Old & new capitals of Romania & Bulgaria
Romania and Bulgaria are two Eastern European countries with hundreds of years of history behind them. During this time, many different cities have held the title of capital in these culturally rich lands.
On this 8-day tour, you will set out on an exploration of the old and new capitals of Romania and Bulgaria. We will show you the important role these cities have played over the course of history. From Sofia, Bulgaria to Bucharest, Romania, set off on a magnificent adventure into the past.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in a double rooms in 3, 4, and 5-star hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Land transfers as per the itinerary
- Private English-speaking guide on excursions
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- Assistance during the entire tour
- Fuel & parking fees
Excluded:
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Photo & video fees
Optional:
- Transfer back to Sofia
Itinerary at a Glance
Sofia
Welcome to Sofia!
Sofia
Discover the Capital of Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo
Discover a Medieval City
Veliki Preslav - Pliska - Bucharest
Stop at Legendary Places en Route to Romania
Bucharest
Be Impressed by Bucharest
Targoviste - Curtea De Arges - Alba Iulia
Discover a History Laced with the Legend of Dracula
Alba Iulia
Explore the Star-Shaped Citadel of Alba Lulia
Bucharest
Goodbye, Bucharest!
Detailed Itinerary
Sofia
Day 1: Welcome to Sofia!
You will arrive in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Your guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in to the comfort of your room and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Sofia
Day 2: Discover the Capital of Bulgaria
It’s time to discover the best-known city in Bulgaria: Sofia. This city was named after the Santa Sofia Church, and its name means “Wisdom." On a guided tour you will see the most important parts of the city: the St. George Rotunda, one of the oldest buildings in town; Boyana church, a UNESCO World Heritage monument from the 13th century; the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the symbol of Sofia; and remnants of all the cultures that once lived here, from the Romans to the Ottomans.
Veliko Tarnovo
Day 3: Discover a Medieval City
It’s time to leave Sofia behind and step back in time to one of Bulgaria's most glorious eras with a visit to its medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo.
Built on the Yantra river, the “City of Tsars,” as it is also called, will welcome you with its many attractions, which you will discover one by one. Begin at Tsarevets, the fortress that houses the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors, then move on to the Patriarchate, Trapezitsa, another fortress and former residence of kings. Discover important monuments and a charming old town with traditional houses.
Veliki Preslav - Pliska - Bucharest
Day 4: Stop at Legendary Places en Route to Romania
Today you will venture to two forgotten capitals of Bulgaria: Veliki Preslav and Pliska.
In the morning, head to Veliki Preslav, the second capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. The ruins of the old Bulgarian center can be admired in the city center. Take a look and get an idea of what this emblematic place once meant for Bulgaria.
On your last stop in Bulgaria you will visit Pliska, the first Bulgarian capital. Today Pliska is only a small town in North-East Bulgaria, but a walk through the city will unveil the traces of its rich history.
End the day in Bucharest where you will spend the night.
Bucharest
Day 5: Be Impressed by Bucharest
On your fifth day, you will explore the current capital of Romania. Start with a long walk in the old town of Bucharest. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city while stopping to visit the most important landmarks, including Parliament Palace, the Romanian Athenaeum, and the Village Museum.
A perfect way to end this day is to go back to the old town for a little revelry in the city's lively pubs where you can taste the liqueurs of Eastern Europe.
Targoviste - Curtea De Arges - Alba Iulia
Day 6: Discover a History Laced with the Legend of Dracula
It is time to discover the lesser known capitals of Romania: Targoviste and Curtea de Arges. Curtea de Arges was the country's first capital, but the city lost its glory when the capital was moved to Targoviste. The former became an important center once again when the first king of Romania, Carol I, decided to name the Curtea de Arges monastery the royal necropolis. You will visit the monastery and learn about all the legends behind it.
Continue on to Targoviste, which has been an important cultural and economic center in Romania for over 3 centuries. It was also the capital during the reign of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula. Today you will get the chance to explore the remains of the citadel.
After visiting Targoviste and Curtea de Arges, you will head to Alba Iulia for the night.
Alba Iulia
Day 7: Explore the Star-Shaped Citadel of Alba Lulia
Today, Alba Iulia is a small city in Transylvania, but it once enjoyed the title of capital of this region. Known for its spectacular star-shaped citadel, Alba Iulia played a very important role in Romania’s history.
You will have the chance to explore the Alba Carolina fortress, where you will discover an ancient past that goes back to the era of the Roman Empire.
In the afternoon your guide will take you back to Bucharest.
Bucharest
Day 8: Goodbye, Bucharest!
Now you know a little more about the history of Bulgaria and Romania. It's just enough to realize that there is so much more to discover in these historically rich destinations. But that will have to wait until next time.
After your last few hours spent enjoying Bucharest, your guide will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home, or to continue your adventures in another exciting place.
