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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Bulgaria, Serbia & Romania

Duration: 12 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 11

Uncover three culturally rich countries in the heart of Eastern Europe.

Eclectic architecture, fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes—Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania have it all. Set off on an immersive journey to discover these unique destinations, where Old World appeal meshes with the excitement of present-day. Admire Ottoman mosques in Sofia before soaking in Belgrade's storied past. Continue on to the wine region of Novi Sad, the museums of Sibiu, and "Dracula's Castle" in Transylvania. Round out your journey in Bucharest, a dynamic capital that still sings an ode to past empires.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
8 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Niš Skull Tower
Belgrade Fortress
Fruška Gora National Park
Živanović Wine Cellar

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Sofia today.

Sofia2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Sofia

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Bulgaria! Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Sofia

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover Sofia, one of the European Union’s newest and most walkable capitals.

• Pass the parliament building, Viennese-style royal palace, and national theater

• Admire the golden Ottoman domes that distinguish Sofia’s skyline

• Step into the city’s oldest structure, the St. George Rotunda

• See religious icons at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a massive Eastern Orthodox cathedral

• Continue to the Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine cathedral

Enjoy a free afternoon in Sofia or add an excursion.

Rila Monastery

Excursion (additional cost)

Belgrade2 nights

Day 4: Belgrade via Niš

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way to Belgrade, Serbia, stopping in the historic city of Niš for a tour along the way.

• Visit the chilling Skull Tower, which was built in 1809 from the skulls of defeated Serbian rebels

• View the culturally significant Niš Fortress, which stands remarkably well-preserved, then enjoy free time for lunch in the city center

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Belgrade

Included meal: Breakfast

Experience the sights of Belgrade, from the panorama of Republic Square to the shops of Knez Mihailova Street, on a guided tour.

• Enter the Belgrade Fortress, which has protected the capital for centuries

• Admire the Cathedral of Saint Sava, the largest Orthodox church in the city

• View Tito’s Memorial, the final resting place of iconic Yugoslavian liberator Josip Broz Tito

Enjoy a free evening in Belgrade or add an excursion.

Traditional Serbian Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Timișoara1 night

Day 6: Timișoara via Novi Sad

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue on to Timișoara, Romania, stopping en route for a guided tour of Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia.

• Stop in Fruška Gora National Park to visit one of the many ancient monasteries

• Visit the Živanović Wine Cellar in the wine region of Sremski Karlovci, where you’ll learn about the wine and honey production of the Živanović family

• Take free time for lunch in Novi Sad before stepping inside Petrovaradin Fortress

Sibiu2 nights

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Sibiu

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel into the heart of Romania’s Transylvania region to Sibiu, where an impressive art scene thrives.

• Tour the Old Town, taking in the gates and walls that partially enclose the city

• Cross the cast-iron Liar’s Bridge and see Piata Huet

• Admire the Lutheran Cathedral, a soaring Gothic church

• Gaze at European art from the 15th through 18th centuries at the Brukenthal National Museum

Day 8: Free day in Sibiu

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Sibiu or add an excursion.

Medieval Transylvania

Excursion (additional cost)

Brașov1 night

Day 9: Brașov via Bran Castle

Included meal: Breakfast

Take in the stunning scenery of the Carpathian Mountains as you make your way to Brașov. Stop en route to explore Bran Castle, also known as “Dracula’s Castle,” before continuing on for a guided tour of Brașov.

• Stroll through Brașov’s historic center

• Enter the Gothic St. Nicholas Church and First Romanian School museum

Bucharest2 nights

Day 10: Bucharest via Sinaia

Included meal: Breakfast

Pay a visit to the Black Church, one of Romania’s most imposing Gothic churches. Then, depart from Brașov and make your way to Bucharest. En route, stop in the town of Sinaia to explore the well-preserved Peles Castle.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Bucharest

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Romania’s eclectic capital, discovering a range of architecture from the Art Deco to Bauhaus to neoclassical eras.

• See classical buildings on Victory Avenue, the city’s oldest boulevard

• Admire the ornate Triumphal Arch and Savings Bank

• Step inside The People’s Palace, built under the communist regime of Romanian leader Nicolae Ceausescu

• Wander through historic and distinctive squares

Tonight, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.3 average

Romania with a touch of Bulgaria and Serbia

06/19/2019 by 26th time traveler Carol M.

I previously took the Bulgaria and Romania tour in 2013 and it was so wonderful that I wanted to do it again. That tour spent much more time in Bulgaria, even going to the Black Sea, and was so full of rich experiences and wonderful things to see. I saw that this 2019 tour had a different itinera...

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Another fine Go Ahead trip

05/31/2019 by 12th time traveler Sidney M.

I just returned from anther fine Go Ahead tour. This was number 11 for me. Our director, Sebastian, was most knowledgeable and helpful to all of us on tour. The hotels were all great places to stay, and in good locations. We had a fine learning experience and got to see some remarkable places. Th...

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05/31/2019 by 22nd time traveler Mairin O.

This was my 21st or 22nd GA Tour and it was the first which left me a little disappointed. No blame attached to GA for the weather which was pretty rainy. Somehow the whole experience did not gel. I still don't know who at least half of the people are on the email sheet we all (well, almost all) ...

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Good but not excellent

05/31/2019 by 2nd time traveler Priscila K.

I was disappointed with the optional meal- show that was offered by our tour director. The battered fish was ordinary . We could hardly see the dances because the performance was not held on a stage where every body could have a good view.The tour director was a good person and very accommodating ...

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05/29/2019 by 2nd time traveler Sally H.

The tour should be recommended for persons with good mobility and stamina lots of walk-in and fairly long bus travel. It is pretty fast paced in order to cover so much. Not a problem for me and well worth the effort. We were able to really have a pretty Inclusive experience.

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Central Park Hotel

This elegant hotel is located in the heart of Sofia. Guests enjoy an on-site restaurant and bar. Nearby, you’ll find the National Palace of Culture, V...

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Queen's Astoria Design Hotel

This elegant hotel is located downtown. Guests enjoy a gym, sauna, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Belgrade Central Station, Kalemegdan Fortress, ...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

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FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with many hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
If you have mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria and depart from Bucharest, Romania. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

In Bulgaria, fresh vegetables are often readily available due to the area’s warm climate, and salads will be an integral part of most meals. Other mainstays are chorba, a bean soup, and tarator, a cold cucumber soup. Pork is the country’s meat of choice, and you’ll find it in countless combinations of soups, stews, and mains. When raising a glass with your fellow travelers, be sure to try some of the local spirits, such as rakia or menta.
Serbian food typically incorporates influences from central Europe as well as flavors borrowed from the East. Meals usually center around meats like pork, lamb, and goat. Serbians also love pastry, often in the form of varieties of pie.
Romanian food takes much of its influence from the Balkans, Hungary, and Turkey. Throughout the country, sour soups called ciorbă are available in endless varieties and are the perfect way to start any meal. Along the Black Sea coast, fresh fish is prevalent, but the area’s true culinary delight is salata de vinete, a salad made from grilled eggplant, onions, and sunflower oil.

Electricity & air conditioning

Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Bulgaria and Romania are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
Serbia is one hour ahead of GMT and six hours ahead of ET.
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm in Bulgaria and Romania and 6pm in Serbia.

Currency

You will use the Bulgarian lev in Bulgaria, the Serbian dinar in Serbia, and the Romanian leu in Romania.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.