The Ancient Lands Of Rumelia, The Journey Through The Balkans

( 5 Star )

Visit: Belgrade - Sofia - Varna - Bucharest

Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

Welcome to Belgrade, the Serbian capital! You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The day is at leisure until you gather with your fellow travelers and your tour director for a welcome reception in the evening. (WR)

With a history dating back more than 7,000 years, Belgrade is a fascinating city to visit. Our morning sightseeing tour includes the city's main attractions: the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically situated at the joining of the Sava and Danube Rivers, the Republic Square, Mihajlova Street; Saint Sava Temple: the largest Orthodox Church in the city, and finally Tito's Memorial and mausoleum. The afternoon is free. Tonight, we enjoy dinner on Skadarlija with live music. (B, D) Optional tour: Cruise on the Danube River

We continue our journey to Sofia. En-route, we stop in Nis for a lunch break on your own. Our arrival in Sofia is planned for the late afternoon and we tour the city’s major landmarks thereafter. The evening is at leisure. (B)

We drive to Varna with a stop in Plovdiv for a lunch break on your own. Upon arrival in Varna, there is free time to explore the city’s waterfront promenade, thermal baths, cafes, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife. (B)

This morning, we begin with a half-day city tour which includes the Architectural Museum, the Roman baths, the Historical Museum, and the Sea Garden. We then visit Varna’s cathedral, one of the most beautiful symbols of the city. We also see the Aladzha Monastery. Used in the days of the Byzantine Empire and abandoned in the 1700s, Aladzha Monastery is comprised of a series of grottos used for worship and monks’ quarters. (B) Optional tour: Food tour with wine tasting

We drive to Bucharest, and on the way, stop in Shumen to see the Madara Horseman, a large medieval rock relief, and now a UNESCO World Heritage listed monument. Our next stop is for wine tasting, viticulture, a light lunch, and a vineyards tour. Upon arrival in Bucharest, there is free time for independent discoveries. (L, B)

We get acquainted with the Romanian capital by touring the city. We visit the Parliament Palace, one of the largest buildings in the world and a National Treasure. We will learn how the Romanian people succeeded in toppling the last communist dictator in Eastern Europe. Our tour also brings us to the Romanian Athenaeum, the Opera House, the National Military Club, the Military Academy, and the Triumphal Arch. In the evening gather with your fellow travelers and your tour director for our farewell dinner. (B, D) Optional tour: Visit of the Village Museum

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

Inclusion

Arrival transfer from Belgrade airport to the hotel
8 day/7-night guided tour featuring:
Centrally located first class hotels:
2 nights in Belgrade
1 night in Sofia
2 nights in Varna
2 nights in Bucharest
Buffet breakfast daily
A welcome reception in Belgrade (heavy hors d’oeuvres, a glass of wine, beer or soft drink)
A dinner in Belgrade (coffee or tea included)
A light lunch in Varna
A farewell dinner in Bucharest (coffee or tea included)
Hotel taxes and service charges
Touring by modern air-conditioned motor-coach
Professional English-speaking tour director
Sightseeing tours with licensed local guides
Admission included where indicated in bold letters
Luggage handling at the hotels
Whisper technology enhanced touring
Departure transfer from Bucharest to Bucharest airport

Tour spotlights:
Belgrade, city of Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Serbian and Austrian importance
Sofia, Bulgaria's capital with 2000 years of history
Varna, antiquities, gold and seaside resort
Bucharest, communist-era buildings, art-nouveau and wide boulevards

Special features:
Dinner with live music on Skadarlija, a vintage street in Belgrade
Aladzha Monastery, a medieval Orthodox Christian cave complex in Bulgaria
Ancient viticulture, wine tasting, light lunch and vineyards tour in Romania

Exclusion

International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included

Note

HotelsAccommodations / Select Hotels
Belgrade: Moskva (F) or similar
Sofia: Downtown hotel (F) or similar
Varna: Golden Tulip (F) or similar
Bucharest: Europa Royale Hotel (F) or similar