Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey agri tour

Romanian part

17.06 – 22.06.2018

Day 1.: Arrival in Bucharest, 50 km (D)

Meet the guide and transfer to the hotel in the city centre.
Dinner in one of the best known restaurants in Bucharest, “Caru cu Bere” in the old historical centre of Bucharest. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in the city centre.

Day 2.: Bucharest – Pantelimon – Sibiu (B, L, D), 320 km, ~6 h transfer

City tour after breakfast. The capital of Romania features characteristics of the Parisian Bohemianism. Transfer to Pantelimon to visit a dairy farm with about 500 heads, which opened the first “Farm Park” in Romania. Lunch. Transfer to Sibiu, following the beautiful Olt Valley. On the way you can stop to visit the Cozia monastery, dating from the 14th century which features a wonderful blend of styles. Arrive in Sibiu – European Capital of Culture in 2007. Accommodation in a 4* hotel located in the old city centre and dinner.

Day 3.: Sibiu – Cartisoara – Albota – Cobor – Viscri (B, L, D), 170 km, ~3 h 30 min transfer

Transfer to Cartisoara to visit an agro-tourist group including: two animal farms, a slaughter house, a small meat production factory, a trout farm, a guest house and several restaurants. Visit the trout farm belonging to the same group. Lunch. Transfer towards Cobor, visit an ecological farm, where the land has never been treated with fertilizers or pesticides. Continue to Viscri – a Saxon village included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Accommodation in traditional farmer houses and traditional dinner.

Day 4.: Viscri – Rotbav – Bran – Brasov (B,L,D), 130 km, 2 h 45 min transfer

Transfer to Rotbav to visit a Catean farm with about 1.100 sheep, 100 cows, 9 horses, 100 ha arable land and 150 ha pastures, producing cheese with traditional recipes unchanged since 1412. Lunch at the farm. We will then continue to Bran Castle – well known for its connection to Dracula’s legend. In the late afternoon, city tour of Brasov, one of Transylvania’s major cities. Dinner and accommodation at a 3* hotel – a medieval building located in the main square of the city.

Day 5.: Brasov – Cheia – Cramele Rasova – Constanta (B,L,D), 450 km, 6,5hrs

Drive to the village of Cheia in the morning. Visit Zaganu – a craft beer factory and continue towards Constanta. On the way stop and visit a wine cellar. Arrive at the Black Sea, dinner and accommodation in a 4* hotel.

Day 6.: Constanta – Vama Veche – Border to Bulgaria (B), 55 km, 1 h transfer

City tour – historically known as Tomis, Constanta is the oldest existing city in Romania. Transfer to the border of Bulgaria. (see next tab)

Bulgarian part

22.06.-27.06.2018)

Day 1.(6.): Arrival in Bulgaria – Varna, 120 km (D)

Arrival at the Romanian-Bulgarian border before noon and continue on to Varna. On the way we will visit the famous Balchik botanical garden and Palace. In the late afternoon we will be in Varna to enjoy a city-tour, including the Cathedral and the Sea Garden Dinner and overnight in Varna.

Day 2.(7.): Varna – Dobrudzha – Veliko Tarnovo, 360 km (B,D)

Morning visit to a cereal production company processing about 7000 ha of corn and wheat + animal-breeding farm of about 600 cows. Afternoon visit to the oldest and the largest stud farm in Bulgaria. The complex also breeds milk-cows, cattle and sheep of local breeds. Drive to the Veliko Tarnovo region for dinner and overnight.

Day 3.(8.): Veliko Tarnovo – Etar – Kazanlak, 165 km (B,D)

After breakfast we will enjoy a short city tour of Veliko Tarnovo – the „City of the Tsars“. We continue with a visit to an orchard (plums and apples) and a dry-house. Next is a visit to an open-air ethnographic complex Etura that recreates old-time architecture, lifestyle and handicrafts – wood-carving, pottery, coppersmith, furriery, cutlery, tailoring etc.At the end of the day we reach Kazanlak – the town of Roses, where we will visit the famous Thracian Tomb, a UNESCO site. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4.(9.): Kazanlak – Starosel – Plovdiv, 170 km (B,D)

Morning drive to the heart of the Valley of Roses with a visit to a rose-distillery farm, followed by a winery visit. Next on the agenda is a visit to a mixed cow farm for both cattle and dairy cows – about 220 heads in total. Drive to Plovdiv city for dinner and overnight.

Day 5.(10.): Around Plovdiv, 100 km (B, D)

In the morning we will enjoy city tour of The Old Town of Plovdiv. In the afternoon we will have two technical visits in the region: a newly-built goat farm that is largest in Europe for Boer breed (200 goats) and a modern boutique winery with wine-tasting (40 ha of own vineyards). Back to Plovdiv.

Day 6.(11.): Departure to Turkey, 170 km (B)

Time to say farewell to your Bulgarian guide and driver. Meet your local (English speaking) guide after crossing the border and continue to Çanakkale (see next tab).

Turkish part

27.06.-02.07.2018

Day 1.(11.): Kapikule – Edirne – Canakkale, 270 km (D)

Your local guide will meet you at at the Bulgarian/Turkish border. Our route takes us towards the Dardanelles, a strait between the European and Asian continent. This important geographical spot has played an important rule throughout history. Today, Canakkale is not only famous for its tomatoes and fruits, but also as one of the main areas for honey production. Technical visit before before reaching our hotel.

Day 2.(12.): Day tour to the Aegean Coast, 400 km (B,D)

Our tour includes a visit to the acropolis of ancient Pergamum, which was one of the main cultural and political centers of its time. After the invention of parchment, the largest library of the ancient world was established here. Since the beginning of history, the area has mainly been producing olives, where we will visit a plant. In Ezine, we will visit a cheesery and have the chance to taste their famous product. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3.(13.): Çanakkale – Bursa, 270 km (B,D)

Our journey takes us along the Sea of Marmara, which links the Black Sea to the Aegean. We will visit a large dairy farm and see one of the most charming original Ottoman Villages of Turkey. Here, we will visit a women’s co-operative with a very interesting story of success. Overnight in Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire located at the foot of Mt. Uludag.

Day 4.(14.): Bursa – Istanbul, 350 km (B,D)

During our short city tour of Bursa we will not only see the famous Mosque and Mausoleum, but also the ancient Silk Bazaar. Visit of a chestnut production or the Silkworm Cooperative. The area around Bursa is one of the regions of Turkey with the highest production rate in agriculture. Not only is it in the proximity to Istanbul and other large cities, but also its climate plays an important role. We will visit one of the largest fruit producers and exporters before continuing on to Istanbul. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5.(15.): Istanbul (Constantinople) and the Bosphorus (B)

Without a doubt, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, uniquely located on two continents. Our tour takes us to the historical city center (UNESCO world heritage), where we will visit some of the most famous monuments, such as the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the magnificent St. Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture from the 6th century. Time to shop and explore the Grand Bazaar, the former “shopping center” of the Sultans. We will then not only enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus with unforgettable views to the palaces, mosques, the bridges and fortresses, but also the impressive modern skyline. Evening for leisure (or an optional program). Overnight as day before.

Day 6.(16.): Departure (B)

Depending on the time of departure, you might have some more time for sightseeing. Transfer to the airport. Homebound flight (or extension in Istanbul)

Romanian part

17.06 – 22.06.2018

Price: per person in Double or Twin room EUR 998,–
Single room EUR 1.150,–

Sevices included:

Bulgarian part

22.06. – 27.06.2018

Price: per person in Double or Twin room EUR 890,–
Single room EUR 990,–

Sevices included:

The package price does NOT include:
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratitude
- Air fare
- Anything else, which is not mentioned in “The package price includes”
- Travel insurance

Other information:
- The technical visits may change in case of unforeseen situation (alternatives will be provided)

Turkish part

27.06. – 02.07.2018

Price: per person in Double or Twin room EUR 755,–
Single room EUR 850,–

Sevices included:

NB: The tours will be operated with a minimum of 6 persons.