UNESCO Heritage in Romania & Bulgaria

A city of gorgeous architecture, rich history, and a vibrant contemporary cultural life, Sofia is a gem. The historical center is nicely compact, so everything is within walking distance, giving this cosmopolitan city a quaint feel. It’s the perfect walking city, where you can enjoy stunning tourist attractions and also make your own itinerary, reveling in the lovely restaurants and cafes, and hidden surprises around every corner, including Roman and Byzantine ruins. The restaurants in Sofia are particularly impressive, with a mix of hearty traditional fare and creative twists on modern European cuisine. But there’s much more to do here than eat. Taking a tour with a local guide will help you get acquainted with all the city has to offer. When you’re ready to go a little farther afield, a day trip to one of Bulgaria's UNESCO sites is definitely worthwhile. Bulgaria’s past will come alive for you in these incredible destinations, which are popular with tourists and yet still feel very authentic. These short day trips will also give you a chance to explore the majestic landscape of Bulgaria as you leave the big city for more historic sites. Combining an alluring history with impressive architecture and world-class gastronomy, Sofia is a perfect destination for a fun, indulgent vacation.

Plovdiv is a city that will charm you right away. The atmosphere here is laidback and the locals are welcoming. From the incredible architecture of the Old Town to the upbeat modern promenade with its hip cafes, bars and restaurants, there’s a mix of old and new here that will appeal to travellers of all ages and interests. Be sure to check out the local cultural calendar, as there is a rich cultural calendar including delightful concerts at the outdoor amphitheater. If you have an interests in the arts you won’t be disappointed, as Plovdiv also has numerous museums and art galleries that are always offering interesting exhibitions. To really soak up the city’s charm, you’ll want to take a walking tour with a local guide who can show you all of Plovdiv’s secrets. Besides the urban architecture, you’ll want to hike up one of the numerous paths that lead out of the city to impressive vantage points. There are also several day trips within a short drive of the city which will give you the chance to explore the countryside and some of the historical sites that are slightly farther afield. You’ll really enjoy exploring this unique destination, with its impressively eclectic local culture.

Known by its ancient Greek settlers as Odessos, Varna is Bulgaria's third largest city, and certainly its main settlement along the coast. The city's deep history is testified to by the discovery of the world's oldest gold treasure, dating back to the 5th millennium BC. One of the most important prehistoric finds in the world (one grave along had more gold than has been found anywhere else in that epoch), you can visit the treasure for yourself in the city' archaeological museum. Varna is a great spot for those who want to combine beachside relaxation with day trips and perhaps the occasional visit to one of the many thermal baths in the area. Popular among tourists for decades, Varna has plenty of good beach bars and restaurants, and the kinds of beaches that bring families back year after year.

The capital of Romania, Bucharest is a truly intriguing city where modern sophistication meets a rich and varied history. The business center of the city definitely has a cosmopolitan feel, but farther afield Bucharest still feels a little rough around the edges. The restored Old Town with its resplendent buildings is simply magnificent, as is Nicolae Ceausescu’s Palace of Parliament. One of the world's largest buildings (and with all its marble, certainly the heaviest), we highly recommend a tour of its gilded interior. This "Paris of the East" also has some amazing cafes and delicious restaurants, especially near Lipscani Street. The city is no stranger to culture either, with numerous galleries, antique shops and concert halls. The most stunning landmarks are along Calea Victoriei, but you can see something impressive on just about every corner. After discovering the incredible variety of neighborhoods and architectural styles in the city, you might want to enjoy one of its cultural festivals, or take off for a unique day trip. If you’re ready for a full day, a trip to Transylvania including Peles Castle and Dracula’s Castle, will certainly be a memorable excursion, and very Romanian. We can also arrange for a private guide to show you around the city and the notable surroundings.

The location where the Danube river empties into the Black Sea, Romania's Danube Delta is one of the largest deltas in Europe and is certainly the most scenic and best-preserved. This is a paradise for nature lovers where you can enjoy fantastic views of wildlife, which have earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List and have made it one of Romania's leading natural attractions. A vast changing landscape of marshes and wetlands, the Danube Delta is home to some 360 species of birds and 160 types of fish. Whether you're a bird watcher, or you just want to escape the bustle of the city, this is a natural paradise. You'll find pristine beaches, incredible places to hike and also some of the best seafood in Romania. A visit here will give you a new point of view on the country and Europe at large.

Brasov is a city of true medieval beauty, at the edge of which is the natural wonder of the Carpathian Mountains. This combination gives the place a truly unique feel, as history and the natural world come together here with astounding brilliance. The home of Romania’s largest Gothic church and the narrowest street in Europe, there is plenty here to enrich your visit. You can even take a gondola ride high above the city for new points of view. And, Brasov’s location makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Romania’s most magnificent castles. You’ll definitely want to spend a few days exploring the city, which offers everything from incredible architecture to excellent dining, a rich cultural program and fun outdoor activities. Day and night you’ll find something fun to do here, from the depths of the narrow Rope Street to the heights of Mount Tampa. Wine lovers will really enjoy a trip to the Rhein wine cellar just outside of Brasov. Here you can learn more about the local wine and of course taste it too. Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, some of Romania’s most impressive castles, are all within distance for a perfect day trip. History, culture, architecture, the great outdoors: Brasov brings all of Romania’s greatest gifts together in one place.

Bucovina is becoming rightfully famous for its eight UNESCO-listed painted monasteries, although there are more which have yet to be listed. With walls covered inside and out with colorful Byzantine-inspired religious frescoes, these temples clearly come from another time. Bucovina itself is a quaint, quiet off-the-beaten-path region, with great opportunities for hiking and biking. Alongside the natural scenery, you'll love exploring the unique houses and medieval streets. There are also numerous local artisans there, some offering workshops where you can get hands-on with traditional crafts, such as making black pottery, or painting eggs. Several interesting day trips are also possible from Bucovina, so you'll have no shortage of activities. This is a wonderful place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Romania's larger cities to get back to nature and the country's traditions.

Even if you’ve never been to Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you know its most famous resident. Vlad the Impaler, Dracula's inspiration, once called the city home, and there are several architectural monuments dedicated to him, including his house. But it’s not all gory history here. Sighisoara is a magical city with towers and cobblestoned streets that give it an atmosphere all its own. You’ll find perfectly preserved buildings and works of art here, and much to do, both in and around the city. Some of the most impressive sites in Sighisoara include the Citadel, the Clock Tower, and the Scholars’ Stairs, as well as the Church on the Hill, featuring 500-year-old frescoes. There are also several vibrant museums where history and culture will come alive. But you’re also not far from wine country when staying in Sighisoara, so we highly recommend getting out of the city for the day to enjoy a guided tasting tour. Many of the other cities and villages within easy driving distance are very much worth exploring. It’s the best way to get a real insight into the special charm of the entire region.

Did you know that Sibiu is a 3* Michelin travel destination? Did you know that it was a European Capital of Culture in 2007 and the European Region of Gastronomy in 2019? We invite you to join us and discover an amazing town with so many stories! Walking through Sibiu is like walking through a fairytale, or perhaps a medieval movie set. From the 16th century Bridge of Lies to the 15th century towers, you’ll find something romantically ancient at every turn. But that doesn’t mean the city is frozen in time, there’s also a rich cultural life here to match the incredible architecture. You’ll have a fantastic time watching history come alive in Sibiu, even as you experience its more contemporary charms. This is a city of firsts: where the first book in Romanian was printed, where Romania’s first hospital and pharmacy were opened, and also where the country’s oldest museum is housed, the Brukenthal Art museum. You’ll be charmed by this mix of old and new. You’ll certainly want to meet with our local guide, who can give you a closer look at all the most amazing sites in the city, including the main square, one of the best-preserved in Transylvania. But you won’t be limited to staying within city limits, as there are several interesting day trips to take in the surrounding region. The Jidvei Vineyard in the nearby Tarnave Valley is the perfect place to enjoy a tasting of some of excellent Romanian wines and snacks. Calnic, Sebes and Alba Iulia Citadel are also nearby sites that are certainly worth visiting, and will show you a different side of this enchanting region.