14 days Balkans Tour from Budapest with Transylvania

Welcome to Romania! Your journey begins in Timisoara, a city known for its unique architectural style and rich cultural influences. As the European Capital of Culture in 2023, Timisoara offers a blend of Turkish, Serbian, Austrian, and German influences. Spend the day exploring the city at your leisure before settling in for the night at a comfortable 3-star hotel.

Start your day with a visit to the fascinating Corvin Castle, one of the most beautiful gothic castles in Eastern Europe. Next, explore the Turda Salt Mine, renowned as the most beautiful salt mine in Eastern Europe. In the evening, arrive in Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Sibiu.

Spend the day exploring the charming city of Sibiu. Visit the iconic Tower of the Clock and the Brukenthal museum, a testament to the city's rich history. Wander through the big square, the small square and Huet Square, and admire the beauty of the Evangelical Cathedral. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Sibiu.

Depart from Sibiu and head to the city of Sighisoara, home to the imposing Clock Tower and the best-preserved citadel in Europe. Next, visit Brasov, a charming Transylvanian town with a rich blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Brasov.

Visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, the largest brown bear sanctuary in Europe, and witness the joy of bears living in their natural environment. Later, proceed to Bran to visit the famous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle. In the evening, arrive in Sinaia, the pearl of the Carpathians. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Brasov.

Begin your day with a visit to the fabulous Peles Castle, the summer residence of the first king of Romania. Later, head towards Bucharest and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, including the Triumph Arch, Atheneum, Revolution Square, and Parliament Palace. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Bucharest.

Spend the day exploring Bucharest, starting with the colossal Parliament Palace, the second-largest administrative building in the world. Visit the Village Museum to learn about the lifestyle of Romanian farmers in the 19th century. End the day with a visit to Revolution Square, the site of the protests that led to the fall of communism in 1989. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Bucharest.

Leave Bucharest and head to Bulgaria. Visit Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, and explore the Tsarevets Fortress. Discover the picturesque Devetashka cave and the Krushuna Falls, the biggest travertine cascade in Bulgaria. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Lovech.

Visit Lovech and its iconic Covered Bridge over the Osam River. In the evening, arrive in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Take a walking tour of the city center, including the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Church, Banya Bashi Mosque, and the Sofia Synagogue. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Sofia.

Depart from Sofia and visit Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most famous tourist site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue south to the Bulgarian-Macedonian border and arrive in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. Enjoy an orientation tour of Skopje before settling in for the night at your centrally located hotel. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Skopje.

Enjoy a walking tour of Skopje, famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa. Visit the Old Bazaar, the Memorial house of Mother Teresa, and the fortress Kale. Continue the tour to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the banks of Lake Ohrid. Explore the old city center, the Ancient Theater, and the famous old churches. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Ohrid.

Depart from Ohrid and head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. The walking tour of the city center will reveal the main tourist attractions: Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, Et'hem Bey Mosque, and Skanderbeg's statue. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Tirana.

After breakfast, head to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. During the walking tour, admire the Clock Tower, Osmanagica and Doganjska Mosque, Skaline, St.George Church, Millenium Bridge, Russian Bridge, Vladimir Vysotsky Monument, Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Roman Square, and King Nicola's Castle. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Podgorica.

Enjoy a free day in Podgorica or take an optional tour to Budva and Kotor. In Budva, explore the Old Town walls and see the most important spots. In the evening, arrive in Kotor and discover the fortified old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Podgorica.