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Sofia – Plovdiv – Sofia

One day trip to Plovdiv, the 2nd biggest city in Bulgaria, visit the Old Town incl. inside visit of the Ancient Theatre or Roman Amphitheatre, dating back to the time of Emperor Trajan who reigned during the 2nd century AD; the Roman Stadium, Plovdiv view point, outside visit of the Ethnographic museum and the picturesque 19th century houses from the National Revival period After lunch at an old town authentic restaurant, enjoy the best street shopping at the Central pedestrian street of Plovdiv. In the late afternoon, wine-tasting in the village of Brestovitsa, drive back to Sofia for dinner and overnight stay

Driving distance: Sofia - Plovdiv, 140 km, 1.5hrs one way

Sofia

Morning visit to Boyana Church (UNESCO Site) with astonishing 13th century frescoes, one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European Medieval art and National History Museum where the World - famous Panagyurishte Treasure with total weight of 6.164 kg of 24-karat pure Gold, dating back to the 4th-3rd Centuries BC is on display. The greatest Treasure in Bulgaria from Thracian times consists of a phiale, an amphora and 7rhytons, richly and skilfully decorated with scenes of Thracian myths, customs and life, it’s been used as a royal ceremonial set by the Thracian King Seuthes III. If the weather allows also visit Sofia TV tower and Vitosha Mountain view point and enjoy breath-taking view of the city of Sofia After lunch, departure to the magnificent Rila mountain to visit the 10th century Rila Monastery, the biggest and most spectacular in Bulgaria and one of Europe's oldest, UNESCO Site. This is a place for massive pilgrimage for people coming from all over the world, an outstanding and vivid spiritual, cultural and religious centre with impressive historic, architectural and artistic values of world significance. Driving distance: 130 km one way, approx. 2h30min. The monastery is named after its founder - the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 - 946 AD) who is honoured as the patron saint of the Bulgarian people and as one of the most important saints in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Inside visit of the Monastery museum and the Church The Birth of Virgin Mary where the 12th century Virgin Hodegetria wonderworking icon is preserved

Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo – Bucharest

Early morning departure to Veliko Tarnovo - the Medieval Bulgarian Capital. During the Middle Ages, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom was the third most important city in Europe after Rome and Constantinople. During the tour you will see the magnificent Tsarevets Fortress and Samovodska Charshya, the colourful crafts market where you can find some authentic Bulgarian hand-made craft souvenirs to bring home. Early afternoon departure to Bucharest, cross the Danube River by the panoramic Danube Bridge, formerly known as the Friendship Bridge, connecting the Bulgarian bank to the south with the Romanian bank to the north and the cities of Ruse and Giurgiu respectively. Upon arrival to Bucharest, brief orientation tour and accommodation for 3 nights.

Driving distance: Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo, 220 km, approx. 3h

Driving distance: Veliko Tarnovo - Bucharest, 180 km, approx. 3h30min

Bucharest

Full day city tour of Bucharest, the capital of Romania, once called the "Little Paris of the East" due to the city’s elegant architecture and sophistication. During the tour you will see the Revolution Square, the Romanian Athenaeum, the majestic heart of Romania’s classical music tradition, the National Art Museum, the old city centre and visit inside the Parliament Palace, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon near Washington DC and the open air Village Museum, which Includes more than 300 buildings representing the history of Romania's rural architectures

Bucharest – Sinaia – Bran – Brasov – Bucharest

Early morning departure to Sinaia, one of the most beautiful mountain resorts in Romania, also known as the "Pearl of the Carpathians". Visit Peles Castle, an exquisite piece of architecture which served as the summer residence of the former Romanian Royal family Driving distance: Bucharest - Sinaia, 125 km, approx.2hrs

Drive on to Bran to visit the castle made famous by Bram Stoker's novel as the residence of the Vampire Count, Dracula. Bran Castle is a national monument and landmark in Romania, displaying a rich collection of art and furniture of Queen Marie. Experience the history, the myth, the intrigue and the magic of this wonderful place.

Driving distance: Sinaia - Bran, 50 km, approx.1h20min

After lunch, continue to Brasov, a fairy tale town founded in the 12th century by the Saxon settlers including visit to the famous Black Church, the largest Gothic style church in South-Eastern Europe. At least two entrances of the Old city are still in existence. The city centre is marked by the mayor's former office building Casa Sfatului and the surrounding square Piaţa, which includes one of the oldest buildings in Brașov, the Hirscher Haus

Driving distance: Bran - Brasov, 28 km, approx.30min

In the late afternoon, drive back to Bucharest for dinner and overnight

Driving distance: Brasov - Bucharest, 165 km, approx.2h40min

Departure day

Free morning (B). Depart hotel for Bucharest Airport (time to be advised)