Your itinerary
Day 1: UK - Budapest.
Fly to Budapest where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay.
Day 2: Budapest. Included sightseeing.
Included sightseeing with local guide features Buda Castle which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. See Heroes' Square which typifies the modern capital, the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, the Royal Castle, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Coronation Church. In the evening, enjoy an optional Danube Dinner Cruise.
(B)
Day 3: Budapest - Novi Sad - 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.
(B)
Day 4: Belgrade - Sofia (included sightseeing).
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 Boyana Church, the National Theatre and St Sofia Church.
(B)
(D)
Day 5: Sofia. Excursion to Rila Monastery.
This morning drive to visit its Rila Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the most famous in the whole country. It has a chequered history that goes 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 and tonight, why not join an optional folklore dinner?
(B)
Day 6: Sofia - Plovdiv - Veliko Turnovo.
This morning, drive eastwards to Plovdiv, set on the banks of the Maritsa River and Bulgaria's second largest city. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman Amphitheatre. Journey northwards through the fine scenery over the Stara Planina Mountains by way of Gabrobo to Veliko Turnovo.
(B)
(D)
Day 7: Veliko Turnovo - Bucharest.
Today time to see some of the highlights of Veliko Turnovo, 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 once 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 where we cross the Danube to enter Romania and reach Bucharest.
(B)
(D)
Day 8: Bucharest. Included sightseeing.
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 optional afternoon visit to the Romanian Parliament, known as the House of the People.
(B)
Day 9: 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 one of 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, studded with baroque architecture and outdoor cafes. In the evening, an optional folklore dinner in a typical Transylvanian restaurant, is available.
(B)
Day 10: Brasov.
Morning walking orientation of Brasov old town including Black Church visit and time at leisure. In the afternoon leave for Bran and visit Bran Castle, built in 1377 and according to legend, inhabited by Vlad the Impaler, better known as Count Dracula.
(B)
Day 11: 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 is is also the birthplace of the notorious Vlad (Dracula). Continue the journey north by way of Tirgu Mures onto Cluj Napoca in the heart of Transylvania.
(B)
(D)
Day 12: Cluj Napoca - Budapest.
Travel westwards today by way of Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest.
(B)
Day 13: Budapest - UK.
Transfer to Budapest airport for your flight to the UK.
(B)
Hotels On Tour
Budapest: Millenium (3*); Belgrade: Intercontinental (4*); Sofia: Sofia Princess (4*); Veliko Turnovo: Yantra Grand Hotel (4*); Bucharest: Sofitel Bucharest (4*); Brasov: Aro Palace (4*); Cluj Napoca: Best Western Topaz (3*); Budapest: Flamingo Park (4*).
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