Amazing Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a thrilling 16-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Macedonia. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of city exploration, historical sightseeing, and natural beauty. From the vibrant streets of Bucharest to the medieval charm of Transylvania, the architectural wonders of Plovdiv to the breathtaking Adriatic coast of Dubrovnik, every day brings a new adventure. Along the way, enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and the expertise of knowledgeable guides. Whether you're a history buff, a culture vulture, or a nature lover, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
15 breakfasts
4 star hotels
Air-conditioned coach or mini-bus
Arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel on day 1
Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access (where available)
Bucharest Count Dracula Castle in Bran Sighisoara Targu Mures
Cluj-Napoca Salina Turda Salt Mine Corvin Castle Sibiu
Ruse Veliko Tarnavo Plovdiv Sofia
Knez Mihailova Danube Belgrade Fortress Mostar Bridge
Mostar Old Town Dubrovnik Old Town Kotor & Budva Skenderbeg square
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
Destinations
Sofia
Kazanlak
Sibiu
Cluj-Napoca
Târgu Mureș
Hunedoara
Trebinje
Shkoder
Dubrovnik
Ohrid
Skopje
Tirana
Mostar
Belgrade
Turda
Veliko Tarnovo
Kotor
Sinaia
Brasov
Sighișoara
Bucharest
Plovdiv
BudvaMap
Attractions
University's Square
Nebet Tepe
Astra Park
Karadzhov kamak
National Museum of Art
Peleș Castle
Macedonian Holocaust Museum
"Holy Trinity" Orthodox Cathedral
"Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum
The Thick Tower, Sibiu State Philharmonic, Thalia Hall
Straw Hats' Museum
Romanian Athenaeum
The Clock Tower
Bran Castle
Holy Forty Martyrs Church
Black Church
The Red Church
Status Quo Synagogue
Comana Monastery
The Fortified Church of Biertan
Unirii Square
Palace of the Parliament
Old Bridge Mostar
Lacul BucuraDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest
- Bucharest - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Bucharest, Romania's vibrant capital! Upon arrival at the airport, look for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. At 7pm, join your guide and fellow travellers for an informal welcome meeting at the hotel. After receiving all the essential information about the tour, head out for an optional group dinner at 8:15pm and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets of Bucharest.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Bucharest
- Bucharest
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- University's Square
- National Museum of Art
- "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum
- Romanian Athenaeum
- Comana Monastery
- Palace of the Parliament
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After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided tour of Bucharest. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Revolution Square, Arc of Triumph, and Romania Athenaem. Learn about the city's rich history and culture as you explore the Opera House, National Military Club, Dimitrie Gusti National Village, and the Palace of Parliament. Each building offers a unique insight into Romanian culture and is a work of art in itself. After a day of discovery, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace before returning to the hotel.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Transylvania
- Bucharest
- Sinaia
- Bran
- Brasov
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- Peleș Castle
- Bran Castle
- Black Church
- More
Today, we journey to the enchanting region of Transylvania. Drive through lush green forests to our first stop, Peles Castle in Sinaia, a stunning neo-renaissance castle nestled in the Carpathian mountains. Next, prepare for the legendary Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, where legend and reality merge to create timeless vampire tales. Continue to Brasov, a charming town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and adorned with gothic and baroque architecture. Visit the cobblestone Piața Sfatului, the Black Church, and Mureșenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: Sighisoara and Cluj-Napoca
- Sighișoara
- Târgu Mureș
- Cluj-Napoca
- Brasov
- More
- Huda lui Papară
- Straw Hats' Museum
- The Clock Tower
- Status Quo Synagogue
- The Fortified Church of Biertan
- More
Today, we continue our journey to Sighisoara, stopping at the Clock Tower along the way. Enjoy stunning views of Sighisoara Citadel, the Dominican Monastery, The Church on the Hill, and Dracula's House as your guide shares the town's colourful history. Our next stop is Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania. Join your tour leader for a sightseeing tour of this vibrant town, visiting Union Square, St. Mihail Church, and the Matthias Corvinus Monument. After a day of discovery, relax at our 4-star hotel.
Day 5 – Day 5: Salina Turda and Hunedoara
- Cluj-Napoca
- Turda
- Sibiu
- Hunedoara
- More
- Lacul Bucura
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After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the salt mines of Turda. This geological wonder has been producing salt since the 11th century! We then continue to Hunedoara Castle, also known as Corvin Castle, where your guide will share the vibrant history of this Transylvanian citadel. Our final stop for the day is the fairytale-like town of Sibiu. After a day filled with cultural adventure, relax at our comfortable 4-star hotel or start exploring Sibiu at your leisure.
Day 6 – Day 6: Sibiu and Return to Bucharest
- Sibiu
- Bucharest
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- Astra Park
- "Holy Trinity" Orthodox Cathedral
- The Thick Tower, Sibiu State Philharmonic, Thalia Hall
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Start the day with a walking tour of charming Sibiu, known for its Germanic architecture and dating back to the 12th-century Saxon settlers. Visit landmarks such as Brukenthal Palace, Piata Mare, Lutheran Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. In the afternoon, we return to Bucharest for our overnight stay.
Day 7 – Day 7: Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Kazanlak
- Plovdiv
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- Holy Forty Martyrs Church
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Today, we bid farewell to Romania and head to Veliko Tarnovo, the City of the Tsars. As the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, the city showcases unique Bulgarian architecture from the medieval age. Discover its rich history and gems, including Tsarevets Fortress and the Holy Forty Martyrs Church, before moving on to Plovdiv.
Day 8 – Day 8: Plovdiv and Sofia
- Plovdiv
- Sofia
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- Karadzhov kamak
- The Red Church
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Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a city tour of beautiful Plovdiv. Begin at Old Plovdiv in Nebet Hill, visit the Balabanov and Georgi Mavridi House, admire the impressive St. Konstantin Church and Elena Church, and proceed to the Roman Amphitheatre of Philippopolis and Stadium. Continue to the Citadel Door, Castle Streets, and St. Nedelya Church. After exploring Plovdiv, we head to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. Upon arrival, embark on a panoramic city tour covering all the must-see sights of the city.
Day 9 – Day 9: Belgrade
- Sofia
- Belgrade
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After a substantial breakfast, we make our way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. Enjoy stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers from the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress. Head to the heart of the capital, starting at the vibrant shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops, and charming sites. Embark on a walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks and their marvellous histories.
Day 10 – Day 10: Sarajevo
- Belgrade
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Next, we head to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This city is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions have lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks around town. Despite its turbulent past, Sarajevo remains an oriental beauty with a unique twist. Discover the city on a walking tour of the old town and sample the local delicacies, especially the lamb.
Day 11 – Day 11: Mostar and Trebinje
- Mostar
- Trebinje
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- Kriva Ćuprija
- Old Bridge Mostar
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Today, we drive to the stunning Adriatic coast, stopping first at Mostar. As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina gem, see the iconic Old Bridge and the old Čaršija. Enjoy lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.
Day 12 – Day 12: Dubrovnik
- Trebinje
- Dubrovnik
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Get ready for a full day in Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, the entire town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night's rest.
Day 13 – Day 13: Kotor and Shkoder
- Trebinje
- Kotor
- Budva
- Shkoder
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Next, we head to Montenegro and arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive. Meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. After a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time, we depart for Albania, our final destination for the day. Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania. Enjoy a walking tour through the centre before settling in for the night.
Day 14 – Day 14: Tirana and Ohrid
- Budva
- Tirana
- Ohrid
- Shkoder
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Hit the road after breakfast! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.
Day 15 – Day 15: Ohrid and Skopje
- Ohrid
- Skopje
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Start the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid, which hosts hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon, travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.
Day 16 – Day 16: Skopje and Sofia
- Skopje
- Sofia - Departure day
- More
- Macedonian Holocaust Museum
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Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where our trip ends and we say goodbye to our new friends.
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