Itinerary

Day 1Mon. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT

Day 2Tue. ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge spanning the River Danube in Budapest

, HUNGARY

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3Wed. BUDAPEST

Included sightseeing with a Local Guide features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Also see Heroes’ Square, which typifies the modern capital, as well as the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, the Royal Castle, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Coronation Church. In the evening, enjoy an optional Danube dinner cruise. (Breakfast)

Day 4Thu. BUDAPEST-NOVI SAD, SERBIA-BELGRADE

This morning, travel southwards at first along the motorway to the border town of Szeged to cross into the province of Vojvodina in Serbia. Stop in Novi Sad, the capital of the province, situated on the River Danube and famous for its Petrovaradin Citadel, known in the west as the “Gibraltar of the Danube.” Drive along the motorway into Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. (Breakfast)

Day 5Fri. BELGRADE-SOFIA, BULGARIA

A comfortable drive this morning southeast by way of Nis; then across the border into Bulgaria. Arrive in Sofia, its capital, for sightseeing with a Local Guide, which will include such highlights as the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a memorial church dedicated to the Russian soldies who died during the Russo-Turkish War

, the Boyana Church, the National Theater, and St. Sofia Church. The locals will tell you that Sofia is growing all the time, yet never aging. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6Sat. SOFIA. EXCURSION TO RILA MONASTERY

This morning, drive to Rila to visit its Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance

), the most famous in the country. It has a checkered history that goes way back to Ivan Rilski, a hermit who founded it in 927. During the very long Turkish rule over the country, the monastery became a beacon of Bulgarian culture. Return to Sofia. Tonight, maybe join an optional folklore dinner. (Breakfast)

Day 7Sun. SOFIA-PLOVDIV-VELIKO TARNOVO

This morning, head eastwards to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, located along the banks of the River Maritsa. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman Amphitheater. Journey northwards through fine scenery over the Stara Planina Mountains to Veliko Tarnovo. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8Mon. VELIKO TARNOVO-BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

Today, time to see some of the highlights of Veliko Tarnovo, located on the Yantra River. During the Middle Ages, it was Bulgaria’s capital and, although now a modern town, it still retains some of its most attractive medieval features. Later, drive to nearby Arbanassi, world famous for its type of house, which is a cross between a dwelling and a fortress. The village is known as an architectural and historic reserve and was at one time the summer residence of Bulgarian kings. One of the highlights of the visit is the Church of the Nativity, built in 1637. In the afternoon, journey north to Rousse and cross the Danube to reach Bucharest. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9Tue. BUCHAREST

Flower-festooned parks, gardens, and wide boulevards shaded by century-old trees contribute to Bucharest’s beauty. The highlight of your sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, wind and watermills, and artisans’ workshops from all parts of the country. The Local Guide will also show you other places of interest, including the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Savings Palace. There is also an afternoon optional visit to the Romanian Parliament, known as the House of the People. (Breakfast)

Day 10Wed. BUCHAREST-SINAIA-BRASOV

Leave this morning for a stop in Sinaia in the Prahova Valley. This is a lovely ski resort, almost 3,300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered among the most romantic in the world. Only a few more miles and you reach Brasov, a lovely medieval town and famous for its town square filled with baroque architecture and outdoor cafés. This evening, enjoy an optional folklore dinner in a typical Transylvanian restaurant. (Breakfast)

Day 11Thu. BRASOV

This morning a walking orientation of the Old Town of Brasov will include a visit to the Black Church and leisure time. In the afternoon, leave for Bran and visit its castle, built in 1377 and inhabited by Vlad the Impaler—better known as Dracula. (Breakfast)

Day 12Fri. BRASOV-SIGHISOARA-CLUJ NAPOCA

Head northwards for a stop in Sighisoara, a medieval town with 11 towers—standing within the city walls—which surround cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches—it is one of Romania’s prettiest towns. Legend has it that it is also the birthplace of the notorious Vlad (Dracula). Continue the journey north by way of Tirgu Mures on to Cluj Napoca in the heart of Transylvania. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 13Sat. CLUJ NAPOCA-BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Travel westwards today by way of Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest. (Breakfast)

Day 14Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY

(Breakfast)