Grand Capitals of Eastern Europe: Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria - 9 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Budapest!

Welcome to Budapest! Your adventure starts in the Hungarian capital, where a driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure—you can rest up after your flight, head out to start exploring the city at your own pace, or sample the healing waters of Budapest's famous thermal baths. 

Day 2: Guided Tour of Budapest

Your second day is devoted to discovering the charms of Budapest on a guided tour. Start with a visit to the amazing Hungarian Parliament Building, an iconic symbol of the city. Continue with your guide to the bustling city center, where you'll visit the neo-Renaissance Opera House, the grand Saint Stephen’s Basilica, and other unmissable attractions.

After a long walk along the scenic Danube River promenade, cross the Kette Bridge to see the sprawling Royal Palace. Climbing to the top of Buda Hill, you'll see famous towers and turrets of the Fisherman’s Bastion and the medieval Matthias Church before resting your legs and ending your day in one of the city's famous pubs.

Day 3: Transfer to Cluj Napocia, via Oradea

It’s time to leave Budapest behind and discover a new country: Romania. Today's journey takes you over the border where you'll visit the charming Art Nouveau city of Oradea. Explore its renovated citadel and architectural wonders, and stop for lunch in the city center. In the afternoon, you'll continue to Cluj Napoca, the main city in Transylvania and your base for the night.

Day 4: Explore Cluj Napoca, Capital of Transylvania

Start today with a guided tour of Cluj Napoca, considered the capital of Romania's Transylvania region. Your guide will share stories of the city's rich history, and point out its blend of medieval and modern attractions. Visit highlights like the enormous Gothic cathedral of Saint Michael, and stop for lunch to sample the city's revered culinary scene. In the afternoon, your guide will transfer you two hours south to Sibiu, where you'll spend the night. 

Day 5: Fall in Love with Sibiu, Transfer to Bucharest

One of the most beautiful cities in Romania, Sibiu is a medieval treasure. Fortified walls, historic 17th-century houses, a grand square framed by the Art Museum and Town Hall, and a bridge where lovers make vows for eternity—you'll find all these and more on a morning tour of the city. In the afternoon, you'll bid this hidden gem farewell and transfer to Bucharest for the evening.

Day 6: Guided Tour of Bucharest

Welcome to Bucharest! This morning you'll join your guide for a complete tour of the capital, starting with a visit to the vast Parliament Palace, the second-largest building in the world. Next, explore the atmospheric Old Town to see imposing buildings from the royal period and the ruins of the old court of Vlad the Impaler—the original inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. In the afternoon, enjoy a long walk through the Village Museum, an exhibition of traditional houses gathered from different parts of Romania. 

Day 7: Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's Ancient Capital

Say your goodbyes to Romania this morning as you head towards the third country on your grand tour: Bulgaria. Your destination is Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital and one of the oldest settlements in the country. Here your guide will take you on a walk through the town's five-thousand-year-old history. Highlights include a visit to the Tsarevets Fortress (home to the Royal and Patriarchal Palaces) and strolling down the narrow, cobbled streets filled with local craftsmen shops. Here you can admire the traditional houses built dramatically on the edge of the city's rocky cliffs before getting settled into your hotel for the evening. 

Day 8: Transfer to Sofia, Guided City Tour

After breakfast, set out on the three-hour journey to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital. Upon arrival, you'll join your guide for a sightseeing tour, visiting cultural monuments like the iconic Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Church of St. George Rotunda, and the Banya Bashi Mosque. For lunch, duck into a restaurant on the chic Vitosha pedestrian boulevard before continuing to the 11th-century Boyana Church and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. As night falls, head to a local restaurant to sample some traditional Hungarian cuisine and toast your final evening in Eastern Europe.

Day 9: Depart Sofia

Your Eastern European adventure comes to an end today, as your driver transfers you to Sofia's airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Eastern Europe Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Eastern Europe? Check out these other Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

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