Balkan Adventure - From £2,605

Europe Romania
OVERVIEW
Visit seven countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.
EXPERIENCES
Belgrade: Discover the rich history of Belgrade and all it's wonderful sights.

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

Brasov: Journey through the medieval streets of Brasov and discover its trading history. 

Bucharest: Bask in the rich history of Bucharest and its lasting legacies. 

Budva: Spend the day exploring the picturesque town of Budva. 

Kotor: Enjoy some time in the morning discovering the wonders of Kotor. 

Mostar: Discover the magnificent coves and cliffs of the Kotor coast as well as the monumental Mostar Bridge.

Sarajevo: Discover the history of the Bosnian war tunnel in Sarajevo. 

Sarajevo: Discover the wonders and hidden treasures of Sarajevo. 

Sinaia: Journey to the Carpathian Mountains and discover Peleș Castle.

Skopje: Join a Local Specialist on a city tour of the historic center of Skopje. 

Sofia: Journey to Sofia and spend the day basking in the wonders of Bulgaria's modern-day capital. 

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.

Veliko Tarnovo: Discover the rich history of Veliko Tarnovo with a Local Specialist. 
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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11/04/2027 24/04/2027 £2,895   Book
18/04/2027 01/05/2027 £2,605 Book
25/04/2027 08/05/2027 £2,925   Book
02/05/2027 15/05/2027 £2,925   Book
09/05/2027 22/05/2027 £2,925 Book
16/05/2027 29/05/2027 £2,632 Book
23/05/2027 05/06/2027 £2,655 Book
06/06/2027 19/06/2027 £2,655 Book
13/06/2027 26/06/2027 £2,950   Book
27/06/2027 10/07/2027 £2,950   Book
11/07/2027 24/07/2027 £2,677   Book
25/07/2027 07/08/2027 £2,975   Book
15/08/2027 28/08/2027 £2,950   Book
29/08/2027 11/09/2027 £2,695 Book
05/09/2027 18/09/2027 £2,835 Book
12/09/2027 25/09/2027 £3,150 Book
19/09/2027 02/10/2027 £3,150 Book
26/09/2027 09/10/2027 £3,095 Book
03/10/2027 16/10/2027 £3,095 Book
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ITINERARY

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 cafes. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner. Why not toast to new friends to set the tone for your memorable journey?

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.

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 favourite 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 favourites or consider joining your travel companions for an optional 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.

The fairy-tale facades of Veliko Târnovo reveal medieval history at every turn and your Local Specialist will share the rich history and culture of this former imperial capital. At the heart of the city is Tsarevets Fortress, which you’ll have an opportunity to visit during your sightseeing tour. Continue to Arbanasi, known for its Bulgarian National Revival architecture and spiritual heritage, then visit the Church of Holy Nativity before travelling on to Sofia. This evening, you may wish to join one of two Optional Experiences, either a lively Bulgarian folk evening or an evening of live music.

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.

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

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 centre – one where dour grey city blocks have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colourful façades. You’ll view such highlights as the Palace of Culture, the National Library and the Clock Tower before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

Travel to Budva next where your Travel Director will provide an orientation 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.

After an orientation in Kotor, join a Local Specialist in Mostar for a guided tour through colourful cobbled streets. 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.

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 flavours and stories are on the menu tonight as you meet your host on your Be My Guest experience.

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.

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.

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
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Mercure Bucharest Unirii - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Ana Bradul - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3: Ana Bradul - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Yantra Grand - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: Astoria Grand - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Astoria Grand - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Solun Hotel & Spa - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9: Eurostars Queen of Montenegro - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: Mövenpick Sarajevo - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11: Mövenpick Sarajevo - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12: Radisson RED Belgrade - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13: Radisson RED Belgrade - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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