This tour is advertised without flights so you can combine it with your own independent flight arrangements and stay in the Europe.
If you have not purchased flights through Cosmos Tourama, then meet at the hotel. If you have purchased flights through Cosmos Tourama, transfers between overseas airports and hotels are included. Ask for a quote from the UK which includes flights. Flights usually from major UK airports with various airlines, some direct and some with one stop.
DAY 1: UK - Budapest.
Fly to Budapest where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
DAY 2: Budapest.
Today's included sightseeing tour with a local guide features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. See the expansive plaza of Heroes' Square, the old inns and wine cellars along the Buda riverbank, the impressive Royal Castle, Parliament, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church and Margaret Island. (B)
DAY 3: Budapest - Novi Sad - Belgrade.
Travel to the border town of Szeged and cross into the province of Vojvodina in Serbia. Enjoy a stop in Novi Sad, the capital of the province, set on the River Danube and famed for its Petrovaradin Fortress - known in the west as the 'Gibraltar of the Danube'. Continue to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, for one night. (B)
DAY 4: Belgrade - Sofia.
Journey, by way of Nis, to the border and cross into Bulgaria before continuing to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. Explore the city on an included sightseeing tour with a local guide, including highlights such as the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, National Theatre and St Sofia Church. (B, D)
DAY 5: Sofia. Excursion to Rila Monastery.
This morning head to Rila for a visit to the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous sights in the country. Founded by the hermit Ivan Rilski in 927, the monastery complex has a long and chequered history. During the long Turkish rule over the country, the monastery became a beacon of Bulgarian culture. Return to Sofia and this evening, why not join the optional folklore dinner? (B)
DAY 6: Sofia - Plovdiv - Veliko Tãrnovo.
Drive to Plovdiv, set on the banks of the Maritsa River and Bulgaria's second largest city. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman amphitheatre. Later, journey amongst picturesque landscapes and over the Stara Planina Mountains, by way of Gabrovo, to Veliko Tãrnovo for one night. (B, D)
DAY 7: Veliko Tãrnovo - Bucharest.
Enjoy some of the highlights of Veliko Tãrnovo, located on the Yantra River. During the Middle Ages, it was Bulgaria's capital and although now a modern town, it still retains attractive medieval features. Later, drive to nearby Arbanassi, world famous for its unusual fortress style houses. The village is known as an architectural and historic reserve and was once the summer residence of Bulgarian Kings. One of the highlights of the visit is the Church of the Nativity built in 1637. This afternoon, journey north to Rousse and cross the Danube to Romania and its capital, Bucharest. (B, D)
DAY 8: Bucharest.
Flower-festooned parks, gardens and wide, tree-lined boulevards contribute to Bucharest's beauty. The highlight of your sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, wind and watermills, and artisan workshops carefully preserved and moved here from all parts of the country. Later, take in the other city highlights such as the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace and the Savings Palace. This afternoon, enjoy an optional visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the largest civilian administrative building in the world. (B)
DAY 9: Bucharest - Sinaia - Brasov.
This morning, head to Sinaia in the Prahova Valley, a lovely ski resort, almost 3300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered to be one of the most romantic in the world. Later, continue to Brasov, a lovely medieval town famed for its town square and studded with baroque architecture and outdoor cafés. This evening, an optional 'folklore' dinner is available. (B)
DAY 10: Brasov.
This morning, enjoy a walking orientation tour of Brasov Old Town, including the Black Church, before time at leisure to explore at your own pace. This afternoon, continue to Bran for a visit to Bran Castle, built in 1377 and, according to legend, once home to Vlad the Impaler, now better known as Count Dracula. (B)
DAY 11: Brasov - Sighisoara - Cluj Napoca.
Visit the pretty medieval town of Sighisoara, a tranquil village nestled within stone city walls. Stroll the cobblestone streets to admire the ancient houses and churches. According to legend, Sighisoara was the birthplace of the notorious Vlad the Impaler (Dracula). Later, continue by way of Targu Mures to Cluj Napoca in the heart of Transylvania. (B, D)
DAY 12: Cluj Napoca - Budapest.
Journey by way of Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest for one night. This evening, enjoy an optional Danube Dinner Cruise. (B)
DAY 13: Budapest - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)