Balkan Adventure
Experience Overview
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.
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 favorite 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 Dalmatian 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, jewelery 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: 19273
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 571.1578A
Starts: Bucharest, Romania
Finishes: Belgrade, Serbia
Duration: 14 days
Departures: 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 and surprise extras
- 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 utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,738 ($338 /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 travelers 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 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.
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 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.
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 center. 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 center – one where dour gray 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.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: TQ Plaza
Meals: Breakfast
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.
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 flavors 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: Mercure Excelsior
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: Mercure Excelsior
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
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Amazing Balkan adventure. The tour was wonderful, well-planned and executed by the tour director. The coach was comfortable and always sparkling clean. Our travel director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was outstanding! He was very knowledgeable about the history of each country we visited, never made us feel rushed, and consistently went above and beyond. Our driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was also excellent; he navigated some very narrow and crowded streets with ease. The tour itself—the Balkans—exceeded all my expectations. The history, the people, and the food were all wonderful. I highly recommend Trafalgar!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2025
Edward Larson - Traveled, April 2025
Balkans Adventure ECL. The tour director (*Personal information removed by Feefo*) was exceptionally first-rate. He brought great passion to the job, was highly competent and well-organized, and took good care of all of us. Minor complaints about the hotels: (1) Mercure Bucharest: One of the light switches in the room didn't work. I was unable to shut off the bright overhead light at the door entrance without pulling the room key (which shut off all power and prevented recharging of phones in the dark). (2) Yantra Grand Veliko: The bedside lamps didn't work, and the front desk threw up its hands unable to solve the problem. (3) Movenpick Sarajevo: Luggage was delivered to the wrong floor. (4) Mercure Belgrade: I asked for a wakeup call at 5 the morning of my departure, but it was not forthcoming. This tour was great value for the money, covering an extensive range of countries in an interesting part of the world. I picked up 4 countries that I hadn't been to before - first time since 2005 I've picked up as many as that.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Great tour! Excellent tour, tour director and tour company. Thank you! Wonderful tour. Beautiful cities, sights, excursions, local wines and delicious foods. Our coach driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo* was delightful and drove us skillfully and expertly to all our locations. Our excellent tour director, Danilo made everything run smoothly and cheerfully from beginning to end. Thank you for providing a beautiful tour with lifetime memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
The TD, Danilo is an outstanding professional with immense experience; he is truly a differentiator and represents the Trafalgar brand extremely well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2025
Vernon Brown - Traveled, April 2025
Good service. Service from sales team pre- purchase was good and informative. Overall a great experience, high quality TD and Driver. Great format and outstanding experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2025
Lynne Ciervo - Traveled, April 2025
Danilo our Tour Director is one of the very best. This is my 13th Trafalgar your and I can say that Dani was the perfect blend of fun, smart, organized and energetic. Slobodan, our bus driver was amazing. They both are now legends for me! The tour was comprehensive and covered a lot of ground. Seven countries! Great agenda and inclusions. Our Be Our Guest excursion to the Winery and our farewell dinner on our last night are two of the best inclusions I have experienced in my many tours. I will continue to travel with Trafalgar. I believe as a tour company you offer fair prices, nice hotels, variety of experiences, and enjoyable itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
It was well- organized and led by a very competent Tour Director. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was one of the best and this was my 13th trip. I can only say good things about him and the overall trip. The fact that it covered seven countries was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
Prompt follow-ups and friendly responses when inquiries were made, Outstanding tour with an excellent travel director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*. Very enriching experience with exploring different countries and cultures in a short period of time. The hotel and food arrangements were quite good. We will do this tour again if not for other options!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
Trafalgar Balkan adventure, a must in your bucket list! Trafalgar made sure our travel was pleasant ,efficient and enjoyable. we spent enough time per country. Enjoyed the places we visited but coach travel was sometimes long, our travel director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, kept us entertained, educated about history, culture and cuisine of each area, he also provided us with samples of the drinks, food and delicacies of each area.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/09/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
Balkan adventure. Trafalgar had everything organized extremely well. Incredible guide in *Personal information removed by Feefo*, who imparted so much history together with looking after us like we were his family. Amazing oversight of the Balkans. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
Trafalgar's Balkan Adventure is Amazing!! *Personal information removed by Feefo* our Tour Director was amazing, original, careful, knowledgeable, and attentive to evert detail. He was understanding of each of our personalities and cultures in a very professional way. Also, our driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was outstanding, making us feel very secure even though we were driving through mountainous terrain. Thank you both for a wonderful trip we will never forget! The tour has a great variety of information and experiences that make your visit unique. We loved this trip and highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2024
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