In The Footsteps of Roman Emperors

Day 1: Varna – Tropaeum Traiani – Constanța

Arrival at Varna Airport and meeting with the tour guide who will accompany the group throughout the journey. Departure towards Romania, with lunch en route and crossing of the Bulgarian-Romanian border. Visit to the Tropaeum Traiani monument, erected in memory of Emperor Trajan’s campaigns. Continue to Constanța, with a stop at the Murfatlar vineyards for a tasting of local wines, including Fetească Neagră and Muscat Ottonel. Dinner and overnight in Constanța.

Day 2: Constanța – Bucharest

Visit to the National Museum of History and Archaeology in Constanța, home to remarkable Greek and Roman collections, as well as a Roman mosaic dating from the 4th century. Continue to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Lunch, followed by a panoramic discovery of the city, including the Palace of Parliament, the Arch of Triumph, Calea Victoriei and the Romanian Athenaeum, one of the great symbols of Romanian culture. Dinner and overnight in Bucharest.

Day 3: Bucharest – Ruse – Svishtov – Pleven

Departure towards Ruse, known as the “Little Vienna” for its elegant architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Visit to Sexaginta Prista, an ancient Roman military camp located on the banks of the Danube. Continue to Svishtov for lunch and a tasting of regional wines. Visit to the Roman legionary camp of Novae, founded in the 1st century to protect the conquered territories of Thrace and Macedonia. Continue to Pleven and discover the remains of Storgozia, once a Roman road station and later a fortress. Dinner and overnight in Pleven.

Day 4: Pleven – Belogradchik – Vidin

Departure towards the spectacular Belogradchik Fortress, set among the unique natural landscape of the Belogradchik Rocks. Of Roman origin, the fortress once protected strategic routes leading to the Danube. After the visit and lunch, continue to Vidin. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, built on the foundations of ancient Roman Bononia. Wine tasting in the region. Dinner and overnight in Vidin.

Day 5: Vidin – Drobeta-Turnu Severin

Departure towards Romania and the Danube town of Drobeta-Turnu Severin. City discovery and lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a Danube boat trip to admire the Tabula Traiana, the statue of Decebalus and Mraconia Monastery, set in an impressive natural landscape. Dinner and overnight in Drobeta-Turnu Severin.

Day 6: Drobeta-Turnu Severin – Zaječar – Knjaževac – Niš

Departure towards Serbia and visit to Felix Romuliana, one of the best-preserved Roman imperial sites in the Balkans and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified palace was built by Emperor Galerius in honour of his mother, Romula. Continue to Knjaževac for lunch and a tasting of local wines. Visit to Timacum Minus, an ancient Roman military fort linked to mining development and the antique road network of the Timok Valley. Continue to Niš, a historic city located at the crossroads of East and West. Dinner and overnight in Niš.

Day 7: Niš – Sofia

Visit to the archaeological site of Mediana, a luxurious residence associated with Constantine the Great and one of the best-preserved remains of ancient Naissus. Continue to Bulgaria and arrive in Sofia. Discovery of the historic centre, including the remains of ancient Serdica, the Parliament, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the main landmarks of the Bulgarian capital. Lunch and free time in the city. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

Day 8: Sofia – Departure

Transfer to Sofia Airport according to flight schedule.