Private Europe Tour (BUL003): Romania & Bulgaria, Wonders of the Balkans (8 Days 7 Nights)

We will meet and greet you at Bucharest Airport, then travel to Sinaia, a distance of 140 kilometers, to stay overnight here.

hotel Overnight Sianaia

Today, we take you to visit Peles Castle, located in the Bucegi Valley amidst pine forests in the Carpathian Mountains, considered one of the most stunning castles in Eastern Europe.

The building features a blend of architectural styles, though it appears most heavily influenced by the German Neo-Renaissance style. The interior is lavishly decorated with exquisite wood carvings and houses a collection of artworks from various European countries. Peles Castle was built by Prince Carol I (Carol 1), King of Romania, in the 19th century as a summer residence. It boasts magnificent interiors such as the Turkish Salon, built to welcome state guests from Turkey during the Ottoman era.

Inside the castle, there are as many as 168 rooms, but only 35 rooms are open to the public. Outside, statues of notable historical figures are placed at intervals, including a statue of Prince Carol, the builder of the castle.

Next, visit Bran Castle, the world-famous Dracula's Castle. Built in 1212, this white stone castle stands over 200 feet tall on a steep cliff near Brasov. In the past, it served as a fortress to defend the town against invasions.

hotel Overnight Sinaia

Today, we take you to the city of Brasov, just 49 kilometers away, to visit the Black Church (Black Castle), built in 1383, the largest Gothic church in Romania. The reason it is called the Black Church is that it was damaged by fire in 1689, leaving soot all over the church walls and turning them black. The Romanian government decided to leave it as it was to serve as a unique and distinctive feature of the church. Over time, however, the black soot has gradually worn off, so the church walls are no longer as dark as they once were. Inside the church, colorful hand-woven Turkish carpets hang around the galleries, brightening the interior and lending it a vibrant atmosphere. In addition, beautiful statues of saints and the Virgin Mary adorn the church grounds.

Then, travel to Bucharest, a distance of 183 kilometers, where we will stay overnight.

hotel Overnight Bucharest

Today, we take you on a tour of Bucharest, the capital, industrial, and economic center of Romania. As Romania's largest city, it is located in the southeastern part of the country on the banks of the Dambovita River. Bucharest was first mentioned in documents dating back to 1459, then faded due to frequent upheavals, until becoming the capital of Romania in 1862. The city stands out as the hub of Romanian media, culture, and arts, boasting a diverse mix of architectural styles that combine historic architecture (Neoclassical), interwar architecture (Bauhaus and Art Deco), communist era, and modern designs. During the period between the 2 World Wars, the city's architectural beauty earned it the nickname "Little Paris of the East" (Micul Paris). Although many buildings and historic center districts were damaged by wars, earthquakes, and Nicolae Ceausescu's urban reconstruction project, many beautiful buildings still survive. In recent years, the city has experienced a flourishing economy and culture.

We take you to visit the Palace of Parliament (Parliament Palace), the parliament building or presidential palace of Romania. It was the colossal presidential residence of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena, who aspired to live a lavish life like Evita Perón. This building is renowned as the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon in the United States, boasting as many as 2,000 rooms. It took 5 years to build, designed in Romanian architectural style across its structure as well as its interior and exterior decorations.

hotel Overnight BUCHAREST

Today, we will take you to the village of Arbanasi, Bulgaria (distance 194 kilometers). Visit the Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in the village, built in the 15th century and exquisitely decorated inside with magnificent frescoes. Then, travel to Veliko Tarnovo, just 7 kilometers away. Veliko Tarnovo is one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, renowned as the capital of the 2nd Bulgarian Empire (1185-1396).

Its primary charm lies in the unique beauty and historical value of the local urban architecture. During the Middle Ages, the city was hailed as a cultural capital of Europe for its remarkable buildings, art, and poetry. Today, it has become the administrative, educational, economic, and cultural center of northern Bulgaria.

We will take you to explore Tsarevets Fortress, the most prominent fortress in the city, standing majestically atop Tsarevets Hill. In ancient times, Thracians and Romans used it as a defensive stronghold during conflicts. In 1393, it was invaded and damaged by Ottoman Turks, but was later carefully restored and reconstructed. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Ancient Road (Ulitsa G.S. Rovski Road) to shop for local souvenirs at a relaxed pace.

This street has been carefully preserved to retain its Roman atmosphere, having existed since Roman times while maintaining its original character. Visit the Monument Asenevtsi, erected in 1985 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the uprising led by the two brothers, Asen and Petar, to liberate Bulgaria from the Byzantine Empire. Around the monument, you can take in scenic panoramic views of local homes clustered in tiers along the surrounding hillsides.

hotel Overnight Veliko Tarnovo

Today, we will take you to Plovdiv (distance 206 kilometers), the second-largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia, with a population of under 500,000. What makes this city remarkable is that its history dates back over 6,000 years to Neolithic settlements around 4000 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is the administrative capital of Plovdiv Province and an essential hub for economy, transportation, culture, and education. Visit the Plovdiv Roman Theatre, one of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman amphitheaters and the proud landmark of Plovdiv.

Especially during the summer, numerous concerts, theatrical plays, and dance performances are held here against this enchanting and timeless backdrop, which dates back to the 1st century. Visit the Ancient Peristyle Building Eirene, where modern roofing and walls protect the base of exquisite, ancient mosaic floors while displaying excavated ancient craftsmanship that can hardly be seen anywhere else. Admire the beautiful, classic homes and buildings in the Old Town, where many preserved residences once belonged to affluent and prominent figures from various eras; today, most are open to the public as museums and exhibition galleries.

hotel Overnight Plovdiv

Next, we will take you to Sofia for an overnight stay, covering a distance of 144 km.

Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia featuring Neo-Byzantine architecture. It serves as the cathedral of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Next, visit Rila Monastery, also known simply as Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, located in the southwestern mountains and dating back to the 1st century.

hotel Overnight Sofia

Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. If there is remaining time during the day, we will take you sightseeing in Sofia as you wish.