15D14N · Group Tours · Wonders of Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia

We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. You will receive information about the start of your tour in the afternoon, either directly or through the information board located at the reception of the hotel.

Important:

Check-in: Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you need an earlier check in-in, please consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.

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

In the morning, we’ll tour the capital of Bulgaria and visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (admission included), the Russian Church, the mosque, as well as the city’s squares and avenues with Stalinist architecture. We’ll also visit the National Museum of History (admission and guided tour included), which offers a fascinating overview of Bulgaria, showcasing Thracian gold treasures, Orthodox icons, and medieval artifacts. It is one of the largest and most prestigious history museums in the Balkans. Afternoon at leisure.

Total distance covered: 204 km

Scenery: The route will take us through the valleys and mountains of the Balkans, with lush forests and traditional villages that evoke the most authentic side of Bulgaria.

8:15 a.m. – Sofia – Departure. We leave the capital behind and head south, traveling along historic routes that lead us into the heart of the Thrace region.

11:00 a.m. – Bachkovo – Arrival. We will visit the Bachkovo Monastery (admission included), founded in the 11th century. It is the second-largest monastery in the country and a symbol of Bulgarian Orthodox Christianity. Its unique Byzantine frescoes and mountainous setting create an atmosphere of reflection and spiritual beauty. We will stroll through its courtyards and galleries, enjoying its medieval architecture and enduring traditions.

12:00 p.m. – Bachkovo – Departure. The journey continues along scenic roads through green hills and vineyards, bringing us closer to one of Bulgaria’s cultural jewels.

12:45 p.m. – Plovdiv – Arrival. Lunch is included before a comprehensive panoramic tour of the city. Plovdiv, considered one of the oldest cities in Europe, blends past and present in its historic center. We will visit the Roman Amphitheatre, the Ancient Pharmacy, and the Armenian House (admission included), all reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Afterwards, free time to wander through its cobblestone streets, discover art galleries, cafés, and charming local shops.

7:30 p.m. – Transfer to the hotel.

Total distance covered: 319 km

Scenery: The route will take us from the interior of Bulgaria to the Black Sea coast, enjoying green hills, fertile plains, and views of the Bulgarian shoreline.

Note: In Sozopol, weather permitting, you may swim in the Black Sea; bringing a swimsuit and towel is recommended.

9:00 a.m. – Plovdiv – Departure. We leave the heart of Thrace behind and travel east, crossing agricultural landscapes and picturesque villages on our way to the coast.

1:00 p.m. – Sozopol – Arrival. One of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, Sozopol has preserved its historic character with cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and a bohemian seaside atmosphere. Free time for lunch, strolling through the old town, or enjoying the beach. The historic center invites you to discover small taverns and charming corners.

4:30 p.m. – Sozopol – Departure. We continue along the Black Sea coast heading north, enjoying sea views and the lively atmosphere of this coastal region.

5:15 p.m. – Burgas – Arrival. Bulgaria’s fourth-largest city and its main Black Sea port, Burgas combines modern avenues with the charm of its extensive seaside park. Free time to stroll, relax by the sea, or explore the lively city center.

7:30 p.m. – Transfer to the hotel.

Total distance covered: 221 km

Scenery: The journey follows the Black Sea coast, offering views of beaches, cliffs, and forests alternating with charming historic towns and maritime landscapes.

9:00 a.m. – Burgas – Departure. We head north, following the coastline towards one of the country’s cultural gems.

9:45 a.m. – Nessebar – Arrival. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on a peninsula connected to the mainland by an isthmus. We will stroll among its 40 churches built between the 5th and 18th centuries, cobblestone streets, and traditional wooden houses that recall its Thracian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine past. Time to explore the town and enjoy lunch.

12:30 p.m. – Nessebar – Departure. The route continues along the coast, offering sea views and forested landscapes as we head towards our next destination.

2:45 p.m. – Aladzha Monastery – Arrival. Visit to this unique site (admission included). This rock-hewn monastery, carved into the stone and surrounded by nature, preserves chapels, monastic cells, and legends that create an atmosphere of spirituality and mystery.

3:30 p.m. – Aladzha – Departure. We continue towards one of the most evocative residences on the Black Sea.

4:15 p.m. – Balchik – Arrival. Visit to the Balchik Palace and Gardens (admission included), the former summer residence of Queen Maria of Romania. Its seaside terraces, pavilions, and gardens offer a uniquely romantic atmosphere.

5:30 p.m. – Balchik – Departure.

6:15 p.m. – Varna – Arrival. Bulgaria’s third-largest city, Varna impresses with its vibrant city center and extensive seaside park along the coast. Free time at leisure.

7:30 p.m. – Transfer to the hotel.

Total distance covered: 260 km
Scenery: The route takes us from the Black Sea coast into the interior of Bulgaria, crossing fertile plains and forested hills that frame ancient fortresses and traditional villages.

Note: Comfortable footwear is recommended for the visit to Madara, and appropriate clothing for the visit to the mosque.

08:30 a.m. Varna – Departure. We leave the coast and immerse ourselves in Bulgaria’s medieval and spiritual history.

09:45 a.m. Madara – Arrival. Visit to the famous Madara Rider (admission included), an exceptional rock relief carved in the 8th century. Unique in Eastern Europe, it is considered a symbol of Bulgarian identity and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

11:00 a.m. Madara – Departure.

11:45 a.m. Shumen – Arrival. This city, significant during the Ottoman era and in Bulgaria’s national history, is home to its 18th-century mosque—the largest in the Balkans outside Turkey. Lunch included before continuing our journey.

01:45 p.m. Shumen – Departure.

04:00 p.m. Arbanassi – Arrival. This former merchant town is renowned for its fortress-like houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. We will visit the Church of the Nativity (admission included), famous for its interior frescoes, considered treasures of Bulgarian religious art.

05:15 p.m. Arbanassi – Departure.

05:30 p.m. Veliko Tarnovo – Arrival. The former capital of Bulgaria, it preserves a picturesque medieval quarter along the Yantra River gorge. Free time to stroll through its cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and historic corners.

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: 395 km.
Scenery: Beautiful and varied landscapes, with little villages en route.
Note: From November to March, due to shorter days and monument opening hours, we won´t be able to visit the interior of the church in Biertan. However, we will make a brief stop to view it from the outside.

09:00 a.m. – Departure from Sighisoara. In Transylvania, there are many fortified churches in areas that were historically inhabited by people of German origin. Some of these churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we’ll visit one in Biertan.
09:45 a.m. - Biertan - Arrival to visit the fortified church (tickets included).

10:45 a.m. – Departure from Biertan.
12:15 a.m. - Sibiu - Arrival in this important economic and cultural center, which was once the capital of Transylvania. Take some time to stroll through its bustling narrow streets and squares and enjoy lunch.

02:30 p.m. – Departure from Sibiu. We’ll drive along the highway through picturesque agricultural regions.
04:15 p.m. - Hunedoara - We will visit the impressive Hunedoara Castle (tickets included), considered the most beautiful castle in Romania.

05:15 p.m. – Departure from Hunedoara.
07:45 p.m. - Timisoara. This city, with Roman origins, is home to diverse communities. Its beautifully restored classical and pedestrian center is perfect for an evening stroll.

Total distance covered: 170 km.

Note: Please have your passport handy, as it will be required at the Serbia border.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Timisoara. We’ll journey through pleasant landscapes as we head towards Serbia. The border crossing may occasionally cause some delays.
11:30 a.m. (12:30 p.m. in Romania) - Belgrade. We’ll take a city tour of this lively capital situated at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava. We’ll explore the bustling city center, the parliament, and enjoy a stroll through the Kalemegdan Fortress. The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, where Tito’s Mausoleum is located. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to further explore the city at your own pace.

Total distance covered: 130 km.

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Fruska Gora, a stunning natural park renowned for its landscapes and beautiful Orthodox monasteries, some of which date back to the 12th century. We’ll visit the Monasteries of Krusedol and Novo Hopovo, founded by the influential Brankovic family. We’ll continue to Sremski Karlovci, one of the oldest cities in the country, dating back to 1308 when it was known as Karom. Its beautifully preserved historic center features neoclassical architecture. We’ll visit the Museum of Beekeeping and Winery Živanović, where lunch and a wine tasting will be included. We’ll then proceed to Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia, located along the banks of the Danube, known for its diverse architecture that reflects its rich history. A highlight is the Petrovaradin Fortress, considered one of the largest in Europe and a masterpiece of 18th-century European military architecture, often referred to as "The Gibraltar of the Danube."

Total distance covered: 422 km.

We’ll journey south through Serbia, stopping first at the archaeological site of the Roman city of Viminacium (admission included). At its peak, the city was home to 40,000 inhabitants. Here, we’ll admire the Roman roads, as well as the remnants of ancient temples, streets, plazas, amphitheaters, palaces, hippodromes, and thermal baths. Our next stop will be the Manasija Monastery, one of the most important monuments of medieval Serbian culture. Surrounded by towering walls, the monastery’s church still preserves its 15th-century frescoes. We’ll continue to Nis, the third-largest city in Serbia, with a rich Roman heritage. This is where Constantine the Great was born. Overnight accommodation will be here.

Total distance covered: 266 km.

We’ll visit the Zica Orthodox Monastery, dating back to the early 13th century, also known as the Coronation Church, as seven Serbian kings were crowned here. We’ll then continue to the Studenica Monastery, the largest in Serbia, nestled in the mountains. Founded in 1190, it boasts a stunning ensemble of wood and plaster buildings, with its interior walls adorned with Byzantine frescoes. Lunch will be included. Afterward, we’ll head to Kraljevo, a charming town in central Serbia, surrounded by mountains and rich in history and culture. The town is known for its beautiful main square, dominated by a monument to Serbian warriors and its medieval fortress.

Total distance covered: 192 km.

We’ll depart for Ravanica, home to a monastery and an impressive five-domed church. Afterward, we’ll continue to the village of Topola to discover its fascinating history. On Oplenac Hill, we’ll see St. George´s Church, founded by King Peter I of Yugoslavia. This church serves as the mausoleum of the Serbian and Yugoslav royal house and later Yugoslavia until 1945. We’ll then return to Belgrade for accommodation.