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Visit several countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.
Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available, plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details >>
Visit several countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.
Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available, plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details >>
You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Paris when you explore the Belle-Époque atmosphere of Romania’s capital, Bucharest. Your first day will be free to explore the city your way, admiring the elegant boulevards that once hosted high society and an Old City filled with cobbled streets, Baroque architecture and vintage cafés. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. Why not toast to new friends with a shot of the local Pálinka to set the tone for your memorable journey?
A full day of sightseeing stretches ahead, beginning in Bucharest where you’ll join a Local Specialist to delve into the city’s tumultuous history. See the immense Palace of the Parliament, one of the lasting legacies left behind by dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu, whose extravagant tastes culminated in the world’s second-largest administrative building in stark contrast to the poverty of his people. Venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia and view Peleş Castle, the summer retreat of Romania’s first king. Then, continue to Braşov and check in to your hotel in Poiana Braşov ski resort. Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine for dinner at your hotel against the backdrop of panoramic mountain views.
Built and furnished exclusively with Romanian materials, the Bucharest Parliament building is the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon and reflects the work of the country’s best artisans. Our guided visit will reveal a selection of its dazzling rooms, huge halls and quarters, where we will experience a luxurious display of crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, marble, gold leaf, stained-glass windows and floors covered in rich carpets.
Adult Price: €27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Dracula’s Castle and More in Braşov
The highlight of the day is this morning’s visit to Bran Castle, the legendary home of Dracula. Dive Into Culture with a Local Specialist and learn about its history as the favourite royal residence of Queen Maria of Romania. Although the connection between the castle and Bram Stoker’s famous literary figure is tentative at best, its imposing walls, towering spires and secret passageways may convince you otherwise. Next, we journey to the medieval streets of Braşov. The city once stood at the crossroads of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe, forging a melting pot of influences that can be seen to this day. Join a Local Specialist who will reveal the city’s trading history and Saxon roots as you walk around Town Hall Square and see the Black Church, so named following the damage caused by the Great Fire of 1689. Your evening is free to indulge in some of the local Transylvanian favourites or consider joining your travel companions for an optional dinner.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
Continue to Medieval Veliko Târnovo
Head south, through ancient villages and tranquil landscapes across the Danube River into Bulgaria. Your journey ends in Veliko Târnovo, the 'City of the Tsars' and former capital of the Bulgarian Empire. Relax after your scenic drive and join your travel companions for dinner at your hotel. After dinner, resist the urge to retire early and take a stroll through the Old City admiring the Renaissance gems that line its winding streets.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Yantra Grand
The fairy-tale façades of Veliko Târnovo exude medieval history around every turn and your Local Specialist will reveal a rich history and culture befitting a former imperial capital. At the heart of the city is Tsarevets Fortress, which you’ll have an opportunity to visit as part of your sightseeing tour. Our next stop is the UNESCO-listed town of Arbanasi, renowned for its Bulgarian National Revival architecture and rich spiritual history reflected in the beautiful medieval frescoed churches that can be found here. Visit the Church of the Nativity before we continue to Sofia, where you’ll join a Local Specialist for an in-depth sightseeing tour of Bulgaria’s modern-day capital including views of the golden-domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church. Later, check in to your unique Stays With Stories accommodation, the Marinela Hotel designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, bringing a touch of Japan to the heart of historic Sofia. The hotel’s tranquil Japanese Garden was modelled after the 400-year-old garden across the globe in the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Marinela
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Sofia Your Way
You’ll have a full day to explore this modern city built on Roman ruins. Once a thriving centre for trade and crafts, Sofia’s history, culture and architecture have been influenced by Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and communists. Settle in to the relaxed atmosphere and take a stroll along its elegant boulevards or sit in a park and people-watch. You could choose instead to join an Optional Experience to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila in the 10th century. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the flurry of red skirts at a traditional folklore show.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Rila Monastery
Rising out of a forested valley, magnificent Rila Monastery is the largest and most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox church. Founded in the 10th Century, the monastery looks like a fortress, but once through the gates you are dazzled by the kaleidoscopic frescoes and red-and-cream striped brickwork, set against the vertiginous green mountains. Our Local Specialist will explain the apocalyptic artwork beneath horseshoe-shaped arches, while black-robed monks go about their business.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Bulgarian Folklore Evening with Dinner
Join us at one of the oldest folk-style restaurants in Sofia, where we will experience a traditional folklore programme including the jolly 'Horo' dance and traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Journey to Macedonian Skopje
Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, religious crossroads and a vibrant medieval trading centre. See the Ottoman Empire's legacy in the mosques and bazaars as you join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour this afternoon. Local flavours and stories are on the menu tonight as you Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience, perhaps with some of the local rakija on hand to toast to new friends.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Holiday Inn
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 8
Off to Albania and Tirana
Leaving North Macedonia behind, head to the Albanian capital of Tirana where, on arrival, you’ll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour. Delve into how the city has emerged from decades of communist rule into a vibrant, trendy tourism centre – one where dour grey city blocks have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colourful façades. You’ll view such highlights as the Palace of Culture, the National Library and the Clock Tower before enjoying dinner at your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hilton Garden Inn
Soak up Montenegro’s natural beauty as you drive towards Kotor. You’ll have some time for lunch on your own and an orientation tour of this fortified town, tucked deep within enchanting fjord-like surrounds. Travel to Budva next where your Travel Director will provide an orientation tour before you have the rest of the day to explore 'Montenegro's Miami' on your own. Head to Stari Grad (the Old Town) surrounded by 15th-century ramparts to explore its labyrinthine lanes and small squares where you could choose to sit back and watch the world go by.
Leave the shimmering Adriatic coast for Mostar, a multicultural city that has restored itself with enviable verve following the Bosnian War. A Local Specialist will lead you through its colourful cobbled streets and you’ll view the Stari Most Ottoman-style bridge reconstructed entirely using traditional methods. Head to Sarajevo next where you’ll delve into the rich religious and multicultural heritage that has earned it the nickname, the 'Jerusalem of Europe'. Tonight you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour of Sarajevo, which will reveal centuries of religious history reflected in its beautiful synagogues, mosques and Orthodox and Catholic churches. Visit the War Tunnel, an underground tunnel of hope that was built in 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo, allowing war supplies and humanitarian aid to reach the city at the height of the Bosnian War. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own. Visit the Old Town and trace the Sarajevo Roses, dotted across the city as a stark reminder of that tumultuous time in the city’s history. You could choose to join your travel companions for an optional dinner this evening.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Sarajevo Home Hosted Evening
Enjoy a true insight into local culture as you’re invited into a Sarajevo local's home, to savour warm hospitality and tasty traditional cuisine. There’ll be no more than several guests with each family, ensuring a cosy and memorable evening.
Adult Price: €56.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Entertainment
Enjoy a typical Bosnian evening in an authentic restaurant, famous for its local cuisine, accompanied with lively entertainment, to ensure an unforgettable final evening in Sarajevo.
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Sarajevo: Off the Beaten Track
Discover the fascinating historical periods of Bosnia that continue to impact the identity of Sarajevo today. Our Local Specialist will share with us the beauty of a traditional Mosque, its architecture and traditions. We then fast forward to the 1984 Winter Olympics, hearing stories of ice skaters Torvill and Dean and their famous gold medal, while ascending Mt Trebevic by coach, where we'll admire spectacular city panoramas. Learn about the Siege of Sarajvo with a photo stop at the war-torn bobsled track, and enjoy a refreshment at one of the most spectacular vistas of the city.
Adult Price: €35.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 12
On the Road to Belgrade
Travel through lush forests, pastures and the Bosnian Mountains into Serbia – a scenic day of driving that will end in Belgrade. The 'White City' has a long history which you’ll have an opportunity to discover tomorrow.
Get an insider look at two of Serbia's most famous icons with our Local Specialist. First we'll visit the museum of Nikola Tesla – best known for his contribution to alternating current science. We'll unravel the stories behind some of his genius inventions and hear the legends that surrounded 'the man who invented the twentieth century'. Next, we'll wind down with dinner at top tennis player Novak Djokovic's restaurant. The first Serbian player to be ranked no. 1, he and his restaurant are considered national icons.
Adult Price: €75.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 13
Explore Riverside Belgrade
Your Local Specialist will share the sights and sounds of Belgrade from an insider’s perspective this morning. Delve into its Celtic, Roman, Serbian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history, then visit Kalemegdan Fortress, the symbol of the Serbian capital perched perfectly on a ridge overlooking the confluence of two great rivers. Discover how each of these empires has had a hand in rebuilding the fortress over the past 16 centuries. This evening, we reunite one final time for a rousing Farewell Dinner to reminisce over our shared travel experience.
Visit the resting place of former Yugoslavian President – Josip Broz Tito at the House of Flowers built in 1975 as winter garden near to the leader’s Belgrade home. Featuring impressive views of the city and surrounded by tranquillity, this is not just a scenic discovery, but an important historical landmark as well. Our Local Specialist will share interesting stories of Tito and his rule. Later, we take a short drive to an area of natural beauty - Mount Avala, taking in spectacular views over the whole city from the recently reconstructed TV tower.
Adult Price: €39.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 14
Farewell Belgrade
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. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Bucharest Parliament Visit
Built and furnished exclusively with Romanian materials, the Bucharest Parliament building is the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon and reflects the work of the country’s best artisans. Our guided visit will reveal a selection of its dazzling rooms, huge halls and quarters, where we will experience a luxurious display of crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, marble, gold leaf, stained-glass windows and floors covered in rich carpets.
Adult Price: €27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Rila Monastery
Rising out of a forested valley, magnificent Rila Monastery is the largest and most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox church. Founded in the 10th Century, the monastery looks like a fortress, but once through the gates you are dazzled by the kaleidoscopic frescoes and red-and-cream striped brickwork, set against the vertiginous green mountains. Our Local Specialist will explain the apocalyptic artwork beneath horseshoe-shaped arches, while black-robed monks go about their business.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Bulgarian Folklore Evening with Dinner
Join us at one of the oldest folk-style restaurants in Sofia, where we will experience a traditional folklore programme including the jolly 'Horo' dance and traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Sarajevo Home Hosted Evening
Enjoy a true insight into local culture as you’re invited into a Sarajevo local's home, to savour warm hospitality and tasty traditional cuisine. There’ll be no more than several guests with each family, ensuring a cosy and memorable evening.
Adult Price: €56.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Entertainment
Enjoy a typical Bosnian evening in an authentic restaurant, famous for its local cuisine, accompanied with lively entertainment, to ensure an unforgettable final evening in Sarajevo.
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Sarajevo: Off the Beaten Track
Discover the fascinating historical periods of Bosnia that continue to impact the identity of Sarajevo today. Our Local Specialist will share with us the beauty of a traditional Mosque, its architecture and traditions. We then fast forward to the 1984 Winter Olympics, hearing stories of ice skaters Torvill and Dean and their famous gold medal, while ascending Mt Trebevic by coach, where we'll admire spectacular city panoramas. Learn about the Siege of Sarajvo with a photo stop at the war-torn bobsled track, and enjoy a refreshment at one of the most spectacular vistas of the city.
Adult Price: €35.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 12
Icons of Serbia
Get an insider look at two of Serbia's most famous icons with our Local Specialist. First we'll visit the museum of Nikola Tesla – best known for his contribution to alternating current science. We'll unravel the stories behind some of his genius inventions and hear the legends that surrounded 'the man who invented the twentieth century'. Next, we'll wind down with dinner at top tennis player Novak Djokovic's restaurant. The first Serbian player to be ranked no. 1, he and his restaurant are considered national icons.
Adult Price: €75.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 13
A Historical View of Belgrade
Visit the resting place of former Yugoslavian President – Josip Broz Tito at the House of Flowers built in 1975 as winter garden near to the leader’s Belgrade home. Featuring impressive views of the city and surrounded by tranquillity, this is not just a scenic discovery, but an important historical landmark as well. Our Local Specialist will share interesting stories of Tito and his rule. Later, we take a short drive to an area of natural beauty - Mount Avala, taking in spectacular views over the whole city from the recently reconstructed TV tower.
Adult Price: €39.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
13 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
20 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 13 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown. VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Spend quality time with the locals when you join an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring local hospitality and cuisine.
Dive into Culture
Visit the infamous mythical home of Count Dracula and favourite residence of Romanian royalty - Bran Castle.
Stays with Stories
Soak up the tranquillity of the Japanese Garden and inspired interior of the Marinela Hotel, designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa.
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Bucharest, Braşov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade with a Local Specialist
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Discover Kotor and Budva
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit Bran Castle in Braşov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, the Church of the Nativity in Arbanasi, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Kotor, Budva, Mostar, the War Tunnel in Sarajevo and Kalmegdan Fortress in Belgrade
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View Peleş Castle in Sinaia, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church in Sofia, the Palace of Culture and the National library in Tirana and the Stari Most in Mostar
Gratuities: You have the option to pre-pay the gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. Please speak with your travel agent.
Important Visa Information: Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your travel agent at the time of booking to assess your specific requirements. Visas cannot be issued at borders in Europe.
Special Rate Solo Rooming: Departures 03 April, 03 July and 09 October 2022 will include 20 – 100% discount on our standard single supplement.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional) Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
