14-Day Balkans Adventure Tour from Bucharest to Belgrade: Braşov, Sofia and Sarajevo | 7 Countries and 13 Cities | 13 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

What you'll experience

Highlights

14 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Home - Bucharest

   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 travelers for dinner. Why not toast to new friends to set the tone for your memorable journey?

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Mercure Bucharest Unirii
2. 2

   Day 2 — Bucharest - Braşov

   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.

   

   Palace of the Parliament

   

   Peles Castle

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Ana Hotel Bradul
3. 3

   Day 3 — 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 favorite 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 favorites or consider joining your travel companions for an optional dinner.

   

   Bran Castle

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ana Hotel Bradul
4. 4

   Day 4 — Braşov - 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.

   

   Danube River

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Yantra Grand Hotel Veliko Târnovo
5. 5

   Day 5 — Veliko Târnovo - Sofia

   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. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the flurry of red skirts at a traditional folklore show.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Astoria Grand
6. 6

   Day 6 — Sofia

   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. 

   

   Rila Monastery

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Astoria Grand
7. 7

   Day 7 — Sofia - Skopje

   Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, a religious crossroads, and a vibrant medieval trading center. See the Ottoman Empire's legacy in the mosques and bazaars as you join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour this afternoon.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hotel Next Door Park and Spa
8. 8

   Day 8 — Skopje - 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 center – one where dour grey city blocks have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colorful façades. You'll view such highlights as the Palace of Culture, the National Library and the Clock Tower before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
9. 9

   Day 9 — Tirana - Budva

   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.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel TQ Plaza
10. 10

    Day 10 — Budva - Mostar - Sarajevo

    After an orientation in Kotor, join a Local Specialist in Mostar for a guided tour through colorful 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.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Mövenpick Hotel Sarajevo
11. 11

    Day 11 — Sarajevo

    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 flavors and stories are on the menu tonight as you Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience.

    

    Sarajevo Old Town

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mövenpick Hotel Sarajevo
12. 12

    Day 12 — Sarajevo - 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.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Belgrade Excelsior
13. 13

    Day 13 — 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.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Mercure Belgrade Excelsior
14. 14

    Day 14 — Belgrade - Home

    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: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

• Important info:
  - UNITED KINGDOM: Traveling or transiting through the UK & Northern Ireland after January 8, 2025. A new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for entry and transit. Applications open November 27, 2024. For more details and to apply for the ETA, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.
  - Passports with a minimum of 6 months validity after return date are required and are at your expense. 
  - Non-US citizens please check if visas are needed with your nearest consulate.
  - Day 1 is the start date and first hotel night included with the journey. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1. 
  - To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
• Travel insurance:
  - We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip.
  - Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.
• Luggage:
  - Travelling with the local operator entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”). Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14 cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. Telescopic handles or wheels not permitted.
  - Internal flights: Luggage allowance is limited to 1 piece per person (maximum of 20Kg/44lbs) and 1 hand luggage per person (maximum of 7Kg/15lbs).
  - We strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
  - Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.
• Border crossings and visa requirements:
  - Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
  - Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
  - Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country.
  - Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double/Triple Occupancy applies when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Maximum room capacity: 3 people including adult and child/infant.
* Triple room bookings are available on the majority of our tours, suitable for 2 adults and 1 child. When booking your trip, we define a child as somebody aged 5 – 17, we do not accept children under the age of 5. A triple room is not recommended for 3 adults, as the third bed is often a rollaway, which may not be comfortable for an adult. 
* If you're on a trip as a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children), then you would require 1 triple room (for 1 adult and 2 children), and 1 double room (1 adult and 1 child).

Travel tips

Tour operator