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Experience the myths, magic and mystery of 14^th century Bran Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, during Saga’s Lands and Legends of Bulgaria and Romania tour, with a choice of eight departures from April to October 2018.

The seven-night holiday dares to be different and heads off the well-trodden tourist trail to discover the ancient sites and vibrant culture of Bulgaria and Romania, starting with a two-night stay at the Festa Sofia Hotel(4Q), in Sofia, Bulgaria.

A tour of Sofia reveals architectural treasures including the St George Rotunda, St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Royal Palace and 10th-century Rila Monastery. Further south, in ancient Plovdiv, guests explore the Old Town with its well-preserved remains of the Roman Odeon before travelling to Kazanluk to see the UNESCO-listed Thracian tomb.

After an overnight stay at Meridian Bolyarski Hotel (4Q), in Veliko Tarnovo, a walking tour includes viewing stone houses which cling to the steep banks of the Yantra River and the Tsarevets fortress.

After crossing the River Danube into Romania, guests arrive in the capital, Bucharest, for an overnight at the Hotel Capitol (3Q). A tour of the city, known as the ‘Paris of the East’ features a visit to the Royal Palace and the Palace of Parliament – the third largest building in the world with 1,000 lavishly-decorated rooms commissioned by Nicolae Ceausescu in the 1980s. There is also an excursion to the open-air National Village Museum to see reconstructed rural buildings from all over Romania.

The next three nights are spent in the magnificent mountain town of Sinaia, and the International Hotel (4Q) is the base for excursions to Transylvania to visit 14^th century Bran Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. The Black Church scarred by fire, St Nicholas’s Cathedral and the Romanian School Museum are also on the itinerary. While staying in Sinaia, guests can also visit Peles Castle, a 19^th century palace built for Romania’s first monarch, King Carol I.

Guests who wish to extend the holiday can opt for a two-night stay in Hotel Capitol (4Q) from £200.

For details call free on 0800 092 0803 or visit travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/destinations/bulgaria

Seven nights from £979 departing London Heathrow on April 26, May 17, June 7 and 14, August 30, September 6 and 20 and October 11, 2018. Price includes return flights and transfers, accommodation in 3Q and 4Q-rated hotels, most meals (seven breakfasts, two lunches and five dinners), Saga tour manager, porterage at hotels, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance.

ENDS

Editors notes:

Saga has created four ‘Time to’ holiday styles: Go for it, Stay & Explore, Discover and Unwind. Each style helps guests decide on a holiday that feels right for them. Lands and Legends of Bulgaria and Romania is Discover (Pace 3).

Saga is a specialist in the provision of products and services for life after 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and its high quality, award-winning products and services including cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and publishing. Visit saga.co.uk