Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Bulgaria, Serbia & Romania

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

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

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Sofia today.

Sofia2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Sofia

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Bulgaria! Meet your Tour Director and 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
Pass by 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 & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Belgrade2 nights

Day 4: Belgrade via Niš

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way to Belgrade, Serbia, stopping to tour the historic city of Niš with a local guide.

Visit the chilling Skull Tower, which was built in 1809 from the skulls of defeated Serbian rebels
Enjoy free time for lunch in the city center

After, continue of to Belgrade and sit down for an included dinner.

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.

View Tito’s Memorial, the final resting place of iconic Yugoslavian liberator Josip Broz Tito
Step inside the Cathedral of Saint Sava, the largest Orthodox church in the city
Enter the Belgrade Fortress, which has protected the capital for centuries

Enjoy a free evening in Belgrade or add an excursion.

Danube River Cruise & Serbian Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Timișoara1 night

Day 6: Transfer to Timișoara

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue on to Timișoara, Romania, making several stops en route.

Stop in Fruška Gora National Park to visit the historic Krušedol Monastery
Visit Sremski Karlovci, a small baroque town located on the Danube and surrounded by vineyards
Walk through the town center with a local guide to see the Karlovci Gymnasium, as well as orthodox and Catholic churches
Visit the Živanović Wine Cellar in the wine region of Sremski Karlovci, where you’ll sample honey and six types of wine produced by the Živanović family
Make a photo stop at Petrovaradin Fortress
Head to Novi Sad and enjoy a walk through the Old Town

Continue on to Timișoara and sit down for an included dinner.

Sibiu2 nights

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Timișoara & Sibiu

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Join your Tour Director to see Timișoara’s Victory Square, orthodox cathedral, and the National Opera House.

Then, 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

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 8: Free day in Sibiu

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a 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 Translyvania 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.

Enter the Gothic St. Nicholas Church and First Romanian School museum, which promotes Romanian language and heritage
Join a teacher who will lead a school lesson
Stroll through Brașov’s historic center and pass by the Black Church, one of Romania’s most imposing Gothic churches

Bucharest2 nights

Day 10: Bucharest via Sinaia

Included meal: Breakfast

Admire views of the Carpathian Mountains as you make your way to Bucharest, stopping en route in the town of Sinaia to explore the well-preserved Peles Castle.

Explore the first and second floors of the Neo-Renaissance castle with a local guide
Enjoy free time to walk through the manicured gardens, lawns, and pathways

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Bucharest

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Explore Romania’s eclectic capital with a local guide to discover a range of architecture, from Art Deco to Bauhaus.

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, one of the world’s largest government buildings, which was built under the communist regime of Romanian leader Nicolae Ceausescu
Enter the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral

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

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Europe Lite

10/29/2019 by 7th time traveler Anonymous

This is a tour designed for experienced travelers who like digging into the more esoteric historical and cultural facets of an area (and what an area!) or folks who are ethnically tied to an area because they or their folks are from there so they already know all the answers. I think the latter g...

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Trip to Eastern Europe, who would have thought

08/07/2019 by 2nd time traveler Diane M.

We had an excellent tour leader that was very helpful and knowledgeable. This part of Eastern Europe has a very complicated past and our tour guides were very helpful in explaining this to our group.

Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania

08/07/2019 by 13th time traveler Patricia L.

Bulgaria was an interesting country with its monasteries and churches. I enjoyed seeing the Roman ruins; those Romans were everywhere. Serbia had beautiful cathedrals and had construction projects going on. I especially enjoyed visiting "Dracula's Castle, Peles Castle, and the Palace Parliament ...

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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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Go Ahead Tours replied on 06/19/2019

Dear Carol, Thank you for sharing your impressio...

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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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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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Crowne Plaza Belgrade

This sleek hotel is connected to the Sava Centar convention center in the New Belgrade business district. Guests enjoy a fitness center, large indoor ...

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NH Timisoara

This modern hotel is located in the Fabric district. Guests enjoy a restaurant, a gym, and a spa. Nearby you’ll find the Regina Maria Park, the Romani...

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Golden Tulip Ana Tower Sibiu

This comfortable hotel is located near the city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Brukenthal Nationa...

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Aro Palace Hotel

This contemporary hotel is located in Brasov. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the Etnography Museum of B...

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Novotel Bucharest City Centre

This modern hotel is located in Bucharest’s city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant and bar, fitness center, and casino. Nearby, you’ll find the Old To...

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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.

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Round-trip flight for your tour
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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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Local weather

Timișoara, Romania

Weather averages

Today
High 37°F Low 27°F

Sofia, Bulgaria

Weather averages

Today
High 45°F Low 27°F

Sibiu, Romania

Weather averages

Today
High 33°F Low 19°F

Bucharest, Romania

Weather averages

Today
High 42°F Low 31°F

Brașov, Romania

Weather averages

Today
High 30°F Low 21°F

Belgrade, Serbia

Weather averages

Today
High 42°F Low 29°F

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania. 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 at least 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.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
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 and depart from Bucharest. 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

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
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

All destinations on this tour 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 or USD. 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.

Dates & prices

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20202021

Starts

Ends

Price

Availability

2020