Pearls from the Balkans - full version

ROMANIA, BULGARIA, TURKEY, GREECE, MACEDONIA TOUR

A PEARLS FROM THE BALKANS - full version

Day 1

Arrival at Bucharest. Transfer from the airport and accommodation in 4* hotel. Dinner and overnight.

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Day 2 - Bucharest - the Little Paris

After breakfast - city tour of the Romanian capital - the Palce of Parliament (the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon in USA), the Royal Palace, the University's Library, the City-Hall and other interesting sights of the city also called "the little Paris" because of the similar architecture style of the buildings. Dinner and overnight.

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Day 3 - Through the Carpathian mountains

After breakfast - departure through the Carpathian mountains to Sibiu and the Oltului Valley - the most spectacular river valley in Romania. Visit Horezu and learn how to make Romanian pottery. Visit also of the local monastery. Departure to the biggest medieval city in Romania - Sibiu = European Capital of Culture 2007. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in 4* hotel in Sibiu.

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Day 4 - Surrounding Sibiu: Multicultural and ecumenical life.

After breakfast visit to the old part of the town with the Clock tower and the old style houses. Afterwards we invite you to explore the villages surrounding Sibiu, located at the bottom of the Cindrel Mountains. First, we will visit Cisnadie, where we will see one of the most beautiful fortified churches in Transylvania. Next, we will head towards Cisnadioara where we will visit the Evangelic Church and the medieval fortress. Our next stop will be at the open air village museum in the Dumbrava Forest- the largest open air museum in Romania with over 330 types of village houses. The museum is built on a 200 ha surface. Next we will head to Cristian - a village where the most inhabitants used to be Landlers. Next we head to Sibiel, a typical Romanian village where we will visit the glass painted icons museum. Traditional dinner at a Romanian peasant family in Sibiel. Return to Sibiu. Dinner and overnight.

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Day 5 - The Birthhouse of Vlad Dracula

After breakfast we drive to Malancrav and Biertan. Both curch-castels are over 750 yers old. Biertan is also an UNESCO - Monument and it was the Evangelic Bishop Residence until 17th century. In Medias we will visit the Castle of the town and also the medieval town. In Medias was Herman Obert - the father of rocket flight - born. Follows visit of one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Romania - Sighisoara. Visit of the Citadel - a 12th century Saxon edifice located in the historic center of the city. Still occupied, the citadel is listed as a World Heritage Site. Dinner in the famous restaurant «Vlad Drakula», located in the same house where the popular character of the British writer Bram Stoker was born. Accommodation and overnight in 4* hotel in the medieval town (UNESCO Heritage) in Sighisoara.

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Day 6 - Dracula's Castle

After breakfast - departure to Transylvania. We will visit Bran village, where the world famous Dracula castle is located. It is the most curious part of the trip in Romania, which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Lunch in Brasov. In the afternoon city -tour Brasov - a medieval city, founded in 12-th century. Sightseeing tour of the really good preserved historical city center with the big square, the old city-hall, and the Black Church - the main Gothic style monument in the country. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Poiana Brasov mountain resort.

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Day 7 - The summer residence of the Romanian royal family

After breakfast - Departure to the mountain resort Sinaia, also called "the pearl of the Carpathian Mountains". Visit to the Peles Castle, constructed in 1873 as a summer residence of the Romanian royal family. You can see a rich collection of old furniture, carpets, weapons and armors. In the yard of the castle we will have also lunch.

In the afternoon we will cross the Danube river which is the natural border between Bulgaria and Romania. Set off to Ruse - the first Bulgarian city with European appearance, also called the "little Vienna". Accommodation and overnight in 4* hotel in Ruse.

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Day 8 - The rock churches of Ivanovo

After breakfast - panoramic tour around Ruse follows: the Monument of Liberty, the Pantheon of National Revival Heroes, Dohodno Zdanie Building, the National Museum of Railway Transport and others.

Departure to the Rusenski Lom River Valley. Visit Rock Churches of Ivanovo (XII-XIV c) - an UNESCO object, famous for its unique frescoes. Then we will drive to the old capital of Bulgaria - Veliko Tarnovo. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in 4* hotel.

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Day 9 - The Capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom

After breakfast - city tour of Veliko Tarnovo with visit to the historical hill Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Patriarchal hurch and the Emperor Baldwin's Tower. You will walk along the old Trade Street - Samovodska charshia.

Next is visit of Arbanassi village, famous for its ancient rich decorated churches and magnificent architecture. It used to be a residence of the Bulgarian kings. Visit of a private guest house in Arbanassi, where we will have delicious homemade meals for lunch.

In the afternoon - free time. Overnight in the hotel.

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ROSE FESTIVAL TOUR Day 9 (4 June) - The Capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom

After breakfast - city tour of Veliko Tarnovo with visit to the historical hill Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Patriarchal hurch and the Emperor Baldwin's Tower. You will walk along the old Trade Street - Samovodska charshia.

Next is visit of Arbanassi village, famous for its ancient rich decorated churches and magnificent architecture. It used to be a residence of the Bulgarian kings.

In the afternoon - panoramic tour round Gabrovo, the Bulgarian capital of humor and visit of Etara - an unique open-air museum, re-creating the way of life and the means of livelihood of the Bulgarians in the 19th century. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in 3* hotel in Etara.

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Day 10 - The Valley of the Roses and the Thracian Kings

After breakfast - departure to Gabrovo - the capital of humor. Visit to the "House of the humor" with its exhibition of caricatures, carnival masks, costumes and other attractions, which will cheer you up. Next follows a visit of "Etara" - a unique open air museum recreating the way of life of the Bulgarians in the 19th c. It is a great attraction for tourists, one of the most visited places in the country.

Departure to Kazanlak - the capital of the Rose valley. The road to Kazanlak passes by Shipka peak, where is situated the monument of the Bulgaria's liberators from the 19th C. There is a wonderful view to North and South Bulgaria from the monument's top - over 1100 m above sea level. You will learn more details about the crucial battles, which changed the course of the Russian-Turkish war in 1877-78. On your way to Kazanlak, in the village of Shipka is the Russian church, where concerts with Church Slavonic music are often performed. In Kazanlak you will visit the Museum of Rose, where you can see how the famous Bulgarian rose oil (used in the perfumery) is made. Next is the Thracian Kazanlak tomb dating back to the 4th c. B.C. It is listed in the world natural and historical heritage of UNESCO. In the Historical museum you will see the recently golden mask of the Thracian king Theres and the bronze head of the King Seuthes III. Late in the afternoon - a drive to Plovdiv, accommodation, dinner and overnight in 4* hotel.

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ROSE FESTIVAL TOUR Day 10 (05 June) - The Magic of the Roses

Early in the morning we will take breakfast boxes from the hotel and depart to Kazanlak - the capital of the rose valley. We will join the local people in the rose-picking in the rose plantations near Kazanlak. Visit of authentic operating rose-distillery and introduction to the technology of production of rose oil (a highly esteemed component in the perfume and cosmetics industry), tasting of rose products. Next comes visit of The Thracian Kazanlak Tomb, dating back to the 4th C. BC (listed in the world natural and historical heritage of UNESCO).

Afterwards we will be at the traditional for the Rose festival town carnival - a big attraction for the tourists. Lunch at open-air barbecue with folklore program.

Set off for Plovdiv - the city with the seven hills, founded by Philip of Macedonia - the father of Alexander the Great. Accommodation and overnight in 4* hotel.

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Day 11 - The Antique Plovdiv

After breakfast - city tour of Plovdiv, founded in IV century B.C. by King Philip of Macedonia. Visit to the old part of the town with the Ethnographical Museum, the St. Constantine and Elena church, the Antique Theatre and the Roman Stadium.

In the afternoon - departure for the ancient town of Nessebar, located on the South Black Sea Coast. The town is listed in the UNESCO world heritage. Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the ancient architecture and the romantic narrow streets. There are more than 40 churches in the town, dated from different periods, visit of two of the most well preserved churches - St. Stefan and St. Spas.

Accommodation, dinner and overnight in a 4* hotel in Nessebar.

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Day 12 - Ropotamo reserve - the paradise of photo hunters

After breakfast - departure for the South border of Bulgaria. On our way - visit of Ropotamo Reserve - one of the most exotic places at the Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria. One hour boat trip down the Ropotamo River to its mouth at the sea - possibility to meet wild animals, unique rock figures, rare plants.

Departure to Istanbul. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in a 4* hotel.

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Day 13 - The Emperors' Citadel

After breakfast - panoramic tour of Istanbul - a city on two continents, an Emperors' Citadel and a guard of the secular Turkey of today. Visit of the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Egyptian Obelisk, the St. Sofia Church, the Sultan's Palace Topkapi and the famous Grand Bazaar (or Covered Bazaar, Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) in Istanbul.

Dinner with rich show program and oriental dances in one of the popular music-halls in the city. Overnight in the hotel.

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Day 14 - Border of Two Continents

After breakfast - boat trip in the Bosphorus - the straits which divides Asia from Europe and connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.

Departure for Greece. Arrival in Kavala late in the afternoon and accommodation in 3*+ hotel. Dinner in a fish restaurant at the sea shore. Overnight in the hotel.

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Day 15 - A Wharf of the Fishermen

After breakfast - city tour of Kavala with the following accents: Neapolis Fortress, the Virgin Marry Church (where the first Christian lady has been christened), the Castle of Mehmed Ali (a viceroy of Egypt, the leader of the Egyptian army), the Aqueduct, the Old city of Philipi and the Harbour with the numerous fishing boats. Lunch.

In the afternoon - departure to one of the biggest port cities of Aegean sea - Thessaloniki. Accommodation and overnight in 4* hotel.

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Day 16 - The Capital of the Northern Greece

After breakfast - city tour of Thessaloniki with visit of the White Tower - symbol of the city, the extensive Byzantine walls of the Upper City, the Triumph Arc, the famous St. Dimitаr church (patron saint of the city) and other sights of the city. Free time for shopping on the main commercial street Egnatia. Dinner with entertainment program in a typical Greek tavern in the old part Ladadika. Overnight in the hotel.

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Day 17 - The Majesty of Pella

After breakfast - free time in Thessaloniki and departure to the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia. On the road - visit of the old capital of Macedonian Kingdom - Pella, founded by Philip II of Macedonia. Arrival in Ohrid - one of the most beautiful cities in the Southeast Europe, located on Ohrid lake, which is listed in UNESCO world heritage list. Accommodation, dinner and overnight in 4* hotel.

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Day 18 - The Pearl Ohrid

After breakfast - city tour of Ohrid: the Samuil's Fortress, the Antique Theatre, the churches St. Sofia, St. Joan Kaneo and St. Kliment. In the afternoon - visit to the St. Naum Monastery, located on the Ohrid lake. Dinner in a folklore restaurant with typical meat BBQ and folklore program. Overnight in the hotel.

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Day 19 - The Capital of Macedonia

After breakfast - departure for the Macedonian capital - Skopje via Bitola and Prilep. Visit of the old town Hearklea near Bitola. Lunch. In the afternoon we will reach Skopje. Panoramic tour around the city with visit of the old town. Accommodation and overnight in 4* hotel.

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Day 20 - The Monastery in Rila

After breakfast - set off to Bulgaria. On the way we will visit the Rila Monastery, founded in 10th c, it was the biggest Bulgarian medieval spiritual centre with a great collection of icons, wall-paintings, old-printed books. The monastery is a monument on the UNESCO list of world heritage.

Arrival in Sofia. Accommodation dinner and overnight in 4* hotel.

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Day 21 - A 8500 years Old City

After breakfast - city tour around Sofia. The Bulgarian capital is a 8500 years old city called "My Rome" by the Emperor Constantine the Great. Visit to the most interesting historical sights: the National Museum of History, the Boyana Church - one of the few complete and perfectly preserved mediaeval monuments testifying to the significant contribution of Bulgarian monumental painting to European culture in the Middle Ages. The church is located in the foot of Vitosha mountan and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Back to the city center where we will see the Ancient Serdica, the rotunda church St. George (dated IV century AC), the mineral springs, the antique Roman theatre dated III-IV-th century (the time of the Emperor Constantine the Great) and the St. Nedelya sqare, where 4 temples from different religions are located next to each other: The Catholic church, The Ortodox church, The Synagogue and The Mosque are forming quadrangle, which symbolize the peace between religions in Bulgaria. Next is the Alexander I square where the Royal Palace and the National Theatre are located, "Tzar Osvoboditel" boulevard, the Parliament, the Church of "St. Sofia" (the name means wisdom), which had given the name of the city, the Sofia University and the "Alexander Nevski" cathedral (the biggest Orthodox temple on the Balkan peninsula).

Optional: Dinner in a typical Bulgarian folklore restaurant with entertainment program

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

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Day 22

After breakfast - transfer to the airport and flight back home.

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What is included:

• Accommodation for 21 nights in best available hotels 4* and one 3*+.
• Meals according to the program. The lunches and dinners includes 3-cource meal with mineral water
• Dinner with show program and oriental dances in Istanbul
• Dinner with show program in typical Greek tavern in Thessaloniki.
• Dinner with BBQ and folklore program in Macedonia.
• Lunch-picnic in Kazanlak with folklore program and drinks included (for the Rose Festival tour)
• Entertainment program in Kazanlak (for the Rose Festival tour)
• All entrance fees for the museums, sites and churches.
• Boat trip along Ropotamo river (Bulgaria)
• Boat trip along Bosphorus (Turkey)
• Professional guides throughout (1 for Romania and 1 for Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece and Macedonia).
• Local tour guides in Istanbul, Kavala, Thessaloniki, Ohrid, Bitola and Skopje.
• Transportation by private van/mini bus with driver throughout - one vehicle for Romania and another for Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece and Macedonia
• Parking fees, road and border taxes.
• Porterage in the hotels.
• Gratuities

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