Ultimate Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)
Ultimate Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)
Ultimate Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)
19 Days Starting in Bucharest, Romania and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, Thessaloniki, Meteora, Delphi, Athens
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RM4
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 this 19-day cultural adventure, staying in luxurious 4-star hotels. Begin in Bucharest, Romania, and explore the rich history and stunning architecture of cities like Brasov, Cluj-Napoca, and Sibiu. Discover the legendary Bran Castle and the breathtaking landscapes of Transylvania. Continue your exploration through Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania, visiting iconic sites such as Dubrovnik's Old Town, the medieval citadel of Kotor, and the vibrant streets of Belgrade. Experience the mystical beauty of Meteora in Greece and conclude your journey in the ancient city of Athens. With guided tours, comfortable transportation, and daily breakfasts included, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure across the Balkans.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Unirii - 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.
Accommodation
Hotel Mercure Unirii - 4 Star
Included Activities
Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
Group Dinner
Day 2: Bucharest City Tour
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Unirii - 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.
Accommodation
Hotel Mercure Unirii - 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Bucharest City Tour
Entrance Fees
National Village Museum - EUR 6
Day 3: Bucharest, Sinaia, Bran, Brasov
Location: Brasov
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ambient – 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 (Please note that it is not possible to visit inside of the castle).
Just as we start to warm up to this unique atmosphere, goosebumps creep in.
.
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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 Brasov, a fascinating town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and embellished with gothic & baroque architecture.
Starting with the cobble-stone Piaţa Sfatului (Council Square), visit famous landmarks as the Black Church and Muresenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.
Accommodation
Hotel Ambient – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Visit to Peles Castle
Visit to Count Dracula Castle
Brasov Sightseeing
Entrance Fees
Dracula Castle Bran - EUR 8.
5
Day 4: Brasov, Sighisoara, Cluj-Napoca
Accommodation Name: Hotel River Park – 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.
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.
Accommodation
Hotel River Park – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sighisoara Sightseeing
Cluj-Napoca Sightseeing
Day 5: Cluj-Napoca, Salina Turda, Hunedeoara, Sibiu
Location: Sibiu
Accommodation Name: Hotel Golden Tulip Ana Tower – 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 guide.
Our next stop will be the fairytale-like town of Sibiu.
Relax at our comfortable 4-star hotel following a day filled with cultural adventure or start exploring Sibiu as you wish.
Accommodation
Hotel Golden Tulip Ana Tower – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Visit to Salina Turda (Salt Mine)
Hunedeoara Sightseeing
Entrance Fees
Salina Turda - EUR 10
Corvin Castle - EUR 8
Day 6: Sibiu, Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Unirii - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start our day with a walking tour of charming 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.
In the afternoon, we will be heading back to Bucharest for our overnight stay.
Accommodation
Hotel Mercure Unirii - 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sibiu Sightseeing
Optional Activities
Group Dinner
Day 7: Bucharest, Veliko Tarnavo, Plovdiv
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation Name: Best Western Premier Plovdiv Hills – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to bid farewell to Romania as we embark our ride for 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 Plovdiv.
Accommodation
Best Western Premier Plovdiv Hills – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Veliko Tarnavo Sightseeing
Entrance Fees
Tsarevets Fortress - EUR 5
Day 8: Plovdiv, Sofia
Accommodation Name: Novotel Sofia – 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.
Accommodation
Novotel Sofia – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Plovdiv City Tour
Sofia Panoramic Tour
Day 9: Sofia, Belgrade
Accommodation Name: Abba Hotel - 4 Star or similar
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.
Accommodation
Abba Hotel - 4 Star or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Belgrade City Tour
Day 10: Belgrade, Sarajevo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles – 4 Star or similar
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.
Accommodation
Hotel Ibis Styles – 4 Star or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sarajevo City Tour
Entrance Fees
Catholic Church - EUR 1
Day 11: Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje
Accommodation Name: Hotel Central Park – 4 Star or similar
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 čaršija (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.
Accommodation
Hotel Central Park – 4 Star or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Mostar City Tour
Optional Activities
Kravice Waterfalls - EUR 30
Day 12: Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje
Accommodation Name: Hotel Central Park – 4 Star or similar
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.
Accommodation
Hotel Central Park – 4 Star or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Dubrovnik City Tour
Optional Activities
Dubrovnik Boat Trip - EUR 40
Entrance Fees
Dubronvnik City Walls - EUR 15
Day 13: Trebinje, Kotor, Shkoder
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Europa – 5 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.
Departure to Albania, which is our final destination for the day.
Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania.
Walking tour through the centre.
Overnight in Shkoder.
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Europa – 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Kotor City Tour
Shkoder Walking Tour
Day 14: Shkoder, Tirana, Ohrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Nova Riviera or Hotel Aqualina – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hit the road after breakfast! 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.
Accommodation
Hotel Nova Riviera or Hotel Aqualina – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Panoramic Tour of TiranaOhrid Walking Tour
Optional Activities
Balkan Night With Dinner - EUR 35
Day 15: Ohrid, Skopje
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.
Accommodation
Hotel Panoramika – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Ohrid City Tour
Optional Activities
St.
Naum Tour - EUR 20
Day 16: Skopje, Thessaloniki
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation Name: Hotel ABC – 3 Star or similar
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 cross the border heading towards the second largest Greek city, Thessaloniki.
In the evening, join the panoramic bus tour to discover the hidden gems of the city.
Accommodation
Hotel ABC – 3 Star or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Skopje City Tour
Thessaloniki Panoramic Tour
Day 17: Kalambaka, Meteora, Delphi
Location: Meteora
Accommodation Name: Hermes Hotel - 3 Star or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we depart for Kalambaka, the gateway to Meteora.
Meteora is famous for its breath-taking scenery and ageless monasteries, almost suspended between the earth and sky.
The town hosts one of the largest and steepest complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, literally named as “middle of the sky”.
The World Heritage-listed site is out-of-this-world with its unique landscape of immense monolithic pillars and huge rounded boulders hosting monasteries on top, and one of the most visited locations in Greece.
Each monastery has a central courtyard surrounded by chapels and living cells of monks, who have inhabited the region since the 11th century – for far less than the first inhabitants from 50,000 years ago.
Later in the afternoon, hop on the bus for Delphi.
Accommodation
Hermes Hotel - 3 Star or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Meteora Tour
Day 18: Delphi, Athens
Location: Delphi
Accommodation Name: Arion Hotel - 3 Star or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Eat up at breakfast, you will be discovering Delphi and all its wonders.
Built high atop the cliffs with spectacular scenery, the town made its name in ancient Greek mythology.
Chosen as the centre of the earth, here is where the famous powerful Oracles of Delphi resided.
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi had a tremendous influence in the ancient world, uniting many city-states under the Hellenic spirit as displayed in rich monuments and ancient stories.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to Athens.
As you get your bearings and all the information you need about the capital from your guide, arrive at the hotel to freshen up.
Prepare to cap off the amazing tour Greek-style; bring in the mezes, it's time to do some Sirtaki!
Accommodation
Arion Hotel - 3 Star or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Delphi Tour
Day 19: Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Have your final breakfast on us and start bidding farewells to your travel mates before checking out of the hotel (11:00).
Time to start counting days for your next adventure with Travel Talk!
Meals Included
Breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star hotels
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Meals
18 breakfasts
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Transportation
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 licenced 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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Any flights not mentioned above
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Travel Insurance
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Meals not stated above
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips and gestures
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Entrance fees to the sights and museums
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Optional activities
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Other services not stated in the itinerary
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, making your travel experience hassle-free from the start.
Accommodation
Enjoy your stay in comfortable 4-star hotels throughout the tour, including Hotel Mercure Unirii, Hotel Ambient, and Hotel River Park, among others. Experience a blend of modern amenities and local charm, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay at each destination.
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 airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, an arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel on day 1 is included.
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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 Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access is available where possible.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 18 breakfasts as part of the package.
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Will there be a tour guide during the trip?
Yes, the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism are included.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?
Entrance fees to 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, a Balkan Night with Dinner, and a St. Naum Tour.
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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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Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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