The Red, Red Wine Tour
From the home of the original Balkan “blood drinker” Vlad Dracul to the home of Bulgaria wine Melnik, our Red, Red Wine Tour will show you the very best of what Bulgaria and Romania have to offer.
And that’s quite a lot: you have stunning Varna on the Black Sea coast, Plovdiv – the European Capital of Culture – ancient Thracian tombs, the incredible architecture and history of Bucharest and much more besides…
You’ll have a fully licensed local guide who provides recommendations and insights.
With us, your Balkan trip itinerary will always be your own.
Tour highlights
Melnik (the so-called Bulgarian Capital of Wine), Rila Monastery, Plovdiv (the European Capital of Culture), the Valley of Roses and Tomb of the Thracian Kings at Kazanlak, Veliko Tarnovo, city tour of beautiful Varna, Bucharest city tour, city tour of Sibiu, Sinaia, Bran Castle (of Dracula fame), Sighisoara Castle and Vlad Dracul House.
What your tour price includes
- Recommendations and guidance – your friendly,English-speaking tour guide will be there to give you any support you need. Whether you need some local pointers or historical or cultural knowledge, they’re there to show you the way.
- As many changes as you want – feel free to let us know about any changes you want to make to your tour itinerary. We can add extra rest days, include action-packed visits to other sights – whatever you need to create your dream trip.
- Free, no-obligation quote and itinerary – after you give us the details of what you want, we provide a cost and commitment-free personal itinerary and quote.
- Private tours – we run private tours for up to 8 participants.
- Safe, comfortable vehicles – watch Bulgaria and Romania pass through the windows of one of our spacious, air-conditioned minivans.
9-Day Bulgaria and Romania Itinerary
Day 1
→ Depart from Sofia in the morning
→ Transfer to the Rila monastery (2-2.5 hours)
→ Guided tour of the monastery
Visit the rila monastery museum and complex
→ Transfer to Melnik (the smallest city in Bulgaria a.k.a. The Bulgarian Wine Capital)
Sightseeing and wine tasting in local winery (optional)
Overnight in Melnik
Day 2
→ Transfer to Plovdiv / The European Capital of Culture (4:00 hours)
Plovdiv amphitheatre→ Walking city tour of Plovdiv
Visit The Old town from the 19th century; the Ethnographic museum (outside); Balabanov house; the Ancient theatre of Philippopolis; the Ancient stadium of Philipopolis, The St Constantin and Elena church, The Djumaya mosque and square, The building of the Regional Historical Museum, Saint Ludvik cathedral, Agara (Marketplace), the Main walking street, “The Trap” neighborhood; Nebet tepe)
→ Free time in Plovdiv in the afternoon
Overnight in Plovdiv
Day 3
→ Depart after breakfast from your hotel in Plovdiv
→ Visit the rose valley and Kazanlak area
Explore the Thracian tomb in Kazanlak or the Buzludzha monument
→ Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo via Shipka pass (1:30- 2:00 hours)
→ Short city tour of Veliko Tarnovo
Visit the Tsarevets fortress and the craft street
Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo
Day 4
→ Transfer to Varna area
→ Visit Shumen monument “300 Years Bulgaria” and the Madara Rider
→ City tour of Varna and free time
Visit the “The Dormition of the mother of God” Cathedra; The Roman Thermaes, St. Nikolas church The sea garden, The port, The main shopping street.
Overnight in Varna
Day 5
→ Transfer to Bucharest, Romania
→ City tour of Bucharest
Visit the Palace of Parliament, Old town, Piata Victoriei, Cec Palace, unirii Square, Revolution square, National Museum of Romanian history, Constitution square, Lui Carol monument, Palace of justice
Overnight in Bucharest
Day 6
→ Transfer to Sinaia area
→ Visit Peles castle and Bran (Dracula) castle
→ Transfer to Brasov
Overnight in Brasov
Day 7
→ Transfer to Sighisoara
→ City tour and free time
Visit the Sighisoara Citadel, The Clock tower, The Vlad Dracul House
Overnight in Sighisoara
Day 8
→ Transfer to Sibiu
→ City tour and free time
Visit the Consul tower of Sibiu, the Large Square, the bridge of Lies, Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral;
Overnight in Sibiu
Day 9
→ Transfer to Bucharest
End of the tour
Pass us some information about your preferences. We’ll send you a free, no-obligation quote and custom tour itinerary. You can reach us by email or via our form below.