St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Arrive in Bulgaria’s vibrant capital, Sofia. After a warm meet-and-greet at the airport, transfer to your 4★ hotel in the city center. In the evening, enjoy an orientation walk to see Sofia’s most iconic landmarks: the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the 4th-century St. George Rotunda, and remnants of Roman Serdica. A welcome briefing introduces you to the journey ahead.

Rila Monastery

After breakfast, set out for a guided exploration of Sofia: the Parliament, the National Theater, and the lively Vitosha Boulevard. Midday, drive through mountain scenery to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most famous religious site, where colorful frescoes and intricate woodcarvings tell centuries of stories. Return to Sofia for a free evening with optional traditional dinner and folklore show.

Plovdiv Old Town

Travel east to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Discover its Roman Theater, still in use for concerts, the Revival-era houses of the Old Town, and cobbled lanes filled with artisan shops. Stroll through the trendy Kapana district, now a creative hub with cafes and galleries. Overnight in Plovdiv.

Veliko Tarnovo

Cross the Balkan Mountains via the scenic Shipka Pass (or Rose Valley, in spring). Arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Visit Tsarevets Fortress, dramatically perched above the Yantra River, and explore Samovodska Charshia street with its workshops and crafts. Optional evening sound-and-light show brings the fortress to life. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Bucharest

Stop in Arbanassi village to admire richly painted Orthodox churches. Cross the Danube River at Ruse and enter Romania. Continue to Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital often called “Little Paris” for its French-inspired boulevards. Panoramic tour includes Revolution Square, the Romanian Athenaeum, and the massive Palace of Parliament (exterior). Overnight in Bucharest.

Palace of Parliament

Enjoy a full day to explore Bucharest’s Old Town (Lipscani) with its cobbled streets, Stavropoleos Church, and the 19th-century CEC Palace. Learn about Romania’s communist history at Revolution Square. Free afternoon for shopping or an optional inside visit of the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world. Overnight in Bucharest.

Sinaia

Drive north to Sinaia, the “Pearl of the Carpathians,” home to the fairytale Peles Castle. Optional inside visit reveals ornate rooms filled with art and woodcarving. Continue to Brasov, framed by forested mountains. Evening walking tour includes the Council Square, medieval walls, and the Gothic Black Church. Overnight in Brasov.

Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)

Spend the morning exploring Brasov’s Saxon heritage, then head into the hills to Bran Castle, forever linked with the Dracula legend. Learn the real story of Vlad the Impaler and enjoy views of the surrounding valleys. Return to Brasov for leisure time—try a cozy Transylvanian restaurant or enjoy a casual evening in the pedestrian Old Town.

Sibiu

Travel through scenic Transylvania toward Sibiu, one of the region’s most charming medieval cities. Stroll through the Large and Small Squares, cross the “Bridge of Lies,” and admire the colorful rooflines with their “eyes” of old houses. Optional stop at Biertan fortified church, a UNESCO site, en route. Overnight in Sibiu.

Kladovo

Head southwest, leaving Transylvania and driving along the Carpathians to the Danube River. Enter Serbia at Kladovo, in the Iron Gate region. Relax at a riverside hotel and enjoy the slower pace of this corner of the Balkans. Overnight in Kladovo or nearby.

Belgrade

Follow the Danube through dramatic cliffs of the Iron Gate Gorge, one of Europe’s great river landscapes. Visit Golubac Fortress, recently restored with sweeping views, and the Roman site of Viminacium, once a thriving military camp. Arrive in Belgrade by evening. Walk through Kalemegdan Fortress for a sunset panorama over the confluence of the Sava and Danube. Overnight in Belgrade.

Belgrade

Discover Serbia’s energetic capital: Saint Sava Temple (one of the largest Orthodox churches), Republic Square, and pedestrian Knez Mihailova street. Learn about Belgrade’s layered history at Kalemegdan Park. Evening free, or enjoy Skadarlija, the city’s bohemian quarter, with traditional live music. Overnight in Belgrade.

Fruska Gora

Day excursion north to Vojvodina province. Tour Petrovaradin Fortress, known as the “Gibraltar of the Danube,” and stroll Novi Sad’s relaxed Old Town. Stop at a boutique winery in Fruska Gora for tasting. Overnight in Novi Sad.

Belgrade

Morning at leisure until transfer to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG). Depart with memories of a rich 3-country Balkan adventure.