Two-Week Romania & Bulgaria Itinerary for 3 People

Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest, Romania

Morning: Arrive at Bucharest Otopeni Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Begin your journey with a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, one of the world's largest administrative buildings.

Afternoon: Stroll through the Old Town (Lipscani District), exploring its charming architecture and numerous cafes. Visit the National Museum of Romanian History to get a cultural overview.

Evening: Enjoy Romanian cuisine at Caru’ cu Bere, a historic restaurant. Optionally walk through the illuminated streets and soak the city ambiance.

Day 2: Bucharest - Flea and Food Markets

Morning: Explore the Obor Market, one of Bucharest's largest open-air food markets known for fresh produce and local delicacies.

Afternoon: Visit the Antiques Market at Piața Obor for unique flea market finds, followed by a visit to the Atheneum, a stunning concert hall renowned for its architecture.

Evening: Dinner at a traditional Romanian restaurant, perhaps trying sarmale (cabbage rolls).

Day 3: Bucharest to Sinaia (Train - approx. 2 hours)

Morning: Take the train to Sinaia, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains.

Afternoon: Tour the Peleș Castle, one of Europe’s most beautiful castles with neo-Renaissance architecture.

Evening: Enjoy mountain views and dine at a local restaurant featuring Transylvanian cuisine.

Day 4: Sinaia to Brașov (Train - approx. 1 hour)

Morning: Depart for Brașov, a medieval city with impressive fortifications.

Afternoon: Explore the Black Church, walk along the Council Square (Piața Sfatului), and visit the Brașov Fortress Walls.

Evening: Dinner at a cozy local spot in the old town.

Day 5: Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress (Day Trip by Car - 45 min each way)

Morning: Visit Bran Castle, famously linked to the Dracula legend and rich in medieval architecture.

Afternoon: Continue to the nearby Rasnov Fortress, a hilltop citadel with panoramic views and medieval defenses.

Evening: Return to Brașov for a relaxed dinner and evening stroll.

Day 6: Brașov to Sibiu (Train - approx. 2.5 hours)

Morning: Travel to Sibiu, known for its Germanic architecture and lively markets.

Afternoon: Wander through the Big Square (Piața Mare), visit the Brukenthal National Museum, and enjoy browsing at the Local Farmers’ Market.

Evening: Try Sibiu’s vibrant culinary scene at a local tavern.

Day 7: Sibiu - Explore More Castles and Architecture

Morning: Visit the ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilisation, an extensive open-air museum showcasing Romanian village architecture.

Afternoon: Short drive to Făgăraș Fortress, a massive fortress with thick walls and excellent preservation.

Evening: Return to Sibiu, enjoy some local desserts and evening atmosphere.

Day 8: Sibiu to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria (Car/Bus transfer approx. 5-6 hours)

Morning: Cross the border into Bulgaria, arriving at Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital.

Afternoon: Explore the impressive Tsarevets Fortress and its beautiful Byzantine-style architecture.

Evening: Dinner overlooking the Yantra River, sampling traditional Bulgarian dishes.

Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo Flea and Food Markets

Morning: Visit the Veliko Tarnovo Central Market featuring local produce and crafts.

Afternoon: Explore the town’s old streets, visit the Samovodska Charshiya — a crafts and flea market street with artisan shops.

Evening: Enjoy a folklore music performance paired with dinner.

Day 10: Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia (Train - approx. 3 hours)

Morning: Depart to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital filled with historic and architectural treasures.

Afternoon: Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National Palace of Culture, and the Serdica Archaeological Complex.

Evening: Dinner at one of Sofia’s vibrant food markets or local restaurants.

Day 11: Sofia Flea Markets & Food Exploration

Morning: Explore the Elin Pelin Flea Market for antiques and curios.

Afternoon: Visit the Women’s Market (Zhenski Pazar), a bustling food and spice market.

Evening: Sample Bulgarian street food or sit down for a Balkan cuisine experience.

Day 12: Sofia to Plovdiv (Train - approx. 2 hours)

Morning: Travel to Plovdiv, a city rich with Roman ruins and colorful old town architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, stroll the Old Town, and explore local artisan shops and galleries.

Evening: Dine at a terrace restaurant overlooking the city’s historical center.

Day 13: Plovdiv Markets and Fortresses

Morning: Visit the Kapana District known for its flea markets, galleries, and artisan food stalls.

Afternoon: Explore Dzhumaya Mosque and The Ancient Roman Stadium.

Evening: Relax with a Bulgarian wine tasting experience in a local wine bar.

Day 14: Plovdiv to Sofia and Departure

Morning: Return to Sofia by train or car (approximately 2 hours).

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or visit to Borisova Gradina Park for relaxation before departure.

Evening: Transfer to Sofia Airport for your flight home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Palace of the Parliament: 2 hours, approx. €15 per person
• Peleș Castle: 2-3 hours, approx. €10 per person
• Bran Castle: 2 hours, approx. €8 per person
• Rasnov Fortress: 1.5 hours, approx. €5 per person
• Tsarevets Fortress: 2 hours, approx. €7 per person
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: 1 hour, free to visit (small donation recommended)
• Train travel (average per segment): 1-3 hours, approx. €10-15 per person
• Flea and Food Market visits: 2 hours each, generally free entry, budgeting €10-15 for purchases/food per person
• Total estimated cost (including entrances, trains, food for 3 people): €1,200 - €1,500

Tips

• For travelers who wish to extend the trip, consider adding visits to Transylvania’s fortified churches such as in Biertan and Viscri or adding a few beach days on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast near Varna or Burgas.
• For those wanting a shorter trip, focus on major cities only—Bucharest, Brașov, Sofia, and Plovdiv, eliminating some day trips to reduce travel time and logistics complexity.
• Renting a car for Romania’s mountainous regions can provide more flexibility, while train travel is efficient between major cities.
• Booking guided tours for castles and historic sites may enrich the experience and provide deeper cultural context.