Hungary and Romania

First day of your fun holiday ! Right after breakfast, we say Hello to Romania and arrive in Arad where we will have a walking tour, see the impressive Neo-Gothic Palace of Culture, the City Hall Palace and the Red Church built in secessionist style, the great Catholic Cathedral and the State Theater, neoclassical. Later, we will arrive in Timisoara, a wonderful city frequently referred to as “Little Vienna” that will become the European Capital of Culture in 2021. The charm of this city lies in its distinct architectural character and vibrant cultural life. Rest of day at leisure.

Today you will be introduced to the most fascinating gothic castle in Eastern Europe, the famous Corvin Castle. The next stop will be in Alba Iulia, an important city from a historical point of view, because the Great United Romania was made here on December 1st, 1918 (national day). Our last stop for the day will be in Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture in 2007, the former residence of the governor of Transylvania. The beauty of this city is well presented by historical points like Tower of the Clock or Council Tower, Brukenthal museum, The big square, the small square and Huet Square, with the Evangelical Cathedral.

Right after breakfast, our first stop will be to a Saxon village that houses an extraordinary and ancient fortified church perfectly preserved: the Saxon citadel of Biertan. Another impressive citadel in our tour is to be found in Sighisoara. Since 1999 the historic center of Sighisoara is a UNESCO heritage site. Here we will admire the church on the hill, reachable after a wooden staircase called the schoolchildren’s ladder, the statue of the famous Hungarian national poet Petofi Sandor, the beautiful Catholic church, reserved for the Hungarian community, and the tower of the shoemakers. Lunch at the house where Vlad the Impaler was born (not included) and in the late afternoon arrival at Targu Mures, a city dominated by the beautiful Palace of Culture, symbol of the locality, an extraordinary baroque palace. In this transylvanian city, the Hungarian community is still numerous and the architects who have worked on the design of historic buildings are all Hungarians.

Today we depart towards the northern part of the Moldavia region, magical place thanks UNESCO monuments: Bucovina. Later we arrive at the monastery of Voronet, founded by the great prince Stephen the Great and characterized by a beautiful blue color, inimitable and unique in the world. Next, we will have some free time and then continue with a visit to the Moldovita monastery, another famous religious monument, founded by Pietro Rares in the 16th century and whose interior and exterior frescoes enchant the visitor. The last of the painted monasteries that you will have the pleasure of admiring is the Sucevita monastery, founded by the Movila brothers in the seventeenth century. Like the previous two, too, it presents Gothic and Byzantine elements, which merge to form the fascinating Moldovan architectural style. The frescoes on the northern façade of this monastery have remained visible thanks to the protective walls that have never been demolished here. Our next visit to the local artisans of Marginea, who perform excellent work with the famous black ceramic. Here you will have the opportunity to enter the workshop to observe the various working phases of ceramic pots, but you can also buy items typical of Bucovina. In this place you will also find beautiful painted eggs and decorated with the traditional Romanian technique.

Departure early in the morning towards Bicaz Gorges but with a first stop in Piatra Neamt, a famous ski resort that preserves a beautiful citadel founded at the time of Stephen the Great, and with a wonderful geographical position being surrounded by mountains that guard beautiful lush vegetation. Then we will continue towards the Bicaz Gorges where a market with typical handicrafts and souvenirs makes the attraction even more lively. Short visit to the Red Lake, where the trunks of the trees are still present in the lake and this gives a particularly evocative atmosphere. You then continue through a scenic road that offers a spectacular view of the Carpathian chain to get to the “Siberia of Romania” for the low temperatures and the landscape that characterize this area: Miercurea Ciuc.

Breakfast and then departure towards a city with German architecture, where the Gothic, the Baroque and the Renaissance intersect to give life to an interesting and culturally very lively city. The main points in Brasov are: the First Romanian School, which is located in the oldest district of the city, the Schei district, interesting for the entrances into the city that were carried out in medieval times through the Caatherine’s and Schei Gate, quest last of the nineteenth century. We will also visit the impressive Black Church, the largest evangelical Gothic church in Eastern Europe, the palaces and houses of the historic center, the Council Square which now houses a beautiful museum, and the pedestrian Avenue of the Republic. Last stop to the famous Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle, which in the Middle Ages, was exactly on the border between Wallachia and Transylvania, so it was essential for the inhabitants of Brasov to build and preserve a defensive stronghold. In the 90s of the 900 this fortress was transformed into a beautiful castle thanks to the intervention of Queen Maria of Romania.

Your morning will start with a visit to the fabulous Peles Castle, the summer residence of the first king of Romania, the King Charles 1 of Hohenzollern, of German origins. The castle was beautifully designed by a Czech architect, and is famous for being one of the most modern castles in Europe at the time of its construction, between the 19th and 20th centuries. Each room is characterized by a unique style, different from the styles of the other rooms. We will also admire the Florentine room, where we will breathe a typically Italian and Renaissance atmosphere. We continue towards Bucharest where we can have lunch in the old town at Manuc’s Inn (not included), followed by a walking tour to a completely pedestrian area, with the remains of the princely fortress of Vlad the Impaler, the 16th century palatine church in Byzantine style, and the Stavropoleos church, an architectural jewel of the 18th century, in typical Wallachian style, with important oriental influences in external decoration. A must stop is the Village Museum where you will find one of the most interesting open air museum with original peasant households from all over Romania. This wonderful open-air museum offers the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of the romanian farmers of the 19th century, their houses, their water mills and their churches entirely made of wood. Here everything is authentic. We will also admire a wooden Maramures church, which was dismantled and then taken to the museum. In this regard, remember that many wooden churches of Maramures are UNESCO heritage. We will then have the pleasure of seeing the Parliament Building, a majestic monument, second only in size to the Pentagon, built at the behest of the dictator in the 80s of the 900 and for whose creation an entire neighborhood was razed.

Early in the morning, after crossing the bridge over the Danube River we will enter in Bulgaria and our first visit will be at the picturesque Arbanasi village . You will discover houses that preserves an unique medieval bulgarian architecture and a hidden 16th century Church of Nativity with beautiful and richly inside painted fresco . Next, arrival in Veliko Tarnovo , “City of Tsars” , the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Tsarevets Fortress , Monument of the Asenevtsi kings , Samovodska charshia are the main attractions of the city. In the evening we will arrive in Sofia. The walking tour of city center will include the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint (Sveta) Sofia Church , Banya Bashi Mosque, the Sofia Synagogue and the main shopping street Vitosha.

After breakfast departure to Bulgaria’s most famous tourist site (UNESCO World Heritage Site), founded in the 10th century by Saint Ivan Rilsky, Rila Monastery. Continue to drive south to the Bulgarian – Macedonian border. In the early evening we will arrive in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia . Enjoy a walking tour of Skopje(internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa), with its most important historical points : quay of the Macedonian river “Vardar”, the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar (is the biggest bazaar preserved in the Balkans today ), the Memorial house of Mother Teresa, the 1500 years old fortress Kale, Macedonia Square with the statue of Alexander the Great on horse.

After breakfast continue the tour and drive to the border of Macedonia and Albania, and discover Ohrid ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) situated on the banks of the lake with the same name. Lake Ohrid itself is Europe’s oldest lake having formed over three millions years ago. In our way, short visit to the amazing monastery of St.Naum, built on a rock that offers a great view of the Ohrid Lake and experience a small rowing boat ride to the springs of Black Drimm river. The walking tour of the old city center will include the narrow streets and squares , the Anchient Theater , discover the famous old churches, monasteries and basilicas (Sveti Sofia Church ) , Tsar Samuil’s (Samuel’s) Fortress and pedestrian shopping street.

After breakfast departure to the Bay of Bones, an exceptional archeological complex and a reconstruction of a part of the pile-dwelling settlement, dating back between 1200 and 700 BC.A Roman military fortification. Next will continue the tour, crossing the Macedonian – Albanian border, driving to Tirana, capital of Albania . The walking tour of city center of Tirana will reveal the main tourist attractions : Tirana’s massive main square – Skanderbeg , National History Museum , Palace of Culture, National Bank, Et’hem Bey Mosque and Skanderbeg’s statue . Our last stop will be in Kruja, a fortress of resistance against the Turkish Ottoman empire for more than 25 years in the 15th century . Orientation tour of Kruja before arriving to your centrally located hotel. Overnight in Kruja, in a 3/4* hotel. !! Please keep in mind that the boat ride can be done only from April to September and is conditioned by the weather. It is still possible to see the lake from the shore but you won’t get a deeper view of it.

In the early morning we will be introduced to the headquarter of “the Dragon of Albania” . The Albanian history will be presented through a visit to the Kruja Castle Museum. Discover the local souvenir market of the local traditional Old Bazaar. After crossing the Albanian – Montenegro border, stop to visit the Old Town and show you the most important spots: Ballerina and Mogren Beach, Land Gate, Ancient Necropolis, Square of Churches, Citadel, Njegoš’s street, marina, Mediternaska Street and Slovenska Plaza. In Kotor we will discover the fortified old town – Stari Grad ( Unesco World Heritage Site ). After we return to Budva.

Start the day with the Kotor Bay Tour : Perast (boat trip to Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks – optional), Tivat & Porto Montenegro. Continue the tour, cross the border to Croatia and head to “The Pearl of the Adriatic”. Explore the Old Town also part of Unesco Heritage, via Onofrio’s Fountain and up Prijeko Street to the Old Port – the key to Dubrovnik’s trading and maritime success. Overnight in Lapad – Dubrovnik, in a 3/4* hotel. !! Please keep in mind that the boat trip to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks depends on the weather and in case of bad weather (for ex: strong wind, storm, ecc) it is possible that we will see the Church only from the shore as a caution for your safety.

Enjoy the Adriatic Sea and get a tan on the beach in Dubrovnik. This day is just for free time, optional boat trips where you can discover the natural beauty of the Blue Cave or the beautiful Elafiti Islands. Just walk around the promenade and buy souvenirs for the loved ones.

After breakfast, we will cross the border and have a short visit to the beautiful city of Mostar, with its Old Bridge Area and the old city, part of Unesco Heritage. Next, we will cross the border back to Croatia and arrive in one of the most important cities at the Adriatic Seat: Split. Walking tour of the city’s historical center and visit the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace.

After breakfast , we will enjoy a walking tour in the nature and discover the amazing colours of the Oldest National Park from Croatia, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue depending on the sunlight. In the late evening we will arrive in the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. !!! Please keep in mind that the visit of Plitvice Lakes is conditioned by the weather and in case of bad weather the National Park administration can take the decision to close it. We aren’t responsible in this case but we will do our best if possible to make some slight changes to the itinerary if the next day the weather will get better, respecting all the visits included in the itinerary. The tour manager will decide and choose the best solution for the group keeping in mind also your safety.

After breakfast get ready for a walking tour in wich you will discover the main attractions of Ljubljana city center : Congress Square, the New Square, Old Square, main square with the Prešeren monument, the National University Library, Franciscan Church, and Three Bridges , the river promenade, the Municipality Square, St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Open Air Market, Butcher’s Bridge, and Dragon Bridge. After we will explore the largest show-cave in Europe, the Postojna Cave with an electrical train, a touristic attraction that you can’t miss it , thanks to its natural beauty. Later in the evening, we arrive in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

After breakfast , discover the top attractions in Zagreb, including the Lotrščak Tower, St Catherine’s Church, the Stone Gate and the seat of the Croatian Parliament. Explore Zagreb’s Upper Town and Lower Town districts on this walking tour—enjoy fine city views from the Strossmayer Promenade. Then, descend via Tkalčićeva Street to the Lower Town and head through Dolac Market to medieval Kaptol. Free time to admire traditional architecture in Ban Jelačić Square or maybe experience an unique wine tasting (not included).

After breakfast we will head to Serbia and in the afternoon we will arrive to Belgrad, capital of Serbia. Visit the Republic Square, the National theater and the National museum, the only mosque in the city, Kalemegdan park, Belgrade fortress, „Victor“ the most famous symbol of Belgrade and the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers. Take a walk to the Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), and enjoy culinary specialties such as: burek pie, Serbian pljeskavica (a kind of baked bread that, according to local legends, would be the ancestor of the hamburger) and, of course, the little Serbians here called “ćevapčići”. The latter are served differently in each Balkan country. In Belgrade, the little ones are not accompanied by the mustard, but baked in bread, served on a platter with vegetables or sprinkled with yogurt (not included) Or pay a visit to the place called Pavle Korčagin. The theme of this tavern is represented by Yugoslav communism. The place is full of old objects, from the time of Tito, that can form a mini museum of daily life (optional, not included).

After breakfast , head to Budapest with a detour in Novi Sad where we will visit Dunavska Street, lined with 19th century houses, painted in pastel shades and host restaurants, inns, book-shops, boutiques and cafes. Novi Sad is at its most distinguished on this square in the centre of the city, almost entirely bordered by historic architecture. During the walking tour you will also see: Trg Slobode (Liberty Square) is also referred to as Svetozar Miletić Square, Vladičanski Dvor – a “new” building is in the Serbian-Byzantine style, with a clear influence from the medieval monasteries not far from the city in Fruška Gora. For sure you will be surprised by the St George’s Cathedral – The architecture is a kind of Baroque revival, as, like much of the city, the original 18th century building was torn apart in the 1848 Revolution. While the outside is discreet, the interior is exuberant as it gets. Your attention will be stolen by the iconostasis framing 33 icons and centred on two epic throne icons by the Realist Paja Jovanović. The Danube embankment, the outside of Petrovaradin Fortress on the other bank. In the evening we will arrive to the capital of Hungary ,`´ The Queen of Danube “. Free time or a cruise on Danube’s river to see the most important attractions of the city (optional).