Romania & Bulgaria: Castles, Traditions & Black Sea Charm
Step into a lesser-travelled corner of Europe, where forested mountains meet the Black Sea. This 10-night journey through Romania and Bulgaria blends dramatic landscapes with living traditions, taking in medieval towns, UNESCO-listed treasures, and local crafts along the way. With private access and boutique stays throughout, it’s an immersive look at two nations shaped by East and West.
This is a suggested itinerary – we will tailor your trip to suit your style, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a family.
Day 1
Arrival in Bucharest, Romania
Arrive in Romania’s dynamic capital, where your private guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle into the elegant InterContinental Athénée Palace before an optional afternoon visit to Revolution Square. Begin your culinary exploration with a welcome dinner of modern Romanian cuisine.
Day 2
Bucharest – Sinaia – Brașov
Depart Bucharest for the mountains of Transylvania, stopping en route at Peleș Castle – a fairytale 19th-century palace built for Romania’s first king. Enjoy a scenic drive through forested hills to reach Brașov, one of Transylvania’s most charming medieval towns. Dinner this evening is at leisure.
Day 3
Saxon Villages & Fortified Churches
Explore the beautifully preserved Saxon village of Viscri, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit its fortified church and enjoy a rustic lunch with locals. Continue to Sighișoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, whose legend inspired Dracula. Spend the night in the medieval heart of town.
Day 4
Biertan – Sibiu
Visit Biertan, home to one of the largest and most impressive fortified churches in Transylvania. Arrive in Sibiu, a cultural gem of cobbled streets and pastel facades. Enjoy a walking tour of its old town and relax at your centrally located boutique hotel.
Day 5
Sibiu – Ruse, Bulgaria
Cross into Bulgaria via the scenic Olt River Valley and Danube Bridge. Arrive in Ruse, a river port city with Austro-Hungarian architecture. Dinner is served at your hotel or in the charming city centre.
Day 6
Rock-Hewn Churches & Wine Tasting
Explore the UNESCO-listed Ivanovo Rock Churches, carved into the cliffs in the 13th century and covered in vivid frescoes. Afterwards, head to a boutique winery for a private tasting of Bulgarian varietals and lunch amidst the vines. Spend the night in Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
Day 7
Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanassi – Plovdiv
Wander the fortress ruins of Tsarevets Hill, then visit the nearby village of Arbanassi, known for its 17th-century churches and traditional houses. Continue to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, where ancient Roman ruins meet thriving modern art. Stay in a beautifully restored townhouse in the Old Town.
Day 8
Plovdiv – Bachkovo Monastery – Black Sea Coast
Visit Bachkovo Monastery, nestled in the Rhodope Mountains, before heading east to Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast. Arrive in Sozopol, a romantic seaside town with cobbled streets, art galleries and wooden houses perched above the sea. Enjoy a seafood dinner overlooking the bay.
Day 9
Sozopol & Surrounds
Spend the day exploring the beaches, archaeological sites and small fishing villages of the Black Sea. Optional boat trips, beach time, or a visit to the Strandzha Mountains can be arranged. Return to Sozopol for a relaxed final evening.
Day 10
Sozopol – Burgas – Departure
Transfer to Burgas airport for your onward journey.
- Explore Transylvania’s Saxon villages, UNESCO-listed fortified churches, and fairy-tale castles
- Discover Bulgaria’s rock-hewn medieval monasteries and wine country
- Stay in boutique hotels with character: medieval townhouses, vineyard estates, and Black Sea villas
- Enjoy traditional meals with local families and private wine tastings
- Experience the contrast between cosmopolitan cities and timeless rural life
- End the journey with relaxation by the Black Sea in Sozopol
Lightfoot Travel is a fully licensed global tour operator with a 24/7 support line for our guests, giving you peace of mind on your holiday . We have three core values that underpin our commitment to creating meaningful holidays for our guests.
AUTHENTICTravel your way with Lightfoot. We’ll take you into the heart of each destination and introduce you to the people and places that reveal the true essence of a country. With our trusted local connections, we create holidays that immerse you in culture, history, and everyday life. Far from the crowds, always deeply authentic.
EXPERT Travel with confidence, guided by experts. Our team boasts decades of first-hand knowledge and we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for our guests. We specialise in unveiling the world’s most extraordinary and lesser-known destinations.
PERSONAL Your journey is as unique as you are. We take the time to understand what inspires and excites you, creating 100% tailormade itineraries that reflect your personality, interests, and holiday aspirations. Our bespoke holidays are designed to elevate every moment of your travel experience.
