DAY 1: SINGAPORE ✈ BUCHAREST
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to [Bucharest] - Romania.
DAY 2: BUCHAREST
(DINNER)
Upon arrival, embark on a sightseeing tour to [Palace of Parliament] which is the second largest building in the world. Visit the huge marble halls generously decorated with works of art. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to admire an amazing rooftop view from the People’s House terrace. Enroute, phot stop at [National Theatre], the [Triumphal Arch], the [House of the Free Press] and you’ll pass through 3 very important squares: [University Square], [Victory Square] and [Revolution Square].
DAY 3: BUCHAREST - SINAIA - BRAN - BUCHAREST
(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)
This morning, make our way to [Sinaia], you may join an optional tour to Peles Castle which built in German Renaissance style. The Peles Castle is probably the most beautiful castle in Eastern Europe. Thereafter, continue to visit the [Bran Castle], also known as Dracula’s Castle. Be ready to trace the Dracula’s footsteps, to explore the eerie corridors and the deathly cold rooms at your peril. After the visit, you’ll stopover at the souvenir and local crafts market to shop for your Dracula souvenirs. Transfer back to Bucharest for our overnight stay.
DAY 4: BUCHAREST - VELIKO TARNOVO
(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)
After breakfast, crossing border into Bulgaria for one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, [Veliko Tarnovo] has as its centrepiece the magnificent restored [Tsarevets Fortress], citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The statue, [Assen’s Monument] which was erected exactly 800 years after the city was appointed capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, commemorates the Tsars for their contributions to the city. Enjoy shopping for local souvenirs in [Old Bazaar] and also famous [Rose Oil Shops].
DAY 5: VELIKO TARNOVO - SOFIA
(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/FOLK DANCE DINNER)
Head towards [Sofia] the capital of Bulgaria and embark on a city tour of the Bulgarian capital city. In the heart of Sofia, visit the [Saint Alexander Nevski Cathedral] and [The Boyana Church] which is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated on the outskirts of Sofia. In 1979, the building was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. From the outside we can visit the [St. Sophia Monument], [Lion Statue] and [Saint Nicholas Church]. In the evening enjoy the dinner at a local restaurant complete with folklore performances and the traditional fire dances
DAY 6: SOFIA - RILA - KYUSTENDIL
(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)
In the morning travel to the [Rila] Mountains and visit the famous [Rila Monastery] (Exclude Museum). The beautiful orthodox monastery was built in the 14th century and houses valuable paintings, thousands of manuscripts, old printed books and masterworks of wood carvings. From here, drive to town of [Kyustendil] where surrounded by Osogovo Mountain. Enjoy thermal pools available in the hotel.
DAY 7: KYUSTENDIL - PRIZREN - PRISHTINA
(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)
Farewell to Bulgaria and proceed through the border to the Republic of Kosovo. Thereafter, embark on a walking tour of the town in [Prizren]. Visit [Sinan Pasha Mosque] which built in 1615 by Sofi Sinan Pasha, bey of Budim. The mosque overlooks the main street of Prizren and is a dominant feature in the town's skyline. Next, transfer to [Prishtina], the capital city. Explore the neo‐brutalism of communist Yugoslavia's fascination with concrete monoliths and an altogether more elegantly graceful Ottoman legacy.
DAY 8: PRISHTINA - TIRANA
(BREAKFAST/DINNER)
This morning, cross border to Albania and you may wish to make an optional excursion to Shengjin, a coastal town and a former municipality in the Lezhe County. You will enjoy the panoramic beach view at Shengjin is one of the most famous in Albania, a dazzling strip of white rock several kilometres long that is lapped by deep blue water. Thereafter, head to [Tirana] - the capital of Albania. Follow by a sightseeing of the city and visit of the biggest attractions, like [Skanderbeg Square], [Skanderbeg Statue], [Et’hem Bey Mosque] and [The Clock Tower]. Visit the [Albanian National Museum], the largest museum in Albania holds many of the country's archaeological treasures and a replica of Skanderbeg's massive sword.
DAY 9: TIRANA - OHRID
(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)
After breakfast, cross the border to Macedonia and arrive at the city of Ohrid, enjoying some spectacular views over the [Ohrid Lake]. City tour of the historical city center, visiting [St Sophia Church] and [Samuel’s Fortress]. View [Church of St Jovan] at Kaneo, one of the most magnificent churches in all of Macedonia, standing right above a small fishing settlement, on a cliff rising up from Lake Ohrid. If weather permit, enjoy a panoramic view by boat trip (own expense) on the lake Ohrid.
DAY 10: OHRID - SKOPJE
(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/CHINESE DINNER)
This morning, depart for [Skopje], the capital of Macedonia. A city with abundance ancient and modern amenities and attractions. Visit the [birth house of Mother Theresa] and the [Fortress of Skopje]. [The Stone Bridge] on the River Vardar which connects the old Ottoman part of the city “Stara Charshija” and the Kale Fortress walls with the new part of the city. In the sloping narrow streets of Stara Charshija [Old Bazaar] one feels the spirit of the old ottoman city with its small shops, mosques with their ceramic tiled interiors.
DAY 11: SKOPJE ✈ SINGAPORE / **SKOPJE – NIS – BELGRADE
(BREAKFAST)
After breakfast, the morning is free at leisure till time for departure to the airport for your homebound flight.
For 13D10N SECRET OF EAST BALKANS (BAL13E), Day 11 as follow:
(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)
In the morning travel to the [Belgrade], capital city of Serbia via [Nis]. Embark on a sightseeing tour including the city's main attractions such as the imposing [Kalemegdan Fortress] dramatically situated at the joining of the Sava and Danube Rivers. Enter into [Saint Sava Church], the largest Orthodox Church in the city. Enroute, view outside of [Hotel Moscow]. One of the oldest currently operating in Serbia and also one of the most recognizable Belgrade landmarks. If time permit, shopping and self-exploration at [Knez Mihailova Street], the main pedestrian and shopping zone in Belgrade.
DAY 12: SINGAPORE / **BELGRADE ✈ SINGAPORE
We hope you enjoyed your trip with Hong Thai Travel and we look forward to seeing you again for your next trip.
For 13D10N SECRET OF EAST BALKANS (BAL13E), Day 12 as follow:
(BREAKFAST)
After breakfast, the morning is free at leisure till time for departure to the airport for your homebound flight. If taking late evening flight, recommended optional tour to University City of Novi Sad.
DAY 13: **SINGAPORE
We hope you enjoyed your trip with Hong Thai Travel and we look forward to seeing you again for your next trip.