Splendours of Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Bucharest
Duration
17 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
18 years

Description

Embark on a 17-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse culture, 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 and countryside adventure, with visits to iconic landmarks, historical sites, and natural wonders. From the vibrant streets of Bucharest to the medieval charm of Transylvania, the architectural marvels of Plovdiv to the breathtaking Adriatic coast of Dubrovnik, every day brings a new discovery. Enjoy expertly guided tours, comfortable accommodation, and delicious meals as you immerse yourself in the fascinating stories and traditions of these captivating countries.

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Included

16 breakfasts

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4 star hotels

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Air-conditioned coach or mini-bus

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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

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Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

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Destinations

Bran
Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia
Photo of the monument of freedom "Shipka" at sunset - St. Nikola peak, Kazanlak, Bulgaria.Kazanlak
Photo of the Small Square piata mica, the second fortified square in the medieval Upper town of Sibiu city, Romania.Sibiu
Cluj Napoca upperview.Cluj-Napoca
Târgu Mureș - city in RomaniaTârgu Mureș
Hunedoara - city in RomaniaHunedoara
Photo of aerial view of the old town of Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Trebinje
Shkodër - town in AlbaniaShkoder
The aerial view of Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea, Europe.Dubrovnik
Aerial view of Samuel's Fortress and Plaosnik at Ohrid in North Macedonia.Ohrid
Panoramic view of Skopje town with Vodno hill in the background.Skopje
Tirana County - region in AlbaniaTirana
Photo of aerial view of the old bridge and river in city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Mostar
BelgradeBelgrade
Turda - city in RomaniaTurda
Велико Търново -  in BulgariaVeliko Tarnovo
Kotor -  in MontenegroKotor
Sinaia - town in RomaniaSinaia
Brasov - city in RomaniaBrasov
Sighișoara - city in RomaniaSighișoara
Antique building view in Old Town Bucharest city - capital of Romania and Dambrovita river. Bucharest, Romania, Europe.Bucharest
Photo of aerial view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Plovdiv
Photo of panoramic aerial view of old town of Budva, Montenegro.Budva

Map

Attractions

Photo of Carol I University foundation and Central University Library of Bucharest, Romania.University's Square
Calvaria Church
National Art Gallery
Zoo Tîrgu Mureș
Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
photo of view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria cityscape view of city and the ruins of the old fortress Nebet Tepe, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Nebet Tepe
Poiana Stânei
Astra Park, Didube-Chugureti Raion, Tbilisi, GeorgiaAstra Park
Photo of Main entrance National Museum of Art of Romania, Bucharest, Romania.National Museum of Art
Photo of Peles Castle in Sinaia, Romania.Peleș Castle
Macedonian Holocaust Museum, Centar, Skopje, Municipality of Centar, City of Skopje, Skopje Region, North MacedoniaMacedonian Holocaust Museum
Photo of Sibiu cityscape with Holy Trinity Cathedral in Transylvania, Romania."Holy Trinity" Orthodox Cathedral
Photo of BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, located in Herastrau Park showcasing traditional Romanian village life."Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
The Thick Tower, Sibiu State Philharmonic, Thalia Hall., Sibiu, RomaniaThe Thick Tower, Sibiu State Philharmonic, Thalia Hall
Straw Hats' Museum, Harghita, RomaniaStraw Hats' Museum
Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
Broken Tower in Boița, Sibiu
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Photo of Romanian Athenaeum is a concert hall in the center of Bucharest, Romania.Romanian Athenaeum
Fortica
Turnul cu CeasThe Clock Tower
National Museum of History, Vitosha, Sofia City, Sofia-City, BulgariaNational Museum of History
Photo of aerial view of the medieval Castle of Bran, known for the myth of Dracula, Romania.Bran Castle
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
photo of view of Holy Forty Martyrs Church, medieval Eastern Orthodox church in the Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.Holy Forty Martyrs Church
George Enescu Memorial Museum
Photo of Brasov cityscape with black cathedral and mountain on backround in Romania .Black Church
photo of  view of Rotunda, church of saint George, oldest church in Sofia, Bulgaria in a summer day,Perushtitsa Bulgaria.The Red Church
Photo of Status Quo Ante Synagogue from Targu Mures - Romania. It is a Jewish place of worship built during the period of Austro-Hungarian dualism, between 1899-1900 in an eclectic style.Status Quo Synagogue
Photo of Comana Monastery,Comana,Romania.Comana Monastery
Mihai Vodă Monastery
Biserica Fortificată din Biertan, Biertan, Sibiu, RomaniaThe Fortified Church of Biertan
Lauta Park
Photo of Beautiful cloudy sunset over Union Square - Piata Unirii Timisoara. Aerial view from Timisoara taken by a professional drone .Unirii Square
Photo of Bucharest, capital city of Romania. Palace of the Parliament (Romanian: Palatul Parlamentului).Palace of the Parliament
Ștrand Durgău - Salina Turda SA
Photo of Stari Most is a reconstruction of a 16th-century Ottoman bridge in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina that crosses the river Neretva and connects two parts of the city.Old Bridge Mostar
Lacul BucuraLacul Bucura

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest

  • Bucharest - Arrival day
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Welcome to Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania! Upon your arrival at the airport, look for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. At around 7pm, meet your guide and fellow travellers at an informal welcome meeting at the hotel. After receiving all the essential information about the tour, join us for an optional group dinner at 8:15pm and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets of Bucharest.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Bucharest

  • Bucharest
  • More
  • University's Square
  • National Museum of Art
  • "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum
  • Romanian Athenaeum
  • Comana Monastery
  • Palace of the Parliament
  • More

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we set off to explore the fascinating city of Bucharest. Follow your guide as we visit iconic landmarks such as the Revolution Square, Arc of Triumph, and Romania Athenaem. Each site offers a unique insight into the city's rich history and culture. We'll also visit the Opera House, National Military Club, Dimitrie Gusti National Village, and the Palace of Parliament. After a day of discovery, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace before returning to the hotel.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Transylvania

  • Bucharest
  • Sinaia
  • Bran
  • Brasov
  • More
  • Poiana Stânei
  • Peleș Castle
  • Bran Castle
  • George Enescu Memorial Museum
  • Black Church
  • More

Today, we journey to the enchanting region of Transylvania. Our first stop is the beautiful neo-renaissance Peles Castle in Sinaia, nestled in the Carpathian mountains. Next, we visit the legendary Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, where myth and reality intertwine. We then continue to Brasov, a charming town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and adorned with gothic and baroque architecture. Here, we visit the cobblestone Piața Sfatului, the Black Church, and Muresenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Sighisoara and Cluj-Napoca

  • Brasov
  • Sighișoara
  • Târgu Mureș
  • Cluj-Napoca
  • More
  • Calvaria Church
  • Zoo Tîrgu Mureș
  • Huda lui Papară
  • Straw Hats' Museum
  • The Clock Tower
  • Status Quo Synagogue
  • Mihai Vodă Monastery
  • 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 the 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 the Transylvania region. Join your tour leader for a sightseeing tour of the vibrant town, visiting the Union Square, St. Mihail Church, and Matthias Corvinus Monument. After a day of discovery, we retire to our 4-star hotel.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Salina Turda and Hunedeoara

  • Cluj-Napoca
  • Turda
  • Sibiu
  • Hunedoara
  • More
  • Ștrand Durgău - Salina Turda SA
  • Lacul Bucura
  • More

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the salt mines of Turda, a fascinating geological wonder that has been producing salt since the 11th century. We then continue to Hunedeoara 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 own pace.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Sibiu and Return to Bucharest

  • Sibiu
  • Bucharest
  • More
  • Astra Park
  • "Holy Trinity" Orthodox Cathedral
  • The Thick Tower, Sibiu State Philharmonic, Thalia Hall
  • Broken Tower in Boița, Sibiu
  • More

We start our day with a walking tour of charming Sibiu, a city known for its beautiful Germanic architecture and rich history dating back to the 12th century. 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 head back to Bucharest for our overnight stay.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • Kazanlak
  • Plovdiv
  • More
  • Tsarevets Fortress
  • Holy Forty Martyrs Church
  • More

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, this city showcases unique Bulgarian architecture from the medieval age. Discover the vast history and gems of the city, including the Tsarevets Fortress and the Holy Forty Martyrs Church, before moving on to Plovdiv.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Plovdiv and Sofia

  • Plovdiv
  • Sofia
  • More
  • Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
  • Free Plovdiv Tour
  • Karadzhov kamak
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • The Red Church
  • Lauta Park
  • Roman aqueduct
  • More

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a city tour of beautiful Plovdiv. Starting at Old Plovdiv in Nebet Hill, we visit the Balabanov and Georgi Mavridi House, the impressive St. Konstantin and Elena Church, and proceed to the Roman Amphitheatre of Philippopolis and Stadium. We also visit the Citadel Door, Castle Streets, and St. Nedelya Church. After exploring Plovdiv, we head to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. Upon arrival, we embark on a panoramic city tour, covering all the must-see sights of the city.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Belgrade

  • Sofia
  • Belgrade
  • More

After a hearty 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. Then, head to the heart of the capital, starting at the vibrant shopping street, Knez Mihailova. Join a walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks and their fascinating histories. The city's vibrant street life, with many cafes and bars, offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Sarajevo

  • Belgrade
  • More

Our next stop is Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This city is a melting pot of cultures and religions, where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split, and where people of many nations and religions have met, lived, and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. However, Sarajevo remains an oriental beauty with a unique twist. Discover the city on a walking tour in the old town, and don't miss the chance to taste the local specialty, lamb.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Mostar and Trebinje

  • Mostar
  • Trebinje
  • More
  • Fortica
  • Old Bridge Mostar
  • More

Today, we drive to the stunning Adriatic coast, but first, we stop at Mostar. As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights like the Old Bridge and the old Čaršija. Enjoy your 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.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Dubrovnik

  • Trebinje
  • Dubrovnik
  • More
  • Duži Monastery
  • More

Prepare 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 whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. We 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.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Kotor and Shkoder

  • Trebinje
  • Kotor
  • Budva
  • Shkoder
  • More

Next stop is Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive and meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time, we depart for Albania. Shkoder, one of the most authentic cities in Albania, is our final destination for the day. Enjoy a walking tour through the centre before settling in for the night.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Tirana and Ohrid

  • Budva
  • Tirana
  • Ohrid
  • Shkoder
  • More

After breakfast, we hit the road for a panoramic city tour of Tirana, introducing the best-preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture. We then continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia, and check into our comfortable hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Ohrid and Skopje

  • Ohrid
  • Skopje
  • More

Start the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid, which hosts hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon, we travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Skopje and Sofia

  • Skopje
  • Sofia
  • 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, we leave for Sofia, where you can explore the shopping streets and the nightlife as you wish.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Sofia

  • Sofia - Departure day
  • More
  • National Art Gallery
  • Ivan Vazov" National Theater
  • National Museum of History
  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • More

Early in the morning, join a walking tour of the Sofia town centre and visit all the famous landmarks including the National Library, Sofia University, The Parliament, and continue on to The St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theatre and St. Sofia Church. As you stroll towards the vibrant shopping streets, feel free to get lost and discover the shops and cafes around. After the city tour, it's time to bid farewell to your new friends and conclude the tour.

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