Splendours of Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)
Description
Summary
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.
Included
16 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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
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.
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, 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.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Transylvania
- Bucharest
- Sinaia
- Bran
- Brasov
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- 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.
Day 4 – Day 4: Sighisoara and Cluj-Napoca
- Brasov
- Sighișoara
- Târgu Mureș
- Cluj-Napoca
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- 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
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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.
Day 5 – Day 5: Salina Turda and Hunedeoara
- Cluj-Napoca
- Turda
- Sibiu
- Hunedoara
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- Ștrand Durgău - Salina Turda SA
- Lacul Bucura
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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.
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
- Broken Tower in Boița, Sibiu
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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.
Day 7 – Day 7: Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Kazanlak
- Plovdiv
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- Tsarevets Fortress
- 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, 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.
Day 8 – Day 8: Plovdiv and Sofia
- Plovdiv
- Sofia
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- Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
- Free Plovdiv Tour
- Karadzhov kamak
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
- The Red Church
- Lauta Park
- Roman aqueduct
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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.
Day 9 – Day 9: Belgrade
- Sofia
- Belgrade
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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.
Day 10 – Day 10: Sarajevo
- Belgrade
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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.
Day 11 – Day 11: Mostar and Trebinje
- Mostar
- Trebinje
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- Fortica
- Old Bridge Mostar
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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.
Day 12 – Day 12: Dubrovnik
- Trebinje
- Dubrovnik
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- Duži Monastery
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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.
Day 13 – Day 13: Kotor and Shkoder
- Trebinje
- Kotor
- Budva
- Shkoder
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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.
Day 14 – Day 14: Tirana and Ohrid
- Budva
- Tirana
- Ohrid
- Shkoder
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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.
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, we travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.
Day 16 – Day 16: Skopje and Sofia
- Skopje
- Sofia
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- 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.
Day 17 – Day 17: Sofia
- Sofia - Departure day
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- National Art Gallery
- Ivan Vazov" National Theater
- National Museum of History
- St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
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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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