THOUGH distinct countries with different cultures, Romania and Bulgaria share a magnificent landscape of mountains and monasteries, a riveting history of domination and rebirth, and a long stretch of Black Sea coast.

Top experiences 1. Hiking in the Carpathians Dense primeval forests that leap straight from the pages of a Brothers Grimm story, with bears, wolves, lynx and boar, rugged mountain plateaus, well-marked trails and a network of cabins en route to keep you warm. Hiking is the best way to absorb this vibrant landscape of forests and rolling pastureland. There are also some terrific guides out there to lead you to the best that Romania has to offer; be it bear-watching, birdwatching, homestays or hikes. 2. Bulgaria's Black Sea beaches Whether you're looking for all-day tanning, all-night clubbing, or something a little more discrete and relaxing, you're sure to find some patch of sand to your liking along Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. Away from the big, brash package resorts, you'll come across charming seaside towns standing above smaller sandy coves, while the cities of Varna and Burgas both have lengthy, less-crowded urban beaches. If it's solitude you seek, head for the more remote beaches to the far north and south. 3. Rila Monastery Set peacefully in a forested valley south of Sofia, Rila Monastery is Bulgaria's biggest and most storied spiritual treasure a former centre of learning and culture that kept national spirits up during the Ottoman occupation. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, the monastery grew from a 10th-century hermit's hut, and has been rebuilt many times since. Its elaborate arches and precious frescoes and icons create a sublime and sumptuous atmosphere. Today's architectural incarnation of the monastery is considered a masterpiece of 19th-century Bulgarian Renaissance. 4. Painted monasteries of Bucovina Tucked in the Carpathian foothills, the UNESCO-listed painted monasteries of Bucovina proudly show off Romania's unique, Latin-flavoured Orthodox tradition. The churches are at one with their natural surroundings and the dizzying kaleidoscope of colours and intricate details in the frescoes bring to life everything from biblical stories to the 15th-century siege of Constantinople. The monasteries are the genius of Moldavian Prince Stephen the Great (Stefan cel Mare), who was later canonised for his works. 5. Wildlife in the Danube Delta After flowing some 2800km across the European continent, the mighty Danube River passes through a vast expanse of remote wetland in eastern Romania the delta before finally emptying into the Black Sea. Under international environmental protection, the region has developed into a sanctuary for fish and fowl of all stripe and colour. Birders, in particular, will thrill to the prospect of glimpsing species such as the roller, white-tailed eagle, great white egret, mute and whooper swans, falcon, and even a bee-eater or two. 6. Veliko Tarnovo The unquestioned highlight of Bulgaria's central heartland, the grand old city of the tsars Bulgaria's capital in medieval times offers a mix of antiquity, boutique bliss and nightlife. This university town, set high above the ribboning Yantra River, is popular with visitors both local and foreign, who marvel at the oddly endearing "Sound and Light Show" held nightly at the impressive Tsarevets Fortress, a still-robust medieval citadel. It's also a great base for local hikes. 7. Bulgarian wine tasting Bulgaria's winemaking tradition dates to ancient Thracian times, and fine wine has been enjoyed here by everyone from Roman writers and French crusaders to former British prime minister Winston Churchill, who used to order barrels of the local red from Melnik a village in the southwest of the country that remains a great place for sampling wines. Distinct wine-growing regions exist from the Danube to the Black Sea to the Thracian Plain, and numerous wineries offer tastings that are usually complemented by meats, cheeses and memorable rustic views. 8. Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church, Sofia Rising majestically over the rooftops of the Bulgarian capital, this beautiful Orthodox church, dedicated to the memory of the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78), took 30 years to construct, and was completed in 1912. The shimmering golden domes are visible several streets away, while the vast, candlelit interior is decorated with Italian marble, alabaster and fading murals. Daily services are led by robed, white-bearded priests, accompanied by chanting choirs. 9. Bran Castle Perched on a rocky bluff in Transylvania, in a mass of turrets and castellations, Bran Castle overlooks a desolate mountain pass. Its spectral exterior is like a composite of every horror film you've ever seen, but don't expect to be scared. Inside, Bran is anything but spooky, with its white walls and geranium-filled courtyard. Legend has it Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Count Dracula) was briefly imprisoned here, and you can follow his footsteps through a maze of courtyards and hidden passages. 10. Skiing in the Pirin Mountains High in the Pirin Mountains are Bulgaria's most famous ski areas: Bansko and Borovets. With the highest pistes starting from 2500m, Bansko is known for its long, steep runs and extended ski seasons. It's also an international party scene, offering everything from refined restaurants and spa treatments to crowded bars and clubs. The slopes at Borovets, north beyond Mt Musala, also top 2500m. While the trails at this long-established favourite are less challenging, there is plenty of trickier, open terrain for thrill seekers. This is an edited extract from Lonely Planet Romania & Bulgaria (6th Edition) by Mark Baker, et al. Lonely Planet 2013. Published this month, RRP: $34.99 Go2 - ROMANIA Getting there: Romania has good air connections to Europe and the Middle East. Most international flights to Romania arrive at Bucharest's Henri Coanda International Airport. Daily budget in Romania Mid-range: 130-350 Romanian lei (local currency) or $A40-$105 Double in a mid-range hotel or pension: 100 lei a person Meals in good restaurants: 60 lei Train/bus tickets: 30 lei Museums/sundries: 30 lei More information: Romania National Tourism Office Getting to Bulgaria Bulgaria has good air links with numerous European cities, as well as some cities in the Middle East, with Sofia being the main entry point. There are currently no direct flights to Bulgaria from further afield, and so visitors from Australia will need to pick up a connecting flight in Europe. Sofia Airport is the main point of entry to the country. Daily budget in Bulgaria Mid-range: 60-120 Bulgarian lev (lv, local currency) or $A40-$80 Double room in a mid-range hotel: 60-80 lv Lunch and dinner in decent restaurants: 20-30 lv a person More information: Bulgaria Travel "Like" Escape.com.au on Facebook Follow @Escape_team on Twitter