May 14–28, 2027
Discover the beauty and heritage of Eastern Europe on a journey through Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova. Explore elegant capitals, medieval towns, UNESCO-listed monasteries, and fairytale castles set against the dramatic landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains.
Along the way, enjoy authentic cultural experiences, regional cuisine, and warm hospitality—from the cobblestone streets of Brașov and Sighișoara to a private wine tasting in Moldova’s famed underground cellars. Blending refined comfort with immersive discovery, this journey offers an elegant introduction to one of Europe’s most captivating regions.
Countries Visited:
Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova
Starts/Ends:
Sofia, Bulgaria (SOF) / Chișinău, Moldova (RMO)
Duration:
15 days/13 nights
Activity Level:
Moderate
Accommodation:
Deluxe 4-star | ★★★★★
Luxury 5-star | ★★★★★
International Air Route:
USA | Sofia, Bulgaria (SOF) / Chișinău, Moldova (RMO) | USA
Group Size:
Min 2, Max 18
Experiences:
Culture, History, Food, Lifestyle, Experience
Sofia & Rila Monastery – Explore Bulgaria's vibrant capital and its most revered UNESCO-listed monastery.
Plovdiv's Ancient Old Town – Discover one of Europe's oldest cities, rich in Roman heritage and charm.
Veliko Tarnovo & Tsarevets Fortress – Visit Bulgaria's medieval capital overlooking the Yantra River.
Bucharest – Experience Romania's elegant capital, from grand boulevards to its atmospheric Old Town.
Castles of the Carpathians – Tour the fairytale Peleș Castle and legendary Bran Castle.
Transylvania's Medieval Towns – Wander the cobblestone streets of Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara.
Bucovina's Painted Monasteries – Admire UNESCO-listed monasteries famed for their vivid frescoes.
Milestii Mici Winery – Enjoy a private tasting in the world's largest underground wine cellar.
CODA can help design a tailor made tour to suit you!
Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Sofia, Bulgaria, where Eastern Europe's rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty awaits.
Upon arrival in Sofia, you will be met and privately transferred to your luxury hotel for check-in and time to unwind.
This evening, gather for an elegant Welcome Dinner at a fine restaurant for a refined introduction to Bulgarian cuisine and a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow travelers. (D)
Hotel: Hotel Balkan, Sofia ★★★★★
Begin your day with breakfast before setting out on a scenic journey into the Rila Mountains. Hidden amidst breathtaking alpine landscapes lies the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most revered spiritual site and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
Return to Sofia for a curated city tour exploring one of Europe's oldest capitals. Discover architectural and cultural landmarks including the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Royal Palace, and the elegant Ivan Vazov National Theatre.
Dinner this evening is hosted at a local restaurant known for its contemporary take on traditional Bulgarian flavors. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Hotel Balkan, Sofia ★★★★★
After breakfast, depart for Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, beautifully set across rolling hills along the Maritsa River.
Explore the charming Old Town, where cobblestone streets reveal treasures such as the remarkably preserved Roman Amphitheatre and the ornate Hindlian House.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a premier local restaurant, followed by time at leisure to further explore galleries, museums, or hidden courtyards.
Dinner is served at one of Plovdiv's finest establishments. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Hotel Emporium, Plovdiv ★★★★★
This morning, travel to the historic town of Veliko Tarnovo, dramatically perched above the Yantra River. Explore the medieval Tsarevets Fortress, once the heart of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
After lunch, continue across the border into Romania and onward to Bucharest, a vibrant capital known for its Belle Époque charm and grand boulevards.
Dinner is served at your hotel. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Hotel Marmorosch, Bucharest ★★★★★
Discover Bucharest's contrasts on a guided exploration. Visit the monumental Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world—a striking symbol of Romania's recent history.
Stroll through the atmospheric Old Town, where historic architecture meets a lively café culture.
Enjoy an elegant lunch, followed by dinner at a beloved institution known for its historic ambiance and traditional cuisine. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Hotel Marmorosch, Bucharest ★★★★★
Journey into the Carpathian Mountains to visit the fairytale Peleș Castle, a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture set amid forested splendor.
Continue to Cantacuzino Castle, offering sweeping views of the Bucegi Mountains.
Arrive in Brașov, a charming medieval town often referred to as “Romania's Salzburg.” Visit the imposing Black Church, the largest Gothic structure in Southeastern Europe.
Lunch is enjoyed at a scenic mountain venue, followed by dinner at a fine local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Hotel Radisson Blu Aurum, Brașov ★★★★★
After breakfast, set out for a memorable day immersed in the natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains. Begin with a visit to the Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești, a remarkable conservation project dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of rescued brown bears. Set within a forested reserve, this experience offers a rare and meaningful glimpse into Romania's wildlife heritage.
Continue with an exhilarating 4x4 off-road adventure, venturing deep into the surrounding countryside. Traverse rugged terrain and remote landscapes, where panoramic mountain views and unspoiled nature create an unforgettable sense of discovery.
Lunch today is at a scenic restaurant where sweeping views of the Bucegi Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to a refined, locally inspired meal.
Return to Brașov in the late afternoon. This evening, dine in a traditional mountain setting celebrating regional flavors and warm hospitality. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Hotel Radisson Blu Aurum, Brașov ★★★★★
Visit the UNESCO-listed Prejmer Fortified Church, an outstanding example of Transylvanian Saxon heritage.
Continue to the legendary Bran Castle, dramatically set atop a rocky cliff and famously associated with the Dracula legend.
Enjoy lunch in Brașov and a memorable dinner in the enchanting setting of Bran. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Hotel Radisson Blu Aurum, Brașov ★★★★★
Travel to Sibiu, one of Romania's most picturesque cities, known for its pastel façades and distinctive “eyes” rooftops.
Continue to Sighișoara, a UNESCO-listed medieval citadel and birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Wander its cobbled streets and admire its remarkably preserved architecture.
Dinner is hosted at a historic local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton, Sighișoara ★★★★
Journey through dramatic landscapes including the breathtaking Bicaz Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs frame a winding mountain road.
Visit the famed Voroneț Monastery, celebrated for its vivid blue frescoes and extraordinary artistry.
Arrive in Gura Humorului for dinner and relaxation. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Hotel Casa Elena Resort & Spa, Gura Humorului ★★★★
Explore the spiritual heart of Bucovina with visits to Sucevița and Putna Monasteries, both rich in history and artistic significance.
Discover local traditions at the Lucia Condrea Egg Museum, showcasing intricate hand-decorated works rooted in regional folklore.
Enjoy a traditional lunch, and dinner at one of the region's finest restaurants. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Hotel Casa Elena Resort & Spa, Gura Humorului ★★★★
Travel to Iași, Romania's cultural capital, known for its elegant architecture and intellectual heritage.
Continue into Moldova and arrive in Chișinău, a green and welcoming capital blending Soviet-era history with modern charm.
Dinner is served at a premier local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel, Chișinău ★★★★★
Today, enjoy an exclusive visit to Milestii Mici, home to the world's largest wine cellar. Explore its vast underground galleries and indulge in a private wine tasting experience.
Return to Chișinău for a guided walking tour, discovering key landmarks such as Stephen the Great Park and the Nativity Cathedral.
Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel, Chișinău ★★★★★
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of Eastern Europe's elegance, heritage, and charm. (B)
May 14–28, 2027
| Land rates | Double occupancy | Single occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Per person | $9795 | $10970 |
Land rates
Per person
Double occupancy: $9795
Single occupancy: $10970
Note: Rates are in USD and subject to change.
Accommodations in luxury 5-★★★★★ hotels as listed in the itinerary
All meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
English-speaking guide
Coda Tours representative with minimum participation.
Transportation by air-conditioned luxury motorcoach
Entrance fees as stated in the itinerary: House-Museum Hindlian, Small Basilica Of Philippopolis, Tserervets Fortress, Parliament Palace, Peles Royal Castle, Cantacuzino Castle, Prapastiile Zarnestiului, Prejmer Fortified Church, Black Church, Clock Tower, Voronet Monastery, Sucevita Monastery, “Lucia Condrea” Egg Museum, Putna Monastery.
Visit at Bears Sanctuary + 4x4 Off-Road Activity + Lunch at a local restaurant.
International airfare
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Expenses of a personal nature
You may arrive early or depart later. Coda Tours will arrange your additional hotel nights and transfers, if needed. Coda Tours can arrange airfare or accommodation as needed.
We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer miles. Please contact Coda Tours if you wish us to quote you the best available fares for coach or business class.
There are no internal flights on this trip.
For U.S. citizens traveling on a standard tourist itinerary through Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova, no visas are currently required for stays under 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and have blank pages for entry stamps. Bulgaria and Romania are now part of the Schengen travel area, so time spent there counts toward the Schengen 90-day limit. Moldova also allows visa-free entry for U.S. travelers for up to 90 days.
There are no mandatory vaccines required for entry into Bulgaria, Romania, or Moldova from the United States. However, the CDC and travel medicine specialists generally recommend travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as:
Depending on your personal health profile and activities, some travelers may also consider Hepatitis B or rabies protection for extended rural exposure. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.
May is an ideal time to visit Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova, with mild spring weather, green landscapes, and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Expect daytime temperatures generally ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (18–24°C), with cooler mornings and evenings, especially in the Carpathian Mountains and Bucovina region. Occasional light rain showers are possible.
Packing Suggestions
Tours and dinners are casual throughout the journey, so there is no need for formal attire, jackets, or ties. Comfortable, relaxed clothing is perfectly appropriate.
We have a minimum of 6 travelers to have a Coda representative on the trip.
A complete portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed to you approximately three weeks prior to departure.
You may arrive early or depart later. Coda Tours will arrange your additional hotel nights and transfers, if needed. Coda Tours can arrange airfare or accommodation as needed.
We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer miles. Please contact Coda Tours if you wish us to quote you the best available fares for coach or business class.
