DAY 1: UK - Budapest.
Fly to Budapest where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2: Budapest. Included sightseeing.
The included sightseeing tour with a local guide features Buda Castle which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. See Heroes' Square which typifies the modern capital, the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, the Royal Castle, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. In the evening, enjoy an optional Danube Dinner Cruise. (B)

DAY 3: Budapest - Novi Sad - Belgrade.
This morning travel to the border town of Szeged and cross into the province of Vojvodina in Serbia. Stop in Novi Sad, the capital of the province, situated on the River Danube and famous for its Petrovaradin Citadel known in the west as the 'Gibraltar of the Danube'. Continue to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, for one night. (B)

DAY 4: Belgrade - Sofia (included sightseeing).
Journey, by way of Nis, to the border and cross into Bulgaria before continuing to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. Explore the city on an inlcuded sightseeing tour with a local guide, including highlights such as the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, National Theatre and St Sofia Church. (B, D)

DAY 5: Sofia. Excursion to Rila Monastery.
This morning head to Rila for a visit to the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous sights in the country. Founded by the hermit Ivan Rilski in 927, the monastery complex has a long and chequered history. During the very long Turkish rule over the country, the monastery became a beacon of Bulgarian culture. this afternoon, return to Sofia and this evening, perhaps enjoy an optional folklore dinner? (B)

DAY 6: Sofia - Plovdiv - Veliko Tãrnovo.
This morning, drive eastwards to Plovdiv, set on the banks of the Maritsa River and Bulgaria's second largest city. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman Amphitheatre. Journey northwards through the fine scenery and over the Stara Planina Mountains, by way of Gabrobo, to Veliko Tãrnovo for one night. (B, D)

DAY 7: Veliko Tãrnovo - Bucharest.
Today enjoy some of the highlights of Veliko Tãrnovo, located on the Yantra River. During the Middle Ages, it was Bulgaria's capital and although now a modern town, it still retains some of its most attractive medieval features. Later drive to nearby Arbanassi, world famous for its unusual style of house, which combine elements of both dwellings and fortresses. The village is known as an architectural and historic reserve and was once the summer residence of Bulgarian Kings. One of the highlights of the visit is the Church of the Nativity built in 1637. In the afternoon journey north to Rousse where we cross the Danube to enter Romania and reach Bucharest. (B, D)

DAY 8: Bucharest. Included sightseeing.
Flower-festooned parks, gardens and wide boulevards shaded by century-old trees contribute to Bucharest's beauty. The highlight of your sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, wind- and watermills, and artisan workshops from all parts of the country. The local guide will also show you other places of interest, including the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace and the Savings Palace. There is also an optional afternoon visit to the Romanian Parliament, known as the House of the People. (B)

DAY 9: Bucharest - Sinaia - Brasov.
This morning, head to Sinaia in the Prahova Valley, a lovely ski resort, almost 3,300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered one of the most romantic in the world. Later, continue to Brasov, a lovely medieval town famed for its town square and studded with baroque architecture and outdoor cafés. In the evening, an optional folklore dinner in a typical Transylvanian restaurant is available. (B)

DAY 10: Brasov.
This morning, enjoy a walking orientation tour of Brasov old town including the Black Church before time at leisure to explore at your own pace. This afternoon, continue to Bran for a visit to Bran Castle, built in 1377 and, according to legend, once home to Vlad the Impaler, now better known as Count Dracula. (B)

DAY 11: Brasov - Sighisoara - Cluj Napoca.
Head northwards for a stop in Sighisoara, a medieval town with 11 towers. Standing within the city walls, which surround cobblestone streets, ancient houses and churches, it is one of Romania's prettiest towns. Legend has it that is is also the birthplace of the notorious Vlad (Dracula). Continue the journey north by way of Targu Mures to Cluj Napoca in the heart of Transylvania. (B, D)

DAY 12: Cluj Napoca - Budapest.
Travel westwards today by way of Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest for one night. (B)

DAY 13: Budapest - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)