Balkan way to Bulgaria – Romania – Serbia

12-Day Eastern Europe Adventure

Ready to discover the heart of Eastern Europe? This 12-day journey takes you through the very best of Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia. We've packed this trip with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, from ancient monasteries to legendary castles.

• Day 1: Hello, Sofia! Land in Sofia, check into your hotel, and spend the rest of the day relaxing or starting your own exploration.

• Day 2: Sofia's Secrets & Rila's Beauty. Dive into Sofia's history with a guided tour of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and other city landmarks. In the afternoon, escape to the serene, UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery nestled in the mountains.

• Day 3: Journey to Medieval Veliko Tarnovo. Travel to Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of Bulgaria. You'll explore the imposing Tsarevets Fortress and the crafts on Samovodska Charshiya. Then, visit the charming village of Arbanassi before settling in for the night.

• Day 4: From Bulgaria to Bucharest. Cross the Danube River into Romania and get your first taste of Bucharest on a panoramic city tour, seeing the massive Palace of the Parliament and more.

• Day 5: Castles and Mountains. The scenic Carpathian Mountains are calling! We'll visit the stunning Peles Castle, then head to the legendary Bran Castle, famous for its connection to Dracula. We'll end the day exploring the medieval town of Brasov.

• Day 6: Transylvanian Tales. Get ready for a day of fairytales as we explore two UNESCO-listed towns: Sighisoara, with its colorful citadel, and Sibiu, with its unique "eyes on the roofs" and historic squares.

• Day 7: Timisoara, a City of Culture. We travel west to Timisoara, a city known for its beautiful squares and vibrant culture. You'll have time to explore its historic center, a true gem of Romania.

• Day 8: Timisoara – Novi Sad – Belgrade. Depart Timisoara and cross into Serbia. Your first stop is Novi Sad, where you will tour the magnificent Petrovaradin Fortress and the charming city center. In the afternoon, continue to Belgrade and check into your hotel.

• Day 9: Belgrade City Highlights. Discover the best of Belgrade on a city tour. We'll explore the impressive Kalemegdan Fortress and the bohemian Skadarlija Quarter, with an optional river cruise to see the city from the water.

• Day 10: Belgrade – Niš. Today you'll travel from Belgrade to Niš, the ancient city of Philip the Great. You'll have a guided tour of Niš Fortress and the historic city center, including the infamous Skull Tower. Overnight in Niš.

• Day 11: Niš – Sofia. Transfer from Niš back to Sofia. You'll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.

• Day 12: Farewell, Balkans. Enjoy a final breakfast before your transfer to Sofia Airport for your flight home.