DAYS 1 – 3

Arrive in Bucharest on Day 2. On Day 3 discover why beautiful Bucharest is called the “Paris of the Balkans.” The city’s most impressive buildings were erected at the end of the 19th century, most designed by French architects in the neoclassical style. Your morning sightseeing includes Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei) and the enormous Parliament House, the world’s second-largest building after the U.S. Pentagon. Stop at the Church of the Patriarchal and the Roman Athenaeum, with its sublime Baroque cupola. Then take a guided walk through the old town area, learning more about the centuries of history here.

Athénée Palace Hilton, Bucharest

DAYS 4 & 5

Depart Bucharest early this morning and fly to Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial historic capital of Transylvania. Depart Cluj-Napoca and drive along the North road, through the magnificent landscapes of the Eastern Carpathians and the plateaus of central Transylvania, bound for Gura Humorului in Moldavia. Stop for lunch in Bistrita, referenced in Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. Throughout your journey, your expert guide will enlighten you about the history and truth versus legend of this infamous region. 

On Day 5 visit the most picturesque treasures of Romania — the Painted Monasteries of Southern Bucovina, many protected by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. They hold UNESCO’s Prix d’Or for “artistic, spiritual and cultural value.” These richly decorated houses of worship are albums of fresco art that have survived the elements since the 15th century. Visit the three best-preserved monasteries: Moldovita, Sucevita and Voronet. This evening dine at the hotel while enjoying a private folkloric show.

Best Western Bucovina Club de Munte, Gura Humorului

DAY 6

Enjoy a full day admiring the unique landscapes of high peaks and fir tree forests in the Carpathian Mountains. Cross Bicaz Gorges, a spectacular narrow walled abyss in the Eastern Carpathians. Stop in Corund, a village known for its many handicrafts, then continue through the mountains to Targu Mures. One of the great ancient Magyar cities of Transylvania, this is an elegant little town, whose central architecture was strongly influenced by the “Jugendstil,” a distinctive artistic style from late 19th-century Germany. This evening take a walk to see the Palace of Culture and lovely churches and monasteries that surround the hotel.

Hotel President, Targu Mures

DAY 7

A European treasure, Sighisoara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and considered one of the most beautiful citadels in all of Europe. Sighisoara is a fine example of a small, fortified medieval town, and played an important strategic and commercial role it played in central Europe for several centuries. Explore the town by foot, walking along the narrow medieval streets and visiting a few of its museums. After lunch in Sighisoara, drive through the moors of Transylvania to the village of Bran, home to one of the most famous castles in the world. The Bran Castle is a medieval fortress, and easily recognized from its countless appearances in films about Count Dracula. Discover more about the history of Vlad Tepes, (“Vlad the Impaler”), the infamous prince who inspired the tale of Count Dracula.

Aro Palace Hotel, Brasov

DAY 8

This morning explore the highlights of Brasov, including the Black Church, the weaver bastion and the Schei district with its Orthodox church. Then drive back to Bucharest through the Prahova Valley, the most visited valley in the Carpathian Mountains. Cross the Southern Carpathians, passing many notable mountain resorts, stopping in Sinaia. Sinaia is one of the finest mountain resorts in Europe and boasts such historical monuments as Pelisor Castle, Foisor Castle and Park, Casino Castle and the Sinaia Monastery. Visit Peleş Castle, one of the best-preserved royal palaces in Europe.

Athénée Palace Hilton, Bucharest

DAY 9

Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s most ancient towns, was the capital of the second Bulgarian Empire, noted for its art, literature and culture. This afternoon, your sightseeing of Veliko Tarnovo begins by visiting Tsarevets Hill, with its solid fortress walls, royal palaces, patriarchal church and Baudouin’s Tower. Then it is a short drive to the nearby museum-town of Arbanassi. This National Architectural Reserve has monasteries and churches containing unique murals and icons, and monumental houses that resemble minor fortresses. This evening attend a “Sound & Light” performance on historic Tsarevets Hill.

Arbanassi Palace, Arbanassi

DAY 10

Near Etara, visit the Assumption Sokolski Monastery, founded in 1833, and named after its founder Yosif Sokolski. After lunch, visit the famous Thracian tomb, where the perfectly preserved murals are a unique testimony of pictorial art during the Hellenic period. Explore the Iskra Museum of History in Kazanlak, where some of the unique Thracian golden treasures discovered in the region are on display.

Dedeman Trimontium Princess Plovdiv Hotel, Plovdiv

DAYS 11 – 14

Explore the original Medieval town center of Plovdiv. Visit the remains of the city’s ancient buildings. Tour Plovdiv’s well-preserved 2nd-century Roman Theatre. Then travel to Sofia, one of the oldest settlements in Europe. Tour the Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church, St. Petka of the Saddlers, the rotunda St. George, St. Sofia church, the precious icon exhibition in the Crypt of the Cathedral and more. 

On Day 13 visit the 10th-century Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a jewel of genuine Bulgarian architecture crowning a spectacular mountainous setting. It houses a rich museum collection of valuable old manuscripts and documents, charters and icons, an ethnographic exhibition of fabrics, jewelry, carpets and wrought iron objects. A true highlight is the library containing more than 16,000 books. This evening we celebrate our journey at a farewell cocktail and dinner party with your fellow travelers. On Day 14 you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.

Arena Serdica Residence Hotel, Sofia

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharst
Bucharst, Romania

Built in 1914, the hotel is located in the heart of the city, overlooking Revolution Square. This deluxe hotel features and services include a heated indoor swimming pool, health club with Jacuzzi and fitness room, barbershop and beauty salon, and a full business center. There are several restaurants and lounges, giving you a choice of dining venues.

The air-conditioned guest room amenities include cable TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, mini bar, coffee/tea maker, in-room safe and a marble bathroom with a hairdryer and bathrobes. Room Categories: Select – Executive Rooms; Grand – Diplomat Suites

Best Western Club de Munte Hotel
Gura Humorului, Romania

There is a place in this world.... a place where dreams go after sunrise ... Where Prince Stefan cel Mare has dreamed gracious monasteries and craftsmen who built them and they were clothed in blue sky ... Bukovina is so close to you! And even in her heart, the crossroads of the road, waiting for Best Western Bucovina - a place where traditions, customs, and elegance are at home, a place where smiling faces and famous hairdryer kitchen will make you feel the magic. 

Best Western Bucovina your input will be wearing in the fantasy world of customs and traditions of the fairy land of Bukovina. Our hotel, the only area that rises to international standards, is a welcoming "Casa de Bucovina" place where hospitality is not denying.

Hotel President
Targu Mures, Romania

Aro Palace Hotel
Brasov, Romania

With a history of over 70 years, was inaugurated with great fanfare in 1939, is the only five star hotels in Brasov. In 1963 it was extended by building a new wing, and in 2005 was upgraded to five star standards. The hotel has a privileged position being situated in the heart of town. Because of the experience accumulated over the years, I managed to harmonize in a great business with pleasure, combining business with relaxation and provide a service all guarantee to meet your needs. The hotel offers a total of 312 double rooms, single rooms, apartments, studios, 1 presidential suite, 1 room for disabled persons, 6 restaurants, 4 conference rooms, a spa, all of which are equipped with quality amenities standards.

Arbanassi Palace
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

The Hotel features 6 double rooms, 8 luxurious double rooms, 2 junior suites and 3 luxurious suites. All the rooms are air-conditioned, with TV, mini-bar, and telephone. 24 hours room service is available. The bathrooms are luxury equipped and with a bathtub.

Dedeman Trimontium Princess Plovdiv
Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The city of Plovdiv in Bulgaria is an enchanting city. Plovdiv has preserved the footsteps of the Ottoman Empire. It is quite possible to lose your sense of time and place in this beautiful city. Dedeman Trimontium Princess Plovdiv provides the utmost in hospitality for those who decide to discover the stunning town of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Due to the perfect location of the Dedeman Trimontium Princess Plovdiv our guests can explore ruins, shopping and financial districts within walking distance of our hotel. It is a real treat to stay within the four walls of Hotel Dedeman Trimontium Princess Plovdiv. Under the leadership of architect professor Yolov our Plovdiv hotel shows intricate details on both the internal and external facades. The excellent location, personalized service and the historical hotel building makes this your delightful home-away-from-home hotel in Plovdiv. 

Arena Serdica Residence Hotel
Sofia, Bulgaria

Arena di Serdica is the newest 5 star Residence Hotel in Sofia affiliated to the FPI Hotels & Resorts chain. Strategically located in the heart of the city, right next to the main states institutions, business centers and banks, as well as to the cultural and historical places of interest in Sofia, the luxurious Arena di Serdica Residence Hotel Sofia is excellent choice for business and cultural trips.

Jane Vermeulen

Jane brings a global outlook to her job, having once lived in Hong Kong where she worked for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. She has led journeys in South America, the South Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, India, Europe and the Orient.

Travel Dates: August 25, 2012