Travel Notices

The Friendly Planet Newsletter

Published Sep 4, 2021
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Plovdiv, Bulgaria
 
Explore the magic of Eastern Europe
 
From the complex history and rugged terrain to the diverse heritage and medieval atmosphere, Bulgaria and Romania are two emerging Eastern European destinations welcoming culture-minded, curious travelers. Explore the numerous churches, fortresses, monasteries and other landmarks that reflect over 2,000 years of history in Bulgaria's eclectic capital, Sofia. Stand in awe upon the Rila Monastery, admiring the radiant fresco paintings created by the most famous Bulgarian artists before discovering the 1st century Roman Amphitheater in Plovdiv, considered one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theaters. Then, dive into the legend of Dracula and explore the mysterious Transylvanian towns and ancient sites. Wander the tree-lined boulevards of Bucharest, Romania's capital city once known as the “Little Paris”. Visit the lovely medieval town of Sibiu, Vlad Tepes's hometown of Sighisoara, whose walled and well-preserved old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Painted Monasteries of the Bucovina region, where the beautifully painted walls depict bible stories and are masterpieces of Byzantine art, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wrap up your incredible trip at the infamous 14th century Bran Castle, also known as "Count Dracula's Castle".
 
Itinerary Highlights
 
Rila Monastery Ceiling
 
 
Day 3
 
Rila Monastery, Bulgaria
 
Founded in the middle of the 10th century, the Rila, Bulgaria’s largest Eastern Orthodox Monastery, has played a key role in the preservation of Bulgarian culture and language over the centuries. Admire the impressive fresco paintings and the museum that houses a collection of exhibits related to the history and spread of Christianity.
 
 
 
Palace of Parliament
 
 
Day 7
 
Palace of Parliament, Bucharest
 
While touring Bucharest, once known as the “Little Paris”, visit the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. Though originally named the House of the Republic when under construction, the palace became widely known as The People's House after the Romanian Revolution of December 1989.
 
 
 
Castle Dracula
 
 
Day 12
 
Bran Castle, Romania
 
Experience the history, myth, and intrigue of Bran Castle, a magical medieval fortress in Transylvania. Commonly known as Dracula’s Castle, the castle itself has no connection with Bram Stoker's novel. Instead, it is the site of 600 years of fascinating Romanian history.
 
 
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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