Splendours of Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)
Splendours of Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)
Splendours of Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)
17 Days Starting in Bucharest, Romania and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria
Visiting: Bucharest, Brasov, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Ruse, Plovdiv, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje, Sofia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RM3
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Age range:
18-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Balkans and Transylvania with our 17-day cultural tour, staying in luxurious 4-star hotels. Begin your adventure in Bucharest, Romania, and explore the rich history and stunning architecture of cities like Brasov, Cluj-Napoca, and Sibiu. Discover the legendary Bran Castle, known as Dracula's Castle, and the breathtaking landscapes of Transylvania. Continue your exploration through Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia, visiting iconic cities such as Sofia, Belgrade, Sarajevo, and Dubrovnik. Enjoy guided city tours, scenic drives, and optional activities like a boat trip in Dubrovnik or a Balkan night with dinner. With experienced local guides, air-conditioned transportation, and complimentary hotel Wi-Fi, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Inter Business - 4 Star
Welcome to Bucharest! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. After you get all the critical information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner around 8:15pm and walk the streets of Bucharest.
Day 2 : Bucharest City Tour
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Inter Business - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a hefty breakfast at the hotel, it's time to launch our discovery of the fascinating Romanian capital, Bucharest. Follow your guide as we visit unmissable landmarks of the city starting with the Revolution Square, Arc of Triumph and Romania Athenaem. Learn about the unique culture and vast history of the city as we continue to the famous Opera House, National Military Club, Dimitrie Gusti National Village and the Palace of Parliament, each building presents a different perspective to the Romanian culture and an artwork in itself. After some personal leisure time for you to explore this gorgeous city on your own terms, return to the hotel following a long day of discovery.
Day 3 : Bucharest, Sinaia, Bran, Brasov
Location: Brasov
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cubix – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's the day we set course for the fascinating region of Transylvania. Drive through misty forests of lush green towards our first stop at Peles Castle in Sinaia, a beautiful neo-renaissance castle in the Carpathian mountains. Just as we start to warm up to this unique atmosphere, goosebumps creep in... Prepare for the legendary Bran Castle, also known as the Castle of Count Dracula! This iconic sight is where legend and reality blend together to create the timeless stories of the vampires. Continue deep into Transylvania to Bravos, a fascinating town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and embellished with gothic & baroque architecture. Starting with the cobble-stone Piata Sfatului (Council Square), visit famous landmarks as the Black Church and Muresenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.
Day 4 : Brasov, Sighisoara, Targu Mures, Cluj-Napoca
Location: Cluj-Napoca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Premier – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready to follow the footsteps of Count Dracula? Our journey continues to Sighisoara after making a stop at the Clock Tower. Soak in marvellous views of Sighisoara Citadel, the Dominican Monastery, The Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal), and Dracula's House while listening to your guide about the colourful background of the town. Next stop will be Targu Mures, a small town yet an important seat of Transylvanian parliaments since 1500s, having survived the Mongol invasion. Have a small tour around town to see the Synagogue Quo Ante, Targu Mures citadel and the Culture Square. Our next stop will be the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region, Cluj-Napoca! Tag along your tour leader for a sightseeing tour of the colourful town, visiting the Union Square, St. Mihail Church and Matthias Corvinus Monument. Then make way to our 4-star hotel following a long day of discovery with spare time to scroll through your photo reel.
Day 5 : Cluj-Napoca, Salina Turda, Hunedeoara, Sibiu
Location: Sibiu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Plaza 35 – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the salt mines of Turda. This fascinating geologic wonder first produced salt for the region in antique times and has been active since the 11th century! Continuing to Hunedeoara Castle, also known as the Corvin Castle, learn all about the vibrant history of the Transylvanian citadel from your local guide. Our next stop will be the fairytale-like town of Sibiu. Presenting marvellous samples of Germanic architecture, Sibiu's legacy dates back to Saxxon settlers from the 12th century. Tag along your tour leader to view landmarks such as Brukenthal Palace, Piata Mare (city square), Lutheran Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Finally, relax at our comfortable 4-star hotel following a day filled with cultural adventure or continue to explore Sibiu as you wish.
Day 6 : Sibiu, Bucharest, Ruse
Location: Ruse
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dunav – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to bid farewell to Romania as we embark our ride for Ruse, Bulgaria via Bucharest. Upon arrival, start exploring the colourful town at the Freedom Square. Walk with your expert guide to visit unmissable sights such as the Sveta Troitsa Church, Opera House, Courthouse, Regional Historical Museum and Regional Library Lyuben Karavelov.
Day 7 : Ruse, Veliko Tarnavo, Etar, Kazanlak, Plovdiv
Location: Plovdiv
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Best Western Premier – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, our journey takes us to Veliko Tarnavo, the City of the Tsars. The historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire displays the unique Bulgarian architecture from the medieval age. Uncover the vast history and gems including Tsareverts Fortress and the Holy Forty Martyrs Church before moving on to Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex, an open-air museum with well-preserved samples of Bulgarian culture and craftsmanship. Moving on to Kazanlak, famed for its roses, we will stop along the Rose Valley and visit a Rose oil factory. Extensively familiarised with the Bulgarian culture, finish the day with a good night's rest in Plovdiv.
Day 8 : Plovdiv, Sofia
Location: Plovdiv
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vega – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fill up at breakfast at the hotel as we prepare for a city tour of beautiful Plovdiv. Launching our tour at Old Plovdiv in Nebet Hill, visit the Balabanov and Georgi Mavridi House, witness the impressive St. Konstantin Church and Elena Church, and proceed to Roman Amphitheatre of Philippopolis and Stadium - some of the best-preserved samples of Roman architecture in the world. Then we continue to visit the Citadel Door, Castle Streets and St. Nedelya Church. Having explored the marvels of Plovdiv, we embark for Sofia! Upon arrival, discover the Bulgarian capital on a panoramic city tour covering all the unmissable sights of the city and learn about its rooted history.
Day 9 : Sofia, Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Abba Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.
Day 10 : Belgrade, Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.
Day 11 : Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje
Location: Mostar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Central Park – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old caršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.
Day 12 : Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Central Park – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic"! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the "King’s Landing", the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night's rest.
Day 13 : Trebinje, Kotor, Budva
Location: Kotor
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Park – 3 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time, make your way to the popular touristic hub of the region, Budva. Your guide will take you on a brief walking tour of the vibrant summer town with great food, impressive views and lively nightlife.
Day 14 : Budva, Tirana, Ohrid
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Sileks – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hit the road after breakfast, next stop Albania! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.
Day 15 : Ohrid, Skopje
Location: Ohrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Panoramika – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.
Day 16 : Skopje, Sofia
Location: Skopje
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Panoramika – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where you can explore the shopping streets and the nightlife as you wish.
Day 17 : Sofia
Location: Sofia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early in the morning, join a walking tour of the Sofia town centre and visit all the famous landmarks including the National Library, Sofia University, The Parliament, and continue on to The St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theatre and St. Sofia Church. While your guide fills you in about the diverse history of Bulgaria and the communist era, you’ll get to see the houses of the Council of Ministers, presidency and the former communist party headquarters. As you stroll towards the vibrant shopping streets, feel free to get lost and discover the shops and cafes around. After the city tour, start bidding farewells to your new mates and end the tour.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in 4-star hotels throughout the tour.
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Meals
Enjoy 16 breakfasts during the tour.
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Transportation
Travel in an air-conditioned coach or mini-bus.
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Airport Transfer(s)
Arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel on day 1.
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Tour Guiding
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
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Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access (where available).
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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International Travel
International flights to and from the tour are not included.
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Meals not stated above
Meals other than the 16 breakfasts are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and laundry are not included.
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Entrance fees to the sights and museums
Entrance fees to various sights and museums are not included.
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Optional activities
Optional activities and excursions are not included.
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Other services not stated in the itinerary
Any services not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned coaches or mini-buses, ensuring a smooth journey between destinations. Arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel is included on day 1.
Accommodation
Enjoy your stay in luxurious 4-star hotels throughout the tour, including Hotel Mercure Unirii, Hotel Ambient, and Hotel River Park, offering comfort and complimentary Wi-Fi access where available.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 4-star hotels throughout the journey.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 16 breakfasts as part of the package.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses an air-conditioned coach or mini-bus for transportation.
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Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?
Yes, there is an arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel on day 1.
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Will there be a tour guide during the trip?
Yes, the tour includes services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access is available where possible.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees to the sights and museums are not included in the tour price.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a group dinner in Bucharest, a visit to Kravice Waterfalls, a Dubrovnik boat trip, and a Balkan night with dinner, among others.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
Reviews of this operator
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