A new 16-day itinerary from MIR Corporation offers an immersive journey through Bulgaria and Romania, rich with history, legend and striking cultural sites. The Bulgaria & Romania: Frescoes & Fortresses tour combines medieval fortresses, ornate monasteries and vibrant folk traditions for travelers who want a deeper look at the Balkans.
The tour begins in Sofia, Bulgaria, and includes a visit to the Rila Monastery, founded in 927 and long known as a spiritual retreat for hermits. From there the route continues to Plovdiv, where Roman ruins sit alongside well-preserved 19th-century architecture, showcasing the city’s layered past. Traveling through the Valley of the Roses, the group reaches Veliko Tarnovo to explore Tsarevets Hill and the evocative remains of the medieval Royal Fortress.
Crossing the Danube into Romania, the itinerary moves to Bucharest and its monumental sites, including the vast Palace of the Parliament. The Transylvania portion highlights several iconic landmarks: the neo-Renaissance Peles Castle, the fortified citadel of Sighisoara—known as the birthplace of Vlad Dracul—and Bran Castle, the Gothic stone stronghold associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The tour also visits the famed painted monasteries of Bucovina and the Byzantine-influenced cathedral at Curtea de Argeș Monastery.
Beyond architecture and history, the journey emphasizes living culture and local craft. Guests meet with an acting troupe in a theater in Târgu Mureș, observe a traditional egg-painting demonstration in a private home, and visit the village of Salva to speak with a Romanian costume designer. Throughout the tour, expert MIR guides provide historical context and regional insights—MIR Corporation has been recognized by National Geographic Adventures among the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.
The scheduled departure for this itinerary is May 30–June 14, with pricing starting at $6,195. The program is designed for travelers who appreciate a balance of well-known landmarks and intimate cultural encounters, combining guided tours of major sites with opportunities to meet local artists and artisans.
This tour offers a structured yet immersive way to experience Bulgaria and Romania: from ancient monasteries and royal fortresses to the folk traditions that continue to shape daily life in these countries. With knowledgeable guides, carefully selected cultural experiences and time in both capitals and charming regional towns, the Bulgaria & Romania: Frescoes & Fortresses itinerary presents a comprehensive view of the region’s history and living heritage.