Balkan Adventure

14 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
96%
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USTOA

Group Tour
Visit several countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.
5%
$3,968
From$3,750
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
    • 13 Breakfast (B)
    • 4 Dinner (D)
    • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
    • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
    • 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.

What's this trip about?

    Visit several countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityBucharest
End CityBelgrade

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Bulgaria
  • Romania
  • Albania
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Montenegro
  • North Macedonia
  • Serbia

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

    • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
    • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
    • 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
    • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
    • Optional Experiences and free time
    • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest

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 fille...

Day 2: Journey to Transylvania and Braşov

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 e...

Day 3: Dracula’s Castle and More in Braşov Dive Into Culture

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 favorite royal residence of Queen Maria of Romania. Although the connection between the castle ...

Day 4: Continue to Medieval Veliko Târnovo

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 f...

Day 5: Onwards to Historic Sofia Stays With Stories

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 ...

Day 6: Sofia Your Way

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. Settle in to the relaxed atmosphere and take a stroll along its elegant boulevards or sit...

Day 7: Journey to Macedonian Skopje Connect with Locals

Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, religious crossroads and a vibrant medieval trading center. See the Ottoman Empire's legacy in the mosques and bazaars as you join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour this afternoon. Local flavors...

Day 8: Off to Albania and Tirana

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 center – one where dour g...

Day 9: Journey to Budva

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.

Hotel TQ Plaza

Breakfast

Day 10: Visit Kotor, Venture to Mostar and Sarajevo

After an orientation in Kotor, join a a Local Specialist in Mostar for a guided tour through colorful 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...

Day 11: Discover Sarajevo

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 199...

Day 12: On the Road to Belgrade

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.

Mercure Excelsior

Breakfast

Day 13: Explore Riverside Belgrade

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 perfec...

Day 14: Farewell Belgrade

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.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,750
Price per day$268
Last Updated: 10/6/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
35,025
Great
9,451
Average
2,725
Disappointing
837
Terrible
534
T

Trusted Customer

Sep 2024

Written on

Balkan Adventure

1) Director and Driver 2) Overall experience 3) Ho...

G

Gye Aultman

Sep 2024

Written on

Balkan Adventure

It was unknown area for me. What a eye opening experience. We covered 7 countries and so much learning experience. Purchasing experience was easy. With help of ...

T

Trusted Customer

Sep 2024

Written on

Balkan Adventure

Fast passed Adventure, packing and unpacking almost daily. I think they give it a good name in Adventure because it truly is. The Hotels were a mix of good and bad, ...

M

Mitchell Brown

Aug 2024

Written on

Balkan Adventure

Great history and culture of the region. Excellent location o...

S

Sharon Loehs

Aug 2024

Written on

Balkan Adventure

Nicole was an excellent guide . She was very helpful and experienced with all her historical facts. The driver Bobby was excellent, and I felt safe all the time he w...

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Tour Operator

Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

Why we love this operator
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
What they’re known for
Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Mercure Bucharest Unirii Ana Sport Yantra Grand Astoria Grand Hotel Next Door Park and Spa Hilton Garden Inn Hotel TQ Plaza Novotel Bristol Mercure Excelsior,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 7 Dinner (D)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
trafalgar-BRASZN19

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