Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
13 Days Starting and ending in Budapest, Hungary
Visiting: Budapest, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Sofia, Rila Monastery, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Bucharest, Brașov, Sinaia, Sighișoara, Cluj-Napoca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6710-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 43
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the treasures of the Balkans on this vacation through Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Visit the capitals—Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, Bucharest—as well as some of the fascinating towns and cities along the way. Discover Novi Sad, famous for its citadel; Plovdiv, with its picturesque old town centre; Veliko Târnovo, Bulgaria’s capital during the Middle Ages; and Sinaia, a lovely ski resort town. Explore Brasov, a charming Transylvanian town featuring Saxon walls and bastions and an expansive square surrounded by Baroque architecture and the Gothic Black Church. Sighisoara is one of Romania’s prettiest towns with 11 medieval towers within the city walls, cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches. Visit Sofia’s Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Plovdiv’s Roman Amphitheatre, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theatres, and Arbanassi’s Church of the Nativity, built in 1637 and housing an outstanding collection of frescoes. Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a history dating back 10 centuries. Marvel at Peles Castle, a masterpiece of German neo-renaissance architecture built in the 1880s and nestled at the foot of the mountains. It is considered one of the most stunning and romantic European castles. In Bucharest, visit the open-air Village Museum, showcasing traditional village life with a collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, wind and watermills, and artisans’ workshops from all parts of the country. Last, but not least, visit Bran Castle, built in 1377 with imposing towers and turrets, and once inhabited by Vlad the Impaler—the Count who gave Bran Stoker the inspiration for his novel’s character, the vampire known as Dracula. This Balkans and Transylvania tour is designed for value-minded, savvy travel lovers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime vacation!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Budapest,Hungary
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel Budapest
Check into your hotel. Take advantage of the CosmosGO app to visit Budapest at leisure. In the early evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Budapest is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from Gothic to Baroque and Neoclassical to Art Nouveau, but also full of history and other surprises, such as delicious food and wines, as well as a multitude of spa establishments built on top of natural hot springs. The Danube River divides the old city in two, making it even more spectacular. Discover all of this and more during the guided city tour.
Day 3: Budapest,Novi Sad,Serbia,Belgrade
Location: Budapest, Belgrade, Novi Sad
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kopernikus Hotel Prag
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Serbia. Stop in Novi Sad, capital of the province, built on the banks of the Danube River and famous for its Petrovaradin Citadel, the fortress featuring the iconic clock tower with the “reversed clock”. Continue to Belgrade and discover the capital of Serbia on a guided city sightseeing tour. Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km
Day 4: Belgrade,Sofia,Bulgaria
Location: Belgrade, Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada By Wyndham Sofia City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the border into Bulgaria to arrive in the capital city of Sofia. Join a Local Guide for a city tour that includes the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Theater, and St. Sofia Church.Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km
Day 5: Sofia. Excursion To Rila Monastery
Location: Rila Monastery, Sofia, Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada By Wyndham Sofia City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, discover Rila Monastery, located inside a nature park and featuring vibrant frescoes. Its checkered history goes back to Ivan Rilski, the hermit who founded it in 927. During the long Turkish rule over the country, the monastery became a beacon of Bulgarian culture. Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 km
Day 6: Sofia,Plovdiv,Veliko Târnovo
Location: Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Yantra Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head eastwards to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, located along the banks of the Maritsa River. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman amphitheatre. Journey northwards through fine scenery over the Stara Planina Mountains to Veliko Târnovo. Today’s Distance: 190 mi/ 305 km
Day 7: Veliko Târnovo,Bucharest,Romania
Location: Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Bucharest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, time to see some of the highlights of Veliko Târnovo, located on the Yantra River. During the Middle Ages, it was Bulgaria’s capital, and still retains some of its most attractive medieval features. Visit nearby Arbanassi, world famous for its house design, a cross between a dwelling and a fortress. The village is known as an architectural and historic reserve and was at one time the summer residence of Bulgarian kings. One of the highlights of the visit is the Church of Nativity, built in 1637. Carry on north to Rousse and cross the Danube to reach Bucharest. Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 km
Day 8: Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Bucharest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Flower-festooned parks, gardens, and wide boulevards shaded by century-old trees contribute to Bucharest’s beauty. The highlight of the included sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, windmills, watermills, and artisans’ workshops from all parts of the country. Your Local Guide will show you other places of interest, including the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Savings Palace. There is also an optional afternoon visit to the massive Romanian Parliament, known as the “Peoples 'Palace.”
Day 9: Bucharest,Sinaia,Brasov
Location: Brașov, Bucharest, Sinaia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aro Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Sinaia in the Prahova Valley. This is a lovely ski resort, almost 3,300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia, there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered among the most romantic castles in the world. Only a few more miles and you reach Brasov, a lovely medieval town famous for its town square filled with Baroque architecture and outdoor cafés.Today’s Distance: 106 mi/ 170 km
Day 10: Brasov
Location: Brașov
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transylvania is commonly associated with vampires due to the influence of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, and all the subsequent books and many films the tale has inspired. This morning, depart for Bran and visit the legendary Dracula castle. It was built in 1377 and inhabited by the Wallachian prince, Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula. In the afternoon, a walking orientation of the Old Town of Brasov includes a visit to the Black Church, followed by leisure time. Today’s Distance: 39 mi / 62 km
Day 11: Brasov,Sighisoara,Cluj-Napoca
Location: Sighișoara, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Golden Tulip Ana Dome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop in Sighisoara, a medieval town with 11 towers within the city walls surrounding cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches—one of Romania’s prettiest towns. Legend has it that it is also the birthplace of the notorious Vlad (Dracula). Continue to Cluj-Napoca, the film capital of Romania. Today’s Distance: 174 mi/ 280 km
Day 12: Cluj-Napoca,Budapest,Hungary
Location: Budapest, Cluj-Napoca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the border at Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest. Today’s Distance: 292mi/ 470 km
Day 13: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Insurance
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International Travel
UNESCO Sites
Boyana Church|Budapest (including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue)|Historic Centre of Sighisoara|Rila Monastery
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners
Accommodation
Intercity Hotel Budapest
Intercity Budapest is a modern hotel just steps away from the city center and everything it has to offer in terms of shopping and entertainment. The onsite restaurant has a modern, bright ambiance and offers a selection of regional specialties and international dishes. All tastefully furnished air-conditioned guestrooms promise homey comfort at the highest level and feature soundproofed windows, flat-screen TV with international channels, work desk, safe, and one free bottle of water. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel.
Kopernikus Hotel Prag
One of the oldest hotels in the city, the property is registered as a cultural monument and has a total of 82 well equipped guestrooms. The hotel features a bar and a classically furnished restaurant and offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. All air-conditioned rooms come with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, mini-bar, soundproof walls, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower or a bath, hairdryer, slippers and complimentary toiletries. The hotel is located in the very center of Belgrade, a few minutes away from the main tourist attractions including Republic Square, the Knez Mihailova Street and Kalemegdan.
Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre
Located in the heart of the Banishora district, within walking distance of the central Railway station which provides connections to the beautiful Alexander Nevskicity Cathedral and the city center in 15 minutes. The property offers 601 bright, spacious guest rooms, all decorated in a contemporary style are sound proofed with air conditioning and Free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a nice restaurant, serving Bulgarian cuisine and a relaxing bar for drinks. A fully equipped gym is also at guests' disposal.
Yantra Grand Hotel
The 4-star Yantra Grand Hotel is part of the Bulgarian Hotel Chain Sharlopov Hotels. Situated at Velchova zavera Square in Veliko Tarnovo - the old capital of Bulgaria, the hotel welcomes guests all year round and offers excellent conditions for recreation and amusement, business meetings, seminars and company celebrations. The hotel will charm you with magnificent view of the Tzarevets Fortress, the Architectural reserve village of Arbanassi and the University of Veliko Tarnovo.
Pullman Bucharest
Located in the commercial center of the city just a short drive away from downtown Bucharest and 15 minutes from the airport. This modern hotel offers 204 air-conditioned guestrooms with safes, mini-bar, coffee/tea making facilities, and LCD TV. Guests can also enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center and a spa. Other amenities include a restaurant and a bar, and free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.
Capitol
Hotel Capitol is a 4-star historic hotel in Bucharest. Built in 1901, it has been renovated to retain its charm while offering modern amenities. The hotel is close to many attractions, including the University of Bucharest, Cismigiu Gardens, and the Old Town. It also has its own restaurant and bar. The rooms are decorated in a classic style with elegant furniture and the walls are adorned with original artwork.
Aro Palace
Overlooking the Tampa Mountain and the medieval historic quarter of Brasov, the traditional Hotel Aro Palace faces the Central Park. It features spacious and luxurious accommodations and offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. Both Romanian and European cuisine can be savored at the hotel's restaurant and the top floor Belvedere Club offers views over Brasov's Citadel. The hotel also has a Spa & Wellness Center offering various treatments and beauty procedures, a swimming pool, sauna and a gym. bathrobes, All of the soundproofed guestrooms have a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, slippers and bathrobes, other amenities include a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a mini-bar. The hotel enjoys a privileged location, right in the heart of Brasov, in the historical downtown.
Golden Tulip Ana Dome
Located only a few minutes away from downtown Cluj-Napoca, the Golden Tulip Ana Dome hotel will impress you with its superb urban view. Close to shopping malls, business centers and recreation areas, Golden Tulip Ana Dome is the perfect choice for leisure or business travel. The newest Golden Tulip Hotel in Cluj-Napoca sets the highest standards of quality and elegance.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 43 people
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos 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.
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