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DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Bulgaria
Depart for Bulgaria
DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Sofia
Arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Sofia
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Wednesday - Sofia City Tour
Become acquainted with the history of Sofia on your visit to the National Museum of History. View exhibits of the Bulgarian lands dating back 8000 years, including glimpses of the unique gold and silver treasures from Thracian times. View the St. Sofia Church across the square from the Neo-Byzantine golden domed Alexander Nevsky Church. Stroll the lanes of the city on your own, or, join the optional tour to Rila Monastery declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Optional: Rila Monastery Tour (PM)
Overnight: Sofia
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Thursday - Nis en Route to Belgrade
A long and rewarding day as you cross the border into the Republic of Serbia. Arrive in Nis, an important crossroad between Central Europe and the Middle East. After an orientation tour of the city with its many historically important sites, enjoy lunch at a popular café. In the afternoon, view the remains of the Turkish fort from the 18th century, now a bustling central recreation area filled with shops, cafes and restaurants. Your journey continues to Belgrade, with a long and tumultuous history. This evening's dinner is at a typical restaurant in the old bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, accented by music and songs
Overnight: Belgrade
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Friday - Belgrade City Tour
Today's sightseeing of historic Belgrade includes a visit to Kalemegdan Fortress, set at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Built in stages between the 1st and 18th centuries, this fortress witnessed major defensive battles. View the Republic Square, Knez Mihajlova Street, and the imposing Saint Sava Temple. This afternoon on your own, or join the optional Oplenac Complex with Wine Tasting. Travel to the town of Topola and visit Oplenac complex to learn about Serbian history and the royal dynasty of Karadjordjevic. Afterward, continue to King's Winery and taste wines from the royal vineyards
Optional: Oplenac Complex with Wine Tasting (PM)
Overnight: Belgrade
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Saturday - Tour Novi Sad, & Travel to Timisoara
Drive through the ever changing landscape to Novi Sad, an interesting mix of Serbian culture and Austro-Hungarian architecture, nestled on the Danube. A walking tour introduces you to the city's major highlights including the Petrovaradin Citadel, also known as the "Gibraltar of the Danube," towering over the river. Then, travel to Timisoara in Romania a city on the Bega River. Upon arrival, check into the hotel with free time before dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Timisoara
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Sunday - Tour Timisoara, Depart for Sibiu, Visit Hunedoara en Route
Begin the day with a walking tour of Timisoara. Admire the city's baroque and art nouveau architecture and view the 14th century Hunaidy Castle. Then, drive to the region of Transylvania. Visit the mythical 14th century Hunedoara Castle built on old Roman fortifications. This fortress, which transformed many times over the years, became the castle of Matthias Corvinus, known as the "Raven King." Then, drive to the town of Sibiu. This cultural center of Europe attracted many musicians in the 19th century and today is the center of Romania's major music festivals
Overnight: Sibiu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Monday - Tour Sibiu & Sighisoara, Travel to Brasov
A guided walking tour begins at the bohemian Old Town. View Great Square, Little Square and the Evangelical Cathedral. At the Bridge of Lies, the first forged iron bridge in the country, view decorations of rosettes and geometric motifs. Then depart to Sighisoara a medieval city in Southeastern Europe with fortified walls, cobblestone lanes and 16th century gingerbread houses. Tour the Guilds Museum; view exhibits on the history of the city's guilds along with displays of original items. Then head south to Brasov, nestled at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel with free time before dinner
Overnight: Brasov
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Tuesday - Tour Bran Castle, Brasov City Tour
Travel south to fabled Bran Castle, surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend, commonly known as "Dracula's Castle." Perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to the commanding towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stocker's character, Count Dracula. Tour the castle, that now serves as a museum displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie. Return to Brasov and take a walking tour of the city, famous for its Town Hall Square and the first Romanian school with its collection of rare books
Overnight: Brasov
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Wednesday - Peles Castle & Sinaia Monastery en Route to Bucharest
This morning, head to Sinaia. Here, visit Peles Castle, former summer residence of Romania's first royal family. The castle is a masterpiece of German Neo-Renaissance architecture. Afterward, proceed to the 17th century Sinaia Monastery in the Prahova Valley, named after the great St. Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai. Take a tour of the monastery and its grounds. Arrive in the Romanian capital of Bucharest for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Bucharest
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Thursday - Bucharest City Tour
Morning tour in Bucharest, takes you to the replica of the French Arc de Triomphe, built to commemorate the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in WWI. Visit the Parliament Palace. After, view the Romanian Athenaeum, the Opera House, the National Military Club and the Military Academy. Spend the afternoon at leisure. At tonight's dinner with festive folklore show, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Bucharest
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Friday - Depart Romania
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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