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 A Journey to Eastern Europe's Rare Gems. Step off the beaten track on this fascinating gay group adventure through Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova. Welcome to Bessarabia, a land so remote that tourism is yet to get a foothold. Escape the tourist crowds on this unique trip to Eastern Europe. From the Dracula's Castle, Carpathian Mountains – to the Moldova, this itinerary showcases some of the least visited sights in Europe. Bulgaria, Romania & Moldova are among Europe’s least visited countries; although, they possess a rich collection of unique and fascinating sites to behold. Get ready for an adventure.
Bulgaria’s 10th C Rila Monastery is the country’s most storied spiritual treasure. The Painted Churches of northeast Romania are spectacular. Built at the end of the 15th C and beginning of the 16th C, they are now protected by UNESCO World Heritage. Other sites in Romania on our itinerary include Transylvania and the famous Dracula’s castle, the medieval town of Sighisoara and the captivating Bicaz Canyon. Moldova is Europe’s poorest country and least spoiled as a tourist destination. Its history encompasses Turkish and Russian expansionism and, today, still holds on to a Soviet style better suited for a former time.
If you want to follow Count Dracula steps, uncover the secrets of one of the least visited countries in Europe this trip is a chance to make it all at once. Three East European countries: Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova, invite you to an adventure through past and present.
Romania, with its nature, preserved medieval castles, ancient churches and vivid culture is one of the most interesting countries in Europe. The beauty of the Carpathian mountains and the ancient Dracula’s castle in Transylvania are widely known, but the country has much more to show. Many European countries advertise themselves as ‘off the beaten track’, but miniature Moldova, sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, doesn’t even know the track exists. Only about 12,000 travellers a year visit Moldova, partly for its unspoiled natural good looks, but also for its wine.
Day 0 - Monday, May 22, 2023
Depart the USA, Canada on any regularly scheduled flight to Sofia, Bulgaria (SOF).
Day 1 - Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Hotel: Sofia Hotel Balkan , Sofia, Bulgaria, 5*
Day 2 - Wednesday, May 24, 2023
 Plovdiv is called the City of Seven Hills and was built on 7 hills around the Maritsa River, one of the hills was demolished more than a hundred years ago. For a better understanding of Bulgaria, it is enriching to explore the sights of tradition and natural beauty of Plovdiv. Visit the Roman Amphitheater and the Hindian House with the group and in your free time, consider a trip to the Konstantin ethnographic museum and Helena Church, or the Balaban House. After lunch we will return to Sofia for the evening.
Enjoy a city tour of Sofia, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Sofia has embraced many cultures in it’s history and is rich in museums and galleries. Highlights of the tour are the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Royal Palace, the Ivan Vazov National Theater, the Monument to the Liberator of the Tsar, the National Assembly, and the Parlamento.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Sofia Hotel Balkan, Sofia, Bulgaria, 5*
Day 3 - Thursday, May 25, 2023
 A perfect day trip combining spectacular landscapes with history and culture will be our day spent at the Rila Monastery, hidden in the Rila Mountains. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe.
After lunch we will head back to Sofia for an afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Sofia Hotel Balkan, Sofia, Bulgaria, 5*
Day 4 - Friday, May 26, 2023
 Today we drive to Veliko Tarnovo for a Tsarevets Tour. Often known as the City of the Czars, Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famous as the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture.
After lunch, we visit Arbanassi to see the Nativity Church with nearly every inch of the vaulted interior covered in paintings and frescoes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Meridian Hotel Bolyarski, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, 4*
Day 5 - Saturday, May 27, 2023
 Drive to Bucharest. Romania's capital is known for its Belle Epoch architecture and communist sites. It also keeps things big – it’s home to one of Europe's biggest squares and its Palace of Parliament is the second-largest building in the world.
This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: The Marmorosch Bucharest Hotel , Bucharest, Romania, 5*
Day 6 - Sunday, May 28, 2023
 Tour Bucharest: the Palace of the Parliament, currently, the largest building in Europe and the second largest in the world. Walk through the Old Town of Bucharest to the ruins of the Old Master Court built in the 15th century by Prince Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad Dracula. Next to the palace is the Church of the Court, dating from 1559 and considered the oldest in Bucharest. For two centuries this church was the place where Romanian kings were crowned. Lunch at Restaurant Crama Domneasca.
After lunch visit the “Mansion Ceausescu ” which was for a quarter of a century (1965-1989) the private residence of Nicola e and Elena Ceausescu and their children. This evening, meet for a lovely Welcome Dinner to get to know each other.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: The Marmorosch Bucharest Hotel, Bucharest, Romania, 5*
Day 7 - Monday, May 29, 2023
 After breakfast, we will head to our next destination driving through “Valea Prahovei”, crossing the Carpathians Mountain from south of Romania to the north, to the mystical and mythical land of Transylvania. Visit Peles Castle – former royal residence, built between 1875-1883. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue to Brasov, a medieval town is also called “Salzburg Romanian” thanks to its wonderful location at the foot of a mountain. Walking tour of Brasov before we check in to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Qosmo Brasov Hotel, Brasov, Romania, 4*
Day 8 - Tuesday, May 30, 2023
 After breakfast, drive to Bran to visit the famous Bran Castle, Dracula’s Castle. Lunch at Restaurant Tea House, located at the footsteps of the castle. Continue to Rasnov and visit Rasnov Citadel. The citadel was built as part of a defense system for the villages of Transylvania exposed to external invasions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Qosmo Brasov Hotel, Brasov, Romania, 4*
Day 9 - Wednesday, May 31, 2023
 Drive from Brasov to Sighisoara, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exquisite medieval town of Sighisoara was built in several phases between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. This medieval citadel, emerges as a nucleus of solid houses painted with different colors and distributed narrow passageways and cobbled streets, surrounded by a defensive wall, towers, burgher houses and ornate churches. After lunch, visit the Clock Tower from where we can enjoy a spectacular panorama view.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Mercure Sighisoara Binderbubi Hotel, Sighisoara, Romania, 5*
Day 10 - Thursday, June 01, 2023
 Breakfast at the hotel, then we continue to Praid, where we visit one of the largest Salt Mines in Europe.
En route we pass through the Bicaz Canyon, which is excavated by the waters of the Bicaz River and serves as a passage between Transylvania and Moldova. The walls of the limestone cliffs hide impressive caves. Lunch at local restaurant by the Red Lake. We continue our trip to the northern part of Romania, more precisely to Suceava. Suceava is one of the oldest and most important settlements in Romania. For more than four centuries (1359-1775) was part of the Principality of Moldova, of which for two centuries was the main residence (capital), and between 1775-1918, after the Austrian territorial reservation, became the city of the Austrian Empire (the lands the Crown of Galicia and Lodomeria and the Duchy of Bucovina). Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Sonnerhof.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Sonnenhof Hotel , Suceava, Romania, 4*
Day 11 - Friday, June 02, 2023
 Today’s day justifies the whole trip to Romania: the PAINTED CHURCHES & MONASTERIES of Bucovina. This wonderful testimony is inscribed on the List of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO to be considered as masterpieces of Byzantine Art. The great majority of them were built under the principality of Esteban el Grande (1457 to 1504). We will visit Sucevita Monastery, the Monastery of Moldovita, and the last visit is to the Monastery of Voronet. Return to Suceava and enjoy free time before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Sonnenhof Hotel, Suceava, Romania, 4*
Day 12 - Saturday, June 03, 2023
 We will be heading to Iasi, another metropole of Romania. Here we will have a panoramic drive through the city passing by the most important sites of the city like: Vasile Aecsandri National Theater, The Palace of Culture and the Central University Library Mihai Eminescu. Lunch at restaurant La Castel (The Castle) – Iasi. After lunch we will continue our trip and cross the border to Moldova and head to the capital city, Chisinau. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Nobil Luxury Boutique
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel:
Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel, Chisinau, Moldova, 5*
Day 13 - Sunday, June 04, 2023
 After breakfast a panoramic drive of the city, passing by Arch of Triumph, the Statue of Stefan the Great, Valea Morilor Park, Dendrariu Park, Water Tower, Art Museum and the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History of Ciuflea Monastery. Visit Casa Pushkin, the house where he lived in Basrah Tarista. The house, nowadays a museum, belonged to General Inzov, who hosted the “founder of modern Russian language.” Wine tasting and lunch at Castle Mimi. Legends are written by great men with passions for beautiful things. One of these personalities is Constantin Mimi, the last governor of Bessarabia during the Tsarist rule, but also an illustrious winemaker of the 20th century. He managed to build the first Chateau in the country. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel, Chisinau, Moldova, 5*
Day 14 - Monday, June 05, 2023
Early in the morning drive to the airport and fly back home.
Meals: Breakfast
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• 13 nigts Accommodations in 4* & 5* hotels as listed in the itinerary:
- 3 nights at Sofia Hotel Balkan in Sofia, Bulgaria;
- 1 night at Meridian Hotel Bolyarski in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria;
- 2 nights at The Marmorosch Bucharest Hotel in Bucharest, Romania;
- 2 nights at Qosmo Brasov Hotel , Brasov, Romania;
- 1 night at Mercure Sighisoara Binderbubi Hotel in Sighisoara, Romania;
- 2 nights at Sonnenhof Hotel in Suceava, Romania;
- 2 nights at Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel in Chisinau, Moldova;
• Service charges, room taxes, and baggage handling fees
• All meals
• Sightseeing excursions and entry fees as stated in the itinerary
• English speaking local guides
• Bottled water and cold towels in vehicles during sightseeing
• All land transfers as required by the itinerary;
• Private transfers for arrival & departure if required;
• Private, air-conditioned vehicles
• Coda Tour Manager on minimum participation
• Pre-departure assistance and Information Portfolio
• International airfare
• Trip cancellation and Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
• Personal meals, drinks, telephone, gifts, and expenses not outlined in the itinerary
• Any optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in itinerary
• Gratuity for local guides, drivers and Tour Manager
Sofia Hotel Balkan, Sofia, Bulgaria
 Enjoying a privileged location in the heart of Sofia, next to Serdika Underground Station, the exclusive Sofia Hotel Balkan, A Luxury Collection Hotel offers free access to the on-site casino. It includes Bar Basilica and Restaurant Labels.
Sofia Airport and the Mladost Business Park are 10 km from this Luxury Collection Hotel. The Mall and the Armeec Arena are 6 km away.
 The Sofia Balkan Hotel provides various dining options, a health club, a 24-hour business centre, and various shops.
You also enjoy free WiFi access in the lobby and in the rooms.
Meridian Hotel Bolyarski, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
 With a free indoor pool and free gym, the 4-star Meridian Hotel Bolyarski is located directly on Samovodska Charshia Square in the historic part of Veliko Tarnovo. There are 2 restaurants serving international cuisine, and a panoramic snack bar overlooking Yantra River.
The on-site wellness area includes a hot tub, steam bath, sun bed, 2 saunas, and massage and acupuncture treatments, at a surcharge.
 Room amenities at the Bolyarski Meridian Hotel comprise air conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a mini bar. The private bathrooms come with free toiletries, shower or bathtub. Some units provide a balcony.
Free Wi-Fi access and free covered parking are available on the premises. The medieval fortress of Tsarevets is 2 km away.
The Marmorosch Bucharest Hotel, Bucharest, Romania
 Situated in Bucharest, 200 m from Stavropoleos Church, The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection features accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides a concierge service, a tour desk and luggage storage for guests.
Guests at The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection can enjoy a buffet breakfast. At the hotel guests are welcome to take advantage of a sauna.
 At the hotel, the rooms come with a desk. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with bathrobes, all rooms at The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms include a seating area. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.
The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection features amenities such as an on-site business centre, indoor pool and hot tub.
Qosmo Brasov Hotel, Brasov, Romania
 Set in Brasov, 2.3 km from Aquatic Paradise, Qosmo Brasov Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a terrace. This 4-star hotel offers an ATM and a concierge service.
The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation offers a continental or buffet breakfast.
 The units at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers.
The rooms come with a kettle, while selected rooms here will provide you with a balcony and others also have mountain views. At Qosmo Brasov Hotel all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.
Mercure Sighisoara Binderbubi Hotel in Sighisoara, Romania
 Found a 6 minutes' walk from the Piata Cetatii Medievale in Sighisoara's centre, the Mercure Sighisoara Binderbubi Hotel & Spa has a Tyrolean-inspired décor and a vaulted wine cellar. It offers free internet access and free parking.
Room comes with air conditioning and a TV, and their design is inspired by the Tyrol region. A safe is also provided.
 The hotel houses the Lorelei Restaurant which serves Romanian and international cuisines, as well as the La Pastorella wine cellar with live music entertainment.
Mercure Sighisoara Binderbubi Hotel & Spa features the Blumengarten wellness area with a jacuzzi, wet and dry saunas, aromatherapy and various massages.
Sonnenhof Hotel, Suceava, Romania
 Hotel Sonnenhof offers air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi throughout the property. A summer garden and a restaurant are located on site.
The Hagigadar Monastery is 950 m away. You can find a Metro Cash&Carry within 1.7 km, while Iulius Mall Suceava is 6.8 km from this property. Suceava Fortress can be reached within 5.8 km.
 Rooms are all decorated in green tones and with floral motifs and offer a flat-screen TV and a minibar. A desk and a safety deposit box are also available. Private bathroom provides a bath tub and free toiletries.
Breakfast buffet is served every day and room service is available. The summer garden provides a perfect oasis to enjoy outdoor meals or relax while sipping a drink.
Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel, Chisinau, Moldova
 This elegant 5-star hotel is located in Chisinau city centre. Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel offers an exclusive cigar lounge, and a luxury spa with gym and beauty salon. The View Café on the 8th floor offers European meals and great panoramic views.
Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel features classic interiors with crystal chandeliers, marble floors and rich carpets. All rooms include air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.
 Guests can relax in the Nobil Restaurant that offers fine cuisine and panoramic views of the city. The Nobil Spa offers a Turkish steam bath, beauty treatments and Oriental massages.
The Nobil Boutique Hotel is set in the heart of Chisinau’s cultural and shopping area, and is a 10-minute walk from the Nativity Cathedral and the National Memorial Museum.
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