Cultural Landscapes of Romania & Bulgaria

On arrival in Bucharest, transfer to your hotel and check in for 2 nights. 

• Hotel Description

Discover Bucharest's communist past with a tour focusing on Ceausescu's regime. Start underground, exploring the metro stations showcasing the regime's control. Wander through communist-era neighborhoods, uncovering forbidden street art and glimpsing daily life under oppression. Marvel at the Palace of Parliament, a symbol of Ceausescu's power. Visit Revolution Square, where the anti-communist revolution began. End at Ceausescu Residential Palace, now a museum chronicling Romania's communist history. In the afternoon, visit places such as Triumphal Arch, University Square and Parliament Palace. This tour immerses you in Bucharest's tumultuous past, revealing the resilience of its people amidst authoritarian rule. (B)

• Hotel Description

Today with a private guide and car, embark on a scenic journey from Bucharest to Brasov, traversing the magnificent Carpathian Mountains into Saxon Transylvania. The first stop is Peles Castle in Sinaia, the former royal residence, showcasing exquisite architecture and lavish interiors. Delve into the realm of legend and lore as you visit iconic Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula myth. Walk its mysterious corridors and learn about its fascinating history. In the late afternoon, arrive in Brasov for a short city tour of this charming medieval city. Stroll along its cobblestone streets and admire the fortified walls and historic landmarks. (B)

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Today is a long drive cross the mountains through the Buzău Pass. Stop off for coffee and lunch, and in the late afternoon you'll arrive at Crișan, located on the banks of one of the channels of the Danube Delta. The Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mesmerising mosaic of waterways, marshes, and lush landscapes nestled along Romania's Black Sea coast. Spanning over 4,000 square kilometres, this biodiverse paradise is home to a stunning array of flora and fauna, including bird species such as herons, egrets, and cormorants. One of the highlights of a stay here is a boat trip through its intricate network of channels, where the tranquil waters teem with life and the air resonates with the calls of migratory birds. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this unique ecosystem, where time seems to stand still amidst the untouched wilderness. (B)

• Hotel Description

This morning, embark on a day’s boat trip through the smaller channels of the Danube Delta, offering an authentic glimpse into its rich biodiversity. Keep an eye out for herons, egrets, and cormorants as they wade along the water's edge, while overhead, flocks of migratory birds such as terns and sandpipers fill the sky with their calls. Enjoy a typical Danube Delta fish soup. (B,L)

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Today you'll drive to Constanta to enjoy a short walking tour of this vibrant coastal city and Romania's oldest continuously inhabited city. Highlights include the iconic Constanta Casino, an Art Nouveau masterpiece perched on the waterfront; the Roman Mosaics, revealing the city's ancient past, and the grand Constanta Cathedral, a symbol of spiritual heritage. Explore the city's rich history, from its Greek origins to its status as a vital port by visiting the Archaeological Museum and its 2,000 years of maritime history on the Black Sea. (B)

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Today, head towards Bulgaria along the scenic Romanian Black Sea Coast. Stop off in the town of Balchik and explore Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park. Built in 1926 by King Ferdinand of Romania for his English Queen Marie, Balchik Palace boasts a unique architectural blend of local, Gothic, and Islamic styles. Its relatively modest size belies its cultural significance, with original furnishings, paintings by the queen, and a diverse collection of local archaeological finds. The palace's extensive botanical gardens showcase over 600 species of flora across themed terraces. Conclude today’s journey in the town of Varna on the Black Sea. (B)

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Enjoy a short morning tour of Varna, Bulgaria's vibrant maritime capital. See Bulgaria’s largest Roman baths complex and its finest archaeological museum. Rest of the afternoon is free to relax on the beach or explore further. (B)

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Enjoy a day trip to Nessebar, a picturesque town steeped in Byzantine-era ruins and medieval charm. Wander through its cobbled streets, see its ancient fortifications, visit the historic churches adorned with centuries-old mural paintings. Return to Varna. (B)

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This morning, drive to Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria's most picturesque cities. Set on three hills overlooking the winding river Yantra. Explore historic Tsarevets, often referred to as the "royal hill," and wander through the quaint streets of Samovodska Charshia, a medieval marketplace brimming with charm. Visit Arbanasi and admire the majestic Nativity Church, a true architectural masterpiece and a testament to Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage. (B)

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After breakfast, continue towards the Valley of Roses, the heartland of Bulgaria. Enroute, stop off in the town of Etara and visit its open-air ethnographic museum. In Kazanlak, you'll see the UNESCO World Heritage Thracian Tomb and its frescoes depicting scenes of battle. Also included, today is a visit to a rose oil factory. Continue to Plovdiv by driving through the Kings Valley. (B)

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Explore Plovdiv, Europe's oldest continually inhabited city, nestled amongst seven picturesque hills. Begin with a guided morning stroll through its captivating Old Town, adorned with colourful 19th-century mansions-turned-museums, galleries, and guest houses. Explore ancient ruins, including the Roman Theatre and the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Plovdiv, perhaps visit its newest museum – The Bishops Basilica. (B)

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Continue your journey southwest through the breathtaking Pirin Mountains, navigating scenic mountain roads until you reach the iconic Rila Monastery, the largest monastery in Bulgaria and a UNESCO-listed site. Learn about its rich history and architectural beauty as you explore the ornate frescoes, intricate wood carvings and serene courtyards. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring local trout, before making your way to Sofia. (B)

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With your guide, explore Sofia's highlights on a day tour. Begin with the imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and delve into Sofia's ancient roots at the Serdica Archaeological Complex. Visit the serene Saint Sofia Church before indulging in a leisurely lunch at a local eatery. Dive deeper into Bulgaria's history at the National History Museum, housed in a former royal residence. Wander along Vitosha Boulevard, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city's main shopping street, lined with trendy boutiques and cafes. (B)

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Transfer to airport for flight to the UK. (B)