Balkan Adventure
From CAD $5,440
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Visit seven 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.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
- Skopje: Spend quality time with the locals when you join an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring local hospitality and cuisine.
Dive into Culture
- Bran: Visit the infamous mythical home of Count Dracula and favourite residence of Romanian royalty - Bran Castle.
Iconic Experience
- Bucharest: Bask in the rich history of Bucharest and its lasting legacies.
- Sinaia: Journey to the Carpathian Mountains and discover Peles Castle.
- Brasov: Journey through the medieval streets of Brasov and discover its trading history.
- Veliko Tarnovo: Discover the rich history of Veliko Tarnovo with a Local Specialist.
- Sofia: Journey to Sofia and spend the day basking in the wonders of Bulgaria's modern-day capital.
- Skopje: Join a Local Specialist on a city tour of the historic center of Skopje.
- Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they share insights into life in the Albanian capital.
- Budva: Spend the day exploring the picturesque town of Budva.
- Mostar: Discover the magnificent coves and cliffs of the Kotor coast as well as the monumental Mostar Bridge.
- Kotor: Enjoy some time in the morning discovering the wonders of Kotor.
- Sarajevo: Discover the wonders and hidden treasures of Sarajevo.
- Sarajevo: Discover the history of the Bosnian war tunnel in Sarajevo.
- Belgrade: Discover the rich history of Belgrade and all it's wonderful sights.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Sarajevo: Meet third-generation coppersmiths Adnan and Kenan, who are preserving Bosnia’s Ottoman-era metalwork tradition. Using repurposed war materials, they craft intricate coffee sets, jewellery and decorative pieces, keeping their family’s legacy alive despite the rise of mass production. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Bucharest, Braşov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade
- Discover Budva and Kotor
- Visit Bran Castle in Braşov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, and the War Tunnel in Sarajevo
- 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 Mostar's Stari Most
- See the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest
Trip Details
Product Code: 28248
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 571.1578B
Starts: Bucharest, Romania
Finishes: Belgrade, Serbia
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,440 ($389 /day)
Itinerary
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 dinner. Why not toast to new friends to set the tone for your memorable journey?
Accommodation: Mercure Bucharest Unirii
Meals: Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Ana Bradul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Ana Bradul
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Yantra Grand
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 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. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the live-music entertainment during an optional experience.
Accommodation: Astoria Grand
Meals: Breakfast
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. 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.
Accommodation: Astoria Grand
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, a 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.
Accommodation: Solun Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Budva next where your Travel Director will provide an orientation 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.
Accommodation: TQ Plaza
Meals: Breakfast
After an orientation in Kotor, join a Local Specialist in Mostar for a guided tour through colourful cobbled streets. 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.
Accommodation: Mövenpick Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Meet third-generation coppersmiths Adnan and Kenan, who are preserving Bosnia’s Ottoman-era metalwork tradition on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, where you can discover traditional shops, lively cafes and the poignant Sarajevo Roses. Local flavours and stories are on the menu tonight as you meet your host on your Be My Guest experience.
Accommodation: Mövenpick Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Radisson RED Belgrade
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Radisson RED Belgrade
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Rosa Zamora - Traveled, June 2024
Wonderful experience. Great guide and driver. The itinerary was very good, but what really made the trip fabulous was our Guide *Personal information removed by Feefo*, he went out of his way to make everyone happy. This is our first tour vacation and at the beginning I must admit I was not happy but his professional attitude was wonderful. he is also very knowledgeable and At the same time very entertaining. The best guide we have ever had. I also want to mention our driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* who was also great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
Great Company. I have been on many Trafalgar Tours and will continue to use Trafalgar. The way they organize the trips, the way they make sure we have enough time for both free time and planned activities, hotels we stay at and Tour Directors, they offer keep me coming back! This was an amazing trip. Saw so many wonderful sites and beautiful scenery. *Personal information removed by Feefo*, the travel director, made this trip even better with his love and knowledge of the area. I would recommend this tip to everyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2024
Kim Meyers - Traveled, October 2024
The service was great. The Balkan Adventure was a fabulous trip so rich in Culture and History and our Tour Director Marina was so very knowledgeable and helpful. Love that everything was so well executed such a great adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2024
Great trip! Guide gave personal attention and care. Bus was very comfortable and driver highly professional. Hotels were good. Excellent guide. Very knowledgeable and gave great historical and political perspective.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
Highly Recommend Trafalgar's Balkan Adventure!! Our Travel Director for the Balkan Adventure, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was the best! He is so kind, thoughtful, knowledgeable and attentive and has a wonderful sense of humor and overall personality. Also, our driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was outstanding. We couldn't be happier and we miss them both already! Thank you for such wonderful service! This tour was amazing! The countries and cultures are beautiful and we had a wonderful experience. Everyday was truly an adventure. Our Travel Director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was outstanding. We were so happy with him. Also, our driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was terrific. We give it our highest recommendation!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
Really great itinerary. Liked all 7 countries we visited and the cities where we stayed. Woderful trip well coordinated by a great Tour Director and with a super driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo*.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2024
Sharon Loehs - Traveled, July 2024
I definitely will take another Trafalgar tour because I had such a wonderful experience! *Personal information removed by Feefo* was an excellent guide. She was very helpful and experienced with all her historical facts. The driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was excellent, and I felt safe all the time he was driving.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Balkan Adventures Maxed. Excellent organization and tight controls. Value for money in general. Very well organized tours and knowledgeable director.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Beautiful excursion recommend to all to see the beauty of the Balkans. Very knowledgeable guide Goran F.. Could not ask for better, we had a lot of fun and good times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Balkan Adventure 2024. Had no problems with Trafalgar’s service. Nice tour of Balkan countries. The tour director and bus driver were excellent. The hotels were very good with one exception, Hotel Next Door Park and Spa. There were no porters available at the hotel so we had to pull bags about a block from bus to Hotel. Once in the Hotel only one elevator was working it only went to up as far as the 4th floor. Our room was on the 5th floor, so we had to carry our bags up a flight of stairs. The same for the checkout process in reverse. The manager offered no help what so ever for the problem. Poor management!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2024
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