Journey Along the Danube

Journey along the Danube, suitable for family and friends

Day 1: Sofia
Arrival at Sofia International Airport and pick up your booked rental car. Drive to your hotel in Sofia.
Overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia - Belogradchik - Vidin (240 km)
Drive north towards the beautiful Danube. On the way you will visit the breathtaking Belogradchik Rocks and the famous fortress built into this natural phenomenon. The rocks are remarkably diverse and picturesque, forming a natural fortress with high defense potential that has been improved and expanded over the years. The Magura Cave is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Bulgaria and is home to prehistoric paintings from various eras as well as the oldest solar calendar discovered in Europe.
Continue to Vidin to visit the Baba Vida Fortress, the best-preserved fortress in Bulgaria, which was built until the end of the 18th century. Enjoy the sunset over the beautiful Danube. Overnight stay in Vidin.

Day 3: Vidin - Pleven (210 km)
Optional sightseeing tour of Vidin with a local guide along the most remarkable houses of the town or boat tour on the Danube (only from May to September and depending on weather conditions). Continue to Pleven, an important economic center in northwestern Bulgaria. The best way to learn about the region is to visit the Pleven Panorama Museum and the Regional Museum of History. Overnight stay in Pleven.

Day 4: Pleven - Svishtov - Ruse (160 km)
Continue your Danube expedition in the direction of Svishtov. Take a walk through the town center and visit the Church of the Holy Trinity from the 19th century. As Svishtov was a Roman legionary base for centuries, the remains of the large Roman fortress Novae, which defended the border of the empire, can still be visited. Continue to Ruse.
Overnight stay in Ruse.

Day 5: Ruse
Spend a day in beautiful Ruse. Known in the past as the "little Vienna", this is also the town of the first railroad station, printing works, brewery, private bank, etc. The range is almost endless. The history museum will tell you all about it.
Just a few kilometers from Ruse are the fantastic rock churches of Ivanovo (UNESCO). This is where the first hermits built their own cells in the 12th century. Their frescoes bear witness to the extraordinary skills of the artists in the region.
The Romanian capital Bucharest is only 70 km away and can also be visited in one day. Overnight stay in Ruse.

Day 6: Ruse - Tutrakan - Silistra ( 130 km)
Drive along the Danube to Tutrakan, a lively fishing village. Visit the picturesque fishing district, which is attractive for cyclists, boaters and artists. Do not miss out on trying the local dishes and then continue to Lake Srebarna. The lake is part of the Srebarna Nature Reserve (UNESCO) and is home to numerous rare bird species that nest here, such as the Damlatius pelican, great egret, night heron and others. Drive to Silistra for a sightseeing tour along the Danube. Overnight stay in Silistra.

Day 7: Silistra - Varna (140 km)
Drive to the Black Sea coast and the fantastic city of Varna. Also known as the maritime capital of Bulgaria, the area is a very popular vacation destination. Varna is also known for the oldest worked gold in the world, which is exhibited in the local Archeological Museum. It is dated back to 4000 BC and is an important part of the Varna culture.
Enjoy the sights and historical landmarks of the city - Roman thermal baths, Varna Cathedral, Aladzha Monastery - or spend a day at the beach. Overnight stay in Varna.

Day 8: Varna
Drive to Varna International Airport and return flight to your destination, depending on flight schedule.

Spend a fantastic week along the Danube with your family and friends and visit the most beautiful sights and historical monuments at your own pace.

Included in the price:
> Rental car (Renault Clio V + NAVI or similar)
> 1 overnight stay in Sofia, hotel 3*
> 1 night in Vidin, hotel 3*
> 1 night in Pleven, hotel 3*
> 2 nights in Ruse, hotel 4*
> 1 night in Silistra, hotel 4*
> 1 night in Varna, hotel 4*
> Local taxes

The price does not include:
> Meals, drinks and all personal expenses
> Services not mentioned in the offer
> Travel insurance
> Optional sightseeing and tours

Optional sightseeing and guided tours:
> Visits of Belograchik Fortress, Magura Cave, Baba Vida Fortress, Svishtоv Cathedral, Srebarna Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO)
> Half-day city tour with English-speaking guide (valid for Vidin, Pleven, Svishtov, Ruse, Silistra or Varna)
Guides with other languages are available on request and at an extra charge
> Boat tour on the Danube
> Visit to Bucharest, during your stay in Ruse (border crossing fee, half-day city tour of Bucharest with English-speaking guide)