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.
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.
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.
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 Holy Nativity before continuing 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. An 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. Local flavours and stories are on the menu tonight as you Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience.
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.
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.
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.
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Available on Day 2
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
Available on Day 3
Enjoy an evening of traditional Transylvanian cuisine in a location that is truly second to none. At the entrance to Poiana Brasov, one of the best preserved mountain areas and most popular ski resorts in Eastern Europe, the restaurant setting is both a winter and summer oasis for visitors. Our hosts will welcome us in their scenic garden before inviting us into their rustic mountain-style chalet, where we will be entertained by a local musician.
Adult Price: € 55
Available on Day 6
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: € 54
Available on Day 6
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
Available on Day 11
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
Note: This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.,
Available on Day 11
Discover two fascinating icons of Bosnia that continue to impact the identity of Sarajevo today. Our Local Specialist unravels 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. At the summit, we'll admire spectacular city panoramas with a photo stop at the war-torn bobsled track, before enjoying a refreshment at one of the most spectacular vistas of the city.
Adult Price: € 35
Available on Day 11
Enjoy a typical Bosnian evening in an authentic restaurant, famous for its local cuisine. With lively entertainment, it truly is an unforgettable evening in Sarajevo.
Adult Price: € 49
Available on Day 12
It is only about a quarter of a mile long but the Skadarska street carries the spirit of Belgrade's bohemian life. This is the street where the famous Serbian brandy flows and the sound of tambourines, songs and joy can be heard through the night. Indulge yourself in a hearty traditional dinner, while being entertained by live music.
Adult Price: € 52
Available on Day 13
A recently opened museum in Belgrade is dedicated to undoubtedly one of the biggest inventors and scientists of our modern age, Nikola Tesla, who spent the most productive years of his life in the USA, registering nearly 120 patents. We'll unravel the stories behind some of his genius inventions and hear the legends that surrounded 'the man who invented the twentieth century'. Later we visit the resting place of former Yugoslavian President, Josip Broz Tito, at the House of Flowers, built in 1975 as a winter garden near to the leader’s Belgrade home. Featuring impressive views of the city and set in tranquil surroundings, this is not just a scenic discovery, but also an important historical landmark. Our Local Specialist will share interesting stories of Tito and his rule.
Adult Price: € 34
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