BEST
OF BULGARIA AND ROMANIA 2008
A cultural tour of Bulgaria & Romania
In this 15 days journey we explore two of the most interesting
gems of Eastern Europe - Bulgaria and Romania. From stone churches, fortresses
and painted churches, to villages depicting medieval lifestyle and markets
bazaars, this is a tour into it’s rich past. Added features in include
the historical Dracula’s castle and Thracian, Hellenistic, Roman and
Byzantine architecture.
Day 01 Arrival
Sofia
Upon arrival at Sofia International Airport we are cordially met and welcomed
and then transferred to our hotel in Sofia. Balance of the day is free to stroll
around this beautiful Bulgarian capital city.
Overnight: Hotel Brod, Sofia (2 nights)
Day 02 Sofia
We start our unique Bulgarian – Romanian combined journey with a tour
of Sofia to include Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the St. George Rotunda from
the 4th century, the St.Sofia Basilica, Serdica and several other monuments.
Sofia is a city with 7000 years of history and one is practically walking
on remnants of history. (B)
Day 03 Sofia / Rila / Plovdiv
We depart to the fascinating 10th Century Rila Monastery – a UNESCO World
Heritage site. It is also the largest and the most impressive Bulgarian monastery.
Tour of the monastery complex, church and museum with its lavish collection
of precious old manuscripts, icons, jewellery, masterpieces of woodcarving,
ethnographic exhibition of fabrics and carpets. Passing through scenic passes
alongside Rila, the highest mountain in Bulgaria, we arrive at Plovdiv – a
city that ranks second to Sofia in terms of importance
Overnight: Hotel Plovdiv, Plovdiv (2 nights) (B)
Day 04 Plovdiv / Bachkovo / Kazanlak
Another one of a town that goes back over 3000 years into history.
We start our exploration with the historical Old town followed
by visits to
see the excavations dating back to the Roman times. Here we visit the ancient
Roman Amphitheatre with it’s impressive marble statues, decorative
columns and arcades. Excursion to the 11th Century Bachkovo Monastery
includes one of the richest galleries of traditional Bulgarian religious
art and
exquisite murals with medieval icons. Later we depart for Kazanlak,
the capital of the famous Valley of Roses.
Overnight: Hotel Palas, Kazalnik (1 night) (B)
Day 05 Kazanlak / Shipka Pass / Tryavna / Veliko Tarnovo
This interesting day starts with a visit to the Kazanlak Historical Museum
where we also see the recently discovered Thracian golden treasures. This
is followed by a visit of the 4th Century BC Thracian - another unique site
which has also been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. On a walking
tour of Tryavna, we see vaulted stone bridges, houses, churches and square
with a clock tower which has preserved the spirit and talent of artists from
Tryavna School of Art from the 17th C. After visiting the interesting Woodcarving
Museum of Tryavna, we head for Veliko Tarnovo.
Overnight: Hotel Boliari, Veliko Tarnovo (2 nights) (B)
Day 06 Veliko Tarnovo / Arbanassi
The day starts with a tour of Veliko Tarnovo, including Tsarevets hill -
an impressive sight with medieval fortifications and outstanding architecture.
Next is a visit of the museum town of Arbanassi boasting a genuine gallery
of art in its Church of Nativity.
Evening is free to enjoy the shops and houses of Velko Tarnovo. (B)
Day 07 Veliko Tarnovo / Ivanovo / Rousse
Another day into the Bulgarian romance. In the valley of the Roussenski Lom
River, a complex of rock-hewn churches, chapels, monasteries and cells developed
in the vicinity of the village of Ivanovo. This is where the first hermits
had dug out their cells and churches during the 12th century. The 14th-century
murals testify to the exceptional skill of the artists belonging to the Tarnovo
School of painting. Afternoon free.
Overnight: Hotel Riga, Rousse (1 night) (B)
Day 08 Rousse / Bucharest (Romania)
Morning we take a tour of Rousse popular with its architecture and very
tranquil atmosphere. Rousse used to be a Roman fortress "Sexaginta Prista" (which
means "The port of the sixty ships"), after that it was called
Rustchuk. Nowadays the name is Rousse. Bidding farewell to Bulgaria, we
enter another unique and historical country – Romania. We head
off to the capital city, Bucharest.
Overnight: Hotel Capital, Bucharest (1 night) (B)
Day 09 Bucharest / Curtea De Arges / Sibiu
The day starts with a tour of Bucharest to including the famous Cathedral
of the Patriarchate. Next we visit Curtea de Arges - a former capital
of Wallachia and the Episcopal Church where the Romanian Kings lie
buried.
Drive along the picturesque Olt Valley to Cozia Monastery and Sibiu
to take an
interesting tour of the old towns of Transylvania - formerly Hermannstadt
including medieval town with it’s Main Square, Evangelical Church,
Liars’ Bridge amongst other sites. Afternoon free.
Overnight: Hotel Continental, Sibiu (1 night) (B)
Day 10 Sibiu / Sighisoara / Bistrita
Another interesting and exciting day ahead as we drive to Biertan to
visit the impressive fortified church. From here we continue to visit
Sighisoara,
birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (“Dracula”). We visit the medieval
citadel (the “Upper Town”), the Clock Tower, the Church on the
Hill before departing for Târgu Mures - one of the elegant city
centres known for its architecture. Bistrita is one of the 7 main medieval
towns
of Transylvania.
Overnight: Codrisor, Bistrita (1 night) (B)
Day 11 Bistrita / Maramures / Campulung Moldovenesc
A day into the crafts as we proceed to Maramures - a region famous for its
woodwork traditions and unspoiled rural life. We visit the picturesque villages
of Sacel, Bogdan Voda and Rozavlea, with their wooden churches and porches.
Next is a visit of the impressive monastery of Barsana and lunch on the monastery.
In the afternoon we drive across the Carpathians to Bucovina via Prislop
Pass getting an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking scenery.
Overnight: Zimbru, Câmpulung Moldovenesc. (1 night) (B)
Day 12 Campulung Moldovenesc / Monasteries / Piatra Neamt
Full day in Bucovina – land of the unique painted monasteries – a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. We start with a visit of the interesting Moldovita
and Sucevita monasteries with its outstanding outside frescoes followed by
the famous monastery of Voronet, “the Sistine Chapel of the Orient”.
Late afternoon we drive south to visit the Agapia monastery.
Overnight: Ceahlaul, Piatra Neamt (1 night) (B)
Day 13 Piatra Neamt / Brasov or Poiana Brasov
Going past the spectacular Bicaz Gorges, the Red Lake and Miercurea Ciuc,
we take a scenic drive to Brasov. We visit the beautiful fortified church
of Prejmer. Late afternoon we arrive Brasov or Poiana Brasov. Evening is
free to enjoy the local markets.
Overnight: Complex Sportus / Bradul (1 night) (B)
Day 14 Brasov / Bran / Bucharest
A panoramic guided walking tour within the historical center of Brasov
(formerly Kronstadt) includes visit to the famous Black Church before
departing for
Bran for a visit of “Dracula’s Castle”. We drive across
the mountains to Sinaia and visit the impressive 1695 Sinaia Monastery and
the fabulous Peles Castle - former summer residence of the Royal family.
Drive to Bucharest. Upon arrival we visit the outdoor Village Museum. Evening
is free to take time off to shop at Bucharest’s many shops.
Overnight: Capital Hotel, Bucharest (1 night) (B)
Day 15 Bucharest departure
After a fortnight of fun and enjoyable touring witnessing some of the
most well known historical and spectacular scenery, we are transferred
to the
airport for our departure flight home or joining one of the other Bestway’s
tours in the region. (B)
Departure Dates
2008
English Speaking Departures May 17; Jun 14 & 28; Jul 12 & 26; Aug 09 & 30; Sep 13
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes
Tour Price Does Not Include
Hotels
as per itinerary (or similar)
All
transfers & tours with private
transportation
Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner)
Entrance fees to all Sites and Museums
Services of an English-speaking guide
International
flight tickets
Insurance
/ visa fee if applicable
Tips / gratuities
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America).
Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate.
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast
CA $ 1300
USA - West Coast
US $ 1200
Canada - East Coast
CA $ 1000
USA - East Coast
US $ 800
Participants
Please
call for details 1.800.663.0844 or 1.604.264.7378
Notes
Customised Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.
Foreign Language Departures
Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures.
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.