INTRIQ SIGNATURES: 13 DAYS ENCHANTING MOLDOVA, ROMANIA & BULGARIA

Chisinau: The Capital of Moldova 

This morning, arrive in Chisinau, a city of parks with beautiful old trees and sidewalks. Embark on a walking tour of the capital city, passing the Church of Nativity, Triumphal Arch, National Palace, and Assembly Square. Visit the National History Museum of Moldova. We will then get out of town to visit the Milestii Mici Winery, which has the world’s largest wine cellar!  

Full Day Excursion to Tiraspol: The Capital of Transnistria 

Embark on a 1.5-hour drive eastward from Moldova, perhaps the best place to get an insight into an enclave of the Soviet Era. Visit Aquatir Sturgeon Farm, one of the biggest caviar factories in Europe for Black caviar and champagne tasting. 
 
Proceed to Kvint Factory, a winery and distillery which produces some of Moldova’s finest brandies, to enjoy Cognac and chocolate pairing. Tour Tiraspol city in a Soviet Vintage limousine. Thereafter, return to Chisinau. 

Journey from Moldova to Romania

After breakfast, drive about 4 hours crossing the border into Romania. Arrive at Iasi which many regards as the cultural capital of the country and visit the renowned Palace of Culture.  
 
We will then continue another 3 hours’ drive to Suceava, the base for your exploration of the beautiful countryside with numerous gorgeously painted monasteries and churches.  

Painted Churches of Moldavia 

UNESCO has listed 8 of the painted churches in northern Moldavia as World Heritage sites. Dating back to the 15th century, the frescoes are masterpieces of Byzantine Arts. We shall spend a full day going around to visit some of the churches and lovely countryside. In addition, drop by the Egg Museum of Vama to admire intricately painted eggs.  

Journey from Suceava to Sighisoara 

Set out on 1.5-hour drive to visit Neamt Monastery, before commencing your 5-hour scenic drive through gorges, woods, and villages to your hotel in Sighisoara. In the evening, be treated to a truffle-themed dinner in Cund village.

Exploring Medieval Sighisoara Town

Sighisoara is a well-preserved fortified medieval Transylvania township, listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding testimony to the 850 years heritage of Transylvania Saxons. We will go for a walking tour of this charming town, followed by enjoying a private organ concert in an Evangelic church. Then, we drive 2 hours to Brasov for lunch and exploring its old town. 

Bran Castle Where Dracula Awaits

Continue 1 hour drive to visit the famous landmark of Romania – the Bran Castle or more commonly known as the Dracula Castle, where your castle guide dressed as Vlad Dracula awaits. Afterwards, return to Brasov for your overnight stay

In-depth Exploration of Peles Castle

After an early breakfast, a 1.5-hour drive brings us to Sinaia to visit the gorgeous Peles Castle, a neo-Renaissance architectural masterpiece set in the Carpathian Mountains.

Into the Capital of Romania

Next, we drive about 2 hours to Bucharest for lunch, followed by visiting the National History Museum of Romania, home to some of the country’s greatest possessions, as it keeps important historical artifacts from prehistoric times up to modern times.

Bucharest: The Capital of Romania

Romania under Ceausescu was the last of the Eastern Bloc regime to fall after the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Dive into the dramatic episode of the history today as we explore the city. Go on a panoramic city tour of Bucharest covering various main squares and avenues, as well as the Arch of Triumph. 

Later, wander through the streets of Lipscani old town with some free time to explore on your own.  

Bulgarian City of Ruse

Today, we cross border into Bulgaria, arriving at Ruse after 2 hours’ drive, at this elegant city on the south bank of the Danube River where some called it “little Vienna”.  

Veliko Tarnovo: The “City of the Tsars”

Continue 1.5-hour drive to Veliko Tarnovo, one of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria, dating back five millenniums ago. Visit the Tsarevets Fortress, and stroll through Samovodska Charshia Street.

Sightseeing in Gabrovo, Kazanluk, and Plovdiv

Set out on a 1-hour drive to Gabrovo, visit the open-air ethnographic complex Etura. Another 1-hour drive brings us to Kazanluk to visit the replica of the Thracian Tomb and Iskra Museum.  
 
Subsequently, a 2-hour drive brings us to Plovdiv, an ancient city built around seven hills in southern Bulgaria, considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. We will explore the old town of Plovdiv, including visit to the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis and Bishop’s Basilica

Journey from Plovdiv to Sofia

Visit the historic Hindliyan’s House, Kapana district and some free time at Plovdiv old town before lunch.  
 
Thereafter, we drive 2 hours to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Proceed to Vitosha Mountain for a leisure hike, then enjoy dinner with private Bulgarian folklore performance.

Sofia with Excursion to Rila Monastery

Sofia is endowed with fascinating monuments, wonderful museums, and great natural environment. Embark on a panoramic city tour in the morning, including visit to the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. 
 
Afterwards, we make an excursion to Rila Monastery, which is about 2-hour drive per way, to visit the most prominent Bulgarian Orthodox Church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue Exploration of Sofia Before Airport Transfer

Enjoy leisure time in the morning, before we depart for lunch, visit the National History Museum and Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally, transfer to Sofia Airport for your flight out.