Day 4:  August 19, Thursday: Plovdiv – Thracian Valley & Rose Valley – Shipka – Etara – Veliko Tarnovo
Today we continue through the Valley of the Thracian Kings, also famous as the Rose Valley, a region known for its ancient Thracian heritage, beautiful landscapes and centuries-old tradition of rose cultivation. We visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the fascinating legacy of one of Europe’s oldest civilizations. Nearby, we stop at the impressive Shipka Memorial Church, built in honor of those who fought for Bulgaria’s liberation.

Crossing the Balkan Mountains through the scenic Shipka Pass, we continue to Etara, an open-air ethnographic museum where traditional Bulgarian village life has been preserved. Here we meet craftsmen demonstrating old skills such as weaving, pottery, wood carving and other traditional trades, offering a glimpse into the everyday life and creativity of past generations.

In the afternoon we arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital, dramatically situated among the hills and bends of the Yantra River.

National Costume Festival
in Zheravna

Day 5: August 20, Friday: Veliko Tarnovo – Balkan Mountains – Zheravna
We begin the day exploring Veliko Tarnovo with a visit to Tsarevets Hill, where the remains of the royal palace, fortress walls and churches recall the glory of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. We continue along Samovodska Street, a traditional crafts street where local artisans demonstrate skills such as pottery, wood carving and other old Bulgarian crafts.

We then cross the Balkan Mountains through beautiful landscapes of forests, meadows and mountain villages, following historic routes that once connected communities on both sides of the range. En route, we visit the village of Arbanassi, famous for its well-preserved 18th-century architecture and richly decorated churches, including the remarkable Church of the Nativity with its exceptional frescoes.

In the afternoon we continue to Zheravna, one of Bulgaria’s finest examples of a traditional Balkan village. With its wooden Revival-era houses, stone-paved streets and authentic atmosphere, Zheravna provides the perfect setting for our immersion into Bulgarian folk traditions ahead of the Festival of National Costume. 

Day 8: August 23, Monday: Varna – Balchik – Dobruja – Bucharest
Before leaving Bulgaria, we explore Varna, the country’s maritime capital. Our visit includes the Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Varna Gold Treasure, the oldest processed gold in the world, dating back more than 6,000 years and offering a fascinating glimpse into the advanced culture of Europe’s earliest civilizations.

We then continue north along the Black Sea coast to Balchik, a charming coastal town whose history reflects the diverse cultural influences of the region. We visit the former summer residence of Queen Marie of Romania and its beautiful botanical gardens, a reminder of the historical connections between Bulgaria and Romania.

Crossing into Romania through Dobruja, a region shaped by centuries of interaction between different peoples and traditions, we continue to Bucharest. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional Romanian welcome dinner, introducing us to the country’s cuisine and hospitality.

Day 9: August 24, Tuesday: Bucharest
Today we explore Bucharest, Romania’s vibrant capital, a city of elegant boulevards, historic buildings and fascinating contrasts between old and new. Our walking tour introduces us to some of the city’s landmarks, including the Romanian Athenaeum, the Patriarchal Church, the Old Princely Court, Revolution Square and the atmospheric streets of the Old Town.

In the afternoon there is time for individual exploration or an optional visit to the Romanian Peasant Museum, one of the country’s most important cultural institutions, with outstanding collections of traditional costumes, handwoven carpets, painted eggs, ceramics and wooden crafts. The museum provides a fascinating introduction to the regional diversity of Romanian folk culture and the skills that have shaped village life for generations.

In the evening, we enjoy a traditional Romanian dinner accompanied by folk music and dance, beginning our journey into the living traditions of Romania.

Day 10: August 25, Wednesday: Bucharest – Sinaia – Bran – Brasov
Leaving Bucharest, we travel north through the beautiful landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains towards Transylvania. Our first stop is Sinaia, known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians”, where we visit Peles Castle, the former summer residence of Romania’s royal family and one of the country’s most beautiful architectural landmarks. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the castle combines Neo-Renaissance architecture with impressive collections of art, furniture, textiles and decorative objects.

Continuing through the Prahova Valley, we reach Bran Castle, famously associated with the legend of Dracula and the historical figure of Vlad the Impaler. Beyond the legends, the castle reflects the history of the border region between Transylvania and Wallachia and its traditional trade routes.

In the late afternoon we arrive in Brasov, a beautifully preserved medieval city surrounded by the Carpathians. We enjoy a walking tour through the historic center, including Council Square, the Black Church and the charming cobbled streets that reveal the city’s Saxon heritage.

Day 12: August 27, Friday: ASTRA Open-Air Museum – Sibiel – Sibiu
Today we discover the traditional culture of Transylvania through some of Romania’s finest ethnographic experiences. We visit the ASTRA National Museum Complex, one of the largest open-air museums in Europe, where traditional houses, wooden churches, workshops, windmills and farmsteads from different regions of Romania recreate the atmosphere of village life as it existed for generations.

The museum offers a fascinating insight into Romania’s rural traditions, architecture and craftsmanship, with demonstrations of old skills such as woodworking, weaving and other traditional crafts.

In the afternoon we continue to the nearby village of Sibiel, known for its strong traditions and welcoming local community. We visit the Museum of Glass Icons, home to one of the largest collections of Transylvanian painted glass icons, and experience the atmosphere of a traditional village that has preserved its customs, crafts and way of life.

Return to Sibiu for overnight.

Day 13: August 28, Saturday:  Sibiu – Maramureș – Sighetu Marmației
Today we leave Transylvania and travel north towards Maramureș, one of Romania’s most traditional regions and a place where old customs, craftsmanship and village life remain deeply rooted. The scenic route takes us through the Carpathian landscapes and rural communities of northern Romania.

Upon arrival in Maramureș, we discover a region famous for its wooden churches, carved gates, traditional costumes and strong sense of community. The villages here have preserved many elements of traditional life, from woodworking and weaving to seasonal customs and celebrations passed down through generations.

We continue to Sighetu Marmației, the cultural centre of the region, where we overnight before exploring the villages and living traditions of Maramureș in greater depth.

Day 14: August 29, Sunday: Maramureș: Villages, Wooden Churches & Living Traditions
Today we immerse ourselves in the unique cultural landscape of Maramures, one of Romania’s most traditional regions. We visit the Maramures Village Museum near Sighetu Marmației, an open-air ethnographic museum presenting authentic wooden houses, gates, workshops and traditional farmsteads from the surrounding villages. The museum offers a fascinating introduction to the architecture, crafts and daily life of a region where old traditions have been preserved for centuries.

We continue through the countryside to explore the famous villages of Maramures, known for their beautifully carved wooden gates, traditional costumes and strong community customs. We visit Sapanta, home to the colorful Merry Cemetery, where hand-painted wooden crosses tell the stories of local people through vivid images and folk-style verses. We also visit one of the region’s remarkable wooden churches, including the UNESCO-listed wooden churches that represent the exceptional craftsmanship of Maramureș.

Throughout the day, we experience the living traditions of the region, with opportunities to meet local people, discover traditional crafts and learn about the customs, music and way of life that make Maramureș one of Europe’s most fascinating cultural landscapes.

Day 15: August 30, Monday: Sighetu Marmației – Cluj
Today we leave Maramureș and continue south towards Cluj-Napoca, travelling through the scenic landscapes of northern Transylvania. Along the way, we make stops in the countryside to enjoy further glimpses of the region’s traditional villages, where wooden houses, carved gates and small rural communities still preserve the character of old Romania.

The journey offers a final opportunity to appreciate the landscapes and cultural heritage of Maramureș before returning to the more urban atmosphere of Cluj, the historic capital of Transylvania and one of Romania’s most vibrant cultural centres.

Upon arrival in Cluj-Napoca, we explore the city centre, with its elegant squares, historic buildings and multicultural heritage shaped by Romanian, Hungarian and Saxon influences. Overnight in Cluj.

Day 16 / August 31, Tuesday:   Cluj-Napoca – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Cluj-Napoca International Airport for your departure flight                             

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REGISTRATION FORM: I can’t wait to go! Enclosed is my registration deposit of $200 per person. Single supplement: $995.  Additional charges: Service charges: $185. Gratuities and drinks during meals not included. Program subject to change without notice.  Program subject to change without notice. All tours have a professional guide. If fewer than 10 travelers participate, a fee of $750 will be added. Cancellations 90 days prior to departure: Total refund. Less than 90 days: No refund. Travel insurance recommended.  Total balance due April 25. 2027

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Make checks payable to: Jim Gold International, 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 U.S.A Phone (201) 836-0362. Web site: www.jimgold.com E-mail: jimgold@zaw.tde.mybluehost.me

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