Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria
From Budapest to Bulgaria Day 1. Homeland - Budapest Welcome to Hungary. Since the collapse of communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. After the welcome meeting at 6 pm, you might like to head out to explore the city by night. Perhaps visit the Jewish Quarter for dinner and explore the many options for a nightcap. Day 2. Budapest Today enjoy the day to explore Budapest. You will pass on the Chain Bridge, to the St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament. During the walk to the Fisherman’s Bastion you will discover the St. Matthias Church, the Royal Palace, Mary Magdalene Tower, Vienna Gate. Day 3. Budapest - Eger Take a two-hour train east to Eger today. Visit the wine cellars of the seductively-named Valley of the Beautiful Women with the group to sample some of the town’s famous ‘Bull’s Blood’ red wine. Here you can explore the Gothic Palace. You may also like to check out the town’s 19th-century cathedral, the northernmost medieval minaret in Europe for views of the city, or the Minorite church in Dobo Square. Day 4. Eger - Debrecen - Baia Mare Travel by bus to the pleasant town of Debrecen today. While here, you’ll have time to explore Deri Square with its fountains, colourful buildings, museums, and golden Great Church. Continue on into the Maramures region of Romania. Maramures is also a place that can feel like stepping back in time. Upon arrival, settle into your room at the hotel. Day 5. Baia Mare - Sapanta - Sighisoara Sighetu Marmatiei - Baia Mare Today you’ll discover more about the region of Maramures and how it seems frozen in time. Maramures is particularly famed for its wooden churches, many of which are World Heritage-listed. You’ll visit the unique Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, where the life stories of the deceased are displayed on colourful wooden crosses. You’ll also see the village museum in Sighetu, an assembly of beautiful local wooden architecture, along with stopping by various other traditional villages. Day 6. Baia Mare - Sighisoara Today is a long day of travel through pastoral fields and untouched Saxon towns to Sighisoara in Transylvania. Medieval Sighisoara another World Heritage site. Take a walk around the old town, which coils up a narrow hill and is surrounded on all sides by fortified walls, and explore the 64 metrehigh clock tower that dominates the citadel.
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Day 7. Sighisoara - Viscri While your next stop is the small Transylvanian village of Viscri. You’ll visit the town’s fortified church. Day 8. Viscri - Rasnov - Bran - Brasov Today continue to the 13th-century Saxon city of Brasov. It’s worth visiting the town’s main attraction, the gothic Black Church. Stroll along pedestrianized Strada Republicii. Explore the nearby Rasnov Fortress. The fortification is perched on a rocky hilltop above the town of Rasnov. Head to Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for the home of Bram Stoker’s Dracula Day 9. Brasov - Bucharest Head south to Bucharest today. The city is increasingly known for its cosmopolitan vibe and energy, and while not the most beautiful or stylish city, there are some wonderful art nouveau buildings, ancient churches and monasteries, lush parkland, lakes and elegant boulevards. Romania’s interesting capital also likes big things. It’s home to one of Europe’s biggest squares, and its Palace of Parliament is the second largest building in the world - former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu ordered the construction of the 12-storied Palace of Parliament, a building of staggering scale and opulence that includes 1,100 rooms and 4,500 chandeliers. You’ll take a guided walking tour around the city to help you get your bearings, then in free time you can choose to further explore some of the sights pointed out. You can check out the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Another great way to see the city is by bicycle, perhaps exploring some of the city’s neighbourhoods for a glimpse into the daily lives of Bucharest’s residents. Maybe seek out some traditional home-cooked Romanian food with your fellow travellers tonight. Day 10 Bucharest Today is a free day to explore Bucharest. Perhaps visit the grand concert hall of the Romanian Athenaeum, or take a walk around the city’s National Museum of Art or the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Alternatively, why not indulge your inner foodie on a Home Cooked Bucharest Urban Adventure tour. Another great way to see the city is by bicycle, perhaps exploring some of the city’s neighbourhoods for a glimpse into the daily lives of Bucharest’s residents. Day 11. Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo Travel into Bulgaria and on to the picturesque town of Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo’s history is incredible. Because of its importance during the second Bulgarian empire, the city was chosen as the place where the Bulgarian constitution was
