Mysteries of the Balkans: Romania, Bulgaria and Castles Tour (3 Nights Accommodation)
🧛♂️ A MYSTERIOUS JOURNEY TO DRACULA’S CASTLE FROM THE PEARLS OF THE BALKANS!
You are invited to an unforgettable adventure where history, nature, and legends intertwine, taking you from some of the most beautiful cities of the Balkans to Romania’s mystical castles!
From the shores of Burgas to the UNESCO heritage of Nessebar, from “the Pearl of the Black Sea” Varna to Bucharest’s magnificent avenues, and of course to the legendary Dracula Castle, every moment will be full of excitement with a program we have prepared just for you. Moreover, there are no compulsory extra tours or surprise payments! Get ready for a fairytale journey at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains!
Day-by-Day Tour Program
Day 1: Overnight Journey from the Aegean to the Balkans (Izmir - Edirne)
On the first day of our tour, between 16:00 and 18:00, we pick you up from the designated points in Izmir (Üçkuyular, Üçyol, Sabancı, Lozan, Ege University Emergency, Karşıyaka Monument, Girne Office Front) and begin our journey. With necessary breaks along the way, we travel through Ayvalık and Edremit to Çanakkale. After crossing to Eceabat by ferry, we continue our overnight journey and arrive in the Edirne region in the early morning hours.
(Note: Exact departure times will be sent to our guests by SMS 1 day before the tour.)
Day 2: Pearls of the Black Sea and History (Burgas - Nessebar - Varna - Ruse)
We complete passport and customs procedures at the Dereköy Border Gate and enter Bulgaria. After a short drive, we arrive in Burgas and take our panoramic city tour. After our optional breakfast break, we visit Nessebar, the historic peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway and listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. After exploring its Byzantine churches, Bulgarian Renaissance houses, and charming streets, we head to Varna, the pearl of the Black Sea.
During our panoramic city tour in Varna, we will see the Roman Baths, the Archaeological Complex, the Basilica, and Varna Cathedral. After free time along the seafront and the famous Varna Promenade, we arrive in the historic city of Ruse on the banks of the Danube, one of the most important naval centers of the Ottoman Empire, and after our panoramic tour we head to our hotel. Overnight in our hotel in the Razgrad or Ruse area.
Day 3: Bucharest, the Paris of the East (Ruse - Bucharest)
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Bucharest, the capital of Romania. After crossing the border, we reach the center of Bucharest by passing over the famous Friendship Bridge on the Danube.
On our panoramic tour of this city, known as the “Paris of the East,” we will see Republic Square, the Great Library, the Arch of Triumph, Bucharest University, the National Theater, the Royal Palace, and the Kretzulescu and Stavropoleos Churches. We stop for photos in front of the Palace of the Romanian Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon, and then visit the authentic Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, which reflects Romania’s rural life. After our free time in the city center, we check in to our hotel. Guests who wish may join the traditional and entertaining Romanian Night in the evening (extra). Overnight in our hotel in Bucharest or nearby.
Day 4: Castles and Legends (Sinaia - Bran - Dracula Castle - Brașov - Bucharest)
After breakfast, we head to the Transylvania region, also known as “Erdel,” in the magnificent nature of the Carpathian Mountains. Our first stop is Peleș Castle, the 160-room summer palace of the Romanian royal family, enchanting with its neo-classical architecture.
Then we visit the mysterious and legendary Dracula (Bran) Castle, known worldwide for its stories and mysterious history. After this unforgettable experience, we continue to Brașov, one of Romania’s most popular cities. After seeing the Black Church, Casa Sfatului (Council House), and the Trumpeters’ Tower, all symbols of the city’s Gothic architecture, we enjoy free time in the historic Piata Sfatului Square. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel in Bucharest. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: The Old Capital and Return Home (Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo - Izmir)
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our return journey to Bulgaria. After completing border formalities, we arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, the old capital built on the hills around the Yantra River.
On our tour exploring the city’s historical atmosphere, we visit the National Museum, the Forty Martyrs Church, and the massive Tsarevets Fortress complex, 206 meters above sea level (including the fortress and churches). We then stroll through the historic Samovodska Charshia (Bazaar) streets, where peasants once sold handicrafts and natural products, and enjoy souvenir shopping and free time. At the time determined by our guide, we gather and enter our country via the Kapıkule Border Gate, and after suitable breaks we arrive in Izmir at night. We bid farewell by dropping our valued guests off at the points where we picked them up, and look forward to seeing you on our next tour.