Tour Description

Explore the former Communist headquarters of Romania in Bucharest, see Bulgaria’s Roman ruins in Sofia and marvel at Bosnia’s Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo. After exploring the medieval city of Brașov, take the mountain roads to the Transylvanian border and join a private visit of Bran Castle after hours - better known as Dracula’s haunted abode in Bram Stoker’s infamous novel, followed by private dinner. Delve into the myths and legends before adventuring onwards to Mostar, where a Local Expert guides you through the city’s iconic sights ahead of a Sarajevo Dine at Home experience. Sit down with a Sarajevan family for a feast of local delicacies, traditional Bosnian coffee and tales of local life before the adventure continues in Hungary. Conclude your voyage with the spectacular city vistas served up from the Budapest Fisherman's Bastion.

Priced From:

$ 7430pp ^*

From: 2023-06-19

To: 2023-09-18

Start Location: Bucharest, Romania

End Location: Budapest, Hungary

Trip Type: Regional Europe

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

Welcome to Bucharest

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: InterContinental Athénée Palace, Bucharest.

Transfers depart Henri Coandă International Airport at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 for your hotel, which is one of the city's most sophisticated and prestigious landmarks. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your Welcome Dinner, served with wine at a local restaurant.

Bucharest and Castles of Transylvania

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Aro Palace, Brasov.

Join a Local Expert for sightseeing to view University Square and the former communist headquarters. Visit the immense Parliament Palace, one of the most impressive buildings in the world. This evening after the crowds have left enjoy a private visit to the iconic Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Learn about Queen Maria of Romania, the last inhabitant of the castle, visit the torture rooms and relive the tales of the infamous Count Dracula. Finish with a delicious private dinner in the recently renovated Queen Mary’s Tea House.

Brasov and Sinaia

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Aro Palace, Brasov.

With your Local Expert, walk around Town Hall Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed houses and dominated by the Black Church. Travel along the Prahova Valley to the elegant mountain resort of Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle. Led by a local historian, admire the lavish rooms filled with art, armour and tapestries. Return through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming medieval city of Brașov, founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights.

Veliko Tarnovo

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Yantra Hotel, Veliko Tarnovo.

Cross the Danube into Bulgaria and continue to Veliko Tarnovo, the City of the Tsars, where houses cling to the cliffs of the River Yantra, making it one of the country's most beautiful towns. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

To Sofia Relaxed Start

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: InterContinental Sofia.

Meet your Local Expert to climb up to the ruined Tsarevets Fortress, a reminder of the town's former imperial status. Enjoy the stunning views over the old Bulgarian capital and the Yantra Valley. Arbanasi is one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The frescoed churches and fortified dwellings offer a unique insight into the former wealth and spiritual commitment of the settlement. Visit a traditional 17th century merchant's house and the Church of the Holy Nativity. Cross the Balkan Mountains to Bulgaria's modern day capital of Sofia. On arrival, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you to St. Sofia Church, across the square from the golden domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archaeological complex, dominated by the church of St. George Rotonda.

Sofia at Your Pace Relaxed Start

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: InterContinental Sofia.

Enjoy the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Rila Monastery or enjoy a fascinating insight into the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria?

Skopje

Day 7

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Bushi Resort & Spa, Skopje.

Cross the border and continue to the North Macedonian capital of Skopje, an ultra-modern city juxtaposed by an ancient bazaar, where Turkish influences can still be seen and felt. Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Expert.

Lake Ohrid and Tirana

Day 8

Duration: 1

Accommodation: MAK Albania Hotel Tirana.

Making your way to the border, stop by the scenic Lake Ohrid for lunch. Cross into Albania and journey to Tirana, renowned for its friendly locals. Continue to the landmark Skanderbeg Square for an insider’s look at the Albanian capital.

Kotor and Dubrovnik

Day 9

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.

Journey through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the Old Town of Kotor, known as Stari Grad. Located beside a beautiful bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, its no surprise it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue over the Croatian border to the fortified port of Dubrovnik where you are at leisure to explore the Old Town, bustling with street artists, cafes and restaurants.

Dubrovnik Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Day 10

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.

Join a Local Expert for a morning of exploring the stone-paved streets within the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio's Fountain and the Rector's Palace, the city walls and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The rest of the day is free for you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. Perhaps enjoy an Optional Experience to a stunning town on the Adriatic coast, Cavtat, where you can wander along the pine-forest paths beside the crystal-clear sea. Visit the workshop of Deša during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This important educational centre supports vulnerable communities and promotes local cultural heritage. At night, you may choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.

Dubrovnik, Paradise on Earth Relaxed Start

Day 11

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.

Spend a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Sunbathe by the pool or stroll with friends along the ancient city walls. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to learn about olive oil traditions at an ancient mill, followed by a delightful home-cooked meal.

Mostar and Sarajevo

Day 12

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Swissotel Sarajevo.

Journey to Mostar. With your Local Expert, see the famous Stari Most, the Old Bridge, reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the war. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, stretching on both sides of the bridge and filled with shops selling traditional handicrafts. Continue your travels following the scenic route to Sarajevo for a unique and rewarding insight into the local way of life as you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner with drinks. Savour the authentic cuisine and traditional Bosnian coffee as you hear inspirational stories.

Sarajevo, City of Culture

Day 13

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Swissotel Sarajevo.

Explore Sarajevo with Insight Choice. Choose to meet an expert on the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo’s astonishing Tunnel of Hope. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore as you wish.

The Serbian Capital of Belgrade Relaxed Start

Day 14

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade.

Trace your way along the Drina River, that lies on the border of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Take in beautiful landscapes of lush, green mountains that create magical forest canyons, winding your way through deep valleys as you make your way to Belgrade.

The Best of Belgrade Relaxed Start

Day 15

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade.

Join a Local Expert to see the best of Belgrade including Terazije Street, the national museum and national theatre in Republic Square, as well as a visit to the famous St. Sava Church. Finish your sightseeing at the Kalemegdan Fortress, situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before joining your fellow travellers for a Celebration Farewell Dinner this evening.

Across to Budapest Relaxed Start

Day 16

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Nemzeti Budapest - MGallery.

Journey north and cross the Province of Vojvodina to reach Palić on the Hungarian border. See the picturesque lake, where you can admire the art nouveau buildings. Continue on through the vast wilderness of the Puszta, where once cowboys rustled up goulash under the stars. Your destination will be Budapest on the Danube.

Budapest, Queen of the Danube

Day 17

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Nemzeti Budapest - MGallery.

Explore Buda with a Local Expert and marvel at the variety of architectural styles that adorn the city. Cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes' Square and travel down elegant Andrássy Boulevard.Enjoy time to wander through the Central Market Hall. Spread over three levels, the market is a foodie's paradise, brimming with aromatic food stalls offering delicious salamis, spicy paprika, delicious Tokaji wines and an array of flavoured Pálinkas, a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy. Tonight you are in for a treat with your Celebration Dinner at Gundel, one of Budapest's most renowned restaurants for over a hundred years. Dine in elegance as you savour hearty, Hungarian delicacies accompanied with specially-selected Hungarian wine.

Depart Budapest

Day 18

Duration: 1

Departure transfers arrive at Ferenc Liszt International Airport at 07:00 and 11:00.

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2023-07-03

End Date: 2023-07-20

twin

Child Price: 6820

Adult Price: 7550

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7550

triple

Child Price: 6700

Adult Price: 7430

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8870

Start Date: 2023-08-14

End Date: 2023-08-31

twin

Child Price: 6820

Adult Price: 7550

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7550

triple

Child Price: 6700

Adult Price: 7430

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8870

Start Date: 2023-08-21

End Date: 2023-09-07

twin

Child Price: 6865

Adult Price: 7595

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7595

triple

Child Price: 6745

Adult Price: 7475

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8955

Start Date: 2023-09-04

End Date: 2023-09-21

twin

Child Price: 6895

Adult Price: 7625

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7625

triple

Child Price: 6775

Adult Price: 7505

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8985

Start Date: 2023-09-11

End Date: 2023-09-28

twin

Child Price: 6895

Adult Price: 7625

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7625

triple

Child Price: 6775

Adult Price: 7505

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8985

Treasures of the Balkans – Classic Group

Tour Advisors

Itinerary

Dates & prices