Charms of Bulgaria + Myths & Magic of Romania

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Overview

Charms of Bulgaria + Myths & Magic of Romania
Bulgaria and Romania
Duration: 18 days
ORIGINAL WORLD TOURS image
ORIGINAL WORLD TOURS
$5,175
Deposit: $1,800

About this trip

Join the combination Bulgaria and Romania tour with Original World Travel for a unique immersive experience of the history and culture of these beautiful Eastern European cities.

This tour is offered multiple times annually from April through October. Several dates are aligned to be able to attend traditional events. The dates are on the brochure which you can download. To find the dates that you wish to book, click the button “See Availability,” a calendar appears. You will see dates in black ink. Click on the date to select it. If you want a future date, use the arrow to move forward on the calendar to view additional dates.

After a pleasant time visiting Sofia’s historic area, the Bulgaria tour continues to small towns and charming mountain villages, through the Valley of the Roses and along the Balkan Range.

We visit many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, see amazing10th and 13-14th century monastery murals, sample fine local cuisine. Most importantly, we immerse ourselves in Bulgarian culture as we engage with the local people living their traditional ways.

On the last day of the Bulgaria tour, we drive from Veliko Turnovo to Bucharest, with sightseeing along the way.

The Romania tour begins with an exploration of Bucharest’s historic and architectural sites. We cross the Carpathian Mountains to Sibiu, one of the oldest Saxon towns in Transylvania. Enjoy the medieval town’s quaint cobblestone streets, pastel houses, 15-16th century town square, Evangelical Church, Podul Mincinosilor (the Liars’ Bridge), and old city walls. 

Onward to Maramures, known for its Wooden Churches, carved wooden gates, and unique folk attire and traditions such as the whimsical “Merry Cemetery.” We admire the famous painted monasteries of northern Moldova. The Voronet Monastery (UNESCO), built in 1488, is one of the most beautiful and is dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of the East.”

Trip pricing is contingent upon a minimum of four (4) participants and is subject to adjustment should this minimum not be met.

Highlights

  • Bulgaria’s colorfully-painted 10th c. Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • The charming Old Town of Plodiv, including a 2nd Century Roman theater, churches and a synagogue

  • The ruins of 17 medieval churches and a marketplace of exquisite crafts in Veliko Turnovo

  • Villages with fortified churches of Transylvania

  • The Wooden Churches of Maramures

  • The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • The whimsical Merry Cemetery in Sapanta Village

2027: April 23 tour includes Juni in Romania, April 30 Orthodox Easter in Bulgaria, May 30 tour Rose Festival in Bulgaria, June 8 Whit Sunday in Romania,

October 3 tours follow our Albania, Balkans Explorer & Comprehensive Balkans tours

Optional Post Tour to Moldova.

Included

  • Accommodations with breakfast. 4* and quaint traditional Renaissance architecture style hotels in small towns; 2 nights at homestay modern villa with private facilities in a village.

  • Accompanying guide

  • Airport Transfers on tour dates

  • AC Transport van or minibus depending on group size

  • Two dinners in Maramures.

  • Bottled water during drives

  • Entrance fees

Not Included

  • International airfare

  • Tourist tax (if any)

  • Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel porters

  • Meals other than those listed

  • Trip Cancelation/Travel Insurance

Extend Your Trip

Post Tour to Moldova - LEARN MORE

Enter code back2back for a $200 discount.

If continuing on the Moldova tour: Book your own tickets from Bucharest to Chisinau on Tarom Airlines

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1. Bulgaria and Romania

Bulgaria and Romania

About your organizer

Original World, founded in 1997, offers hand-crafted immersive journeys steeped in vibrant local color and time-honored traditions. Original World is a boutique company, not a corporate conglomerate. Our services are personalized and we offer options for flexibility even within a group tour. Our small group tours feel like a private tour experience with like-minded travel companions. Explore destinations that maintain a traditional culture in India, Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Central, Northern, and Eastern Europe.

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