|
Cultural
Treasures of Romania, Moldova & Bulgaria
Countries
visited: Romania, Moldova (with Tiraspol) & Bulgaria |
 |
In
this tour we visit three gems of Eastern Europe. Romania's
rich cultural heritage is exemplified in its 25 World Heritage
Sites. From stone churches, fortresses and painted churches,
to its villages and markets, Romania offers up a plethora
of inviting experiences for the intrepid traveler. Moldavia
is a tiny, picturesque country with rolling green hills,
whitewashed villages, placid lakes, sunflower fields and
an engaging old-world charm. Our last exploration is the
country of Bulgaria where we examine outstanding Thracian,
Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine historical landmarks,
some of which are also recognized UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. |
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Bucharest |
|
02
|
Bucharest |
| 03 |
Bucharest
/ Sinaia / Brasov |
|
04
|
Brasov
/ Bran / Sibiu / Sighisoara |
|
05
|
Sighisoara
/ Piatra Neamt |
|
06
|
Painted
Monasteries Tour |
|
07
|
Piatra
Neamt / Chisinau |
|
08
|
Chisinau
/ Tiraspol / Chisinau |
|
09
|
Chisinau
/ Galati / Constanta |
|
10
|
Constanta
/ Veliko Turnovo |
|
11
|
Veliko
Turnovo / Arbanassi / Veliko Turnovo |
|
12
|
Veliko
Turnovo / Etara / Plovdiv |
|
13
|
Plovdiv
/ Borovets / Sofia |
| 14 |
Sofia
- Rila - Sofia |
| 15 |
Sofia |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| Romania |
|
|
Historic Centre of Sighisoara (1999) |
Founded by German craftsmen and merchants known
as the Saxons of Transylvania, Sighisoara is a fine example
of a small, fortified medieval town which played an important
strategic and commercial role on the fringes of central Europe
for several centuries. |
| Churches
of Moldavia
(1993) |
With their painted exterior walls, decorated
with 15th- and 16th-century frescoes that are considered masterpieces
of Byzantine art, these seven churches in northern Moldavia
are unique in Europe. Far from being merely wall decorations,
the paintings represent complete cycles of religious murals
on all facades. Their outstanding composition, elegant outline
and harmonious colours blend perfectly with the surrounding
landscape. |
| Bulgaria |
|
| Madara
Rider
(1979) |
The Madara Rider, representing the figure of
a knight triumphing over a lion, is carved into a 100-m-high
cliff near the village of Madara in north-east Bulgaria. Madara
was the principal sacred place of the First Bulgarian Empire
before Bulgaria's conversion to Christianity in the 9th century.
The inscriptions beside the sculpture tell of events that occurred
between A.D. 705 and 801. |
| Rila
Monastery (1983) |
Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century
by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church.
His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy site and were transformed
into a monastic complex, which subsequently played an important
role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria.
Destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 19th century, the
complex was rebuilt between 1834 and 1862. The monument is
a characteristic example of the Bulgarian Renaissance (18th-19th
centuries) and symbolizes an awareness of a Slavic cultural
identity following centuries of occupation. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01: Arrive Bucharest, Romania
This incredible journey starts with a warm Romanian style welcome,
an offeringof bread & salt, at Bucharest Otopeni airport.
We are transferred to our hoteland later taken to a Welcome
Dinner with Folklore Show, at the Pescarus (Seagull)Restaurant.
Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel, Bucharest (2 nights) (B,
D)
Day 02: Bucharest
Our full day Bucharest City Tour starts with the National History Museum andPeasant
Museum followed by a visit to the Romanian Arch of Triumph, the RomanianOpera
House and Roman Athenaeum. We end our tour with Parliament Palace, themost expressive
proof of grandeur / mania of former dictator Ceausescu, and thePresident's Residency,
Cotroceni Palace. (B, D)
Day 03: Bucharest / Sinaia / Brasov (drive)
After breakfast we drive to "the Pearl of Carpathians" the famous mountain
resortSinaia. Here we visit the Sinaia Monastery and the Peles Castle. This afternoondrive
to Brasov and enjoy dinner at a local Restaurant. Brasov is a placid, gentle,civilised
city of 350,000 people.
Overnight: Hotel Aro, Brasov (1 night) (B, D)
Day 04: Brasov / Bran / Sibiu / Sighisoara (drive)
After a short tour of the city we continue our drive to Bran Castle, the "DraculaCastle",
where we have time to look for Vlad before we continue for Sibiu, therichest
town in Transylvania. Here we visit Bruckenthal Museum, Liars Bridgeand the Evangelical
Cathedral. Our lunch of delicious indigenous Romanian dishesis served at a Farmhouse
in the village of Talmacel. We continue our scenic drivetowards Sighisoara stopping
In Medias for a short visit. Once in Sighisoara,we discover the charm and secrets
of this mysterious town, the place where Dracula,Prince Vlad, the Impeller, was
born in 1431. Before the end of this colourfulday we also see the Clock Tower
Museum, the Armory, the Torture Room and the13th century Gothic Church.
Overnight: Sighisoara Hotel, Sighisoara (1 night) (B, L)
Day 05: Sighisoara / Piatra Neamt (drive)
After breakfast we drive through the Bicaz Gorges, some of the most spectacularlimestone
formations in Romania, to Lacu' Rosu (Red Lake). Continue to Bucovina,the land
of "Painted Churches and Monasteries". We arrive in Piatra Neamt ourhome
for the next two days, and have the evening free to explore the city andmeet
local folks.
Overnight: Central Hotel, Piatra Neamt (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 06: Painted Monasteries Tour (drive)
Today is dedicated to exquisitely painted monasteries. We begin with the VoronetMonastery,
the "Sistine Chapel" of Eastern Europe, so famous for the beautifulblue
used by the artist as background for the frescoes. Next is the Humor Monasterywith
the best preserved indoor frescoes. We proceed to Sucevita Monastery - thebest
preserved of all with imposing walls and defensive towers, then MoldovitaMonastery,
where the Golden Apple award was given to the monastery in 1975 byUNESCO affiliated
journalists organization. We return to Piatra Neamt. (B, D)
Day 07: Piatra Neamt / Chisinau (Republic of Moldova - drive)
We leave Romania this morning and are transferred to Albita, the border crossingpoint
between Moldova & Romania. Border formalities done, we proceed toChisinau,
the capital of Moldova. Here we see wide parks and avenues of a varietyof architectural
styles such as: Romanesque, Modern Venetian Baroque and Neo-Byzantine.The highlights
of this tour are the Victory Arch, the Cathedral of theNativity and the Central
City Park lined with statues and busts of Romanian andMoldovan authors.
Overnight: Dedeman Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 08: Chisinau / Tiraspol / Chisinau (drive)
Today we visit one of the world-famous wine cellars near Chisinau. Here, a seasonedwine
manufacturer acquaints us with a massive underground gallery where hugebarrels
of wine are established. We may sample the wine and learn something oftraditional
winemaking. Later this afternoon we drive to Trans-Nistria and visitthe township
of Tiraspol (3 hours visit in Tiraspol permitted & also subjectof political
situation). Later we return to Chisinau. (B, L)
Day 09: Chisinau / Galati / Constanta (drive)
Early morning we depart for Besalma village. Here we visit the well stocked Museumof
History and Ethnography featuring the unique Orthodox people of Turkish-Gagauzianorigin.
We cross the border in Galati and continue to Constanta, the main cityon the
Romanian Black Sea Riviera, a former Greek colony near the Black Sea.
Overnight: Ibis Hotel, Constanta (1 night) (B, D)
Day 10: Constanta / Veliko Turnovo (drive)
After breakfast we start with a visit to the ancient Roman mosaic and Archaeologymuseum.
Crossing the Bulgarian border we continue for the town of Shumen, anold fortress
town. See the monument "Founder of Bulgaria" situated on top ofthe
Shumen Plateau. We continue to the town of Veliki Preslav - capital of firstBulgarian
Kingdom On our way we visit the Madara Horseman, with remarkably carvedimage
of a horseman with a hound fighting a lion. On the way to Veliko Turnovowe visit
Arbanassi, a small Bulgarian Village interesting for its architecture.Proceed
on to Veliko Turnovo - the medieval capital of Bulgaria.
Overnight: Gurko Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 11: Veliko Turnovo / Arbanassi / Veliko Turnovo (drive)
We start our day with a sightseeing of Turnovo. See the medieval quarter of thetown
and the historical "Tsarevets" Hill, where the remains of the former
capital'sglory can still be seen. Proceed to Arbanassi - a small Bulgarian village
interestingfor its architecture. Here we visit the Konstancaliev House and the
Church ofNativity, the wall paintings of which are considered masterpieces. (B,
D)
Day 12: Veliko Turnovo / Etara / Plovdiv (drive)
Another rich day as we drive for the town of Plovdiv. En route we stop for ashort
visit of Etara open-air Museum showing the architecture, lifestyle andthe economic
past of the Gabrovo Region during the Revival period. Cross theBalkan Mountains
through Shipka Pass, famous for its historical significance.This evening we arrive
in the second largest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv.
Overnight: Trimontium Hotel (1 night) (B, D)
Day 13: Plovdiv / Borovets / Sofia (drive)
We start with the historical old town with its cobbled streets and typical nationalrevival
architecture. Then follows the interesting Ethnographic museum, inhabitinga rich
merchant's house, the Roman amphitheatre, church of St. Konstantine andElena,
house of Lamartine and Jumaya Mosque. We also explore Borovets - Bulgaria'smost
famous mountain resort. The day culminates in the capital city of Sofia.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 14: Sofia - Rila - Sofia (drive)
Morning we visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Church of St. Sophia, RoundChurch
of St. George and the Russian Church of St. Nicolas. We take a short driveto
see Rila Monastery - one of the greatest centers of scholarship and religionin
Bulgaria during the National Revival Period. Founded in the middle of the10th
century, it played a key role in preserving Bulgarian culture and languageduring
the centuries. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. See themonastery
church with its amazing frescos painted by the finest Bulgarian artistsfrom 19th
century. (B, D)
Day 15: Departure transfer
After an incredible journey, full of rich history, we bid farewell as we aredriven
to the airport for our departure flight. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
2008
Please call for details 1.800.663.0844 or +1.604.264.7378
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
Please
call for details 1.800.663.0844 or +1.604.264.7378 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Overnight
at hotels as per itinerary inclusive all taxes
- All
transfers & tours with private transportation
- Meals
as mentioned (B=Breakfast,
L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Entrance
fees to all Sites and Museums & performances
- Services
of English Speaking local guides
- Road
and border taxes, parking fees, driver’s overnight
wages
|
- International
flight tickets
- Departure
airport taxes
- Visa
fee (if any) and insurance
- Tips
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
800 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1200 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 12
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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