Bulgaria Tours & Trips 2020

• Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
• Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
• Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site with the freshest local ingredients.
• Enjoy walking tours with local guides who have all the insider knowledge in Prizren, Berat and Tirana.
• Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River and explore this beautiful natural area on foot and by boat.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• A comprehensive cruise along the Danube, taking in its history, fascinating culture and sublime landscapes
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Rich cultural and architectural heritage in the Serbian towns of Belgrade and Novi Sad
  • Authentic Bulgaria with Veliko Tarnovo and the charming town of Ruse
  • Bucharest, the surprising Romanian capital
  • The Danube Delta, the largest and best preserved of all European deltas

• Immerse yourself in the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers
• Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery
• Experience the romantic "time travel" back to the 20-th century by taking a trip on the last operational narrow gauge line in Bulgaria on route from Bansko to Plovdiv.
• Explore the amphitheatre and Plovdiv's other significant sights on a guided walking tour.
• Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
• Stand in awe of the exquisite architectual design of Selimiye Mosque and celebrate the end of your journey in the transcontinental Istanbul.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• A comprehensive cruise along the Danube, taking in its history, fascinating culture and sublime landscapes
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Authentic Bulgaria with Veliko Tarnovo and the charming town of Ruse
  • Bucharest, the surprising Romanian capital
  • The Danube delta, the largest and best preserved of the European deltas

• Skopje: Spend quality time with the locals when you join an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring local hospitality and cuisine.
• Bran: Visit the infamous mythical home of Count Dracula and favourite residence of Romanian royalty - Bran Castle.
• Bucharest: Bask in the rich history of Bucharest and its lasting legacies.
• Sinaia: Journey to the Carpathian Mountains and discover Peles Castle.
• Brasov: Journey through the medieval streets of Brasov and discover its trading history.
• Veliko Tarnovo: Discover the rich history of Veliko Tarnovo with a Local Specialist.
• Sofia: Journey to Sofia and spend the day basking in the wonders of Bulgaria's modern-day capital.
• Skopje: Join a Local Specialist on a city tour of the historic center of Skopje.
• Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they share insights into life in the Albanian capital.
• Budva: Spend the day exploring the picturesque town of Budva.
• Kotor: Spend the day discovering the wonders of Kotor.
• Mostar: Discover the magnificent coves and cliffs of the Dalmatian coast as well as the monumental Mostar Bridge.
• Sarajevo: Discover the wonders and hidden treasures of Sarajevo.
• Sarajevo: Discover the history of the Bosnian war tunnel in Sarajevo.
• Belgrade: Discover the rich history of Belgrade and all it's wonderful sights.
• Explore Bucharest, Braşov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade with a Local Specialist
• Discover Kotor and Budva
• Visit Bran Castle in Braşov, 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
• View Peleş 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
• See the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest
• Sofia: Soak up the tranquillity of the Japanese Garden and inspired interior of the Marinela Hotel, designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa.

• Rich in history, art, architecture, cuisine and nightlife, Budapest is a hot European destination. The Museum of Fine Arts offers free English tours that reveal the famous artwork of Monet, Manet and Goya, just to name a few
• A homestay with a family in the Saxon village of Viscri in Romania offers insight into local life and the chance to sample some delicious home-cooked food
• This trip takes you to a mix of exciting capital cities and quaint mountain villages through Eastern Europe all the way to the transcontinental Istanbul.
• Transylvania is drenched in history and myth. Discover the medieval city of Sighisoara, the birthplace of one of Romania's most infamous figures, Vlad the Impaler - better known as the inspiration for Count Dracula
• Journey deep into the forested valley of Rila to find the Monastery of Saint Ivan. Over 1,000 years old, this spectacular building is one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover 6 countries and diverse cultures
• Idyllic landscapes of the Iron Gates
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED: 
  • The Danube Delta, the largest and best preserved of all European deltas
  • Fantastic Bucharest, the Romanian capital
  • Belgrade by coach or by bike
  • The Rusenski Lom river valley
  • Ruse and its astonishing features
  • Novi Sad, the pearl of Vojvodina
  • Trip to Constanta

• Welcome to Bucharest
• Choice of guided sightseeing in Bucharest or walk the Urban Delta or food tour; onboard welcome reception
• Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi or hike the Kroushuna Waterfalls; on board movie night
• Choice of guided tour in Vidin, visit Baba Vida Fortress or wine tasting or hiking in Belogradchik
• Scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or Donji Milanovac off the beaten path tour or Djerdap National park hike; visit to Golubač fortress
• Choice of guided tour or bike tour or meet the locals; on board lecture
• Choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk up to the Petrovaradin Fortress or wine tour; choice of Ilok guided tour or biking tour or beer tour
• Guided sightseeing in Zagreb
• Begin your Active & Discovery river cruise vacation with an overnight stay in Bucharest—the “Paris of the East
• ” See the Romanian capital’s WWI Arc de Triomphe and the Royal Palace Square, and spend free time browsing the lovely shops and cafes of Victory Boulevard

• Immerse yourself in the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers
• Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery
• Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
• Discover the incredible ancient and modern history of Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area.
• Taste local fruit wines in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country. Get to know the friendly locals with a Gozleme making demonstration and a home-made lunch at a local family in Cappadocia.

• Take a scenic steam train ride through Tara National Park’s forests and mountains on a historic railway that forms part of the famous Ciro trail connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea, a Premium Exclusive Experience.
• Explore Balkan history, discovering Saxon villages with fairytale scenery, mideivel Old Towns with pretty market squares, and Orthodox monasteries where you'll taste the famous Tvrdos wine made by its monks.
• Stay in 2 Premium Feature Stays to connect with local culture: an Ethno Village created by a famed Serbian film maker, and a bucolic Romanian mansion in the countryside.
• Dive deep into one of the oldest salt mines in Europe, in use for about 2,000 years. Spanning more than 43 kilometers Turda Salt Mine contains a huge array of attractions - from an amusement park to a contemporary art museum to an underground lake.
• Tour one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia, Tito's nuclear bunker, which was built to protect Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and his top military advisors.

• Follow a local guide through Diocletian's Palace in Split, where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with pre-Romanesque churches, Gothic chapels and museums.
• Immerse yourself in local culture during 2 exclusive Feature Stays. Head out with a fisherman from Lastovo Island, helping to bring in the daily catch and enjoying an on-board lunch of the freshest seafood imaginable and stay at an Ethno Village created by a famed Serbian film maker.
• Wake up to incredible views of the Adriatic and a picturesque bay from the comfort of your exquisite Feature Stay guesthouse on the unspoiled Lastovo Island.
• Take a scenic steam train ride through Tara National Park’s forests and mountains on a historic railway that forms part of the famous Ciro trail connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea, a Premium Exclusive Experience.
• Relish the best of Croatian cuisine as you dine out in Split and Dubrovnik, eat freshly caught fish at sea, sample locally produced wine and enjoy dinner overlooking the Adriatic.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• A comprehensive cruise along the Danube, taking in its history, fascinating culture and sublime landscapes
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Bucharest, the surprising Romanian capital
  • Authentic Bulgaria with Veliko Tarnovo and the charming town of Ruse

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover 6 countries and diverse cultures
• Idyllic landscapes of the Iron Gates
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • The Danube Delta, the largest and best preserved of all European deltas
  • Fantastic Bucharest, the Romanian capital
  • Belgrade by coach or by bike
  • Ruse and its astonishing features

• 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: Led by a local historian, witness the opulent and sumptuous decor in Peleș 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.
• Ohrid: Walk the cobbled, narrow streets of the Old Town.
• 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.
• Bran: Learn about the story of the infamous Count Dracula during a private after-hours visit of Bran Castle, followed by dinner.
• 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.
• Dubrovnik: Visit the workshop of Deša, an organization founded following the Siege of Dubrovnik to help refugees and women who were victims of violence. They have grown to be an important educational center, workshop and an advocate for women’s rights. Through its meaningful work Deša continues to act as a safe space for women to support one another, provides training opportunities and sponsors the revival of traditional crafts. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
• Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide.
• Bucharest: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your Welcome Dinner served with wine.
• Dubrovnik: You will be offered a varied selection of charming restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
• 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.
• Sarajevo: Experience authentic Bosnian coffee and learn about the traditional ritual of coffee preparation.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide.
• Optional - 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.