Treasures of the Balkans - Classic Group

Treasures of the Balkans - Classic Group

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16 Days From

$5495

$4793

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the Balkans with the "Treasures of the Balkans - Classic Group" tour, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of eight diverse countries. Begin in Bucharest, Romania, and traverse through Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, the medieval citadel of Tsarevets in Veliko Tarnovo, and the enchanting Bran Castle. Experience authentic cultural encounters, from a Sarajevan family dinner to exploring the vibrant streets of Dubrovnik. Enjoy guided tours with local experts, offering insights into the region's complex history and vibrant cultures. With a blend of guided sightseeing and leisure time, this tour offers a perfect balance for exploring the Balkans' hidden gems and top-rated highlights. Conclude your adventure in Belgrade, Serbia, with unforgettable memories and newfound friends. ...more ...less

Highlights

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    Choice Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protectedpark just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
    • Sarajevo: Meet an expert of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and hear a first-hand account of when the city was under siege for 44 months. Alternatively, take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city.

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    Top Rated Highlights

    • Bucharest: During sightseeing with your Local Expert see University Square and the former Communist Headquarters.
    • Bucharest: Walk the cavernous halls of the vast Palace of Parliament, learn about the history and listen to amusing tales from your Local Expert.
    • Sinaia: Witness the opulent and sumptuous decor in Pele? Castle, the fairy-tale Royal summer residence, at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains.
    • Veliko Tarnovo: Ascend Tsarevets, the King's Hill, crowned by a ruined medieval citadel. Enjoy the views and imagine yourself back in the days of the Crusades when this was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
    • Arbanasi: At the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arbanassi, visit a traditional 17th-century merchants' house and enjoy the acoustics in the Church of the Holy Nativity.
    • Sofia: Sightseeing with your 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.
    • Skopje: Visit the capital of Macedonia with your Local Expert, explore Square Macedonia and see the Stone Bridge before walking through the Old Bazaar.
    • Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they explain what it's like to live in the Albanian capital.
    • Kotor: Visit the Stari Grad, also referred to as the Old Town, perfectly positioned on a beautiful bay.
    • Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
    • Mostar: Learn the history and symbolic significance of Stari Most and explore the old town with your Local Expert.
    • Belgrade: A Local Expert will show you St. Sava Church, Terazije Street, the national museum, national theater, Republic Square and the Kalemegdan Fortress.

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    Make Travel Matter

    Sarajevo: You are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner and drinks. Savor the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture. This experience advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.

    Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protectedpark just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

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    Authentic Dining

    Bucharest: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your dinner.

    Dubrovnik: You will be offered a varied selection of charming restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.

    Sarajevo: Experience authentic Bosnian coffee and learn about the traditional ritual of coffee preparation.

    Belgrade:  Toast the culmination of your travels with dinner.

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    Insight Choice

    Sarajevo: Meet an expert of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and hear a first-hand account of when the city was under siege for 44 months. Alternatively, take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest.

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Bucharest

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Bucharest! Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Bucharest And Castles Of Transylvania

Location: Bucharest

Accommodation: Aro Palace, Brasov.

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Aurum, Brașov

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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. Enjoy a delicious private dinner in the recently renovated Queen Mary’s Tea House. 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.

Day 3: Brasov And Sinaia

Location: Brasov

Accommodation: Aro Palace, Brasov.

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Aurum, Brașov

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo

Location: Veliko Tarnovo

Accommodation: Yantra Hotel, Veliko Tarnovo.

Accommodation Name: Yantra, Veliko Tarnovo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 5: To Sofia Relaxed Start

Location: Sofia

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia

Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Sofia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 6: Sofia At Your Pace Relaxed Start

Location: Sofia

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia

Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Sofia

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 7: Skopje

Location: Skopje

Accommodation: Bushi Resort & Spa, Skopje.

Accommodation Name: Bushi Resort & Spa, Skopje

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 8: Lake Ohrid And Tirana

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chriscenaikotravels

Location: Tirana

Accommodation: MAK Albania Hotel Tirana.

Accommodation Name: MAK Albania, Tirana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 with a Local Expert.

Day 9: Journey To Montenegro’S Budva

Location: Budva

Accommodation Name: TQ Plaza, Budva

Meals Included: Breakfast

Soak up Montenegro’s natural beauty as you drive towards Budva 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: Kotor And Dubrovnik

Location: Kotor

Accommodation Name: Kompas Dubrovnik

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. At night, you may choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around evening.

Day 11: Dubrovnik Sightseeing Relaxed Start

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markusreidus

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Kompas Dubrovnik

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 and visit a local winery.

Day 12: Mostar And Sarajevo

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Swissotel Sarajevo.

Accommodation Name: Europe, Sarajevo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 dinner. Savor the authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories.

Day 13: Sarajevo, City Of Culture

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Swissotel Sarajevo.

Accommodation Name: Europe, Sarajevo

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 14: The Serbian Capital Of Belgrade Relaxed Start

Сергей Филиппов
dejan sokolovic

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade.

Accommodation Name: Radisson Collection, Old Mill Belgrade

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 15: The Best Of Belgrade Relaxed Start

Сергей Филиппов
dejan sokolovic

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade.

Accommodation Name: Radisson Collection, Old Mill Belgrade

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Join a Local Expert to see the best of Belgrade including Terazije Street, the national museum and national theater 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 travelers for dinner this evening.

Day 16: Farewell Belgrade

Сергей Филиппов
dejan sokolovic

Location: Belgrade

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your 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

  • Choice Highlights

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in Sarajevo, including a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River or meeting an expert of the Bosnian War.

  • Top Rated Highlights

    Experience guided sightseeing tours in cities like Bucharest, Sofia, Skopje, and Dubrovnik with Local Experts.

  • Make Travel Matter

    Participate in experiences that advance United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as a dinner in a Sarajevan family home.

  • Authentic Dining

    Enjoy authentic dining experiences, including a Dine-Around Evening in Dubrovnik and a private dinner in Queen Mary’s Tea House.

  • Insight Choice

    In Sarajevo, choose between visiting the Tunnel of Hope or taking a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River.

  • Dining Summary

    The tour includes 6 Dinners, 15 Breakfasts, and 3 Dinners with Wine.

  • Additional Included Highlights

    Enjoy personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi on the coach and in hotels.

  • Insight Experiences

    Learn about Count Dracula during a private after-hours visit of Bran Castle, followed by dinner.

  • Well-being

    Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach, featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as a visit to Rila Monastery or Cavtat are not included in the tour price.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

Dining Summary

  • 6 Dinner (D)
  • 15 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Bran: Learn about the story of the infamous Count Dracula during a private after-hours visit to Bran Castle, following a traditional dinner.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort on a luxurious, air-conditioned 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxing journey through the Balkans.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest, Radisson Blu Aurum in Bra?ov, Yantra in Veliko Tarnovo, Grand Millennium Sofia, Bushi Resort & Spa in Skopje, MAK Albania in Tirana, TQ Plaza in Budva, Kompas Dubrovnik, Europe in Sarajevo, and Radisson Collection, Old Mill Belgrade.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are offered in Sarajevo during the tour?

    In Sarajevo, you have the option to meet an expert on the Bosnian War for a visit to the Tunnel of Hope, where you can hear a first-hand account of the city's siege. Alternatively, you can take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park, led by a conservation guide.

  • What is the significance of the visit to Bran Castle?

    The visit to Bran Castle is significant as it includes a private after-hours tour where you can learn about the story of the infamous Count Dracula. This is followed by a dinner, providing a unique and immersive experience.

  • How does the tour incorporate local culture and cuisine?

    The tour incorporates local culture and cuisine by inviting you into a Sarajevan family home for dinner, where you can savor authentic Bosnian cuisine and hear stories about their culture. Additionally, in Bucharest, you join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner, and in Dubrovnik, you have a Dine-Around evening with a selection of charming restaurants.

  • What are some of the historical sites visited in Bucharest?

    In Bucharest, the tour includes sightseeing with a Local Expert to view University Square and the former Communist Headquarters. You also visit the immense Parliament Palace and enjoy a private visit to Bran Castle, learning about its history and tales of Count Dracula.

  • What activities are available in Dubrovnik during the tour?

    In Dubrovnik, you can explore the stone-paved streets within the 16th-century bastions with a Local Expert, seeing Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace, the city walls, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or take an optional experience to Cavtat.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

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

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.! ...more ...less

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Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West. ...more ...less

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This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Tuesday

May 05, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$5495 $4793

Operator discount: -$703

Monday - Tuesday

May 19, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$5495 $5325

Operator discount: -$170

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations 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 insight vacations 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.

Treasures of the Balkans - Classic Group

16 Days Starting in Bucharest, Romania and ending in Belgrade, Serbia

Visiting: Bucharest, Brasov, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Budva, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Belgrade ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

E966ZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $5495 $4793 Operator discount: -$703 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 20-Dec-2024 but subject to change.