BULGARIA ROSE FESTIVAL & ROMANIA

Assemble at Changi Airport for our flight to Sofia, Transfer to the hotel on arrival. 

Stroll through Sofia’s elegant center to admire landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a magnificent Orthodox church crowned with impressive domes, the ancient Rotunda of St George and the Presidential Palace.   

Discover the medieval Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its eighty-nine scenes and two hundred and forty intricately depicted human figures, the Balkans’ most complete examples of medieval art.  Enjoy some free time at leisure to explore after lunch. 

Drive to Plovdiv, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities tracing its history back to 4000BC.  Nestled on three adjacent hills, Plovdiv showcases a rich tapestry of Thracian, Roman and Bulgarian heritage from various epochs.   

Enjoy a guided tour through the heart of this historic town to see the ancient Roman Theater and the remains of the Roman Stadium.  Stroll along Europe’s longest pedestrian street lined with Bulgarian Renaissance architecture.  Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Nebet Tepe Hill.   

Head to the enchanting Kazanluk Valley, home to the annual Bulgarian Rose Festival celebrated since 1903.  Immerse in this vibrant tradition by joining the rose-harvesting ritual in the rose fields surrounded by the captivating aroma of fresh blooms and the lively rhythms of Bulgarian folklore.   

Visit a rose oil distillery to uncover the secrets of extracting the prized ‘Damascus Rose’ oil.  The festival reaches its grand finale with a parade in the main square where we enjoy VIP access to this colourful spectacle.   

Continue to the Thracian Tomb, which dates back to the 4th century BC, probably the richest tomb of a Thracian king ever discovered.    Well-preserved frescoes depict scenes of Thracian life including banquets, chariot processions and rituals offering glimpse into the beliefs and artistry of this enigmatic civilisation.   

Cross the Shipka Pass in the Balkan Mountains, the site where four historic battles collectively known as the Battle of Shipka Pass, instrumental in Bulgaia’s liberation from Ottoman rule, took place.   

End this delightful day in the old capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo situated between three hills above the Yantra River. 

Start our tour at the magnificent Tsarevets Fortress encircled by imposing ten-meter-high walls.  Within its historic grounds, explore the remnants of the tsar’s palace, Orthodox churches, and the remains of around five hundred residential houses and monasteries. 

Stroll along Stefan Stambolov the main thoroughfare linking the fortress with the old town offers breathtaking views of the Yantra River meandering through lush green hills.     

Explore the historic market quarter, once a bustling bazaar, now filled with beautifully restored houses, often home to souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.  Admire beautiful street art created by students from the university adding a vibrant and colourful vibe.   

Nearby is the Arbanasi Village.  a settlement with special privileges from the Sultan and home to rich merchants.  Much beautifully preserved architecture gives the settlement the status of an Architectural Reserve. 

Continue to Bucharest, Romania’s capital since 1862.   

Travel to Sinaia, a little town which has always been linked to the Romanian royal family.  Visit the Peles Castle, an impressive royal residence built by Carol I, Romania’s first king.  During the 19th century, the castle was one of Europe’s most modern buildings with its own central heating and electricity. 

Continue north to Sibiu, a picturesque medieval city in the region of Transylvania.  Built by Saxons and with minimum modern interventions, Sibiu’s historical character is well-preserved.  See the Bridge of Lies, Romania’s oldest cast-iron bridge which connects the Lower and Upper Town.  Admire colourful buildings with their characteristic narrow roof-windows like eyes peeking through.  Stroll along narrow alleys with high arched passages to explore the city’s depths with our guide. 

Drive to the 15th century fortified church at Biertan, perched high on a hill in the middle of village and surrounded by vineyards.  Three tiers of high defensive walls over 10 meters tall, connected by towers and gates encircle the complex making the church impossible to conquer during medieval times.   

Visit Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend.  This charming medieval town is renowned for its well-preserved fortified architecture and is one of the few inhabited medieval citadels in Europe.  Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, the Scholars’ Stairs, admire the towering clock tower and explore the iconic citadel with our guide

Spend the day travelling to the region of Bucovina famous for its UNESCO-listed painted monasteries.  Cross the Carpathian Mountains to the Red Lake, so named because of various reddish alluvia.  Nearby is the Bicaz Gorge with tall rocky walls reaching over four hundred meters and serves as a passageway between the Romanian provinces of Moldova and Transylvania.   

Gura Humorului,, our home for two nights, is nestled in a picturesque valley by the Carpathian foothills.   

Visit one of Romanis most cherished cultural treasures, the Voronet Monastery.  Often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the East’, the Voronet Monastery is famous for its vividly coloured frescoes, particularly the striking blue shade known as ‘Voronet Blue’.  

Next, see the Sucevita Monastery.  This unique monastery blends elements of Gothic, Byzantine and Moldavian architecture.  Its impressive size, fortified walls and frescoes make it a remarkable site.   

Be introduced to one of the oldest traditions of decorating Easter eggs in Bucovina.  Learn the symbols and unique techniques from the masters who in turned inherited the skill from their forefathers.  Admire egg collections from international exhibitions and Bukovina with unique motifs and patterns.   

Departing the picturesque region of Bucovina, we journey through the charming countryside of rural Romania.  Cross the majestic Carpathian Mountains once again to arrive in Brasov, a vibrant city renowned as one of Romania’s popular destinations.   

Visit the iconic Black Church, Romania’s largest gothic masterpiece.  Marvel at the ornately adorned baroque buildings fringing the Town Hall Square.  Stroll to Council Square, steeped in folklore as the site where the Pied Piper is said to lead the children of Hamelin.  Embark on a quest to find Strada Storii (Rope Street), one of Europe’s narrowest streets.   

Head south towards Bran to visit the legendary Bran Castle, often referred to as ‘Dracula’s Castle’.  Originally built as a fortress to protect the citizens of Brasov, this iconic structure stands dramatically atop a sixty-meter hill.  Its frame steams from its striking towers and turrets as well as the enduring myths inspired by Bran Stoker’s novel.   

Return to the vibrant capital of Romania, Bucharest. Often called ‘Little Paris for its elegant architecture, the city’s main landmarks are illuminated showcasing their grandeur in captivating glow.  Enjoy a drive around the city to admire these iconic sights followed by a delightful dinner accompanied by lively Romanian folkloric performances. 

Visit the Parliament Palace, the world’s second largest administrative building after the Pentagon and constructed entirely of Romanian materials.  In front of the palace is Revolution Square.   Drive down Calea Victory, Bucharest’s oldest and most charming street.  See the Arch of Triumph build in honour of men who fought in World War 1, the Romanian Athenaeum and lots more.   

Enjoy some free time at leisure before we farewell to Romania and travel home with fond memories of the sights, sounds and stories we have collected on this incredible journey.  

We hope that you have had an enjoyable holiday with Dynasty Travel and look forward to our next trip together!