Tour Details

Discover the Royal Heart of the Lower Balkans: An 11-Day Imperial Crossing

Trace the cultural arc from Central Europe toward the Aegean on this 11‑day journey linking Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Begin in Bucharest, where grand boulevards, Belle Époque façades, and the buzzing Lipscani quarter introduce you to the former “Little Paris” of the East. A day trip to Sinaia reveals fairytale Peleș Castle in the Carpathian foothills, pairing royal history with fresh mountain air before you return to the city lights.

Cross the Danube into Bulgaria and step back into the Middle Ages in Veliko Tarnovo, with its dramatic Tsarevets Fortress and houses tumbling down to the Yantra River. Then continue to Sofia, a capital where Orthodox domes, Roman ruins, and socialist architecture sit side by side. Guided walks and free time let you balance big sights like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with café culture on lively Vitosha Boulevard.

Travel on to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, to wander its Roman Theatre, colourful mansions, and creative Kapana district. Finish in Thessaloniki on the Aegean coast, exploring the White Tower, Byzantine churches, and waterfront promenade before departure.

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From

Bucharest

To

Thessaloniki

Price Includes

10 overnights in 4* hotels, BB, double/twin rooms
comfortable tourist vehicle and all transportation costs
arrival and departure airport transfers
professional licensed driver/guide during the trip
driver's accommodation
city tours with local guides: Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia, Plovdiv, Thessaloniki
entrance tickets: Peleș Castle, Romanian Athenaeum, Tsarevets Fortress, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Plovdiv Roman Theatre, Thessaloniki White Tower, Thessaloniki Rotunda
all government taxes and VAT

Price Excludes

arrival and departure flight tickets
entrance tickets not mentioned as included
meals which are not specified in the itinerary
personal expenses

Itinerary

Day 1BUCHAREST, Arrival & Old Town

• Arrival at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport and private transfer to your hotel.
• Evening orientation walk through the lively Old Town (Lipscani) with cafés, bars and historic façades.
• Overnight in Bucharest.

Day 2BUCHAREST – Grand Boulevards & History

• Panoramic city tour viewing the Palace of the Parliament, Revolution Square and the Romanian Athenaeum.
• Guided walk in the Old Lipscani quarter with time for a café stop and independent exploration.
• Overnight in Bucharest.

Day 3SINAIA & PELEŞ CASTLE DAY TRIP

• Scenic drive into the Carpathian foothills to Sinaia for a guided visit of Peleș Castle and its royal gardens.
• Free time in Sinaia for a short stroll or visit to the monastery before returning to Bucharest.
• Overnight in Bucharest.

Day 4BUCHAREST - VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA

• Morning drive south, crossing the Danube and the Romanian–Bulgarian border toward Veliko Tarnovo.
• Check‑in and evening walk to viewpoints over the Yantra River and tiered old houses.
• Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 5VELIKO TARNOVO & TSAREVETS FORTRESS

• Guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo, focusing on Tsarevets Fortress and the medieval quarter.
• Free afternoon for the craftsman streets or an optional short visit to nearby Arbanasi village.
• Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 6VELIKO TARNOVO - SOFIA

• Mid‑morning drive west across central Bulgaria to the capital, Sofia.
• Check‑in, followed by an introductory walk through the city centre and main squares.
• Overnight in Sofia.

Day 7SOFIA - Capital of Contrasts

• Guided city tour visiting Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. George Rotunda, St. Sofia Church and the Serdika archaeological area.
• Free time to enjoy Vitosha Boulevard’s cafés, shops and relaxed evening atmosphere.
• Overnight in Sofia.

Day 8SOFIA - PLOVDIV & KAPANA DISTRICT

• Morning drive east to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
• Check‑in and evening exploration of the Kapana creative district with galleries, street art and bars.
• Overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 9PLOVDIV OLD TOWN & ROMAN HERITAGE

• Guided walking tour of Plovdiv’s Old Town, including the Roman Theatre, Roman Stadium and colourful 19th‑century mansions.
• Sunset stroll up to Nebet Tepe or along the main pedestrian street for views over the city.
• Overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 10PLOVDIV - THESSALONIKI, GREECE

• Long but scenic drive south, crossing into Greece and continuing to Thessaloniki on the Aegean Sea.
• Check‑in and free evening for a relaxed walk along the seafront promenade.
• Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 11THESSALONIKI - Highlights & Departure

• Morning city tour visiting the White Tower, UNESCO‑listed Rotunda and the church of Hagios Dimitrios, with time in the historic centre.
• Transfer to Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) for departure or optional extra night in the city.
• Overnight in Thessaloniki (for guests extending their stay).