.
Arrive in Bucharest in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Bucharest, Hotel Berthelot**** (centrally located)
Day 9 – Bucharest, departure
Today marks the end of your adventure in Bulgaria and Romania. You will be transferred to the airport for the flight home.
Included services and features
• The possibility of having your itinerary customised in any way you desire, at no extra charge • Great flexibility regarding changes to the daily itinerary even after the start of the tour • The services of a private, licensed English speaking guide/driver, available throughout the tour• All guide's expenses (meals, accommodations, etc.)• Private transportation in air conditioned car or minivan (depending on the number of travellers joining) • Complimentary wireless internet access in the car/minivan, so that you can stay in touch with your loved ones even while traveling • All car/minivan expenses, such as gasoline, parking and road tolls• Entrance fees as per the itinerary, with guided visits. If you wish to add any sight on the go, the guide will always be available with information during the visit• Accommodation as per the hotel list above (we can also offer a different selection of hotels)• Breakfast every day • One home cooked dinner, in Viscri• Airport transfers• All taxes
Not included
• Airfare to and from Romania and/or Bulgaria• Meals or beverages, other than the included ones• Photo fees (some sights require the payment of a fee for allowing you to take pictures - they are mostly inexpensive, around 2 or 3 euro/sight)• Gratuities for your guide (entirely up to your discretion)
Additional information
You can further explore the route of this tour by having a look at the tour map we created, with the cities the tour overnights in and all sights (Google Maps).
Click here to browse this tour on our website and send us your inquiry, and here to read our FAQ.
To read what past travellers think of their travel experience with us, check out our Testimonials page. Additionally, you might be interested in reviews from past travellers, posted on websites like Trustpilot or Tripadvisor.
About us
We are Vlad and Zoe Trestian - the owners and managers of Balkan Trails. Vlad is Romanian, Zoe is Bulgarian - we have first hand, local knowledge of the countries our tours explore.
We have been working in the travel industry in Eastern Europe since the late 1990's. In 2009, we decided to set up Balkan Trails as a family - owned and managed tour operator business. When trusting us with your travel experience, you will be dealing directly with one of us. Zoe or Vlad will be your single point of contact, so you're always talking to an expert who has an overview of all details related to your tour.
We understand traveling is personal and individual, and no two travellers are alike. That is why the majority of our tours are based on customised itineraries. Your tour is exactly that: YOURS. Just let us know when you'd like to arrive and depart, what your interests are, the type of hotels you prefer, and we'll take care of the rest.
We work with a small number of hand-picked, licensed guides. They are all have solid experience as tour guides and speak excellent English. During your time with them, you will get an insider's perspective on the country, its people and culture. They are also the ones who will help you interact with locals - meeting locals is key to truly understanding a country.
Being a small, family - run business and working with a small number of carefully selected guides also means we can only manage so many tours each year. And that’s OK. Our focus is not organising lots of “just OK” tours. We are here to create memorable travel experiences. And those do come in limited numbers. Looking forward to showing you our part of the world.
Vlad & Zoe Trestian
Contact Information
Balkan Trails Tour Operator license #757
Address: 29 Mihai Sebastian St., building S7, ent. A, apt. 37, sector 5, 050784 Bucharest, Romania Telephone: 0040 723 578 452
