Your Journey into Eastern Europe
Day 1 – Welcome to Bucharest, Romania!
Check in to the InterContinental Bucharest for a wonderful 3-night stay.
Day 2 – Into Transylvania
Nestled amidst the forested slopes of a popular resort area, Sinaia is beloved as the Pearl of the Carpathians. Behold the turreted splendor of Peles Castle, a masterpiece of German-Renaissance design and gaze upon 300-year-old frescoes in the Sinaia Monastery. In the fairytale town of Braşov , your guide recounts the long history of the Black Church and the story of its massive, fire-blackened Gothic walls. Romania’s first school, founded in 1495, now houses a fine collection of icons, delicately painted glass and ancient manuscripts. Then try not to look over your shoulder as you walk the shadowy halls of Bran Castle, made famous by Bram Stoker’s Gothic novel, Dracula! Return to your hotel in Bucharest for a relaxing evening. Meals B,L
Day 3 – Sightseeing in Bucharest
With penetrating insight, your guide reveals the enduring traditions, turbulent 21st century history and vibrant modern-day spirit that bring so much charm and character to this handsome city. The Metropolitan Church will impress you with its stately proportions. The grace of the Triumphal Arch invites comparisons with Paris. And the Palace of Parliament will awe with its monumental scale; then step inside the world’s second largest building (after the Pentagon!) for a fascinating tour. The afternoon is free to enjoy at your own pace. Meals B
Day 4 – A Palace, a Monastery and on to Radauti
Travel to the wooded shores of a pastoral lake to visit the 17th century Mogosoaia Palace, built with a pleasing blend of Italian Renaissance, Baroque and Byzantine styles. Nearby, the Caldarusani Monastery was constructed in just 100 days in 1638. Today, visitors and scholars come to admire and study its beautiful interior paintings. Fly to Suceava, the heart of beautiful Bukovina, and travel on to the ancient town of Radauti for a 3-night stay at the stylish and comfortable Gerald’s Hotel, the finest in town. Meals B
Day 5 – The Painted Monasteries of Bukovina
The tranquil countryside of this rural province is home to some of Europe’s greatest artistic monuments. Indeed, the 16th century churches of Southern Bukovina have collectively been identified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Monument, recognized for their unique, colorfully painted exterior walls. The inspiring Last Judgment fresco fills an entire outside wall of the Voronet Monastery. The handsome blue-background frescoes of the Moldovita Church sit behind heavy fortress-like walls in the middle of a quaint village. Led by your enthusiastic guide, you’ll explore the best of these medieval monuments – an enriching day made unforgettable with our specially-arranged experiences… Learn centuries-old techniques used by the villagers of Marginea to produce their distinctive black pottery, try your hand at traditional egg-painting in the Putna Monastery, enjoy tea and enlightening conversation with a priest at Patrauti Church, and sit down to a lunch of regional fare in Sucevita Monastery. Return to your hotel in Radauti where the balance of your evening is free. Meals B,L
Day 6 – Excursion to Cernauti
Travel across the border to this one-time provincial capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its long and dramatic history is evidenced by its myriad names over the centuries… Chernivtsi in Ukrainian, Czernowitz in German, Cernauti in Romanian, Csernyivci in Hungarian and Chernovtsy in Russian. This fascinating day ends on an enriching high-note with Dr. Dorian Frenkel, a respected member of Radauti’s Jewish community. Your casual and intimate dinnertime conversation with Dr. Frenkel is enlivened by his engaging demeanor and extraordinary personal accounts of local life during World War II and the turbulent decades which followed. Meals B,D
Day 7 – Now onward to Bulgaria
Return this morning to Suceava for your flight to Bucharest. Meet your guide and cross the Danube into Bulgaria to explore the amazing Ivanovo Rock Monastery, a group of small churches and chapels hewn into the solid rock walls of a picturesque canyon. You’ll be enchanted as you walk the narrow streets of Veliko Tarnovo, a medieval town perched above a gently meandering river. In the hilltop town of Arbanasi, the low squat walls of the 16th-century Nativity Church belie the splendor of its interior, adorned with colorful floor-to-ceiling murals depicting nearly 2,000 scenes! Return to charming Veliko Tarnovo and overnight at the 4-star Yantra Grand Hotel. Meals B
Day 8 – From the Valley of Roses to Sofia
Journey across the Central Balkans and through the scenic Shipka Pass into the heart of the Valley of Roses. Experience rich family traditions in the timeless town of Kazanlak… See how yogurt is made and sample Banitsa, a popular local pastry. Nearby, the ceiling paintings of a 4th century Thracian Tomb are remarkably preserved. Admire the handsome 19th century homes of Koprivshtitsa, stellar examples of Bulgarian Revival architecture, and then sample some of the local wines here in this delightful mountain village. Continue on to the capital and check in to the Sheraton Sofia Hotel. Meals B,L
Day 9 – Discover Sofia
Set out with your guide this morning to take in the city’s highlights, including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Rotunda of St. George Church, the oldest building in the capital. Then journey into the forested mountains south of Sofia to visit the thousand-year-old Rila Monastery, revered by Bulgarians for the role it played in keeping alive their language and culture during Ottoman rule. Back in the city this evening, we’ve arranged for dinner and a lively presentation of these enduring traditions in music and dance. Meals B,D
Day 10 – Sofia as You Please
Enjoy this full day free for your own pursuits. B,L,D
Day 11 – Farewell, Sofia
Our tour program finishes this morning. Meals B
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