Private - The Best of Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria

Welcome to Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia. Upon arrival at Nikola Tesla airport, you'll be escorted to your hotel. As you journey through New Belgrade, take in the sights of the city's prominent 'blocks' and modern business centres. In the evening, meet your guide at the hotel reception and prepare for your Balkan adventure. We recommend a leisurely walk through the city's oldest quarters to Skadarlija, the bohemian heart of Belgrade, where you can enjoy local specialties in charming 'kafanas' while listening to traditional music.

After breakfast, embark on a tour of Belgrade, a city renowned for its diverse architectural styles and dynamic history. Visit the Museum of Yugoslav History, pass by the FC Red Star stadium, and marvel at the Temple of Saint Sava. Enjoy a panoramic tour from Slavija Square to Republic Square, the city's cultural hub, and stroll along the lively Knez Mihailo Street. Visit the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel and the cultural-historic complex of Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, situated at the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube.

Today, explore the picturesque province of Vojvodina, known for its monasteries and wine region. Visit the well-preserved Monastery Krušedol and the charming town of Sremski Karlovci, a gem of Serbian culture and spirituality. Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the region's prominent wineries. Continue to Novi Sad, the 2021 European Capital of Culture, and explore its multi-cultural cityscape, influenced by the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. Visit the city's pedestrian zone, the cultural foundation Matica Srpska, and the 'Danube's Gibraltar', Petrovaradin. Return to Belgrade for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart for Timișoara, the largest city in western Romania, known as 'Little Vienna' for its distinctive architectural character. Explore the city's main square, Liberty Square, Victory Square, and the 15th century Huniade Castle. Continue to Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Discover the city's rich history, visit the Large Square with Brukenthal National Museum, the Small Square, the Council Tower, the Bridge of Lies, and the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Overnight in Sibiu.

From Sibiu, travel to Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cobbled streets and colourful buildings. Explore the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracula, and visit the Church of the Dominican Monastery, the Clock Tower, and Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. Continue to Brașov, a city exuding a distinctive medieval setting. Walk down one of the narrowest streets in the world toward the Gothic-style Black Church, and visit Catherine's Gate, the only original city gate to survive from medieval times. Overnight in Brașov.

After breakfast, visit Bran Castle, the former residence of the Romanian royal family and commonly known as Dracula's Castle. In the afternoon, visit Sinaia and the stunning Peleș Castle, a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece. Admire the castle's magnificent exterior, hand-painted stained glass windows, and numerous sculptures. After sightseeing, depart for Bucharest, the bustling metropolis of Romania. Overnight in Bucharest.

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Bucharest. Visit the city's best-known sights, including the colossal Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest building in the world. Explore the medieval Old Town, one of Bucharest's earliest settlements, and see the Old Princely Court and its church, the Stavropoleos Monastery, and the National Museum of Romanian History. Continue toward the Calea Victoriei Avenue, and take a photo in front of many of its important sights.

Start the day with a tour of Northern Bulgaria and visit its most important sights. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches, a complex of rock-hewn churches, chapels, monasteries, and cells. Make a short photo stop in the architectural and museum reserve of Arbanasi, a picturesque open-air museum of cultural heritage. End the day in Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, and explore its winding cobblestone streets and the Tsarevets fortress. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Drive to the Open Air Ethnographic Museum Etar, which exhibits the architecture, way of life, and economy of central Bulgaria during the Bulgarian National Revival. Continue to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe and the European Capital of Culture for 2019. Explore the city's landmarks, including the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, the Roman Stadium, and the Church of Saint Constantine and Helena. Depart for Sofia and check-in to the hotel.

Today, explore Sofia, a modern, youthful Eastern European capital. Visit the city's best-known sights, including the impressive Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the colourful Church of Saint Nicholas the Miracle-Maker, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the Banya Bashi Mosque, and the Sofia Synagogue. Visit the National Palace of Culture and Largo, one of the prime examples of Socialist Classicism architecture.

Return to Serbia and visit the eastern region, with the city of Niš as the most important destination. Explore the city's unique sights, including the archaeological park Mediana, Skull Tower, and the Niš Fortress. At the end of the tour, head to the cobbled Tinkers Alley and experience the local cuisine. After an exciting day, drive to Serbia's capital city, Belgrade. Overnight in Belgrade.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, your unforgettable 12-day journey through the heart of the Balkans comes to an end. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like us to organise a departure transfer on their behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.