The Best of Romania and Bulgaria – Self-drive Tour

Today we recommend you to discover the little Paris of the East. Start with a walking tour on Calea Victorie Avenue and admire the Romanian Athenaeum, the National Art Museum (former Royal Palace), Revolution Square, National Military House. Take a stroll in the old town and learn more about the Romanian architecture. Afterwards, we recommend to admire the Parliament Palace, the largest building in Europe and the 2nd largest in the world after the Pentagon. In the afternoon, it would be a good idea to visit Village Museum, one of the largest open air museums in Europe, located inside Herastrau Park. Overnight in Bucharest.

In the morning, drive towards the northern part of the country and stop in Sinaia for a visit to Peles Castle, former summer residence of the Romanian Royal family and one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Continue towards Bran where you will discover Bran Castle, known as Dracula’ Castle. Arrival in Brasov, one of the most visited places in Romania. Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian site and settled by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels, Brasov exudes a distinct medieval ambiance and has been used as backdrop in many recent period films. Walking tour in the main square to admire the unique baroque buildings. Overnight in Brasov.

In the morning, drive to Zarnesti where you will visit Libearty Bears Sanctuary, the largest one in Europe. Continue with a hike in the National Park Piatra Craiului and discover the beauties that make Romania one of the last remote places in the world. Piatra Craiului National Park is well known for its natural treasures and unique views and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing hike in the nature. Return to Brasov. Overnight in Brasov.

After breakfast, drive to Viscri and Viscri Fortified Church which is one of a series of UNESCO-listed historic churches in Romania. It is first mentioned in a 16th century accounts book of the bishopric of the county of Rupea. The village of Viscri is famous for the fact that Prince Charles has bought 2 properties here. The Prince of Wales has bought and renovated properties to help protect the unique way of life that has existed for hundreds of years through the promotion of sustainable tourism. Next you will discover Sighisoara, one of the best preserved medieval citadel in Europe and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Sighisoara is the only still inhabited medieval fortress on the continent. It is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad Tepes, ruler of the province of Walachia from 1456 to 1462. He is the one who inspired the Bram Stoker`s fictional creation, Count Dracula. Enjoy a walk in the beautiful Old Town area and visit the Clock Tower. In the afternoon, departure towards Sibiel, a small village close to Sibiu. Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse, a perfect opportunity to learn more about the daily life of the Romanian peasants.

Drive to Hunedoara and visit Corvin Castle, the largest castle in all East Europe and the only Gothic castle entirely preserved in Romania. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles meet here to create a unique 14th century castle. This picturesque medieval castle stands grand with tall walls and towers next to a river over which a long entrance bridge was built to protect it from invaders. As legend has it, Vlad Țepeș (the main character who inspired the story of Dracula) was imprisoned here for 7 years before he married the daughter of the castle owner and took back his reign of Wallachia. Return to Sibiu and discover the city that has been European Capital of Culture in 2007. Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse in Sibiel.

Drive to Bucharest, via Olt Valley, a very scenic route. Stop and visit Cozia Monastery. Arrival in Bucharest. Drop off the car. Overnight in Bucharest.

Train Bucharest – Ruse – Gorna Oriahovitsa. Rent-a-car delivery to the train station and proceed further to Veliko Turnovo, located just 10 km from Gorna Oriahovitsa. Check in at your hotel, rest. Dinner and overnight. 

Meet your local guide for a walking tour of Veliko Turnovo – the medieval capital city of Bulgaria, picturesquely located on 4 hills above Yantra river. Visit Tsarevets Hill with the medieval fortress, Baldwin tower ( the leader of the 4th Crusade ) and Samovodska Charshia – the street if traditional crafts. Wine tasting at a local winery club. Free afternoon for own discoveries.  

Departure to the south of Veliko Turnovo, en route possible stop for pictures at Dryanovo Monastery. Arrival in Subotkovtsi village, meet the local hosts for demonstration of preparation of yoghurt and home made lunch. Proceed towards Shipka mountain pass and memorial peak, crossing the central and highest part of the Balkan mountains ( the mountain, which gave its name to the Balkan peninsula ). Stop for pictures at Shipka church. In the suburbs of Kazanlak – visit Goliama Kosmatka Thracian tomb ( believed to be the tomb of Sevt the 3rd, ) and Kazanlak Thracian tomb ( UNESCO site, copy ), dated to 5th – 3rd c BC. Check in at your hotel, dinner and overnight. 

Morning visit of Damascena rose distillery and ethnographic complex, visit its rose gardens, samples of rose products and opportunity to buy from the local producers high-category cosmetics. Proceed along the high way to the Black sea coast, possible stop for lunch in Burgas and early afternoon check in at your hotel in Sunny Beach ( 7 km from the Old Nesebur UNESCO town ) 

Day to enjoy the sea and the beach. Overnight at the same hotel. 

Day at the seaside, in the afternoon – proceed to Plovdiv along the high way. Plovdiv is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, much older than Athens and Rome. Arrival, check in at your hotel close to the centre of the town. Independent visits in the Old Plovdiv architecture reserve with the National -revival houses, the Ancient Theatre, along the longest pedestrian street in the world with the Roman Stadium and Forum, etc. 

Day in Plovdiv for own discoveries. Possible visit with the car ( just 30 min drive ) of Bachkovo Monastery ( connected with the history of the 3rd Crusade ) and Assenova fortress. Free time in Kapana – the artistic neighbourhood of Plovdiv. Overnight at the same hotel. 

Breakfast and free morning for own discoveries in Plovdiv. Departure to the south towards the Rhodope mountains, via some of the most beautiful and picturesque water reserves in this part of Bulgaria. Stop at Vucha Dam to enjoy the view. 

Arrival in Trigrad village and check in at a small family-run hotel. 

Day dedicated to the region of Trigrad and Buinovo gorge. Private jeep tour along Trigrad gorge and Orlovo Oko ( Eagle`s Eye ) observation platform for panoramic view. The vertical drop from the platform to the Buynovo gorge roar is approximately 680 m.

Possible visits in 2 of the most famous caves in the Rhodopes:

Devil`s Throat cave - the cave’s entrance resembles a devil’s head, and down its throat rushes a massive waterfall that from ancient times has captivated imaginations and given birth t numerous legends. The most popular of these is that Orpheus descended down this orifice to the subterranean kingdom of Hades, to seek his lost love Eurydice. Yagodina cave - the third longest in Bulgaria and the longest in the Rhodopes. The natural entrance leads to the uppermost level, where an ancient dwelling dated to the 4th millennium BC was discovered. Possible visit of the small Museum of the bear. If you are willing to explore further more, you can visit the nearby Shiroka Luka museum village. 

Departure along Mesta river valley towards Bansko museum town, located in the foothills of Pirin Moutain National Park ( UNESCO site ). Check in at your hotel and relax.

En route, with a detour of some 25 km, visit museum villages of Leshten and Kovachevitsa. They are located in the Dabrash area of the Rhodope mountains, 1 000 m above sea level and surrounded by wonderful panoramas of forests and mountain ridges. 

Kovachevitsa is regarded a hidden pearl of the mountains, established in the end of the 14th c, despite the fact that remains of settlements from the 1st millennium BC have been unearthed here. The village is a national architecture reserve because of its small cobble stone streets and 2 to 4 floors houses built of only stone and wood. 

Arrival in Bansko museum town, located at the foothills of Pirin Mountain ( National Park, UNESCO site ), check in at your hotel, overnight. 

Bansko is rated No3 in Lonely Planet`s list of the Best Cities to travel in 2025 : https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel/cities#bansko

Day dedicated to Bansko and Pirin Mountain. Your local mountain guide will bring you on a half-day walking. Hiking tour to 3 of the most spectacular glacial lakes of the mountain. Afternoon for own discoveries/ relax. 

Departure to the south of Bansko to visit Melnik – the smallest Bulgarian town, declared museum, Possible visit of the nearby Rojen Monastery ( 9th c ), check in at your hotel in Melnik. Visit and wine tasting at the winery of Kordopulov house – museum, considered the largest residential building on the Balkans from its time. Dinner and overnight at your hotel. 

Departure to Sofia, en route stop to visit Rila Monastery UNESCO site. Check in at your hotel in Sofia. Rent-a-car drop off. 

City tour of Sofia with local guide. 

Free time and departure.