Private Tour: Charms of Transylvania and the Balkans 9 Days 8 Nights (Bucharest, Sofia, Sibiu, Brasov)

• Arrive at Bucharest Airport in Romania, where your private van driver welcomes you to begin the journey.
• Explore the capital city of Bucharest, soaking in the atmosphere of Bucharest Old Town and admiring its historic architecture and vibrant heritage buildings.
• In the evening, cross the border into Ruse, a major Bulgarian port city on the banks of the Danube River, to check in to your hotel.

hotel Overnight Ruse · example hotel Grand Hotel Riga (4 stars) or similar

• Depart for Veliko Tarnovo, the former medieval capital of Bulgaria. Stroll through the Old Town and visit Tsarevets Fortress, a majestic ancient stronghold perched on a hilltop.
• Stop at the Shipka Freedom Monument at Shipka Pass, a memorial commemorating the historic battle for Bulgarian independence.
• Visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Hellenistic frescoes.
• Travel to Asenovgrad to check into your hotel.

hotel Overnight Asenovgrad · example hotel Hotel Sani (4 stars) or equivalent

• Travel to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Visit the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, a well-preserved Roman theater, and stroll through the classical architecture of Plovdiv Old Town.
• Depart for Rila Monastery, the largest Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and a UNESCO World Heritage site set in a tranquil valley.
• Travel to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, to check into your hotel.

hotel Overnight Sofia · example hotel Grand Hotel Astoria (4 stars) or equivalent

• In the morning, explore Sofia, admiring the grandeur of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the city's iconic golden-domed landmark, and stroll along the Vitosha Boulevard pedestrian street.
• In the afternoon, travel to Belogradchik to visit Belogradchik Fortress, an ancient stronghold built seamlessly into uniquely shaped natural rock formations.
• Continue to Vidin on the banks of the Danube River and check into your hotel.

hotel Overnight Vidin · example hotel Hotel Impuls (3 stars) or equivalent

• Cross the border back into Romania and head to the Danube Gorge to see the Rock Sculpture of Decebalus, the tallest rock relief sculpture along a river in Europe.
• Stop to relax in Drobeta-Turnu Severin along the Danube River.
• Travel to Târgu Jiu to view the Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brâncuși at Târgu Jiu, a world-renowned outdoor art ensemble.
• Stop for photos at Lainici Monastery, a sacred monastery nestled in the valley, then continue to Petroșani to check into your hotel.

hotel Overnight Petroșani · example hotel Hotel La Belle Epoque (4 stars) or equivalent

• Travel to Hunedoara and visit Corvin Castle, one of the largest and most stunning Gothic-Renaissance castles in Europe.
• Depart for Sibiu, the cultural heart of Transylvania.
• Explore Sibiu Old Town, walking through the Large Square and Small Square, and crossing the Bridge of Lies, Romania's first cast-iron bridge.

hotel Overnight Sibiu · example hotel Hotel Ramada (4 stars) or equivalent

• Depart for Sighișoara to explore the Old Town and Sighișoara Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage medieval town and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
• Visit the Fortified Church of Prejmer, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a formidable defensive architectural system.
• Tour Brașov to see the historic Black Church, an imposing Gothic cathedral, and the Council Square.
• Travel up to the mountain resort town of Predeal in the Carpathian Mountains to check in.

hotel Overnight Predeal · example hotel Hotel Rozmarin (4 stars) or equivalent

• Travel to Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle, the magnificent Neo-Renaissance summer palace of the Romanian royal family, and stop by Sinaia Monastery.
• Continue to Bran to visit Bran Castle, the cliffside fortress famously known as Dracula's Castle.
• Return to your hotel in Predeal.

hotel Overnight Predeal · example hotel Hotel Rozmarin (4 stars) or equivalent

• Depart from Predeal and head back to Bucharest.
• Enjoy free time to stroll through the city, shop for souvenirs, or relax at your leisure in Bucharest.
• Your private van driver transfers you to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport in time for your safe flight home.