9-Nights Bulgaria + Romania

Sofia

Sofia is capital of Bulgaria with a motto “Ever growing, never aging". Influences of many different cultures can be spotted through the city. Alexander Nevski Memorial Church has a gold dome considered one of the finest pieces of architecture in the Balkans. Other points of interest include 4th-6th century Church of St. Sofia; Boyana Church, a good example of 11th century East European Medieval art; and 15th century Dragalevtsi monastery. The National Palace of Culture is the Balkans' biggest congress center. Vassil Levski monument is where the main architect of the campaign to free Bulgaria from oppression of the Ottoman Empire was hanged by Turks in 1873. The National History Museum, Archaeological Museum and National Natural History Museum are there. There are many areas around downtown for nightlife. Sofia sits near Mount Vitosha and during the winter months this is a prime skiing spot.

Plovdiv

Situated on the Maritsa River, Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria. Older than Rome, Athens, Carthage or Constantinople, it is almost a contemporary of Troy. Set upon ancient crossroads, the city has hints of both East and West civilizations that add spice to her people and stimulate a unique cultural identity. Look closely around the city to see glimpses of Thracian, Macedonian, Byzantium, and Ottoman influences. Visitors take days to wander around the towns many parks, gardens, museums and historical monuments. The Ancient Theatre (which is a Roman theatre), is one of the most remarkable sites and maybe while you’re visiting you will be able to catch a performance in the theatre. This city is the place to be in Bulgaria, most times rivaling the capital Sofia.

Veliko Tarnovo

The former medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo is easily recognized as a historical and cultural center of contemporary Bulgaria. The cities museums are rich in artifacts and historical monuments and monasteries dot the landscape. The most visited spot in Veliko Tarnovo is the Arbanasi village. The St. Virgin Mary convent lies on one end of the village, the St Nikola monastery on the other. Exploring the village will be a memorable experience.

Brasov

Brasov is a medieval city located in central Romania, originally founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 and settled by the Saxons as a walled citadel. The city was located at an influential intersection linking trade routes of the Ottoman Empire and Europe. It is part of the Transylvania region, and is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. A wealth of historical attractions can be visited, including Bran Castle, attracting many fans of Dracula, the Black Church (Biserica Neagra), the largest gothic church in Romania, and Rope Street, the narrowest street in Romania.

Sibiu

For centuries, the Citadel of Sibiu was one of the largest and best fortified in Europe. Withstanding the test of time, some of defensive walls and towers still stand along Strada Cetatii and Coposu. The city is easily navigable by foot and visitors can choose to walk “upper town”, which contains most of Sibiu’s historic sites or walk “lower town”, which is a collection of cobblestone squares and quaint houses. Some of the sites include Little Square, Huet Square and the Evangelical Church, Bridge of Lies, Goldsmith Square, Great Square, Orthodox Cathedral, The Roman Catholic Church and City Hall Tower. There are numerous museums in the town as well, such as the Bruckenthal Art Museum.

Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city in Romania and is located in the southern part of the country. Referred to as the ‘Paris of the Balkans’, Bucharest has ornate buildings, wide boulevards and gardens fashioned after French architecture and city planning. In the name of progress and modernization, North Korean style buildings began being erected – many of which still stand unfinished today. Sights to see in Bucharest range from the stately to the heavenly. The Palace of Parliament should not be missed while in Bucharest – and it’s hard not to. It’s the second largest building in the world behind the Pentagon. Containing over 1,000 rooms, restaurants, conference areas and an art gallery, it houses the Romanian Parliament. There are several museums in the city, such as the National Art Museum and the Village Museum - an open–air museum containing over 300 houses, churches and mills from all over Romania and displays of some of the best folk architecture in the region. The Antim Monastery and Patriarchate Church are among Bucharest's outstanding religious structures.