Experience Romania & Bulgaria – 13 Days/12 Nights Tour


Itinerary

Day 1 / BUCHAREST ARRIVAL

Meet your guide at the airport in Bucharest and transfer to the GRAND CONTINENTAL HOTEL 5*

Enjoy some leisure time at the hotel and dinner on your own, for which we have a very nice recommendation:

the oldest surviving restaurant in Bucharest: CARU’ CU BERE (The Beer Wagon), which offers also different shows each night (reservations upon request).

The restaurant was established in 1879 in Calea Victoriei Street by Ion Carabasanu, a former Romanian army volunteer, coming from Transylvania. The building and the establishment became famous in the commercial field of Bucharest, at the beginning of the 1900’s, when the owner, received the military decorations of the Order of the Romanian Crown and of the Order of the Star of Romania. Today, the restaurant is as loved as it was when it first opened. The restaurant is a relaxing 10 minutes’ walk from to the hotel.

Meal plan: no meals included on this day


Day 2 / BUCHAREST – SINAIA – BUCHAREST

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will head to the city of Sinaia, one of the most popular ski resorts in Romania.

During the summer the city is teaming with mountaineers and nature’s lover that are coming from all the corners of Romania as the place is the entrance gate of the Bucegi Mountains. Tow cable cars are taking tourists up from the city to 2000 meters’ elevation eighter for the best ski slopes of simply to enjoy the views. Where the city ends a trail is leading up to the impressive Peles Castle a visit that you will definitely remember.

Majestically situated on a hilltop and a landmark of Romania, this particular castle is a daily reminder of the glorious royal past of the country.

It took over 40 years and hundreds of builders and artist to create this masterpiece that can still be admired today like it once was, as there is not even a single piece of furniture or decoration missing.

Built to serve the purpose of a summer residence for the royal family, Peles is full of items such as Murano glass, carved walnut, silk rugs, and polished marble. One of the most admired places is the so called Oriental Room where we can still see today the collection of weapons of the king.

Lunch on your own.

After this exquisite visit you can serve lunch in a very traditional way at the restaurant CUTITUL DE ARGING – (The silver knife) where the meat is served pierced on a sword, or you can simply breathe in the clean air of Sinaia.

After you will return to Bucharest.

Meal plan: Breakfast


Day 3 / BUCHAREST- MANASIA MANSION – TULCEA

After a delicious breakfast, you will depart and your fist visit will be The Manasia Mantion. Dating back to 1899, this propriety was built by the Bulgarian minister of external affairs of that time with classical and romantic architectural design. Today the totally restored and reimagined mansion is hosting events, social and business meetings, wine tastings and fine dining experiences.

Here you will enjoy a guided tour and a delicious wine tasting ( 5 types of wine) and you will take a cooking class in which you will learn how to bake macarons, under the supervision of chef Alexandru Iacob. You will serve lunch at the mansion and continue the trip to Tulcea. Upon your arrival you will check in at the hotel DELTA HOTEL 4* and serve dinner.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 4 / TULCEA- DANUBE DELTA CRUISE- TULCEA

After breakfast you will depart for the 4 hours cruise scheduled for today. In this amazing cruise you will have the chance to experience the true wilderness of the Danube Delta.

The Danube River is considered to be the Amazon of Europe due to its size and natural habitats that it accommodates as it flows through or along the borders of 10 countries. Called in antiquity “ The King of the European Rivers” the river enters the Romanian territory at Portile de Fier ( The Iron Gates) and continues for 670 miles until ending its journey into the Black Sea, but not before giving life to one of the most spectacular wetlands in the world – the Danube Delta, that are hosting over 3450 species of animals and 1700 species of birds. You will have lunch on board the cruise ship.

After this amazing experience you will return to the hotel where you will have time to relax.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 5 / TULCEA- HISTRIA ACHEOLOGICAL SITE- MAMAIA

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel you will start your day with the visit to Histria Acheological Site.

Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC this is the oldest colony on the Black Sea and in the same time the oldest town attested on the territory of present day Romania. The ruins were discovered in 1868 by the French archeologist Ernest Desjardines. Researches are being conducted here uninterrupted since the year 1914. After a guided tour you will arrive to Mamaia the best beach resort of Romania.

Here after the check in at the ARENA REGIA 5* hotel you will have time at leisure.

Meal plan: Breakfast


Day 6 / MAMAIA- VAMA VECHE- MAMAIA

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from the hotel and transfer to Vama Veche, where after an introductory course you will dive the clearest waters of Romania seaside to observe the fascinating marine life. As an alternative you can remain at the hotel and enjoy the beach in Mamaia,

Meal plan: Breakfast


Day 7 / MAMAIA

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day at leisure.

Meal plan: Breakfast


Day 8 / MAMAIA - CONSTANTA - DALBOKA MUSSELS FARM – CAPE KALIAKRA – BALCHIK -­ VARNA

After breakfast at the hotel you will head to Bulgaria.

Lunch at Dalboka mussels farm in Bulgaria. Continue to Cape Kaliakra to visit one of the most beautiful and historic Capes in Europe.

Head for Balchik for sightseeing tour of the palace and the botanical garden. The complex appeared as a summer residence of the Romanian queen Maria. The palace was designed by Italian architects and construction works started in 1924. As part of the residence, in 1926 the Swiss botanist Jules Jani designed and built a park complex. Today the complex is like a piece of heaven on earth.

Last stop for today is the city of Varna, the so–called “sea capital” of Bulgaria. Enjoy some free time at leisure before dinner

Try some local cuisine and learn how to prepare the most famous Bulgarian salad – the Shopskasalad (it was ranked first within the Taste of Europe 2014).

Overnight at a deluxe hotel in Varna.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 9 / VARNA – NESSEBAR – SOZOPOL

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast explore the maritime capital of Bulgaria, famed for its glorious ancient Greek and Roman past, busy port and varied cultural festivals. Visit the second largest Bulgarian Orthodox church, stroll the lovely main street and maritime park. A highlight visit to the local Museum of Archaeology follows – among many other fascinating exhibits it keeps a collection of the world’s oldest man-­processed gold (cca. 4500 BC).

Enjoy treat of fish lunch at a local restaurant with fascinating sea view.

Head for the Southern Bulgarian seacoast.

Short sightseeing tour of the ancient town of Nessebar, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Nessebar offers a unique atmosphere with its romantic narrow streets, the old architecture of its houses and more than 40 churches dating from the Roman Era. After that, continue further south to Sozopol.

Situated on a scenic bay along the southern seacoast,the Old town of Sozo was declared a museum-­‐reserve. The town includes more than 180 residences, constructed from the middle of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century.

Dinner at your hotel.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 10 / SOZOPOL – RAVADINOVO CASTLE – WINE TASTING -­ STARA ZAGORA

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Ravadinovo Castle, known as the “Castle in love with wind”.

Head for Stara Zagora, a town nestled at the foot of Sredna Gora Mountain range in Central Bulgaria. With a history spanning over 8 000 years, Stara Zagora is one of the Europe’s oldest settlements. Upon arrival, you will be served delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Stara Zagora, conveniently located at the shopping mall of the city. Following lunch, you will have free time for shopping.

Take a trip back in history with the sightseeing tour of the town. In the 2nd century A.D, Emperor Marcus Ulpius Traianus established a city named Augusta Trayana in his honor. Nowadays much of the antique city of Augusta Trayana can be seen in the very center of Stara Zagora including the forum with the remains of an amphitheatre, thermal baths, city walls, etc. Go further in time by visiting two Neolithic lodgings, which have been preserved along with a rich collection of artifacts, in the town’s Neolithic Dwellings museum.

In the late afternoon settle in for one‐night stay at an upscale winery that entered hospitality business by purchasing a former school building that is now a small gem of a boutique hotel. Enjoy wine tour at the winery Midalidare Estate, including visit to the wine museum and wine tasting of 8 wines. The day will end with exclusive dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 11 / STARA ZAGORA – KAZANLAK – PLOVDIV

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the central part of Bulgaria, rightfully dubbed the Valley of Thracian Kings as well as the Valley of Roses. Start by following the footsteps of Bulgarian Indiana Jones and visit one of the Thracian beehive tombs. In late May and June millions of rose blossoms are hand-­‐picked here to be turned into the world-­‐famous essential oil cherished by giants of perfume industry like Givenchy and Dior. Enjoy a visit to the Rose museum to learn about the secrets of the “Bulgarian liquid gold”. In the House of Rose, you will be complimented with a tasting of rose jam, liqueur and brandy.

Highlight of the day includes Orthodox Choir Concert at the Kazanlak church.

Lunch at local restaurant in Kazanlak.

Transfer to Plovdiv ‐ the second largest city in Bulgaria and Europe’s capital for 2019. The city is characterized by its unique atmosphere with its cobbled streets, bohemian cafes, restaurants, art galleries and traditional houses.

Enjoy a leisurely sightseeing tour to discover Roman ruins and 19th­ ‐ century pastel colored houses that rub shoulders in the cobbled Old Town. On the schedule is also entrance to the Antique theatre in Plovdiv (one of the best well preserved ancient theatres in the world).

Dinner at a local restaurant, situated on the pedestrian street of the city.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 12 / PLOVDIV – SOFIA

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will visit the capital city of Bulgaria.

Sightseeing tour of Sofia (a 7000 years old city). Visit the Alexander Nevsky church, St. Sofia church built in the 6th century, the former royal palace, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the ruins of Serdica and many more.

Delicious lunch at a centrally located restaurant in Sofia.

In the afternoon, learn more about the Bulgarian history by visiting the National History Museum and one of the symbols of Sofia – Boyana church, included in the UNESCO World heritage list.

Free time at leisure until dinner.

Farewell dinner at a panoramic view restaurant near your hotel.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 13 / SOFIA DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to Sofia International Airport for your flight back home.

Meal plan: Breakfast


Accomodation & Tarriffs



Location4* Category5* Category
Bucharest Grand Continental Hotel
TulceaDelta Hotel 
Mamaia Maria Regia
VarnaHotel SplendidGrand Hotel London
SozopolApolonia Resort  
MogilovoMidalidare Hotel & Spa Park Hotel Stara Zagora
PlovdivLandmark Creek Hotel & Spa  
Sofia Grand Hotel Sofia
Period January - December 2018
Tarriffs5* Category
Total tarrif/person4460 euro

Included services

  • 12 nights’ accommodation at the specified hotels or similar
  • Meals specified in the program
  • English speaking guide throughout the tour
  • All transfers and tours indicated in the outlined itinerary
  • Excursions, visits and activities, according to the program
  • Entrance tickets for all the mentioned visits
  • Passenger welcome kit with map, suggested restaurants, gift and pick-up time
  • 24-hours emergency phone numbers
  • Visa assistance if required



Extra services

  • Visa costs if visa is required
  • Flights or other flight related costs
  • Early check-in & late check-out
  • Porterage (airport & hotel)
  • Other meals, except for the ones specified in the program
  • Additional drinks, except the ones indicated in the meal plan
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Optional excursions and visits
  • Personal expenses
  • Medical insurance
  • Other services or expenses, except the ones mentioned in the “included” section (for example: massages, casino, telephone, internet, etc.)

Observations

  • Remarks about feasibility of tours: most tours can be done also during the winter November- March (may vary in some areas), but some roads may not be accessible in that period due to heavy snow fall.
  • This is a program recommended during the summer months June- September.
  • Tariffs are subject to changes, especially if heavy fluctuation in exchange rate and/or fuel prices.
  • All tours and tariffs are subject to changes in case of cancellations or overbooking of flights, changes in timetable, bad weather and road conditions, strike, closing of sites, natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods.
  • No services has been blocked for this tour. Ground services availability will be checked when we receive your enquiry. The availability will be re- confirmed, when the deposit has been made and received.
  • In case of a last minute notification from the hotel, regarding the already confirmed availability, we commit ourselves to replace it with another hotel from the same category, or a superior one.
  • For the transportation services, we will use cars, mini vans or buses, adequate to the number of participants.

Reservation

  • The prices are valid for 2018, except legal holidays in Romania, when additional costs may apply.
  • We will supply you with all the required company details, including the SWIFT code, in order to safely proceed with the payment.
  • Payment will be made in Euros, to the provided bank account.
  • In case of payment by credit card, the bank will perceive an extra commission of 1.6%, of the full value of the transaction.
  • The payment will be made, as follows:
  • For the ground services, an advance payment of 30% of the full value of the package, will be made at the moment of the reservation.
  • The other 70% of the full value of the package, will be paid the latest, one month before the beginning of the services and the exact dates for the payment will be set through annexes to the contract.
  • For service confirmations received 30 days before they commence, full prepayment will be made at the moment of the confirmation.
  • If the client wishes to include also the flights in the present package, the price for the flights, will be paid in full, at the moment of their reservation.
  • Airline companies can modify the flight’s schedule or status, according to their internal organization, without any prior notice to the travel agency. Trip Tailor cannot be made liable for any changes in the schedule of the booked flight, which falls completely in the responsibility of the airline company.





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