8D7N · Group Tours · The Bulgarian Triangle and Romania’s Hidden Gems

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.


IMPORTANT:
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.

Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

Total distance covered: 205 km.

Scenery: Expansive agricultural plains.

Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Bachkovo Monastery.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sofia.
11:00 a.m. - Bachkovo Monastery - Arrival at Bulgaria’s second most important monastery, founded in the 11th century. This site, with its three churches, offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can observe the monks´ way of life.

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Bachkovo Monastery.
12:45 p.m. - Plovdiv - After lunch (included), we’ll go on a panoramic tour of this city, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Our tour includes admission to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House. You´ll then have free time to explore the beautiful historic streets and charming small shops.

Total distance covered: 230 km.

Scenery: Rose Valley, which bursts with vibrant colors during the flowering season (May and June), and the beautiful Balkan Mountains.

Note: Occasionally, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on Sunday morning.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Plovdiv. We’ll travel along charming small roads through the interior of Bulgaria, reaching the Rose Valley.
10:00 a.m. – Kazanlak. 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.

11:30 a.m. – Departure from Kazanlak. Amidst the mountains, we’ll visit the Russian Shipka Memorial Church, a reminder of the strong ties between Bulgarians and Russians, and the support Bulgaria received from Russia during its war for independence against the Ottomans.
01:15 p.m. - Etar - Arrival at this charming village and ethnographic museum. We’ll stroll among its traditional houses and artisan workshops. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

03:30 p.m. – Departure from Etar.
04:45 p.m. - Arbanasi - Arrival in this ancient trading city known for its fortress-houses. We’ll visit the Nativity Church (admission included).

05:45 p.m. Departure from Arbanasi.
06:00 p.m. - Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, featuring a picturesque medieval center and historic hilltop sites. You’ll have time to explore.

Total distance covered: 190 km.

Scenery: We’ll cross the Danube River as we pass through the border.

Note: Keep your passport handy, as it will be required at the Romanian border.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Veliko Tarnovo.
10:00 a.m. - Basarbovski Monastery - We’ll visit this pilgrimage site, carved into the rock.

11:00 a.m. – Departure from Basarbovski. We’ll cross the border and the Danube; please be aware that there may be delays at the border.
12:45 p.m. - Bucharest. Time of arrival may change depending on border procedures. You’ll have free time for lunch upon arrival.

3:00 p.m., - City tour of Bucharest, featuring the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. You´ll have free time afterward to explore the city at your leisure. Dinner will be included.

Total distance covered: 325 km.

Scenery: Beautiful landscapes featuring the Carpathian Mountains and small, picturesque villages along the way.

Note: Sinaia is in the mountains, so we recommend warm clothes and comfortable shoes.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Bucharest. We’ll leave the bustling metropolis and head toward the mountains, where we’ll enjoy beautiful Alpine landscapes.
10:30 a.m. - Sinaia. We’ll explore the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor Castles (we’ll only visit the gardens as the castle interiors are closed on Mondays).

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Sinaia. We’ll continue through high mountain regions.
01:00 p.m. - Bran - Arrival at the 14th-century fortress known as "Dracula’s Castle" (tickets included). You´ll have time for lunch and to explore the charming town center after.

03:30 p.m. – Departure from Bran. As we journey on, you’ll observe the unique architecture of some villages, reflecting the influence of German settlers in the region.
05:45 p.m. - Sighisoara - Arrival at this beautiful walled medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, where you´ll enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula’s restaurant, located in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.

Note: Occasionally, due to heavy tourist traffic, there are long delays in accessing Bran Castle, which may cause a significant delay in the arrival time to Sighisoara.

Note: Hotel capacity in Sighisoara is limited. On certain dates, accommodation may be provided in Sibiu (departing from Sighisoara after dinner). In these cases, the stop in Biertan will be replaced with a visit to the city of Alba Iulia.

Total distance covered: 405 km
Scenery: Today we’ll cross the heart of Transylvania, traveling through rolling hills, vineyards, traditional villages, and majestic medieval fortresses rising above the landscape.

Note: The visit includes the interior of the Turda Salt Mine; warm clothing is recommended, as the temperature inside remains low throughout the year.

8:00 a.m. Sighișoara – Departure. We leave the medieval town and head to one of Europe’s most spectacular underground wonders.

10:00 a.m. Turda – Arrival. Visit to the spectacular Turda Salt Mine (entrance included), already used in Roman times and today transformed into a unique tourist and therapeutic center. Inside, we’ll discover an underground lake with boat rides, a Ferris wheel, and a main hall 80 meters high—a magical setting that feels like it belongs in a fantasy novel.

11:30 a.m. Turda – Departure.

12:45 p.m. Alba Iulia – Arrival. This city is a true symbol of Romanian history. We’ll stroll through the imposing Alba Carolina Citadel, built in the Vauban style, with its monumental walls, churches, and museums that tell the story of centuries past. It was here, in 1918, that the union of Transylvania with Romania was proclaimed, making Alba Iulia a powerful symbol of national identity. Free time to have lunch and explore the historic center.

2:45 p.m. Alba Iulia – Departure.

3:45 p.m. Hunedoara – Arrival. We’ll visit Corvin Castle (entrance included), one of the most impressive Gothic fortresses in Europe. Built in the 15th century, with its pointed towers, drawbridges, and stone walls, it resembles a fairy-tale castle and stands as a true medieval jewel.

5:00 p.m. Hunedoara – Departure.

6:45 p.m. Sibiu – Arrival. A city of German origin, Sibiu boasts a beautiful historic center with medieval squares and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. Overnight stay.

Total distance covered: 286 km
Scenery: The journey takes us from the heart of Transylvania to the plains of Wallachia, crossing forested mountains, river gorges, and landscapes that blend nature with tradition.

Morning - Sibiu. Free time in Sibiu, the Saxon jewel of Transylvania and former cultural capital of the region. Its medieval squares —the Great Square, the Small Square, and Huet Square—, Gothic churches, and houses with their characteristic “eyes” on the rooftops create an urban ensemble of extraordinary charm, which earned it the title of European Capital of Culture in 2007. Its cobblestone streets and Central European atmosphere make Sibiu one of Romania’s most captivating destinations.

11:45 a.m. Sibiu – Departure.

1:15 p.m. Cozia – Arrival. Stop to visit the Cozia Monastery (entrance included), one of the oldest and most valuable in Wallachia, founded in the 14th century. Its Byzantine frescoes, the sober beauty of its architecture, and its natural setting framed by the mountains and the Olt River convey spirituality and devotion. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this spa town, popular with Romanians.

3:00 p.m. Cozia – Departure. We cross the last mountain stretches on our way to the capital.

6:15 p.m. Bucharest – Arrival in the Romanian capital.