Balkan Adventure

Balkan Adventure

223 Views
14 Days From

$3795

$3299

Balkan Adventure

14 Days Starting in Bucharest and ending in Belgrade

Visiting: Bucharest, Brasov, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi, Sofia, Rila, Skopje, Tirana, Budva, Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

BRASZN20

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3795 $3299 Operator discount: -$389 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$107 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

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.

Must-see Highlights

  • Explore Bucharest, Brasov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade
  • Discover Budva and Kotor
  • Visit Bran Castle in Brasov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, and the War Tunnel in Sarajevo
  • View Peles 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

Make Travel Matter®

Mostar: Meet Denis, one of the last traditional coppersmith artisans in Mostar. Learn about the techniques required to design elaborate copper jewelery 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.

Be My Guest

Skopje: Spend quality time with the locals when you join an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring local hospitality and cuisine.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Accommodation: Mercure Bucharest Unirii

Accommodation Name: Mercure Bucharest Unirii

Meals Included: Dinner

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 travelers 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: Journey To Transylvania And BraÅŸov

Location: Bucharest, Brasov

Accommodation: Ana Sport

Accommodation Name: Ana Bradul

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Location: Brasov

Accommodation: Ana Sport

Accommodation Name: Ana Bradul

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 favorite 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 favorites or consider joining your travel companions for an optional dinner.

Day 4: Continue To Medieval Veliko Târnovo

Location: Brasov, Veliko Tarnovo

Accommodation: Yantra Grand

Accommodation Name: Yantra Grand

Meals Included: Breakfast, 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.

Day 5: Onwards To Historic Sofia Stays With Stories

Location: Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi, Sofia

Accommodation: Astoria Grand

Accommodation Name: Astoria Grand

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the flurry of red skirts at a traditional folklore show.

Day 6: Sofia Your Way

Location: Sofia, Rila, Sofia

Accommodation: Astoria Grand

Accommodation Name: Astoria Grand

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 7: Journey To Macedonian Skopje Connect With Locals

Location: Sofia, Skopje

Accommodation: Holiday Inn

Accommodation Name: Next Door Park and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, religious crossroads and a vibrant medieval trading center. See the Ottoman Empire's legacy in the mosques and bazaars as you join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour this afternoon. Local flavors and stories are on the menu tonight as you Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience.

Day 8: Off To Albania And Tirana

Location: Skopje, Tirana

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 center – one where dour grey city blocks have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colorful 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: Journey To Budva

Location: Tirana, Budva

Accommodation: Iberostar Slavija

Accommodation Name: TQ Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Visit Kotor, Venture To Mostar And Sarajevo

Location: Budva, Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo

Accommodation: Novotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Bristol

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After an orientation in Kotor, join a a Local Specialist in Mostar for a guided tour through colorful 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: Discover Sarajevo

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Novotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Bristol

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: On The Road To Belgrade

Location: Sarajevo, Belgrade

Accommodation: Mercure Excelsior

Accommodation Name: Mercure Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Explore Riverside Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Mercure Excelsior

Accommodation Name: Mercure Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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: Farewell Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

  • 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 utilized.

What's Not Included

Mode of Transport

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

Accommodation

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

Dining Summary

  • 7 Dinner (D)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)

Dive Into Culture

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

Check out our Q&As

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Save on this tour

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1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$3825 $3325

Operator discount: -$392

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$108

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$3825 $3695

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$120

Sunday - Saturday

May 04, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$3825 $3325

Operator discount: -$392

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$108

Sunday - Saturday

May 11, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$3825 $3695

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$120

Sunday - Saturday

May 18, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$3825 $3325

Operator discount: -$392

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$108

Sunday - Saturday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$3850 $3347

Operator discount: -$394

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$109

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$3850 $3347

Operator discount: -$394

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$109

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$3850 $3347

Operator discount: -$394

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$109

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$3850 $3347

Operator discount: -$394

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$109

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$3850 $3347

Operator discount: -$394

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$109

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$3850 $3347

Operator discount: -$394

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$109

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$3895 $3386

Operator discount: -$399

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$110

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$3895 $3386

Operator discount: -$399

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$110

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$3895 $3386

Operator discount: -$399

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$110

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$3895 $3386

Operator discount: -$399

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$110

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$3895 $3386

Operator discount: -$399

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$110

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$3895 $3386

Operator discount: -$399

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$110

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$3875 $3369

Operator discount: -$397

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$110

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$3875 $3369

Operator discount: -$397

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$110

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$3875 $3369

Operator discount: -$397

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$110

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$3825 $3325

Operator discount: -$392

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$108

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$3825 $3325

Operator discount: -$392

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$108

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$3825 $3325

Operator discount: -$392

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$108

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$3795 $3299

Operator discount: -$389

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$107

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$3795 $3666

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$119

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
$4095 $3956

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$129

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2026 - May 02, 2026
$4095 $3956

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$129

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2026 - May 09, 2026
$4095 $3956

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$129

Sunday - Saturday

May 03, 2026 - May 16, 2026
$4095 $3956

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$129

Sunday - Saturday

May 10, 2026 - May 23, 2026
$4095 $3956

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$129

Sunday - Saturday

May 17, 2026 - May 30, 2026
$4095 $3956

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$129

Sunday - Saturday

May 24, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026
$4125 $3985

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$130

Sunday - Saturday

May 31, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026
$4125 $3985

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$130

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 07, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
$4125 $3985

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$130

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026
$4125 $3985

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$130

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026
$4125 $3985

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$130

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026
$4125 $3985

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$130

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026
$4175 $4034

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$131

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
$4175 $4034

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$131

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 19, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026
$4175 $4034

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$131

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026
$4175 $4034

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$131

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026
$4175 $4034

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$131

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 09, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
$4175 $4034

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$131

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
$4150 $4010

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$130

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2026 - Sep 05, 2026
$4150 $4010

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$130

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
$4150 $4010

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$130

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
$4095 $3956

Operator discount: -$10

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$129

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$3885 $3763

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$122

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026
$3885 $3763

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$122

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$3865 $3743

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$122

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
$3865 $3743

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$122

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar 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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