CHISINAU, SUCEAVA, SIGHISOARA, VISCRI, BUCHAREST, VELIKO TARNOVO, SOFIA
History & Culture, Off the Beaten, Nature & Wildlife
Tucked away in the remote Southeast of Europe, Moldova, Romania & Bulgaria are arguably the last real adventure in Europe. From the beautiful painted churches in Romanian Highland and the famed Dracula Castle; to lovely villages hidden in Carpathian Mountain and vibrant folklores everywhere; to quaint medieval township and fascinating stories of Bucharest…
The region begged to be explored.
This trip is carefully crafted to take you through the 3 countries with the most time efficient routing, taking time to go off the beaten path and visiting the top sights in depth. Well curated special “wow” activities include wine tasting at the world’s largest wine cellar, private Organ Concert in a historical church, special entertainment in Dracula Castle and more.
Twin Sharing
Early Bird Promotion
First two bookings with deposit (limit to two rooms) will get free upgrade to Signature Suite in Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia for 2 nights
Deposit Amount
20% Deposit at time of booking
*Registration Closing Date
01 Aug 2023 or when tour is fully subscribed
Arrive in Chisinau, capital of Moldova in the morning.
Chisinau is a city of parks with beautiful old trees and sidewalks. You will enjoy a walking tour passing the Church of Nativity, Triumphal Arch, National Palace, and Assembly Square. We will also get out of town to visit the Milestii Mici Winery, which has the world’s largest wine cellar!
Make a full day excursion to Tiraspol (1.5 hour drive or 79km), perhaps the best place to get an insight into an enclave of the Soviet Era. Tour the city in a Soviet Vintage limousine. Proceed to Aquatir Sturgeon Farm, one of the biggest caviar factories in Europe for Black caviar and champagne tasting. Later, enjoy Cognac and chocolate pairing at Kvint Factory.
This morning, drive about 3.5 hours or 225km crossing the border into Romania. Arrive at Iasi which many regards as the cultural capital of the country. Enjoy a tour of the city and visit the renowned Palace of Culture.
We will then continue another 2.5 hours or 147 km drive to Suceava, the base for your exploration of the beautiful countryside with numerous gorgeously painted monasteries and churches.
UNESCO has listed 8 of the painted churches in northern Moldavia as World Heritage sites. Dating back to the 15th century, the frescoes are masterpieces of Byzantine Arts. We shall spend a full day going around to visit some of the churches and explore the lovely countryside.
In addition, visit the Museum of Painted Eggs in Vama and watch a demonstration of painting Easter egg.
Spend another morning in this region including a visit to Ethnography Museum Nicolae Popa in the village of Tarpesti. After lunch, drive about 5.5 hours or 300 km to Sighisoara.
A well preserved fortified medieval Transylvania township, Sighisoara has been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding testimony to the 850 years heritage of Transylvania Saxons. We will enjoy a walking tour here and a treat awaits us – a private organ concert inside the Church of Dominican Monastery.
After lunch, an hour drive takes us to the charming Saxon village of Viscri. Explore the village by foot and experience a local horse cart ride, followed by going for a truffle hunting session!
This morning, drive 1.5 hours or 100km to another famous landmark of Romania – the Bran Castle or more commonly known as the Dracula Castle! Special entertainment is also arranged here.
Close to an hour or 48km drive brings us to the picturesque Peles Castle, a neo-Renaissance castle set in the Carpathian Mountain. Another 2 hours or 140km drive takes us into Bucharest, the capital of Romania.
Romania under Ceausescu was the last of the Eastern Bloc regime to fall after the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Dive into the dramatic episode of the history today as we explore the city. You will go on a panoramic tour covering the main squares and avenues, Arch of Triumph, the Press House, as well as visiting the Village Museum.
Subsequently, head to the Palace of Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the World after the Pentagon (subject to last minute change of permits) and a walking tour of the old city.
After breakfast, drive about 1.5 hours or 75km crossing the border into Bulgaria and arrive at Ruse, an elegant city on the south bank of the Danube River.
Continue another 1.5 hours or 100km drive to Veliko Tarnovo, the geographical center of Bulgaria. This evening, enjoy a Sound and Light show of the Tsarevets Fortress Terrace.
Set off for 5 hours or 300km drive to Sofia. Enroute, visit an open-air museum – Architectural Ethnographic Complex Etura. Next, stop in the town of Kazanluk and visit the replica of the Thracian Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage. Continue your journey to Plovdiv for its charming Old Town, Roman Theatre and the UNESCO listed Bishop’s Basilica. Proceed to Sofia for your overnight stay.
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and endowed with fascinating monuments, wonderful museums, and great natural environment. Explore the city in the morning, visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and see the ruins of Serdica, St. Sophia Church, the Rotunda of St. George.
Drive approximately 2 hours or 120km to Rila Monastery, which is another highlight of the trip and an UNESCO Heritage site.
Tonight, be treated to a farewell dinner with folklore performance.
We have more time in Sofia today to look around the city. Visit the National History Museum, another UNESCO site Boyana Church, and spend time in Vitosha Mountain to reconnect with nature and hopefully get to see the beauty of the autumn colours (subject to weather changes).
In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight out.
Radisson Blu Leogrand Chisinau • Hotel Sonnenhof Suceava • Mercure Sighisoara Binderbubi Hotel • Viscri 125 • Hotel Marmorosch Bucharest • Veliko Tarnovo Grand Hotel Yantra • Sofia Grand Hotel Millennium
Turkish Airlines
30 Sep, Hong Kong- Istanbul (TK 71), 23:00 – 05:15+1
01 Oct, Istanbul – Chisinau (TK 269), 07:30 – 09:00
12 Oct, Sofia – Istanbul (TK 1030), 21:10 – 22:35
13 Oct, Istanbul – Hong Kong (TK 70), 01:50 – 17:05
Registration Closing Date: 01 Aug 2023 or when tour is fully subscribed
Kindly call us at (852) 2885 2181 if you require any immediate assistance.
Call us at +852 2885 2181 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.
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