From Romania to the Greek shores of the Aegean, through Bulgaria and Sofia, the route crisscrosses mountains and valleys home to local traditions and towns with a rich cultural heritage, ending in the crystal clear waters of Northern Greece. The itinerary explores different beliefs, illustrated most beautifully by the region’s monasteries, which inspire tranquility and serenity in curious travelers.
Hotel and restaurant in town. Imbued with charm and personality, central Bucharest's Epoque Hotel offers a peaceful retreat in the city centre. Close to Cișmigiu Park, Romanian Athenaeum and the opera house, Epoque Hotel displays a French neo-classical facade; its warm décor inspired by the local history and heritage. At the intimate and stylish L’Atelier, the chef creates his exceptional signature cuisine using local and seasonal produce.
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Restaurant in town. Le Bistrot Français creates an alchemy of French and Romanian cultures. Inside a 19th-century villa in the centre of Bucharest, with woodwork and paintings on the walls, chandeliers and parquet floors, and even a grand piano, the ambience is undeniably that of Central Europe. On the plates, you will find a modern cuisine featuring the finest ingredients from France and Romania. Breton lobster and Bresse chicken are judiciously paired with truffles from Transylvania or delicious Mangalitsa pork. Expect to taste exquisite local produce, including lamb, Transylvanian black truffles and fresh-caught fish, accompanied by delicious seasonal vegetables and the finest wines from French and Romanian vineyards. Expect to taste exquisite local produce, including lamb, Transylvanian black truffles and fresh-caught fish, accompanied by delicious seasonal vegetables and the finest wines from French and Romanian vineyards.
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Located on Strada Lipscani in the heart of old Bucharest, the Cărturești Carusel Bookstore is in a world of its own. People come to this veritable monument to marvel at the six-story bookstore where classic 19th century architecture meets futuristic curves. The shelves are stacked with 10,000 books and...
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On the route
The National Romanian Village Museum
The National Romanian Village Museum brings the country to the city! Nestled right in the Romanian capital, this outdoor eco-museum is a microcosm of the country’s rural life. Stretching across several acres, before your eyes unfolds life in the country and the traditions of Romanian farmers.
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches
Built in the Neo-Byzantine style, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral’s highly impressive architecture features a bell tower and several domes. Since construction was completed in 1912, it has become a veritable landmark of the Bulgarian capital. As its golden “onion domes” soar upwards over Sofia, this cathedral...
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On the route
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery sits in a mountain landscape at an elevation of 1,147 m (3,763 ft) and is the most visited monument in Bulgaria. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the architecture dates back to the 10th century. Stretching across some 8,800 m² (21.5 acres), it has 300 rooms and 100 monastic cells. Still an...
Hotel and restaurant in the country. Built from the heavy stones and the dreams of a family of aesthetes enamoured with their home country, Zornitza Family Estate produces wine, honey and truffles; cultivates organic fruits and vegetables; and raises its own livestock. The main house boasts a contemporary design, yet traditional materials. The cuisine is amazing; the service delectable. Staying at this property is a unique opportunity to discover southern Bulgaria in all of its luxury and authenticity — from local traditions to the historical richness of its sites dating to the Northern Thrace and ancient Greece, but also to the tastings of stunning wines in the estate’s marvellous cellar and the thirteen wineries in close proximity.
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The Melnik Sand Pyramids is a protected natural site right near the small town of Melnik. The Sand Pyramids can be found southwest of Pirin Mountain and are a place of rare beauty. Spanning 50 km² (19 sq. miles), these rock formations were created by the wind and rain accelerating erosion of the clay...
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Villa Melnik, a famous cellar on Bulgarian soil
Located 5 km (3 miles) from Melnik, Villa Melnik is a vineyard with nearly 30 hectares (74 acres) of grapevines. A family-owned vineyard carrying on a long wine-making tradition, Villa Melnik is a wonderful place to visit and taste their often award-winning vintages. A goldmine for anyone who loves good...
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The Melnik Sand Pyramids: a Word Heritage site
The Melnik Sand Pyramids is a protected natural site right near the small town of Melnik. The Sand Pyramids can be found southwest of Pirin Mountain and are a place of rare beauty. Spanning 50 km² (19 sq. miles), these rock formations were created by the wind and rain accelerating erosion of the clay...
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Villa Melnik, a famous cellar on Bulgarian soil
Located 5 km (3 miles) from Melnik, Villa Melnik is a vineyard with nearly 30 hectares (74 acres) of grapevines. A family-owned vineyard carrying on a long wine-making tradition, Villa Melnik is a wonderful place to visit and taste their often award-winning vintages. A goldmine for anyone who loves good...
Hotel and restaurant on the seafront. This is where the Titans fought the gods, where Mount Athos soars into the sky, and where the Virgin Mary, accompanied by John the Evangelist, came and blessed the mainisland’s shores, leading to the many monasteries scattered along its hillsides.
Avaton Luxury Beach Resort’s contemporary villas are a reflection of this mythological spectacle set within the Mediterranean’s garden and overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Owner Themistoklis Chantzis affectionately presides over this estate perched above a private beach of cerulean blue. As for the chef, he adds his own touch by flavouring the freshly caught seafood with wild herbs from his extraordinary garden. The sleek style of the private residences provides a wonderful contrast to the unique panorama, whose splendid history is within easy reach.
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If there were ever unforgettable slices of heaven, this is probably one of them! Ammouliani is a tiny island in the Gulf of Agíou Orous with white sand beaches and deep turquoise waters. It is mainly known for its picturesque charm and easygoing lifestyle. Fall under nature’s spell while hiking, diving...
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Mount Athos
Mount Athos, commonly called Hágion Óros (Holy Mountain) by the Greeks, reaches up to 2,033 meters (6,670 ft) in elevation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some 20 monasteries and almost 2,000 monks from places like Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. The exclusively male monastic community officially...
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Ammoulianí Island, a paradise of turquoise water
If there were ever unforgettable slices of heaven, this is probably one of them! Ammouliani is a tiny island in the Gulf of Agíou Orous with white sand beaches and deep turquoise waters. It is mainly known for its picturesque charm and easygoing lifestyle. Fall under nature’s spell while hiking, diving...
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Mount Athos
Mount Athos, commonly called Hágion Óros (Holy Mountain) by the Greeks, reaches up to 2,033 meters (6,670 ft) in elevation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some 20 monasteries and almost 2,000 monks from places like Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. The exclusively male monastic community officially...
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
From Romania to Greece, orthodox treasures and turquoise water
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