Balkan Adventure
Europe
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Visit several 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.
Availability
From 04/05/2025 to 18/10/2025
Departure dates & prices
Dates
Availability
Price
What's included
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver.
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes.
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals.
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing.
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
Optional Experiences and free time.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
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Itinerary
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Day 1 Welcome to Bucharest You'd be forgiven for thinking you were in Paris when you explore the Belle-?poque 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 caf?s. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner. Why not toast to new friends to set the tone for your memorable journey?
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Day 2 Journey to Transylvania and Bra?ov 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 Ceau?escu, 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 Pele? Castle, the summer retreat of Romania's first king. Then, continue to Bra?ov and Check in to your hotel in Poiana Bra?ov ski resort. Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine for dinner at your hotel against the backdrop of panoramic mountain views.
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Day 3 Dracula's Castle and More in Bra?ov Dive Into Culture 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 Bra?ov. 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.
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Day 4 Continue to Medieval Veliko T?rnovo Head south, through ancient villages and tranquil landscapes across the Danube River into Bulgaria. Your journey ends in Veliko T?rnovo, 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.
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Day 5 Onwards to Historic Sofia Stays With Stories The fairy-tale fa?ades of Veliko T?rnovo 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.
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Day 6 Sofia Your Way 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.
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Day 7 Journey to Macedonian Skopje 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.
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Day 8 Off to Albania and Tirana 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 fa?ades. You'll view such highlights as the Palace of Culture, the National Library and the Clock Tower before enjoying dinner at your hotel.
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Day 9 Journey to Budva 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.
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Day 10 Visit Kotor, Venture to Mostar and Sarajevo 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.
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Day 11 Discover Sarajevo Connect with Locals 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(R) 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.
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Day 12 On the Road to Belgrade 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.
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Day 13 Explore Riverside Belgrade 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.
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Day 14 Farewell Belgrade Our journey through the Balkans has come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond dovi?enja as you bid your new friends farewell. Dining Summary
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7 - Dinner
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13 - Breakfast Be My Guest Skopje: Spend quality time with the locals when you join an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring local hospitality and cuisine. Dive into Culture Bran: Visit the infamous mythical home of Count Dracula and favourite 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. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER(R) Sarajevo: Meet third-generation coppersmiths Adnan and Kenan, who are preserving Bosnia's Ottoman-era metalwork tradition. Using repurposed war materials, they craft intricate coffee sets, jewellery and decorative pieces, keeping their family's legacy alive despite the rise of mass production. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Must-see Highlights Explore Bucharest, Bra?ov, Veliko T?rnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade Discover Budva and Kotor Visit Bran Castle in Bra?ov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko T?rnovo, the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, and the War Tunnel in Sarajevo View Pele? Castle in Sinaia, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church in Sofia, the Palace of Culture and the National Library in Tirana and Mostar's Stari Most See the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest
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