Balkan Adventure to Romania & Bulgaria

Embark on an unforgettable odyssey through the heart of the Balkans, a journey that combines the ancient, soulful history of Bulgaria with the legendary landscapes and Gothic romance of Romania. This is a tale of two nations, bound by a shared history of empires and resilience, yet each boasting a unique and captivating culture. It's a trip that takes you beyond the usual European trail, deep into a land of forested mountains, medieval fortresses, and vibrant cities emerging from a complex past. 

--Limited to 16 travelers

-- Package prices are based upon double occupancy, though we do offer a very reasonable single supplement.

Your package includes roundtrip airfare from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Sofia, Bulgaria.   If you find it more convenient to secure your own airfare, we offer a lesser priced package for that option.  

Prior to our flight, we will all gather at Vino Volo at Dulles for a complimentary toast to our adventure.  

  Welcome Lunch

From the Sofia airport we will head right to the center of the city and lunch at one of the finest restaurants where you will have your first taste of Bulgarian cuisine.  

Guided walking tour

After lunch, our local guide will take us on a walking tour of Sofia's compact center.  You will be introduced to the history, traditions, and features of this capital city.  

Check-in at Hotel

Our home for two nights, our centrally located boutique hotel in Sofia will be home base for exploring the city.  

Evening Stroll

Take an evening stroll down the vibrant, pedestrian-only Vitosha Boulevard 

 Spend the day discovering Sofia’s compact, walkable center.

• Morning: Visit the magnificent, golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the adjacent St. Sofia Church, which gave the city its name.
• Afternoon: Explore the Ancient Serdica Complex, where Roman ruins lie beneath the modern city. Don't miss the 4th-century St. George Rotunda, Sofia's oldest building.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Kapana district, known for its artsy vibe and great restaurants.

  The Magnificent Belogradchik Fortress 

The Belogradchik Fortress is one of Bulgaria's most unique and spectacular historical sites. It's not just a fortress but a breathtaking complex where man-made fortifications are masterfully integrated with a stunning natural phenomenon: the 

Belogradchik Rocks.

For millions of years, nature sculpted these bizarre and beautiful sandstone and conglomerate rock formations, some reaching up to 200 meters high, into fantastical shapes resembling people, animals, and mythical creatures. The fortress was built directly into and around these natural stone pillars, using the towering rocks as impenetrable walls.

The result is a surreal and dramatic landscape where stone staircases are carved into cliffs, and defensive walls connect colossal, rust-colored rock towers. The fortress has ancient roots, with original fortifications laid by the Romans, later expanded by medieval Bulgarian tsars and finally by the Ottomans.

 Bucharest: The City of Contrasts

Bucharest is a city of grand boulevards, magnificent Belle Époque buildings, and a charming, vibrant Old Town, which once earned it the nickname "Little Paris of the East." However, it is also a city that bears the unmistakable, heavy-handed architectural legacy of the communist era. This juxtaposition of Parisian elegance, brutalist concrete, and energetic, modern-day capitalism makes Bucharest one of Europe's most fascinating and dynamic capitals. It is a city that doesn't just show you its history; it makes you feel it on every corner.

Our local guide will lead us n a tour to see these places of interest:

• Palace of the Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului): This is Bucharest's most infamous and unmissable landmark. The colossal creation of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, it is the second-largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon) and the world's heaviest building. Its sheer scale is mind-boggling. Booking a tour in advance is essential to get inside and see its opulent, marble-laden interiors.
• The Old Town (Centrul Vechi): The historic heart of the city has been beautifully restored into a lively, pedestrianized labyrinth of cobblestone streets. It is packed with restaurants, cafes, pubs, and stunningly restored 19th-century buildings. Key sights within the Old Town include the Stavropoleos Monastery and the famous, breathtakingly beautiful Carturești Carusel bookstore.
• Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției): This square is a profound and moving place to understand Romania's recent history. It was here that the 1989 Romanian Revolution reached its climax. You can see the former Communist Party Headquarters, from whose balcony Ceaușescu gave his final, fateful speech. The Memorial of Rebirth stands in the center of the square as a tribute to the victims of the revolution.

 Secret Food Tour

Get an authentic taste of Romanian cuisine and culture with the Bucharest Secret Food Tours. Their friendly, knowledgeable guides avoid the city's tired tourist traps and show you the hidden markets, street vendors, restaurants and cafes beloved by locals.

On the Secret Food Tour, you'll receive a comprehensive overview of Bucharest's emerging culinary scene as you wind through the city's eclectic streets and neighborhoods. You'll get to nibble on a variety of delicious Romanian foods as you soak up the vibrant atmosphere of one of Europe's most cosmopolitan — and historically complex — cities. They don't call it "Little Paris of the East" for nothing!

Stroll on Calea Victoriei for a look into “Little Paris” 

Calea Victoriei is the capital’s main thoroughfare connecting the most important sights and monuments between Piața Victoriei and Piața Revoluției, before carrying on to the Historic Centre. Lined coffee shops, beautiful buildings, restaurants, historic hotels and boutiques, this upmarket shopping strip pulses amidst a revered cafe culture that has endured since the last century. The early 20th century was Bucharest’s most prosperous era, and during the reign of Carol I, the first King of Romania, large neoclassical buildings and beaux-arts palaces designed by French architects sprung up, with the city acquiring the label of “Little Paris” throughout Europe by the end of the 1930s. 

Romania is one of the world's oldest and most historically significant wine-producing countries, with a tradition stretching back over 6,000 years. After decades of obscurity during the communist era, when quantity was prioritized over quality, Romanian wine is currently experiencing a dramatic renaissance. A new generation of winemakers is combining modern techniques with a treasure trove of unique, indigenous grapes, making it one of the most exciting and best-value wine regions in Europe today. 

We will visit the Dealu Mare Wind region.   Dealu Mare is a renowned wine region in Romania, specifically located in the Muntenia area, known for its rolling hills and diverse vineyards. It's a prominent region for both red and white wines, with a reputation for quality and distinct character. The region's unique terroir, characterized by its southern exposure, protective hills, and specific soil composition, contributes to the exceptional wines produced there.  

 Peleș Castle: While technically just over the border in Wallachia, no trip to Transylvania is complete without seeing Peleș. Located in Sinaia, this stunning Neo-Renaissance masterpiece was a summer palace for Romania's royalty and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. 

 Brasov

Nestled in a valley and framed by the dramatic Carpathian Mountains, Brașov (pronounced Bra-SHOV) is a fairytale medieval city and the quintessential gateway to Transylvania. Founded by Teutonic Knights in the 12th century and developed by Saxon (German) merchants, its Germanic name, Kronstadt, hints at its rich history as a powerful trading hub.

Today, Brașov is a vibrant, beautiful city that perfectly blends its historic charm with a lively, modern atmosphere. Its strategic location makes it the ideal base for exploring the legendary castles and fortified villages of the region.

 Transylvania: The Land Beyond the Forest

Nestled in the heart of Romania and encircled by the dramatic arc of the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania is a legendary land where myth, history, and breathtaking natural beauty intertwine. Its very name, meaning "the land beyond the forest," evokes a sense of mystery and fairytale wonder. While it is world-famous as the home of Dracula, visitors quickly discover that the region's reality is far richer and more fascinating than any legend.

Transylvania is a place of rolling green hills, ancient oak forests, and wildflower-filled meadows, all watched over by the jagged peaks of the Carpathians. This stunning landscape is dotted with some of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, magnificent castles, and unique fortified churches, creating a timeless atmosphere that feels a world away from modern life.

Return flight to Washington Dulles (IAD) from Edinburgh.  Details to be provided once flights have been booked.