Treasures of the Balkans (Classic, 16 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey through the heart of the Balkans, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant streets of Bucharest to the ancient charm of Sofia, the scenic beauty of Montenegro, and the cultural richness of Sarajevo. Along the way, explore iconic landmarks such as Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, and the Old Town of Kotor. Delight in local cuisines, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers as you traverse Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Serbia. With expert guides and comfortable accommodations, this tour promises an enriching and memorable experience across the Balkans.
Included
15 night accommodation
6 Dinner (D)
15 Breakfast (B)
3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Bucharest: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your dinner.
Dubrovnik: You will be offered a varied selection of charming restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
Sarajevo: Experience authentic Bosnian coffee and learn about the traditional ritual of coffee preparation.
Belgrade: Toast the culmination of your travels with dinner.
Bran: Learn about the story of the infamous Count Dracula during a private after-hours visit of Bran Castle, followed by dinner.
Sarajevo: You are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner and drinks. Savour the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture. This experience advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protectedpark just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Sarajevo: Meet an expert of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and hear a first-hand account of when the city was under siege for 44 months. Alternatively, take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Bucharest: During sightseeing with your Local Expert see University Square and the former Communist Headquarters.
Bucharest: Walk the cavernous halls of the vast Palace of Parliament, learn about the history and listen to amusing tales from your Local Expert.
Sinaia: Witness the opulent and sumptuous decor in Peleș Castle, the fairy-tale Royal summer residence, at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains.
Veliko Tarnovo: Ascend Tsarevets, the King's Hill, crowned by a ruined medieval citadel. Enjoy the views and imagine yourself back in the days of the Crusades when this was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
Arbanasi: At the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arbanassi, visit a traditional 17th-century merchants' house and enjoy the acoustics in the Church of the Holy Nativity.
Sofia: Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to St. Sofia Church, across the square from the golden domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archaeological complex, dominated by the church of St. George Rotonda.
Skopje: Visit the capital of Macedonia with your Local Expert, explore Square Macedonia and see the Stone Bridge before walking through the Old Bazaar.
Ohrid: Walk the cobbled, narrow streets of the Old Town.
Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they explain what it's like to live in the Albanian capital.
Kotor: Visit the Stari Grad, also referred to as the Old Town, perfectly positioned on a beautiful bay.
Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Mostar: Learn the history and symbolic significance of Stari Most and explore the old town with your Local Expert.
Belgrade: A Local Expert will show you St. Sava Church, Terazije Street, the national museum, national theatre, Republic Square and the Kalemegdan Fortress.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest
- Bucharest - Arrival day
- More
Begin your Balkan adventure in the vibrant city of Bucharest. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, setting the stage for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Bucharest and Bran Castle
- Brasov
- Bran
- Sinaia
- Bucharest
- More
- University's Square
- Parcul de Aventură Comana
- Bran Castle
- More
Explore Bucharest with a Local Expert, visiting University Square and the grand Parliament Palace. In the evening, enjoy a private dinner at Queen Mary’s Tea House, followed by an exclusive visit to the legendary Bran Castle, where tales of Dracula come to life.
Day 3 – Day 3: Sinaia and Brașov
- Sinaia
- Bucharest
- Brasov
- More
- The Council Square
- Peleș Castle
- Black Church
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Travel through the picturesque Prahova Valley to Sinaia, where you'll visit the opulent Peleș Castle. Continue to Brașov, a medieval city rich in history, and explore Town Hall Square and the iconic Black Church with your Local Expert.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Veliko Tarnovo
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Brasov
- More
Cross the Danube into Bulgaria and arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, known as the City of the Tsars. Admire the stunning views of the River Yantra and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner at your hotel.
Day 5 – Day 5: Explore Veliko Tarnovo and Sofia
- Sofia
- Veliko Tarnovo
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- Tsarevets Fortress
- Church Uspenie Bogorodichno
- Boyana Church
- St Mina Monastery
- Park Kale
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Begin your day with a visit to the historic Tsarevets Fortress, offering panoramic views of Veliko Tarnovo. Continue to the charming village of Arbanasi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its frescoed churches and traditional architecture. Travel to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, and discover its rich history with visits to St. Sofia Church, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and St. George Rotonda.
Day 6 – Day 6: Leisure Day in Sofia
- Sofia
- More
- Rila Monastery
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Enjoy a day at your own pace in Sofia. Consider a visit to the renowned Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, to delve into its fascinating history and architecture.
Day 7 – Day 7: Discover Skopje
- Skopje
- Sofia
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- Old Bazaar
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Cross into North Macedonia and arrive in Skopje, a city where modernity meets tradition. Explore the vibrant Old Bazaar with a Local Expert, experiencing the rich Turkish influences that permeate the city.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Lake Ohrid to Tirana
- Skopje
- Tirana
- More
- Plaoshnik
- More
Enjoy a scenic stop at Lake Ohrid before crossing into Albania. Arrive in Tirana, where you'll explore the bustling Skanderbeg Square with a Local Expert, gaining insight into the vibrant culture and history of the Albanian capital.
Day 9 – Day 9: Explore Budva
- Dubrovnik
- Tirana
- Budva
- More
Travel to Montenegro and arrive in Budva, often referred to as 'Montenegro's Miami.' Enjoy an orientation tour with your Travel Director, then spend the afternoon exploring the charming Stari Grad, with its 15th-century ramparts and quaint squares.
Day 10 – Day 10: Discover Kotor
- Tirana
- Dubrovnik
- Kotor
- Budva
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- Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik
- Onofrio's Large Fountain
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Journey through Montenegro's breathtaking landscapes to the Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled beside a stunning bay, Kotor offers a blend of natural beauty and historical charm. In the evening, enjoy a Dine-Around experience with a selection of fine restaurants.
Day 11 – Day 11: Explore Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik
- Cavtat
- Kotor
- More
- Dominican Monastery
- Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik
- Franciscan Church and Monastery
- Onofrio's Large Fountain
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Join a Local Expert in Dubrovnik to explore the city's historic streets, including Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the picturesque town of Cavtat along the Adriatic coast.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Mostar to Sarajevo
- Mostar
- Dubrovnik
- More
- Most Musala
- Old Bridge Mostar
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Travel to Mostar and witness the iconic Stari Most bridge. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town before continuing to Sarajevo. Experience the warmth of Bosnian hospitality with a home-cooked dinner in a local family's home.
Day 13 – Day 13: Insight into Sarajevo
Day 13: Insight into Sarajevo
- Ilidža Thermal Riviera
- Tunnel of Hope
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Choose between a visit to the Tunnel of Hope, a poignant reminder of Sarajevo's past, or a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River. Spend the afternoon exploring Sarajevo at your leisure.
Day 14 – Day 14: Scenic Drive to Belgrade
- Belgrade
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Trace the route along the Drina River, enjoying the lush landscapes and forested canyons as you journey to Belgrade. Experience the natural beauty of the region as you wind through deep valleys.
Day 15 – Day 15: Explore Belgrade
- Belgrade
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- St Mark Orthodox Church
- Park of Republika Srpska
- Kalemegdan
- Belgrade Fortress
- More
Discover the highlights of Belgrade with a Local Expert, including Terazije Street, Republic Square, and the impressive St. Sava Church. Conclude your tour at the historic Kalemegdan Fortress before enjoying a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Belgrade
- Belgrade - Departure day
- More
As your Balkan journey concludes, bid farewell to your new friends and reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories created during this remarkable tour.
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