Treasures of the Balkans (Small Groups, 16 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Bucharest
Duration
16 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through the heart of the Balkans, a region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant city of Bucharest to the historic streets of Belgrade, with numerous unforgettable stops in between. Explore iconic landmarks, marvel at architectural masterpieces, and immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. From the imposing Parliament Palace in Bucharest to the stunning Peleș Castle in Sinaia, the ancient ruins of Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arbanasi, this tour promises a unique blend of adventure, education, and inspiration. Enjoy local cuisine, meet friendly locals, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Included

15 night accommodation

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9 Dinner with Wine (DW)

15 Breakfast (B)

Bucharest: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your Welcome Dinner served with wine.

Dubrovnik: You will be offered a varied selection of charming restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.

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.

Sarajevo: Experience authentic Bosnian coffee and learn about the traditional ritual of coffee preparation.

Belgrade: Toast the culmination of your travels with dinner paired with wine.

Bran: Learn about the story of the infamous Count Dracula during a private after-hours visit of Bran Castle, followed by dinner.

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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.

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

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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.

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Destinations

The aerial view of Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea, Europe.Dubrovnik
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
Велико Търново -  in BulgariaVeliko Tarnovo
Kotor -  in MontenegroKotor
Sinaia - town in RomaniaSinaia
Brasov - city in RomaniaBrasov
Antique building view in Old Town Bucharest city - capital of Romania and Dambrovita river. Bucharest, Romania, Europe.Bucharest
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
Parcul de Aventură Comana, Giurgiu, RomaniaParcul de Aventură Comana
Photo of Brasov, Romania, Medieval Council House in the Main Square of the Old Town.The Council Square
St. Mark Orthodox Church, МЗ Ташмајдан, Palilula, Palilula Urban Municipality, City of Belgrade, Central Serbia, SerbiaSt Mark Orthodox Church
photo of view of The charming and historical town of Stolac in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Walled town of Vidoški
Photo of Peles Castle in Sinaia, Romania.Peleș Castle
National Park of Drilon, Buçimas, Bashkia Pogradec, Korçë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaNational Park of Drilon
Photo of the architecture of the Rector's Palace is a mix of late Gothic and early Renaissance styles and due to an unfortunate series of events.The Palace was built in the 15th Century in Dubrovnik, Croatia.Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik
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 Skanderbeg square with flag, Skanderbeg monument and The Et'hem Bey Mosque in the center of Tirana city, Albania.Skanderbeg Square
Photo of Brasov cityscape with black cathedral and mountain on backround in Romania .Black Church
KalemegdanKalemegdan
Photo of large Onofrio Fountain on the Square at Stradun Street in the Old city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.Onofrio's Large Fountain
Belgrade FortressBelgrade Fortress
Photo of bridge and tunnel in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Tunnel of Hope

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest

  • Bucharest - Arrival day
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Your Balkan adventure begins in the vibrant city of Bucharest. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine paired with fine wine.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Bucharest

  • Bucharest
  • Sinaia
  • Brasov
  • More
  • University's Square
  • Parcul de Aventură Comana
  • Bran Castle
  • More

Join a Local Expert for a sightseeing tour of Bucharest. Visit the immense Parliament Palace, one of the world's most impressive buildings, and the iconic Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. End your day with a private dinner at the recently renovated Queen Mary’s Tea House.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Sinaia and Brașov

  • Sinaia
  • Bucharest
  • Brasov
  • More
  • The Council Square
  • Peleș Castle
  • Black Church
  • More

Travel along the Prahova Valley to the elegant mountain resort of Sinaia to visit the lavish Peleș Castle. Return through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming medieval city of Brașov, where you'll explore Town Hall Square and the Black Church with a Local Expert.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • Brasov
  • More

Cross the Danube into Bulgaria and continue to Veliko Tarnovo, the City of the Tsars. This beautiful town, where houses cling to the cliffs of the River Yantra, is one of Bulgaria's most picturesque destinations. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel in the evening.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Arbanasi and Sofia

  • Veliko Tarnovo
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  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • St George Rotunda Church
  • More

Meet your Local Expert to explore the ruins of the Tsarevets Fortress and the beautiful village of Arbanasi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, journey to Sofia, Bulgaria's modern-day capital. Visit the St. Sofia Church, the golden-domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the archaeological complex dominated by the church of St. George Rotonda.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Free Day in Sofia

Day 6: Free Day in Sofia

Enjoy a day at your leisure in Sofia. You might choose to visit the Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, or simply explore the city at your own pace.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Journey to Skopje

  • Skopje
  • More

Cross the border into North Macedonia and continue to the capital, Skopje. This city is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, with Turkish influences still evident in its ancient bazaar. Enjoy a sightseeing tour with a Local Expert.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Tirana

  • Tirana
  • Skopje
  • More
  • National Park of Drilon
  • Skanderbeg Square
  • More

Travel to the scenic Lake Ohrid for lunch before crossing into Albania. Arrive in Tirana, known for its friendly locals, and visit the landmark Skanderbeg Square with a Local Expert.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Budva

  • Dubrovnik
  • Tirana
  • Budva
  • More

Soak up Montenegro’s natural beauty as you drive towards Budva. Known as 'Montenegro's Miami', Budva is a vibrant city with a charming Old Town (Stari Grad). Explore its labyrinthine lanes and small squares at your own pace.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Kotor

  • Kotor
  • Dubrovnik
  • Tirana
  • Budva
  • More
  • Dominican Monastery
  • Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik
  • Franciscan Church and Monastery
  • Onofrio's Large Fountain
  • More

Journey through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the Old Town of Kotor, known as Stari Grad. Located near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen and beside a beautiful bay, it's no surprise that Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik
  • Kotor
  • More
  • Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik
  • Onofrio's Large Fountain
  • More

Join a Local Expert for a morning of exploring the stone-paved streets of Dubrovnik. See Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace, the city walls, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The rest of the day is free for you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Mostar and Sarajevo

  • Mostar
  • Dubrovnik
  • More
  • Walled town of Vidoški
  • More

Journey to Mostar to see the famous Stari Most, the Old Bridge, with a Local Expert. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town before continuing to Sarajevo. Enjoy a unique and rewarding insight into the local way of life as you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner with drinks.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Exploring Sarajevo

  • Istočno Sarajevo
  • More
  • Baščaršija
  • Tunnel of Hope
  • More

Explore Sarajevo with Insight Choice. Choose to meet an expert on the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo’s astonishing Tunnel of Hope or join a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore as you wish.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Journey to Belgrade

  • Belgrade
  • More

Trace your way along the Drina River, that lies on the border of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Take in beautiful landscapes of lush, green mountains that create magical forest canyons, winding your way through deep valleys as you make your way to Belgrade.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Exploring Belgrade

  • Belgrade
  • More
  • St Mark Orthodox Church
  • Kalemegdan
  • Belgrade Fortress
  • More

Join a Local Expert to see the best of Belgrade including Terazije Street, the national museum and national theatre in Republic Square, as well as a visit to the famous St. Sava Church. Finish your sightseeing at the Kalemegdan Fortress, situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before joining your fellow travellers for a Celebration Farewell Dinner this evening.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Farewell

  • Belgrade - Departure day
  • More

Our journey through the Balkans has come to an end. All that’s left is to say a fond doviđenja as you bid your new friends farewell.

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