Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
14 Days Starting in Bucharest and ending in Belgrade
Visiting: Bucharest, Brașov, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BRASZM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating Balkan Adventure, traversing through seven countries: Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. This journey is a treasure trove for cultural enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering an unparalleled exploration of Eastern Europe's rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. From the gothic allure of Bran Castle in Romania to the Ottoman echoes in Skopje, and the war tunnels of Sarajevo, each destination weaves its own narrative of the past. Marvel at architectural wonders like the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia and the iconic Stari Most bridge in Mostar. With a local specialist guiding your way, discover hidden gems and stories that bring the history of the Balkans to life. Enjoy the comfort of luxury air-conditioned coaches, cherry-picked hotels, and a host of included meals and surprise extras, making your journey as comfortable as it is enlightening.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation: Hotel
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 travellers 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: Brașov
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ana Hotels Sport
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
Location: Brașov
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ana Hotels Sport
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 favourite 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 favourites or consider joining your travel companions for an optional dinner.
Day 4: Continue To Medieval Veliko Târnovo
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Yantra Grand Hotel Veliko Târnovo
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
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
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, where you’ll 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.
Day 6: Sofia Your Way
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Astoria Grand
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ll have a full day to explore this modern city built on Roman ruins. Once a thriving centre for trade and crafts, Sofia’s history, culture and architecture have been influenced by Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and communists. 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. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the flurry of red skirts at a traditional folklore show.
Day 7 : Journey To Macedonian Skopje
Location: Skopje
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel 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 centre. See the Ottoman Empire's legacy in the mosques and bazaars as you join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour this afternoon.
Day 8: Off To Albania And Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
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 centre – one where dour grey city blocks have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colourful 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 Montenegro’S Kotor And Budva
Location: Kotor
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel TQ Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast
Soak up Montenegro’s natural beauty as you drive towards Kotor. You’ll have some time for lunch on your own and an orientation tour of this fortified town, tucked deep within enchanting fjord-like surrounds. 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: Venture To Mostar And Sarajevo
Location: Mostar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Sarajevo Bristol
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In Mostar, a Local Specialist will lead you through its colourful 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: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Sarajevo 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. Local flavours and stories are on the menu tonight as you Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience.
Day 12: On The Road To Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Belgrade 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: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Belgrade 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
-
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
What's Not Included
-
International flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Some meals
Not all meals are covered.
Please refer to the itinerary for details. -
Optional excursions
Excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included and may incur additional costs.
-
Personal expenses
Expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and additional drinks or snacks are not included.
-
Visa fees
Any required visas or entry fees are 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
Check out our Q&As
-
What countries will I visit on the Balkan Adventure tour?
On the Balkan Adventure tour, you will visit Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.
-
What are some highlights of the Balkan Adventure tour?
Highlights of the Balkan Adventure tour include exploring cities like Bucharest, Brașov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, and Belgrade with a Local Specialist, discovering Kotor and Budva, visiting Bran Castle in Brașov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, Sofia, Kotor, Budva, the War Tunnel in Sarajevo, and Kalmegdan Fortress in Belgrade, and viewing Peleș Castle in Sinaia, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church in Sofia, the Palace of Culture and the National Library in Tirana, and the Stari Most in Mostar.
-
What type of transportation is provided on the Balkan Adventure tour?
The Balkan Adventure tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
-
What type of accommodation is provided on the Balkan Adventure tour?
The Balkan Adventure tour provides accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
-
Are meals included in the Balkan Adventure tour?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the Balkan Adventure tour.
-
What are the inclusions of the Balkan Adventure tour?
Inclusions of the Balkan Adventure tour are an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, 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, and audio headsets for flexible sightseeing.
-
What are the exclusions of the Balkan Adventure tour?
Exclusions of the Balkan Adventure tour include international flights, travel insurance, some meals, optional excursions, personal expenses, and visa fees.
-
What is the starting location of the Balkan Adventure tour?
The starting location of the Balkan Adventure tour is Bucharest.
-
What is the ending location of the Balkan Adventure tour?
The ending location of the Balkan Adventure tour is Belgrade.
-
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
1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Sunday - Saturday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 10, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 04, 2025 - May 17, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 11, 2025 - May 24, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 18, 2025 - May 31, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Apr 19, 2026 - May 02, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Apr 26, 2026 - May 09, 2026Sunday - Saturday
May 03, 2026 - May 16, 2026Sunday - Saturday
May 10, 2026 - May 23, 2026Sunday - Saturday
May 17, 2026 - May 30, 2026Sunday - Saturday
May 24, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026Sunday - Saturday
May 31, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jun 07, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jul 19, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Aug 09, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2026 - Sep 05, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026Sunday - Saturday
Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026Book 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.
-
Terms and Conditions