Balkan Trails S.R.L. 29 Mihail Sebastian St. 050784 Bucharest, Romania Tour operator license #757 Highlights of Bulgaria and Transylvania (8 nights) Tour Description: Begin your tour in the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia. Visit the 11th-century Boyana Church before venturing into the mountains to the Eastern Orthodox Rila Monastery, built 1147 meters above sea level. In Plovdiv, site of an ancient Thracian settlement, you’ll tour the Old Town, Roman Stadium, and Antique Theater. In Kazanlak, a major producer of precious Bulgarian rose oil, visit the celebrated 4th-century B.C. Thracian Tomb. On the way to Veliko Tarnovo, traverse the breathtaking Shipka Pass. Visit the medieval Tsarevets Fortress, and explore Samovodene Street, a treasure trove of local Bulgarian crafts. Next, tour the village of Arbanassi, filled with houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Tour Konstantzalieva House and learn about the daily life of a wealthy 17th-century family. Cross the Romanian border to Bucharest for a city tour, then visit the 14th-century Curtea de Arges monastery, haunted by tragic legends. At Poienari Fortress, climb 1480 steps to the high throne of Vlad the Impaler. In Sibiu, tour the quintessential Saxon city, known for its extensive fortifications. In Sighisoara, a beautifully- preserved medieval citadel, enjoy the view from the 13th-century Clock Tower. Take a picturesque covered staircase to the Gothic Church on the Hill. Discover the ancient village life and long forgotten crafts brought back to life in the exquisite Transylvanian village of Viscri. Proceed to legendary Bran Castle, then visit Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, the extravagant 19th- century royal residence. Wind up your tour at the mysterious island monastery of Snagov. Tour Highlights: • discover 6 of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bulgaria and Romania • explore the charming medieval towns of Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria • visit the Boyana church and the Rila monastery, the most famous churches in Bulgaria • discover Transylvania's most famous sights: Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov, along with the Peles and Bran Castles • spend a full day in Viscri, one of the best preserved villages in Transylvania, and learn about some of the ancient crafts in the area • enjoy the services of a private, licensed tour guide, who will uncover the best sights along your route • overnight in centrally located, quaint, locally-owned 3 and 4 star hotels, perfect for exploring on own Day-by-Day Itinerary Day 1: arrival in Sofia, city tour Arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria, and greet your guide; then regain your equilibrium at Hotel Niky, a cozy home base for your immersion in the buzzing, vibrant energy of this modern city. In the afternoon, revel in a guided walk through the streets of Sofia, magnificently paved in yellow-painted brick. You’ll visit the stunning Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, the Neo-Renaissance main building of the National Assembly, and the Early Christian St. George's Rotunda. *Please note that if you experience a delayed arrival in Sofia for any reason, the city tour can be broken into two parts: the afternoon of your arrival day and the following morning. Overnight in Sofia, Hotel Niky*** (centrally located) Day 2: Boyana Church - Rila Monastery - Plovdiv Venture near the base of the local mountain massif, Vitosha, to explore Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its definitive collection of medieval frescoes and iconic art—all nearly untouched by the hand of time. Journey on to the majestic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure first established by Saint John of Rila, a revered saint who lived in deep seclusion. According to the legends, the saint was so in tune with nature that wild animals and birds could surround him without fear or trepidation. Rila Monastery is regarded as one of the country’s most hallowed places, and the complex became an important repository of Bulgarian culture from medieval times all the way through to the 1800s. End the day in Plovdiv. Overnight in Plovdiv, Hotel Evmolpia**** (located in the Old Town) Day 3: Plovdiv - Kazanlak Thracian Tomb - Shipka Pass - Veliko Tarnovo With your guide, wind your way through historic Plovdiv, 6000 years old and one of the most ancient cities in all of Europe. Named Eumolpias by the Thracians, Philippoupolis by the Greeks and Trimontium (Three Hills) by the Romans, the city of Plovdiv only received its modern name in the 11th century. It is now imbued with progressive, avant-garde culture and boasts a thriving artistic community. Stroll through the ancient Roman Theater and visit the Ethnographic Museum, housed in the 1847 Kuyumdzhioglu House; with its exquisitely curved roofline, it stands as a beautiful representation of the Baroque-inspired architecture of the time. Afterward, move on to Kazanlak, situated at the foot of the Balkans amidst Bulgaria’s famous rose fields. Here, you’ll visit the extraordinary Thracian Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Please be aware that you will tour the replica, as visits to the original site are seldom allowed. The impressive Thracian necropolis, constructed during the Hellenistic era, displays superb murals, which represent Bulgaria’s only completely- preserved Hellenistic works of art. Next, journey on toward Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval Bulgarian capital. You’ll travel there via the high mountain views of the Shipka Pass, and receive a fascinating description of local history and culture on the way. You’ll visit the onion-domed Russian Church in the village of Shipka and the historical marker at Shipka Peak—a sacred place for all Bulgarians, built in honor of their valorous ancestors. Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo in the late afternoon. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo, Hotel Bolyarski**** (located in the Old Town) Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo - Arbanassi - Bucharest Morning brings an intriguing tour of Veliko Tarnovo. Stroll through the Old Town and sift through the wares offered in the lovely handcraft shops. Learn about the living artistic, textile, and metalworking traditions, and taste a cup of Турско Кафе (Turkish coffee) brewed by hand on heated sand. Next, venture on to 12th-century Tsarevets, a high fortification and palace that served as one of the strongest medieval fortresses in Bulgaria. The imposing and highly strategic edifice historically functioned as a primary royal residence and the home of religious patriarchs. Investigate the three-meter-thick fortress walls along with the towers, throne room, and site of the old drawbridge. Next, take a short trip to the village of Arbanassi, a beautiful little town rich with examples of 17th- and 18th- century architecture. The town formerly benefitted from Ottoman support, and became a center for the wealthy and privileged. Visit Konstantzalieva House, and become familiar with the quotidian life of an affluent 17th-century family. Tour the intriguing Nativity of Christ Church, built partially underground due to Ottoman restrictions. In the afternoon, travel on to Bucharest. You’ll begin your discovery of the Romanian capital as soon as you arrive. Here, in Europe’s sixth-largest city and glimmering hub of industry, transportation, and the arts, you’ll find a lavish mix of architectural styles: neoclassical, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Communist-period, and ultramodern/contemporary. Let your guide fill you in on the story of Bucharest, as evidenced in its outer diversity. You’ll take part in a panoramic city tour, providing you with an exclusive view into the living culture and deep history of this remarkable city. Overnight in Bucharest, Hotel Berthelot**** (centrally located) Day 5: Bucharest - Curtea de Arges - Poienari ruins - Transfagarasan road - Sibiu This morning, you’ll depart on a journey into the wild depths of Transylvania. Bound for the gorgeous city of Sibiu on the breathtaking Transfagarasan Road, you’ll stop at Curtea de Arges monastery, a major architectural feat with trompe l’oeil cupolas, a soaring façade, and an interior to match. Constructed in the early 1500s, this Romanian Orthodox cathedral is filled with legends surrounding its creation: attempted human flight, deadly ultimatums, and the tragic death of a wife. Next, drive to the breathtaking ruins of Poienari Castle, home and nearly inaccessible fortress of Vlad the Impaler. Poenari perches on an impossibly high cliff face, and is protected by ruined walls; visitors must ascend over 1,400 steps in order to gain entry. Vlad reportedly used slave labor to restore it, first arresting members of the aristocracy as traitors and then forcing them into hard labor. Their lives were utterly dispensable, and due to the perilous location and unmerciful circumstances, very few outlived its construction. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in exquisite Sibiu and get settled at your hotel. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the medieval Old Town, the most protected and secure of all Saxon settlements. As an important center for trade, Sibiu was frequently bombarded with attacks, and remains encircled by a complex system of bastions and walls. *please note the Transfagarasan road is open only between June and September. If your tour takes place outside this period, you will travel on the road going along the Olt river valley Overnight in Sibiu, Hotel Casa Levoslav**** (located in the Old Town) Day 6: Sibiu - Biertan - Sighisoara - Viscri From Sibiu, travel to the soaring church fortress of Biertan (UNESCO World Heritage Site). With its high, fortified walls and nine gate towers, Biertan—built by the people of the village—allowed the townspeople to protect themselves without the necessity to bear arms during frequent Ottoman attacks. The inhabited citadel of Sighisoara marks your next stop. Take a walk through the medieval Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with your guide, and ascend the 13th-century clock tower and old covered staircase to the Gothic Church on the Hill. Sighisoara is also famous as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the house of his birth now serves as an outstanding restaurant.