Sofia to Serbia

Sofia - Plovdiv. In the morning, our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Sofia. We'll then set off towards our first destination: Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Plovdiv's Old Town features well-preserved historic districts, with narrow cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and charming architecture.

On arrival, we'll visit the recently opened Bishop's Basilica, dating back to the 5th-6th century AD, which showcases preserved mosaics depicting over 100 bird species. During a short walking tour of the Old Town, we'll admire the facades of 19th-century merchant houses, built atop Roman foundations. We'll also explore remnants of significant Roman public buildings - the ancient theatre and stadium. In the evening, enjoy some free time with a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, where you can take in the sunset and scenic views.

Plovdiv - Shipka - Veliko Tarnovo. After breakfast, we leave Plovdiv and make our way to Shipka, where we will explore the impressive Shipka Memorial Church. This church serves as a tribute to the Russo-Turkish War and is renowned for its remarkable architecture and frescoes.

We continue to Veliko Tarnovo, once the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Here, we will visit the Tsarevets Royal Citadel, one of the three fortified hills of the medieval capital from the 12th to 14th centuries, which was home to the royal palace and the patriarchal cathedral. Most of the fortress walls were reconstructed in the 20th century, and the cathedral was rebuilt with an authentic exterior and modernist murals inside. In the afternoon, we will take a brief walk along the Samovodene Arts and Crafts Street, where we can explore local artisan workshops.

Veliko Tarnavo - Ruse - Bucharest (Romania). Before we set off, enjoy a final walk through Veliko Tarnovo at leisure. We will then head towards Ruse, where we explore Alexandrovskaya Street, noted for its magnificent neo-Baroque architecture. Here, we can admire landmarks like the Opera House and City Hall. We’ll also visit the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing Ruse’s historical ties with the United States. Later, enjoy some free time for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll stroll along the Danube promenade, enjoying the scenic river views. We will then leave Ruse, crossing the Danube into Romania. We spend the night in Bucharest.

Today, we embark on a comprehensive Bucharest city tour. Our journey begins at the renowned Palace of the Parliament. Also known as the People’s House, it was part of a grand project initiated by Nicolae Ceausescu during his communist regime in Romania. This structure was designed to accommodate all of the departments of the state, and to function as a shelter against earthquakes and nuclear attacks.

We'll then proceed to Bucharest’s Old Town (Lipscani), where there's free time for lunch in the Old Town. We recommend you try traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) or mamaliga (cornmeal porridge). Our final stop is the Bucharest Village Museum, first opened in 1936. The museum spans 14 hectares and houses 380 monuments, 60,000 traditional objects, and over 250,000 archived documents, all showcasing traditional Romanian life.

Bucharest - Bran - Brasov. Our first stop today is Bran, a small village known for the historic Bran Castle. With over 600 years of history, Bran Castle is often referred to as Dracula’s Castle, thanks to Bram Stoker’s famous novel. Here, we will delve into the history of Vlad the Impaler and explore the links between Vlad Tepes and Stoker’s Dracula. During our tour of the castle’s rooms and towers, you’ll gain insight into its importance as a royal residence and its place in Romanian culture.

Following the tour, we’ll wander through the village of Bran and browse the local market before completing our drive to the city of Brasov, our base for tonight.

Brasov - Sighisoara. Today, we will explore Brasov, beginning at Piata Sfatului, the bustling centre of the city. Here, we will admire the Gothic Black Church, the largest Lutheran worship site in the region. Afterward, you will have some leisure time for lunch before we continue to Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we approach the Sighisoara Citadel, we will enter through the main gate and visit the iconic Clock Tower, which houses Sighisoara's History Museum. The Clock Tower's basement contains a historic torture chamber. You will also have free time to explore and we will spend the night in Sighisoara.

Sighisoara - Cluj Napoca - Alba Iulia - Sibiu. After breakfast, we'll drive to Cluj Napoca, one of Romania's largest cities. Our first stop will be the Neo-Gothic Saint Andrew's Cathedral, where we can take in its beautiful stained-glass windows. We'll then stroll through Unirii Square, where you'll encounter the impressive St. Michael's Church and the nearby Matthias Corvinus Statue.

Our next stop is Alba Iulia, where we visit the Alba Carolina Citadel. This fortress takes you back over two millennia and is an outstanding example of Vauban-style architecture. From Alba Carolina, we'll drive to our final destination of the day, Sibiu, where we will spend the night.

Sibiu - Timisoara. We'll begin today with a city tour of Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Our walking tour will take in the main Piata Mare square, home to stunning Baroque architecture, including the City Hall and the Council Tower. We'll conclude our city tour by strolling through the passage of stairs and crossing the iconic Bridge of Lies.

After some free time, we'll set off for Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle. This impressive structure showcases Gothic architecture and is said to be where Vlad Tepes was imprisoned by John Hunyadi for seven years. As one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, Corvin Castle is a significant historical monument in Romania and has stood for over 300 years. We end today in Timisoara, where we spend the night.

Timisoara - Novi Sad (Serbia). Before crossing into Serbia, we embark on a tour of Timisoara, a city that has been influenced by various empires and rulers, including the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire - it is notably the city where the 1989 revolution began.

We will visit sites such as the hammam (Turkish public bath), bazaar (marketplace), Central Mosque, and cemetery. At the start of the 18th century, Austrian imperial forces led by Prince Eugene of Savoy captured the area, leading to the construction of new streets, houses, and churches. We will walk toward Union Square (Piata Unirii), the heart of Timisoara, where you can take some time to admire stunning architecture, including the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral and the Baroque Palace. We will also pass by Huniade Castle, the oldest building in Timisoara. After exploring Timisoara, we will proceed to Novi Sad in Serbia.

Novi Sad - Sremski Karlovci - Belgrade. After breakfast, we will embark on a city tour of Novi Sad, often regarded as the cultural capital of northern Serbia. Situated on the historical frontier between the former Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires, the city is renowned for its unique Baroque architecture, which defines many of its significant structures. One highlight not to be missed is the Petrovaradin Fortress, affectionately dubbed the Gibraltar on the Danube. We will explore the old town by strolling through the pedestrian avenues, including Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska streets.

In Sremski Karlovci, we will delve into the area's winemaking heritage and enjoy a sightseeing tour. Often described as a 'museum town', Sremski Karlovci is home to a stunning Baroque centre. Legend has it that those who drink from the Four Lions fountain in the city centre will return to Karlovci and wed there. After the tour, you will have free time to sample the region's wine before we make our way to the Serb capital, Belgrade.

Today, we will explore Belgrade, starting at Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, the site where Belgrade originated as a human settlement long ago. Situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, the fortress offers stunning views of the city. In the Upper Town of the fortress, we will visit the Pobednik monument, a significant landmark with roots dating back to 1913. The park itself is a vast green space. After leaving Kalemegdan, we'll stroll along Knez Mihailova, Belgrade's oldest street. Our tour concludes at Republic Square, the true heart of Belgrade, home to the National Theatre, the National Museum, and the famous statue of Prince Michael (Knez Mihajlo). The rest of the day is free for you to explore.

Belgrade - Nis. After breakfast, we drive toward Nis, a prominent city in southern Serbia with a rich history. Nis features numerous parks, museums, and galleries that reflect its past. It is one of the oldest cities in the region and the birthplace of Constantine the Great. Our first stop will be Nis Fortress, situated on the right bank of the river. It is believed to have been constructed on the remains of the ancient Roman city of Naissus. We also visit Bubanj Memorial Park, a World War II memorial complex. You'll then have some free time to discover the city at your own pace.

Nis - Sofia. This morning, we cross the border back into Bulgaria to visit the Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria's most iconic cultural and historical landmarks. Located in the Rila Mountains, approximately 75 miles (120 kilometres) south of Sofia, the monastery offers picturesque views of the Bulgarian countryside and the Rila Mountains.

Established in the 10th century by the hermit St. Ivan Rilski, the Rila Monastery is the largest in Bulgaria. The oldest structure within the complex today is a fortress tower dating back to the 1330s. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural masterpiece, we will explore the main church, a museum, and several monastic buildings. After a day of exploration, we will complete our journey back to Sofia.

This morning, we will embark on a city tour of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Our tour begins with a visit to the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals globally. Following this, we'll head to St. Sophia Church, a historic and significant site as one of Sofia's oldest churches. Our next stop is the Royal Palace, now home to the National Art Gallery, and then we will stroll to the nearby National Theatre Ivan Vazov, regarded as one of Bulgaria's most prestigious theatres. As we continue, we'll pass by the President's Office. While entry may not be possible, you can still admire the architecture and importance of this governmental building.

Our tour concludes at the Triangle of Tolerance, a symbol of religious harmony in Sofia. This marks the end of our tour, at approximately 18:00 - 19:00. There is no accommodation included tonight, so you will need to book your own. If heading home, make your own way to the airport. Safe travels!