Bulgaria & Romania: Frescoes
& Fortresses
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"I've been on four MIR trips. All were wonderful and I plan many more trips with MIR. The overriding impression of this tour was that ancient history is brought to life. I can't pick a favorite part. The beautiful Carpathian Mountains, beautiful old historic buildings, lovely villages and nice people all are great.
Barbara Martin
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
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Explore the complex history and fascinating culture of Bulgaria and Romania, two Balkan countries whose rugged terrain and consequent isolation have helped preserve their heritage. Discover the luminous frescoes of the painted monasteries, breathe in the fragrance of the Valley of the Roses, and spend an afternoon visiting with villagers in a tiny Transylvanian town.
Days 1-6: Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo
Begin the journey in Sofia, Bulgaria, a city with more than 7,000 years of history. Visit the serene Rila Monastery, founded in 927 as a retreat for hermits. Pause in the Thracian settlement of Plovdiv with its ancient Roman and 19th century architecture, before setting off through the beautiful countryside of the Valley of Roses toward Veliko Tarnovo, capital of the 12th century Second Bulgarian Empire. Here, the remains of the Royal Fortress still stand at the top of Tsarevets Hill.
Days 7-8: Bucharest
Crossing the Danube into Romania, tour its capital, Bucharest, and contemplate Ceausescu's last folly, the 3,100-room Palace of the Parliament. Set out north to Transylvania, a land of mixed Hungarian, Romanian and Saxon heritage.
Days 9-15: Transylvania, Painted Monasteries, Medieval Towns
In Sinaia, admire the German-influenced 19th century Peles Castle. Explore the birthplace of Vlad Dracul in the citadel of Sighisoara, and visit Bran Castle, which served as Bram Stoker's model for Dracula's ancestral home. Drive via dramatic Bicaz Canyon to four of the UNESCO-listed painted monasteries of Bucovina, and enjoy lunch and a demonstration of traditional egg painting in a private home. Stroll the Old Town Square in the Saxon town of Sibiu.
Days 16-17: Horezu, Bucharest
On the way back to Bucharest, stop in Romania's pottery capital, Horezu, before a farewell dinner in the capital.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
17 Days |
| Departures in 2009: |
2 |
| Dates: |
May 29-June 14 |
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August 28-September 14 |
| Departures in 2010: |
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| We are now taking bookings for 2010; please call 800-424-7289 for more information |
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| Land Tour Cost |
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| 6-16 travelers |
$5,695 |
| Single Supplement |
$895 |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
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MIR Signature Features
- Visit a pottery master in his Plovdiv workshop
- Admire the vivid painted monasteries of Bucovina
- Track the origins of the Dracula story in the medieval cities of Transylvania
Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-2: |
Sofia |
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| Day 3: |
drive to Plovdiv |
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| Day 4: |
Plovdiv |
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| Day 5: |
drive to Veliko Tarnovo |
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| Day 6: |
Veliko Tarnovo |
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| Day 7: |
drive to Bucharest |
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| Day 8: |
drive to Sinaia |
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| Day 9: |
drive to Sighisoara |
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| Day 10: |
drive to Gura Humorului |
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| Day 11: |
Gura Humorului (painted monasteries of Bucovina) |
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| Days 11-15: |
Bucovina region |
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| Day 16: |
drive to Bucharest via Horezu |
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| Day 17: |
Bucharest |
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Suggested Extensions
Combine this tour with Beyond Red Square: Russia Revealed or Belarus, Ukraine & Moldova.
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