Transport

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Guide

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Meals

7 Dinner (D) 13 Breakfast (B)

Others

Skopje: Spend quality time with the locals when you join an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring local hospitality and cuisine. Bran: Visit the infamous mythical home of Count Dracula and favourite residence of Romanian royalty - Bran Castle. 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: Spend the day 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. Mostar: Meet Denis, one of the last traditional coppersmith artisans in Mostar. Learn about the techniques required to design elaborate copper jewellery and appreciate the importance of this traditional craft during a lively demonstration. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Explore Bucharest, Braşov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade Discover Budva and Kotor Visit Bran Castle in Braşov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, and the War Tunnel in Sarajevo View Peleş 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 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 Optional Experiences and free time On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

Accommodation

Mercure Bucharest Unirii Ana Sport Yantra Grand Astoria Grand Next Door Park and Spa Hilton Garden Inn TQ Plaza Novotel Bristol Mercure Excelsior

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Trafalgar through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Bucharest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Bucharest

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 travellers for a Welcome Reception. Why not toast to new friends with a shot of the local Pálinka to set the tone for your memorable journey?
Day 2 Day 2: Journey To Transylvania And Braşov
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Journey To Transylvania And Braşov

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 Day 3: Dracula’S Castle And More In Braşov Dive Into Culture
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Dracula’S Castle And More In Braşov 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 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.
Day 4 Day 4: Continue To Medieval Veliko Târnovo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Continue To Medieval Veliko Târnovo

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 Day 5: Onwards To Historic Sofia Stays With Stories
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Onwards To Historic Sofia Stays With Stories

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.
Day 6 Day 6: Sofia Your Way
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the flurry of red skirts at a traditional folklore show.
Day 7 Day 7: Journey To Macedonian Skopje Connect With Locals
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Journey To Macedonian Skopje Connect With Locals

Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, 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. Local flavours and stories are on the menu tonight as you Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience.
Day 8 Day 8: Off To Albania And Tirana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 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 Day 9: Journey To Budva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 10 Day 10: Visit Kotor, Venture To Mostar And Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Visit Kotor, Venture To Mostar And Sarajevo

After an orientation in Kotor, join a a Local Specialist in Mostar for a guided tour through colourful 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 Day 11: Discover Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Discover Sarajevo

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. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own. Visit the Old Town and trace the Sarajevo Roses, dotted across the city as a stark reminder of that tumultuous time in the city’s history.
Day 12 Day 12: On The Road To Belgrade
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 13 Day 13: Explore Riverside Belgrade
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 14 Day 14: Farewell Belgrade
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Farewell Belgrade

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.

+11

14 days tour

Balkan Adventure (14 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Balkan Adventure (14 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To Bucharest

Day 2: Journey To Transylvania And Braşov

Day 3: Dracula’S Castle And More In Braşov Dive Into Culture

Day 4: Continue To Medieval Veliko Târnovo

Day 5: Onwards To Historic Sofia Stays With Stories

Day 6: Sofia Your Way

Day 7: Journey To Macedonian Skopje Connect With Locals

Day 8: Off To Albania And Tirana

Day 9: Journey To Budva

Day 10: Visit Kotor, Venture To Mostar And Sarajevo

Day 11: Discover Sarajevo

Day 12: On The Road To Belgrade

Day 13: Explore Riverside Belgrade

Day 14: Farewell Belgrade

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