2019 JULY 8 - 25 = London & Gate 1 bus tour to Bulgria / Serbia / Romania

Legend

Bus
Train
Plane

Bucharest, Romania ‐ Jul 24, 2019

222.7 km

Ibis Gara de Nord - Located within walking distance of train station - taxi to airport
Constanța ‐ Jul 21, 2019

221.9 km

Hotel Cherica - located at edge of old town over looking the Black Sea Beach - spent 3 days wandering through the old town visited antiquity museum, navel museum, Mosque, Churches, & old casino. Took a bus ride through to new town & hotel beach resorts area. Visited the beach & had a few beers, but only waded in the water.
Bucharest ‐ Jul 19, 2019

133.6 km

Athenee Palace Hilton - Arrive in the Romanian capital of Bucharest with its lovely parks, gardens, wide boulevards and avenues shaded by centuries-old trees. Dinner and overnight in Bucharest. July 20 - orning tour in Bucharest, named the "Paris of the East," takes you to the replica of the French Arc de Triomphe, built in 1935 to commemorate the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in WWI. Visit the gigantic Parliament Palace, second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon in the [...]
U.S. See the Romanian Athenaeum, the Opera House, the National Military Club and the Military Academy, and visit the wondrous Patriarchal Cathedral, set atop one of the city's few hills and known as the centerpiece of the Romanian Orthodox faith since the 17th-century. In your free time this afternoon, stroll down Victory Avenue, a historic street lined with shops, museums, cafes and elegant homes. Bid farewell to your newfound friends and share wonderful memories at tonight's Farewell Dinner and festive Folklore Show.
Sinaia

47.1 km

Continue with a visit to the romantic Peles Castle, the summer home of King Carol I. Tour of 17th century Sinaia Monastery canceled.
Bran

29.2 km

Travel south to fabled Bran Castle, surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend, commonly known as "Dracula's Castle." Perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to the commanding towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stocker's character, Count Dracula. Tour the castle, that now serves as a museum displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie.
Braşov ‐ Jul 18, 2019

113.3 km

Hotel Aro Palace - Brasov, nestled at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Upon arrival, a walking tour of this lovely city famous for its Town Hall Square filled with ornately trimmed baroque structures.and the first Romanian school, with its collection of rare books. Tonight, enjoy dinner together.
Sighișoara

89.2 km

Depart to Sighisoara, the best-preserved medieval city in Southeastern Europe with fortified walls, cobblestone lanes and 16th century gingerbread houses. Tour the town's famous Clock Tower Museum; view the workings of the magnificent clock with its moving wooden figurines.
Sibiu ‐ Jul 17, 2019

256.3 km

Golden Tulip Ana Tower - The drive this morning takes you to the region of Transylvania. Visit the mythical 14th century Hunedoara Castle built on old Roman fortifications with huge pointed towers, a massive drawbridge and soaring battlements. This fortress, transformed many times over the years, became the castle of Matthias Corvinus, known as the "Raven King." Then, drive to the charming town of Sibiu, with its maze of cobbled streets and baroque squares. This cultural center of Europe attract [...]
ed many musicians in the 19th century and today is the center of Romania's major music festivals, Morning July 18 A guided walking tour begins the day in the Bohemian Old Town that still retains the grandeur of its earlier days with a medieval wall guarding the historic area where narrow streets pass by steep-roofed 17th century buildings. View Great Square, Little Square and the Evangelical Cathedral. At the Bridge of Lies, the first forged iron bridge in the country, view decorations of rosettes and geometric motifs.
Timișoara ‐ Jul 16, 2019

148.8 km

Hotel Timisoara - Timisoara in Romania a vibrant city on the Bega River, built around lavish parks and gardens where the Romanian revolution began in 1989. View the ruins of the Timisoara Fortress, 14th century Hunaidy Castle, and the elegant residential section. Dinner together at a local restaurant.
Novi Sad, Serbia

93.3 km

Drive through the ever changing landscape to Novi Sad, an interesting mix of Serbian culture and Austro-Hungarian architecture, nestled on the Danube. A walking tour introduces you to the city's major highlights including the Petrovaradin Citadel, also known as the "Gibraltar of the Danube," towering over the river.
Belgrade ‐ Jul 14, 2019

231 km

Hotel Moskva - hotel is centrally located nearby Republic Square. Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe with a long and tumultuous history. This evening's dinner is at a typical restaurant in the Old Bohemian Quarter of Skadarlija, accented by music and songs. Toast your fellow travelers this evening with Rakia, a delicious fruit brandy popular in the Balkans. July 15 Today's sightseeing of historic Belgrade includes a visit to the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically set at the [...]
confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Built in stages between the 1st and 18th centuries, this fortress witnessed major defensive battles. View the Republic Square, bustling Knez Mihajlova Street, the imposing Saint Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and Marshal Tito’s Memorial. Time this afternoon on our own
Niš

156.4 km

A long and rewarding day as you cross the border into the Republic of Serbia. Arrive in Nis, an important crossroad between Central Europe and the Middle East. After an orientation tour of the city with its many historically important sites, enjoy lunch at a popular café. This emerging city was settled in pre-Roman times and flourished during the time of Emperor Constantine. See the remains of the Turkish fort from the 18th century, now a bustling central recreation area filled with shops, cafe [...]
s and restaurants.
Sofia, Bulgaria ‐ Jul 12, 2019

InterContinental Sofia - first class hotel overlooks Narodno Sabranie Square. The hotel is within a five minute walk of Narodno Sabranie Square, the National Assembly of Bulgaria, Sofia University, Russian Church, and Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria's lively capital and cultural center, and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and orientation meeting with your Tour Manager. July 13 Become acquainted with the history [...]
of Sofia on your visit to the National Museum of History. Enjoy exhibits of the Bulgarian lands dating back 8000 years, including glimpses of the unique gold and silver treasures from Thracian times. View the St. Sofia Church across the square from the impressive Neo-Byzantine golden domed Alexander Nevsky Church, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Next, tour the oldest architectural monument in Sofia, the 4th century Roman Rotunda, a red-brick building transformed into the present day St. George Church. Stroll the lanes of the city on our own
City of London, United Kingdom ‐ Jul 8, 2019

Norfolk Towers Paddington - 7/8 to 7/12. sites visited included British Library, Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, St. Paul's Cathedral, Hampton Palace, The Shard, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, & Southwark Cathedral.