Bucharest to Burgas

A cross-border journey through sacred history, rock-hewn wonders, and monumental heritage

Traveling between Romania and Bulgaria is more than crossing a border — it’s entering a space where legends, devotion, and empire-building have left their mark on the land. This private transfer route offers optional sightseeing stops at some of the most unique spiritual and historical landmarks in the Balkans.

Optional Sightseeing Stops

Comana Monastery – Romania

Originally built in 1461 by Vlad Țepeș (Vlad the Impaler), Comana Monastery served both as a spiritual retreat and a fortress. Situated in what was once a swamp and accessible by a wooden bridge, the monastery’s location offered strategic protection. Archaeological work in the 1970s uncovered a headless skeleton that some believe could belong to Vlad himself, potentially placing his true burial site here. The peaceful grounds contrast with its dramatic history.

Basarbovo Monastery – Bulgaria

Nestled in the limestone cliffs near Ruse, Basarbovo Monastery is the only active cave monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the Middle Ages and gaining fame in the 17th century thanks to St. Dimitar Basarbovski, this sacred place exudes tranquility and simplicity. The monk lived an ascetic life among the rocks, and his legacy is still revered today. The monastery is suspended above the Rusenski Lom River, offering both spiritual depth and scenic beauty.

Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo – Bulgaria

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ivanovo rock churches were carved into cliffs by monks beginning in the 13th century. At its height, the complex included 40 churches and over 300 cells, many of which are lost to time, but the surviving chapels feature exquisite medieval frescoes — vibrant, expressive, and surprisingly well-preserved. These artworks reflect the theological sophistication of Bulgaria's Second Empire and stand among the greatest examples of Orthodox mural art in Europe.

Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria – Shumen

Towering over the city of Shumen at 450 meters above sea level, this brutalist-style monument celebrates the founding of the First Bulgarian Empire. Erected in 1981, the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria (also called the Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument) is a massive geometric ensemble of concrete figures and angular shapes. It can be reached by road or a grand stairway, and its visibility from 30 km away makes it not only an architectural statement, but also a national symbol of pride and identity.

Why Choose a Sightseeing Transfer?

• Make the most of your cross-border journey with curated stops

• Explore both religious heritage and cultural landmarks in a single trip

• Travel comfortably, at your own pace, avoiding rigid group schedules

• Ideal for travelers interested in history, spirituality, and unique architecture

• Experience Romania and Bulgaria from a deeper, more meaningful perspective

Book Your Cultural Transfer Experience Today

From Vlad the Impaler’s hidden monastery to UNESCO-protected cliff churches and monumental tributes to empires past, this route reveals the spiritual and cultural roots of the Balkans — all while connecting two neighboring nations.

ZigoTravel – Private journeys, shaped by history.