Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova Pilgrimage

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Tour236

Bulgaria, Romania & Moldova

14 days

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Sofia · Rila Monastery · Plovdiv · Kazanlak · Veliko Tarnovo · Ruse · Bucharest · Sibiu · Turda · Cluj Napoca · Bistrita · Voronet · Moldovita · Targu Mures · Sighisoara · Bran · Brasov · Sinaia · Chisinau · Capriana · Curchi · Old Orhei

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Additional information
Terms & Conditions

Your trip includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Hotel accommodations (or similar) in double occupancy
      ~ 2 nights: Hotel Coop, Sofia, Bulgaria
      ~ 1 night: Hotel Grand Yantra, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
      ~ 1 night: Hotel Union Plaza, Bucharest, Romania
      ~ 1 night: Hotel Golden Tulip, Sibiu, Romania
      ~ 2 nights: Coroana de Aur, Bistrita, Romania
      ~ 1 night: Hotel Double Tree by Hilton Cavaler, Sighisoara, Romania
      ~ 1 night: Hotel Aro Palace, Brasov, Romania
      ~ 1 night: Hotel Union Plaza, Bucharest, Romania
      ~ 2 nights: Hotel Jolly Alon, Chisinau, Moldova
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine with dinners
  • Whisper Headsets
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Assistance of local guide throughout
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Centrally located hotels or similar
hotel
Hotel Coop
Sofia, Bulgaria
hotel
Hotel Grand Yantra
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
hotel
Hotel Union Plaza
Bucharest, Romania
hotel
Hotel Golden Tulip
Sibiu, Romania
hotel
Coroana de Aur
Bistrita, Romania
hotel
Hotel Double Tree by Hilton Cavaler
Sighisoara, Romania
hotel
Hotel Aro Palace
Brasov, Romania
hotel
Hotel Jolly Alon
Chisinau, Moldova
Not included
  • Lunches, Tips to your guide & driver, Items of a personal nature
Optional
Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver - allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime - up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary

Day 1, Depart for Bulgaria

Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

Day 2, Arrival to Bulgaria Sofia

Upon landing into Sofia airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Transfer to your hotel with afternoon to explore. This evening celebrate Mass, followed with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with Nestinari fire dances and a spectacular folklore show. Overnight in Sofia.

Day 3, Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sofia

After breakfast we will travel to one of the largest orthodox monasteries in the world – the Rila Monastery. The monastery was founded in the 10th century in the heart of the Rila Mountains, at an elevation of 1150 m. above sea level. In the Middle Ages it developed into an important centre of intellectual and cultural life in Bulgaria. The buildings on the monastery grounds are home to around 300 ornamented chambers, each one – a unique work of art. Explore among others the main church and the monastery museum with its valuable exhibits of religious books, ancient weapons of the monastery guards, deeds by Bulgarian Tsars, jewellery and church objects. After the visit return to Sofia, where we will start our city tour of the Bulgarian capital. The tour starts at Sveta Nedelya square. Situated a few steps away from the square is the oldest church in the city, the St. George Rotunda, built by the Romans in the 4th century. The landmark of the city is the Orthodox Cathedral Alexander Nevsky. Built in the 20th century and is the largest Orthodox temple on the entire Balkan Peninsula. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Sofia.

Day 4, Sofia – Plovdiv – Kazanlak – Veliko Tarnovo

Following breakfast we will travel towards Plovdiv, the 2019 European Cultural Capital. It is situated in the Upper Thracian Plain, on the both banks of the Maritsa river. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe and second largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia. The beginning of its history dates back to 4,000 years BC. During the city tour you will discover the unique cultural and historical heritage such as the Ancient Roman Theatre, the Roman Odeon, the Roman stadium and the Folk Art Museum. Celebrate Mass at he local Cathedral before enjoying some free time for lunch in Plovdiv. We will continue our journey towards Kazanlak, where we will visit the local rose distilery and enjoy a rose brandy tasting. In the evening arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Bulgarian empire. Check-in and have dinner at the hotel before a restful nigh in Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 5, Veliko Tarnovo – Ruse – Bucharest

After time for breakfast this morning we will enjoy a walking tour of Veliko Tarnovo. Start with visit of the Tsaravets fortress, a medieval stronghold from the 12th century, which used to house the royal residence and the patriarchal palace. Walk by the ancient gates, visit the Balduin’s Tower and the St. Petka” church. The church is dedicated to the martyr St. Paraskevi of Iconium. Paraskeva was a woman living in Iconium, Asia Minor (present day Konya, Turkey), at the end of the 2nd and the beginning of the 3rd century. She was introduced to Christianity by her parents. They died when she was very young and as they were very wealthy she inherited a huge fortune. Instead of spending the fortune on luxury and pleasures, she helped people in need by providing food for the starving, shelter for the homeless and clothes for those who could not afford them. She was so devoted to Christianity that she decided to remain celibate and started introducing other people around her to Christianity as well. Continue to the crafts street „Samovodska charshia”, where you will see workshops, galleries and traditional houses. We will transfer to Ruse, a city situated on the banks of the Danube, and enjoy some free time for lunch. At the Romanian border you will meet your Romanian guide and depart towards Bucharest. Check-in at your hotel upon arrival folowed by Mass celebration at the local Cathedral. This evening enjoy a walking tour in the Old Town of Bucharest with dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Bucharest.

Day 6, Bucharest – Sibiu

After breakfast we will head towards Sibiu, the largest and wealthiest walled citadel built in Transylvania in the 12th century by the German settlers. We will stop for lunch in Calimanesti, where you can also admire the 14th century Cozia Monastery, dedicated to the "Holy Trinity", was initially known as "Nucet Monastery", only later receiving the name "Cozia", after the neighboring mountain. The monastery has two chapels, one dedicated to the "Assumption" (1583), and the other, "All Saints' Sunday" (1710). Continue to Sibiu and check-in at your hotel upon arrival. The town has a pedestrian-friendly area, with two accessible levels: The Upper Town and The Lower Town, connected through The Stairs Passage. Preserving until today its wonderful medieval atmosphere, Sibiu was listed by Forbes in its top 10 of the most idyllic places to live in the whole world. Visit the Grand Square, the Small Square, the Liar’s Bridge and the impressive Evangelical Cathedral. In the Grand Square you will find the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where we will celebrate Mass. Dinner at a local restaurant in the evening and overnight in Sibiu.

Day 7, Sibiu – Turda – Cluj Napoca – Bistrita

Today you depart towards the Turda Salt Mine, which is one of the world’s oldest salt mines, dating back to the Middle Ages. Today a museum of the history of salt mining. The excellent state of preservation of the mining works and of the equipment used for salt transport, together with the care with which the preparation works of the salt mine were carried out to become a tourist objective, made history and legend intertwine harmoniously here. After some free time for lunch depart to Cluj Napoca, the largest city of Transylvania. Take a stroll at the Unification Square, discover the equestrian statue of the Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus and the Catholic Church St. Michael which dominates the center of the city with its massive Gothic silhouette and offers breathtaking views from its 76 m (250 ft) clock tower. This 15th-century Roman Catholic church was built partially from donations from the townspeople. On the western portal notice the three coats of arms that represent Sigismund as King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, and Holy Roman Emperor. Continue your tour towards Bistrita, where upon arrival check-in at your hotel and celebrate Mass at the local Cathedral. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Bistrita.

Day 8, Bistrita – Voronet – Moldovita – Bistrita

Following breakfast we will start our tour of the painted monasteries of Bucovina with the most famous Romanian monastery. The Voronet monastery was built at the end of the 15th century by Stephan the Great and it is worldwide known as the „Sistine Chapel of the East” due to its stunning interior and exterior paintings featuring an intense blue color, also known as Voronet Blue. After free time for luncnh we will continue to Moldovita, where you visit one of the most representative Romanian orthodox monasteries, the Moldovita monastery. Dating back to the 16th centuries, the monastery from Moldovita, presents wonderful gold and deep blue paintings and large frescoes such as the Siege of Constantinople. Return to Bistrita in the afternoon to celebrate Mass at the local Cathedral upon arrival. Dinner at a local restaurant in Bistrita.

Day 9, Bistrita – Targu Mures – Sighisoara

Discover today one of the most interesting towns in Transylvania – Targu Mures – a mix of Romanian, German and Hungarian cultures. During the city tour you can admire the city’s landmarks such as the Apollo Palace built in Baroque style, the Old Prefecture building from the 18th century, The Teleki Palace and the Orthodox Cathedral, which houses the largest painted area in an orthodox church in Romania. After the tour you wil celebrate Mass at the local Cathedral and then enjoy some free time for lunch. You travel then towards Sighisoara, one of the few still inhabited medieval citadels in the world. After the check- in enjoy a walking tour inside the citadel, and dinner at a local historic restaurant, also known as Dracula’s birth house. Overnight in Sighisoara.

Day 10, Sighisoara – Bran – Brasov

After breakfast depart to Bran, where you will find the most famous castle in the world – the Dracula Castle. Hidden in the hilly forest of Bran and surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend, the castle was built by the German Saxons in the 14th century and served as customs for many centuries between Transylvania and Wallachia. In 1920 the castle became Royal Residence, offered as a gift by the people of Brasov to Queen Marie of Romania. Now world widely known for being the place where Bram Stoker's fictional creation, Count Dracula is set, the castle is the most visited place in Transylvania. Free time for lunch near the castle. Continue to Brasov, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Eastern Europe. In the afternoon you will visit the well preserved old town of Brasov, where you will get to know the historical and cultural attractions such as the Council Square, the Nicholas Church, the Black Church and the Brasov fortress. After the tour attend the church mass at the local Cathedral. Check-in at the hotel and in the evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the Old Town. Overnight in Brasov.

Day 11, Brasov – Sinaia – Bucharest

In the morning depart to Sinaia, where you visit the Peles Castle from the 19th century. The castle was built in German neo renaissance style and it is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world. Travel to Bucharest in the afternoon. Visit the impressive Parliament Palace upon arrival. Enjoy a panoramic tour which features all the important attractions such as the Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, the Arch of Triumph, the Victory Square, the Victory Avenue and the revolution Square. after the check-in at the hotel, take part in the church mass at the St. Josef Cathedral in Bucharest. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a historic restaurant in the Old Town. Overnight in Bucharest.

Day 12, Bucharest to Chisinau

This morning transfer to Bucharest airport for your short flight to Chisinau. Upon arrival to Moldova make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Transfer to your hotel for the check-in and free time. In the afternoon enjoy a short panoramic tour of the Moldavian capital, which includes the National Palace, the Arch of Triumph and the Palace of the Parliament. In the evening take a short trip to Cricova, where you will visit the largest wine cellar in the world and where you will enjoy some of the best Moldavian wines. The winery Cricova was founded in 1952 and it is one of the few wineries which produce sparkling wine using the Champagne Method. The wine cellar houses an outstanding collection of wines with approx. 1.3 million bottles. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the winery then return to Chisinau. Overnight in Chisinau.

Day 13, Chisinau – Capriana – Curchi – Old Orhei – Chisinau

After breakfast we will travel to Capriana to visit the local monastery. The first documented reference of the church dates back to 1420 and during the time is has the status of monastery of the prince of Moldova. Initially built from wood, it suffered from the repeated invasions of the Tatars or Turks. Stefan the Great is the founder of the stone church dedicated to the “Assumption of Virgin Mary” (1491-1496). Continue on to Curchi, and visit the Summer Church “Nativity of Virgin Mary”, built during 1866-1867 in baroque style. The Cathedral is the highest in Moldova – the middle dome reaching 57 m and being twin to the Synod “Saint Andrew the First Called” of Kiev. The tour takes you next to the Old Orhei region, visiting the unique cave monastery (13th cent.), carved in limestone rock - the part of the picturesque landscape. The monastery has a rich religious past spanning more than two centuries. It was founded in 1773-1775 and became one of the richest, most beautiful, and largest monasteries in Moldova. Several churches were built on the monastery’s premises: St. Demetrius, a wooden church built in 1775 by Ioan Curchi; Naşterea Domnului, a stone church built in 1810; the winter church of St. Demetrius built in 1844; the summer church Naşterea Domnului built in 1872; and the winter church of St. Nicholas (unfinished), built in 1936-1939. We will visit the house-museum of traditional life of Moldavian farmers (19 century) in the village Butuceni. Dinner in the rural pension which includes national Moldovan dishes (polenta, pies and typical Moldovan desert) and homemade wine. Enjoy Moldovan songs and dances, as well as the opportunity to participate in the folk program. Return to Chisinau in the evening. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 14, Departure

After breakfast transfer to Chisinau airport for your return flight(s) home.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.


Special Clergy Discount

A Clergy Discount is available to all members of “Clergy” within the Catholic Church. This includes Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, Cardinals, and His Holiness.

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If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours

Special Clergy Discount

A Clergy Discount is available to all members of “Clergy” within the Catholic Church. This includes Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, Cardinals, and His Holiness.

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2025 Dates & Prices

Dates

Select airport

Booking

Sep 3
Wednesday
Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday
Sep 4
Thursday
Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday
Apr 22
Wednesday
May 5, 2026
Tuesday
Apr 23
Thursday
May 5, 2026
Tuesday
Sep 2
Wednesday
Sep 15, 2026
Tuesday
Sep 3
Thursday
Sep 15, 2026
Tuesday
Options & Upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Private Room / Single Supplement $599.00 (USD)

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Additional $2,850.00 (USD) Per Person

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Additional $5,400.00 (USD) Per Person

Options and upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Private Room / Single Supplement $599.00 (USD)

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Additional $2,850.00 (USD) Per Person

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Additional $5,400.00 (USD) Per Person

Special Clergy Discount

A Clergy Discount is available to all members of “Clergy” within the Catholic Church. This includes Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, Cardinals, and His Holiness.

Click Here to learn more!
Earn a Free Trip

For groups of 20 or more, you may choose your own departure and earn FREE trips.

contact us
Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?

Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will book your airline reservations accordingly, at no additional cost. Pre and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us at: 800-206-TOUR (8687) or sales@206tours.com

About your trip

  • Sofia
  • Rila Monastery
  • Plovdiv
  • Kazanlak
  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • Ruse
  • Bucharest
  • Sibiu
  • Turda
  • Cluj Napoca
  • Bistrita
  • Voronet
  • Moldovita
  • Targu Mures
  • Sighisoara
  • Bran
  • Brasov
  • Sinaia
  • Chisinau
  • Capriana
  • Curchi
  • Old Orhei
About Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova:

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Know Before You Go

We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.

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