Balkan Adventure

Balkan Adventure

1,188 Views
14 Days From

$3825

$3434

Balkan Adventure

14 Days Starting in Bucharest, Romania and ending in Belgrade, Serbia

Visiting: Bucharest, Palace of the Parliament, Sinaia, Peleș Castle, Brașov, Poiana Brașov, Bran Castle, Black Church, Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Târnovo, Tsarevets Fortress, Arbanasi, Church of Holy Nativity, Sofia, Rila Monastery, Skopje, Tirana, Budva, Stari Grad, Budva, Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Kalemegdan Fortress

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

BRASZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3825 $3434 (USD) Operator discount: -$392

NB: Prices correct on 29-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating Balkan Adventure, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. This journey takes you through iconic cities like Bucharest, Sofia, and Belgrade, with highlights including the legendary Bran Castle, the medieval streets of Bra?ov, and the vibrant bazaars of Skopje. Experience the unique charm of Tirana's colorful facades and the historic allure of Sarajevo. Travel in luxury aboard an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, and enjoy stays in carefully selected hotels that offer comfort and local charm. With expert guidance from a Travel Director and local specialists, delve into the history, architecture, and traditions of the Balkans, while enjoying optional experiences and free time for personal exploration. This cultural tour promises unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of this fascinating region.

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant cities of Bucharest, Bra?ov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, and Belgrade.

  • Discover the stunning coastal towns of Budva and Kotor.

  • Visit the legendary Bran Castle in Bra?ov, known as Dracula's Castle.

  • Experience the historical Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi.

  • See the iconic Stari Most in Mostar and the War Tunnel in Sarajevo.

  • Meet third-generation coppersmiths in Sarajevo, preserving Bosnia's Ottoman-era metalwork tradition.

  • Enjoy a Be My Guest experience in Skopje, featuring local hospitality and cuisine.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Accommodation: Mercure Bucharest Unirii

Accommodation Name: Mercure Bucharest Unirii

Meals Included: Dinner

You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Paris when you explore the Belle-Époque atmosphere of Romania’s capital, Bucharest. Your first day will be free to explore the city your way, admiring the elegant boulevards that once hosted high society and an Old City filled with cobbled streets, Baroque architecture and vintage cafés. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner. Why not toast to new friends to set the tone for your memorable journey?

Day 2: Journey to Transylvania and Braşov

Location: Bucharest, Palace of the Parliament, Sinaia, Peleș Castle, Brașov, Poiana Brașov

Accommodation: Ana Sport

Accommodation Name: Ana Bradul

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A full day of sightseeing stretches ahead, beginning in Bucharest where you’ll join a Local Specialist to delve into the city’s tumultuous history. See the immense Palace of the Parliament, one of the lasting legacies left behind by dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu, whose extravagant tastes culminated in the world’s second-largest administrative building in stark contrast to the poverty of his people. Venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia and view Peleş Castle, the summer retreat of Romania’s first king. Then, continue to Braşov and Check in to your hotel in Poiana Braşov ski resort. Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine for dinner at your hotel against the backdrop of panoramic mountain views.

Day 3: Dracula’s Castle and More in Braşov Dive Into Culture

Location: Bran Castle, Brașov, Black Church

Accommodation: Ana Sport

Accommodation Name: Ana Bradul

Meals Included: Breakfast

The highlight of the day is this morning’s visit to Bran Castle, the legendary home of Dracula. Dive Into Culture with a Local Specialist and learn about its history as the favorite royal residence of Queen Maria of Romania. Although the connection between the castle and Bram Stoker’s famous literary figure is tentative at best, its imposing walls, towering spires and secret passageways may convince you otherwise. Next, we journey to the medieval streets of Braşov. The city once stood at the crossroads of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe, forging a melting pot of influences that can be seen to this day. Join a Local Specialist who will reveal the city’s trading history and Saxon roots as you walk around Town Hall Square and see the Black Church, so named following the damage caused by the Great Fire of 1689. Your evening is free to indulge in some of the local Transylvanian favorites or consider joining your travel companions for an optional dinner.

Day 4: Continue to Medieval Veliko Târnovo

Location: Veliko Tarnovo

Accommodation: Yantra Grand

Accommodation Name: Yantra Grand

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Head south, through ancient villages and tranquil landscapes across the Danube River into Bulgaria. Your journey ends in Veliko Târnovo, the 'City of the Tsars' and former capital of the Bulgarian Empire. Relax after your scenic drive and join your travel companions for dinner at your hotel. After dinner, resist the urge to retire early and take a stroll through the Old City admiring the Renaissance gems that line its winding streets.

Day 5: Onwards to Historic Sofia Stays With Stories

Location: Veliko Târnovo, Tsarevets Fortress, Arbanasi, Church of Holy Nativity, Sofia

Accommodation: Astoria Grand

Accommodation Name: Astoria Grand

Meals Included: Breakfast

The fairy-tale façades of Veliko Târnovo exude medieval history around every turn and your Local Specialist will reveal a rich history and culture befitting a former imperial capital. At the heart of the city is Tsarevets Fortress, which you’ll have an opportunity to visit as part of your sightseeing tour. Our next stop is the UNESCO-listed town of Arbanasi, renowned for its Bulgarian National Revival architecture and rich spiritual history reflected in the beautiful medieval frescoed churches that can be found here. Visit the Church of Holy Nativity before continuing to Sofia. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the flurry of red skirts at a traditional folklore show.

Day 6: Sofia Your Way

Location: Sofia, Rila Monastery

Accommodation: Astoria Grand

Accommodation Name: Astoria Grand

Meals Included: Breakfast

Join a Local Specialist for an in-depth sightseeing tour of Bulgaria’s modern-day capital including views of the golden-domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church. Settle in to the relaxed atmosphere and take a stroll along its elegant boulevards or sit in a park and people-watch. You could choose instead to join an Optional Experience to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila in the 10th century.

Day 7: Journey to Macedonian Skopje

Location: Skopje

Accommodation: Holiday Inn

Accommodation Name: Solun Hotel & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, a religious crossroads, and a vibrant medieval trading center. See the Ottoman Empire's legacy in the mosques and bazaars as you join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour this afternoon.

Day 8: Off to Albania and Tirana

Location: Tirana

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving North Macedonia behind, head to the Albanian capital of Tirana where, on arrival, you’ll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour. Delve into how the city has emerged from decades of communist rule into a vibrant, trendy tourism center – one where dour gray city blocks have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colorful façades. You’ll view such highlights as the Palace of Culture, the National Library and the Clock Tower before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

Day 9: Journey to Budva

Location: Budva, Stari Grad, Budva

Accommodation: Iberostar Slavija

Accommodation Name: TQ Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Budva next where your Travel Director will provide an orientation tour before you have the rest of the day to explore 'Montenegro's Miami' on your own. Head to Stari Grad (the Old Town) surrounded by 15th-century ramparts to explore its labyrinthine lanes and small squares where you could choose to sit back and watch the world go by.

Day 10: Visit Kotor, Venture to Mostar and Sarajevo

Location: Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo

Accommodation: Novotel

Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Sarajevo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After an orientation in Kotor, join a Local Specialist in Mostar for a guided tour through colorful cobbled streets. View the Stari Most and meet a traditional coppersmith artisan on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Head to Sarajevo next where you’ll delve into the rich religious and multicultural heritage that has earned it the nickname, the 'Jerusalem of Europe'. Tonight you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 11: Discover Sarajevo Connect with Locals

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Novotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Bristol

Meals Included: Dinner

Join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour of Sarajevo, which will reveal centuries of religious history reflected in its beautiful synagogues, mosques and Orthodox and Catholic churches. Visit the War Tunnel, an underground tunnel of hope that was built in 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo, allowing war supplies and humanitarian aid to reach the city at the height of the Bosnian War. Meet third-generation coppersmiths Adnan and Kenan, who are preserving Bosnia’s Ottoman-era metalwork tradition on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, where you can discover traditional shops, lively cafes and the poignant Sarajevo Roses. Local flavors and stories are on the menu tonight as you meet your host on your Be My Guest experience.

Day 12: On the Road to Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Mercure Excelsior

Accommodation Name: Mercure Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel through lush forests, pastures and the Bosnian Mountains into Serbia – a scenic day of driving that will end in Belgrade. The 'White City' has a long history which you’ll have an opportunity to discover tomorrow.

Day 13: Explore Riverside Belgrade

Location: Belgrade, Kalemegdan Fortress

Accommodation: Mercure Excelsior

Accommodation Name: Mercure Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Your Local Specialist will share the sights and sounds of Belgrade from an insider’s perspective this morning. Delve into its Celtic, Roman, Serbian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history, then visit Kalemegdan Fortress, the symbol of the Serbian capital perched perfectly on a ridge overlooking the confluence of two great rivers. Discover how each of these empires has had a hand in rebuilding the fortress over the past 16 centuries. This evening, we reunite one final time for a rousing Farewell Dinner to reminisce over our shared travel experience.

Day 14: Farewell Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our journey through the Balkans has come to an end. All that’s left is to say a fond doviđenja as you bid your new friends farewell.

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi

    Travel is in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.

  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized

    If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used.

What's Not Included

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, ensuring a comfortable journey across the Balkans. Alternative transportation options, such as rail journeys, may also be utilized for a seamless travel experience.

Accommodation

Stay in carefully selected hotels such as Mercure Bucharest Unirii, Ana Bradul, Yantra Grand, Astoria Grand, Next Door Park and Spa, Hilton Garden Inn, TQ Plaza, Novotel Bristol, and Mercure Excelsior, offering comfort and local charm throughout your Balkan adventure.

Dining Summary

  • 7 Dinner (D)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)

Dive into Culture

  • Bran: Visit the infamous mythical home of Count Dracula and favorite residence of Romanian royalty - Bran Castle.

Iconic Experience

  • Bucharest: Bask in the rich history of Bucharest and its lasting legacies.
  • Sinaia: Journey to the Carpathian Mountains and discover Peles Castle.
  • Brasov: Journey through the medieval streets of Brasov and discover its trading history.
  • Veliko Tarnovo: Discover the rich history of Veliko Tarnovo with a Local Specialist.
  • Sofia: Journey to Sofia and spend the day basking in the wonders of Bulgaria's modern-day capital.
  • Skopje: Join a Local Specialist on a city tour of the historic center of Skopje.
  • Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they share insights into life in the Albanian capital.
  • Budva: Spend the day exploring the picturesque town of Budva.
  • Mostar: Discover the magnificent coves and cliffs of the Dalmatian coast as well as the monumental Mostar Bridge.
  • Kotor: Enjoy some time in the morning discovering the wonders of Kotor.
  • Sarajevo: Discover the wonders and hidden treasures of Sarajevo.
  • Sarajevo: Discover the history of the Bosnian war tunnel in Sarajevo.
  • Belgrade: Discover the rich history of Belgrade and all it's wonderful sights.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is used during the Balkan Adventure tour?

    The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries. Alternative transportation options, such as rail journeys, may also be utilized for a seamless travel experience.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Balkan Adventure tour?

    You will stay in carefully selected hotels such as Mercure Bucharest Unirii, Ana Bradul, Yantra Grand, Astoria Grand, Hilton Garden Inn, TQ Plaza, Novotel Bristol, and Mercure Excelsior, offering comfort and local charm throughout your Balkan adventure.

  • Are there any unique cultural experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience in Skopje where you will spend quality time with locals, enjoying local hospitality and cuisine. Additionally, in Sarajevo, you will meet third-generation coppersmiths who are preserving Bosnia’s Ottoman-era metalwork tradition.

  • What is the 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Sarajevo?

    In Sarajevo, you will meet third-generation coppersmiths Adnan and Kenan, who are preserving Bosnia’s Ottoman-era metalwork tradition. They craft intricate coffee sets, jewelry, and decorative pieces using repurposed war materials, supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

  • What are some of the must-see highlights of the Balkan Adventure tour?

    The tour includes exploring cities like Bucharest, Brașov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, and Belgrade. You will visit Bran Castle in Brașov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, and the War Tunnel in Sarajevo. You will also view Peleș Castle in Sinaia, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church in Sofia, and the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Saturday

May 04, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$4025 $4015 (USD)

Operator discount: -$10 (USD)

Sunday - Saturday

May 11, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$3825 $3434 (USD)

Operator discount: -$392 (USD)

Sunday - Saturday

May 18, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$3825 $3434 (USD)

Operator discount: -$392 (USD)

Sunday - Saturday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$3850 $3840 (USD)

Operator discount: -$10 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.