Semi-Private Tour; Serbia, Bulgaria & Romania in 8 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Day tour of Bucharest
1 stop
1
Belgrade
Welcome in Belgrade! After your arrival in Belgrade, you will make your own way to the hotel already booked for you by Choose Balkans, where you will be welcomed by hotel staff assisting you with the check in procedures. After freshening up and settling in, spend your first day exploring the city at your own pace. Known as the "White City," Belgrade is celebrated for its lively streets, bustling cafes, and an energetic atmosphere. Find a bustling café at Knez Mihailova Street, the oldest street in Belgrade also the social midpoint of Belgrade locals.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Belgarde (Serbia) – Nis
2 stops
2
Belgrade
Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Blegarde in the morning. We will continue this journey by driving towards our next destination, Nis located in southern part of Serbia.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
3
The city is one of the most important and bustling cities of Serbia, with a long and legendary historical past. Nis is a lively city with parks, museums and galleries that illustrate its past. Nis is actually one of the oldest places in the area, the birthplace of Constantine the Great. Over the centuries Nis often played a significant role in the history of the region. The first stop will be at Niš Fortress where we will get acquainted with the history and complex culture of this monument. The old fortress on the right bank of the river is believed to have been built on the ancient Roman city, Naissus. Inside the fortress, there is a weather station that provides forecasts for the city of Niš. Not to leave behind the magic of history we will go to Bubanj Memorial Park, a World War II memorial complex. Have some free time to explore the city on your own.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Nis– Rila Monastery (Bulgaria) - Sofia
1 stop
4
In the morning we will cross border towards Bulgaria and visit our first destination Rila monastery. A day tour to Rila Monastery offers an excellent opportunity to explore one of Bulgaria's most iconic cultural and historical sites. The Monastery is located in the Rila Mountains, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) south of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. As we head towards the Monastery, you'll enjoy picturesque views of the Bulgarian countryside and the Rila Mountains. Be sure to have your camera ready for some stunning landscapes. The monastery was founded in 10th c.as a monastic society by the hermit St Ivan Rilski. It's the largest monastery in Bulgaria and the oldest building today is a fortress tower in the monastery yard from 1330s. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural masterpiece. We will explore the complex, which includes the main church, a museum, and several monastic building
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Day tour of Sofia
2 stops
5
After brekfast we will have a city tour of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, a city rich in history and culture. We will start our day with a visit to the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Next, we head to St. Sophia Church, one of Sofia's oldest churches and an important historical site. Later we will head to the Royal Palace, which is now the National Art Gallery and we will walk to the nearby National Theatre Ivan Vazov, one of the most prestigious theaters in Bulgaria. Take a look at its beautiful facade and the square in front of it, which is often used for cultural events and gatherings. We will continue the tour by passing by the President's Office. While we may not be able to enter, you can still appreciate the architecture and the significance of this governmental building. We will end this day at the Triangle of Tolerance, a symbol of religious harmony in Sofia.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
6
After the walking tour, have some free time to enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Dishes like banitsa (cheese pastry) or shopska salad (fresh vegetable salad) are must-tries. If you’re up for it, explore Sofia’s vibrant nightlife with its bars and clubs, offering everything from live music to dance floors
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Sofia – Plovdiv
1 stop
7
From Sofia we will continue our tour towards, Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city and one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Plovdiv offers a chance to explore its rich history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere. The Old Town is a well-preserved historic district with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and charming architecture. Upon arrival we will stop at the recently opened Bishop's Basilica from 5-6th AD with preserved mosaics, showing more than 100 bird species. While having a short walking tour in the old town we will enjoy the colorful facades of the rich merchants' houses from 19th ceuntry, built atop Roman foundations. We will also visit the remains of two of the large public buildings from the Roman period – the ancient theater and stadium. In the evening have some free time to relax with a leisurely walk along the riverbanks, where you can enjoy the sunset and the scenic views.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Plovdiv – Shipka Memorial Church – Veliko Tarnovo
1 stop
8
After brekfast we will depart from Plovdiv and head towards Shipka where we will visit the stunning Shipka Memorial Church, a memorial to the Russo-Turkish War with its striking architecture and beautiful frescoes. Next, we drive through the scenic hills of Shipka Pass and we will be treated with some breathtaking views. We will continue our journey to Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Upon arrival in Veliko Tarnovo we will stop at the Royal citadel of Tsarevets. It is one of the three fortified hills of the medieval capital (12 – 14th c.), where the palace and the patriarchal cathedral were situated. Most of the fortress walls were reconstructed in 20th century and the cathedral rebuilt with authentic exterior, and the interior is covered with modernist murals. In the afternoon we will have a short stroll along the Samovodene arts and crafts street, where we can visit the ateliers of local artisans.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Veliko Tarnovo – Ruse – Bucharest (Romania)
1 stop
9
Before we set off, take a final stroll through the charming streets of Veliko Tarnovo. Later we will depart towards Ruse. As we drive, soak in the beautiful Bulgarian countryside. After arrival in Ruse, we’ll start with an overview of the city’s history and significance as a major cultural and economic hub on the Danube River. Later we will stroll along Alexandrovskaya Street, known for its stunning neo-Baroque architecture. Admire the beautifully preserved buildings, including the Opera House and the City Hall. We will visit the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of Ruse and a tribute to the city’s historical connections with the United States. Later on the day have some free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we’ll walk along the Danube promenade, taking in the scenic views of the river and its surroundings. We will depart from Ruse and cross the Danube into Romania.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Day tour Bucharest (Romania) - End of the tour
2 stops
10
oday get ready to discover Bucharest through a full-day city tour. Our first stop will be at the famous Palace of the Parliament, the second largest building in the world. Also known as the People’s House, the building was part of a larger project created by Nicolae Ceausescu during his communist regime period of Romania. The building was designed to house all the organs of the state while also being a safe house able to withstand earthquakes and nuclear attacks. After touring the Palace of the Parliament we will head to Bucharest’s Old Town (Lipscani), known for its vibrant atmosphere, quaint shops, and lively cafes. Have some free time for lunch in the old town, and indulge in delicious Romanian dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) or mămăligă (cornmeal porridge).
3 hours • Admission ticket free
11
This remarks the end of this 8 days tour through Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. We hope this has been a wonderful experience with great memories to cherish for a lifetime.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tags