Includes

• 18 overnights of accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels in Romania, Moldova & Bulgaria (half board)
• English speaking guide
• Danube Delta cruise (lunch included)
• Carriage ride
• Steam train ride (lunch and drinks included)
• 2 festive dinners
• Folklore program
• Modern coach
• Entrances where pre-payable

Note: The order of the itinerary and any entrances are subject to availability and local variation on the intended date.

Itinerary

Tour commences and concludes in Bucharest.

Day 1 – Arrive Bucharest

Welcome to Romania. On arrival in Bucharest you will be met at the airport by your friendly local guide and transferred to your hotel. After your long journey, the rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in until our included Welcome dinner tonight.

Overnight: Minerva Hotel 4★ (or similar) – Bucharest D

Day 2 – Bucharest to Tulcea

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Bucharest, often known as the “Paris of the East”. Wide boulevards, elegant squares and grand buildings reflect the city’s fascinating past. Highlights include the Orthodox Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Romanian Athenaeum and the impressive Parliament Palace (viewed from outside), one of the largest buildings in the world.

Later travel east through the countryside to Tulcea, the gateway to the spectacular Danube Delta.

Overnight: Europolis Hotel 3★ (or similar) – Tulcea B,D

Day 3 – Danube Delta Cruise

Today explore the remarkable Danube Delta, one of Europe’s most unique natural regions. Travel by boat through peaceful waterways and reed-lined channels rich with birdlife.

Stop at the traditional fishing village of Mile 23 where you will enjoy a relaxed lunch prepared by local fishermen. Continue on to Fortuna Lake’s Pelican Reservation and the nearby Nebunu Lake before returning to Tulcea later in the afternoon.

Overnight: Europolis Hotel 3★ (or similar) – Tulcea B,D

Day 4 – Tulcea to Varna (via the Black Sea Coast)

After breakfast travel to the historic port city of Constanta. During a short city tour you will visit the Ethnographic Museum, admire the famous Constanta Casino building and see the elegant Turkish Mosque.

Continue south along Romania’s Black Sea coastline, passing several seaside resorts before crossing into Bulgaria. Stop in Balchik to visit the beautiful seaside palace once used as a summer residence by Queen Marie of Romania. Later arrive in the coastal city of Varna.

Overnight: Aqua Hotel 4★ (or similar) – Varna B,D

Day 5 – Varna to Tryavna

Today’s journey begins in Burgas, where you will enjoy a short city tour and see the Cathedral of St Cyril and Methodius and the Armenian Church.

Continue to the historic town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with charming cobbled streets and centuries-old churches.

Later travel inland to Kazanlak, famous for its rose oil production. Visit the ancient Thracian Tomb before continuing through scenic countryside to the mountain town of Tryavna.

Overnight: Kalina Palace Hotel 4★ (or similar) – Tryavna B,D

Day 6 – Tryavna to Bansko

Begin the day with a stroll through the picturesque town of Tryavna before heading into the Balkan Mountains for a gentle walk to the historic village of Bozhentsi, dating back more than 600 years.

Continue to the lively city of Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest settlements. Explore the old town and see the impressive Roman Amphitheatre before travelling on to the alpine town of Bansko.

Overnight: Gardenia Park Hotel 4★ (or similar) – Bansko B,D

Day 7 – Bansko to Sofia

This morning visit the spectacular Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria’s most important spiritual landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city. During your tour see highlights including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Banya Bashi Mosque, Roman ruins and the National Historical Museum. In the evening enjoy a traditional Bulgarian dinner with music and folklore.

Overnight: Akord Hotel 3★ (or similar) – Sofia B,D

Day 8 – Sofia to Ruse

Travel north to the historic village of Arbanassi, known for its traditional houses and beautiful Orthodox church.

Continue to Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria, dramatically located above the Yantra River. Visit the impressive Tsarevets Fortress and stroll along the lively Street of the Craftsmen before continuing to Ruse.

Overnight: Teodora Palace Hotel 3★ (or similar) – Ruse B,D

Day 9 – Ruse to Bazna (Romania)

Cross back into Romania and stop at the historic Cozia Monastery. Continue through the scenic Olt Valley and the Red Tower Pass into Transylvania.

In the afternoon arrive in Sibiu where you will enjoy a guided tour of its charming old town, including the Great Square, the Small Square, the Bridge of Lies and the Orthodox Cathedral.

Overnight: Casa Bazna Pension 3★ (or similar) – Bazna B,D

Day 10 – Medieval Transylvania

Today visit the beautifully preserved medieval town of Sighisoara, known as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical inspiration behind the Dracula legend.

Continue to the village of Biertan to visit one of Romania’s impressive fortified churches. Later enjoy a gentle countryside walk before returning to Bazna, where a horse-drawn carriage ride will take you to the fortified church in Boian.

Overnight: Casa Bazna Pension 3★ (or similar) – Bazna B,D

Day 11 – Bazna to Bistrita

Travel to Targu Mures and visit the elegant Palace of Culture, the Orthodox Cathedral and the town citadel.

Later continue to the historic town of Bistrita where you will visit the 14th-century Protestant Church.

Overnight: Poarta Transilvaniei Hotel 3★ (or similar) – Bistrita B,D

Day 12 – Steam Train Adventure

Enjoy a memorable excursion to Viseu de Sus where you will board a traditional forest steam railway. The train winds through spectacular mountain scenery along the Vaser Valley, one of the last remaining forest railways in Europe. Lunch and drinks are included during this relaxing journey. Return to Bistrita later in the afternoon.

Overnight: Poarta Transilvaniei Hotel 3★ (or similar) – Bistrita B,D

Day 13 – Bukovina Monasteries to Chisinau

Travel through the scenic Tihuta Pass into the historic region of Bukovina. Visit the beautiful painted monasteries of Moldovita and Voronet, famous for their colourful exterior frescoes.

Continue via the city of Iasi before crossing into Moldova and arriving in the capital, Chisinau.

Overnight: Aria Hotel 4★ (or similar) – Chisinau B,D

Day 14 – Discover Chisinau

Enjoy a guided city tour of Moldova’s capital including the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, government buildings and several historic churches.

This afternoon you may explore the city at leisure or join an optional excursion to the famous Cricova underground wine cellars for a tasting experience.

Overnight: Aria Hotel 4★ (or similar) – Chisinau B,D

Day 15 – Chisinau to Lacu Rosu

Travel back into Romania and visit Neamt Citadel and the nearby Neamt Monastery.

Continue through the spectacular Bicaz Gorge before arriving at the scenic Red Lake, known for the tree trunks rising from the water following a historic landslide.

Overnight: Lacu Rosu Hotel 4★ (or similar) – Lacu Rosu B,D

Day 16 – Lacu Rosu to Predeal

Travel south and visit the impressive fortified church of Prejmer, once used by villagers as a defensive refuge. Later arrive in the mountain town of Predeal.

Overnight: Piemonte Hotel 4★ (or similar) – Predeal B,D

Day 17 – Bran Castle & Brasov

Begin the day at the Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti where rescued brown bears now live safely in a forest environment.

Continue to Bran Castle, famously linked with the Dracula legend, before visiting Rasnov Citadel and the charming medieval city of Brasov. Highlights include the Black Church, Council Square and the narrow Rope Street.

Overnight: Piemonte Hotel 4★ (or similar) – Predeal B,D

Day 18 – Sinaia to Bucharest

Travel to Sinaia to admire the beautiful Peles Castle, once the summer residence of Romania’s royal family, as well as the nearby Sinaia Monastery.

Return to Bucharest and visit the open-air Village Museum, which showcases traditional homes from across Romania. This evening enjoy a festive farewell dinner at the famous Caru’ cu Bere restaurant.

Overnight: Minerva Hotel 4★ (or similar) – Bucharest B,D

Day 19 – Departure

Transfer to Bucharest Airport for onward travel, taking with you wonderful memories of Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova. B

THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Available dates: On application
Pricing: Contact us for the best possible deal. Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour.