Treasures of the Balkans
Experience Overview
Explore the former Communist headquarters of Romania in Bucharest, see Bulgaria’s Roman ruins in Sofia and marvel at Bosnia’s Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo. After exploring the medieval city of Brașov, take the mountain roads to the Transylvanian border and join a private visit of Bran Castle after hours - better known as Dracula’s haunted abode in Bram Stoker’s infamous novel, followed by private dinner. Delve into the myths and legends before adventuring onwards to Mostar, where a Local Expert guides you through the city’s iconic sights ahead of a Sarajevo Dine at Home experience. Sit down with a Sarajevan family for a feast of local delicacies, traditional Bosnian coffee and tales of local life before your adventure ends in Belgrade.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protectedpark just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- Sarajevo: Meet an expert on the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and learn about the 44-month siege of the city.Alternatively, take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Bucharest: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your dinner.
- Dubrovnik: You will be offered a varied selection of charming restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
- Sarajevo: Experience authentic Bosnian coffee and learn about the traditional ritual of coffee preparation.
- Belgrade: Toast the culmination of your travels with dinner.
Insight Choice
- Sarajevo: Meet an expert on the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and learn about the 44-month siege of the city.Alternatively, take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city.
Insight Experiences
- Bran: Learn about the story of the infamous Count Dracula during a private after-hours visit to Bran Castle, following a traditional dinner.
Make Travel Matter
- Sarajevo: You are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner and drinks. Savor the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture. This experience advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protectedpark just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Top Rated Highlights
- Bucharest: During sightseeing with your Local Expert see University Square and the former Communist Headquarters.
- Bucharest: Walk the cavernous halls of the vast Palace of Parliament, learn about the history and listen to amusing tales from your Local Expert.
- Sinaia: Witness the opulent and sumptuous decor in Peleș Castle, the fairy-tale Royal summer residence, at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains.
- Veliko Tarnovo: Ascend Tsarevets, the King's Hill, crowned by a ruined medieval citadel. Enjoy the views and imagine yourself back in the days of the Crusades when this was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
- Arbanasi: At the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arbanassi, visit a traditional 17th-century merchants' house and enjoy the acoustics in the Church of the Holy Nativity.
- Sofia: Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to St. Sofia Church, across the square from the golden domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archaeological complex, dominated by the church of St. George Rotonda.
- Skopje: Visit the capital of Macedonia with your Local Expert, explore Square Macedonia and see the Stone Bridge before walking through the Old Bazaar.
- Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they explain what it's like to live in the Albanian capital.
- Kotor: Visit the Stari Grad, also referred to as the Old Town, perfectly positioned on a beautiful bay.
- Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
- Mostar: Learn the history and symbolic significance of Stari Most and explore the old town with your Local Expert.
- Belgrade: A Local Expert will show you St. Sava Church, Terazije Street, the national museum, national theater, Republic Square and the Kalemegdan Fortress.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 20869
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 172.749A
Starts: Bucharest, Romania
Finishes: Belgrade, Serbia
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,565 ($410 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Bucharest! Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Bucharest
Meals: Dinner
Join a Local Expert for sightseeing to view University Square and the former communist headquarters. Visit the immense Parliament Palace, one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Enjoy a delicious private dinner in the recently renovated Queen Mary’s Tea House. This evening after the crowds have left enjoy a private visit to the iconic Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Learn about Queen Maria of Romania, the last inhabitant of the castle, visit the torture rooms and relive the tales of the infamous Count Dracula.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Aurum, Brașov
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel along the Prahova Valley to the elegant mountain resort of Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle. Admire the lavish rooms filled with art, armor and tapestries. Return through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming medieval city of Brașov, founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights. With your Local Expert, walk around Town Hall Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed houses and dominated by the Black Church.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Aurum, Brașov
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the Danube into Bulgaria and continue to Veliko Tarnovo, the City of the Tsars, where houses cling to the cliffs of the River Yantra, making it one of the country's most beautiful towns. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation: Yantra, Veliko Tarnovo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Meet your Local Expert to climb up to the ruined Tsarevets Fortress, a reminder of the town's former imperial status. Enjoy the stunning views over the old Bulgarian capital and the Yantra Valley. Arbanasi is one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The frescoed churches and fortified dwellings offer a unique insight into the former wealth and spiritual commitment of the settlement. Visit a traditional 17th-century merchant's house and the Church of the Holy Nativity. Cross the Balkan Mountains to Bulgaria's modern day capital of Sofia. On arrival, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you to St. Sofia Church, across the square from the golden domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archaeological complex, dominated by the church of St. George Rotonda.
Accommodation: Grand Millennium Sofia
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Rila Monastery to enjoy a fascinating insight into the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria?
Accommodation: Grand Millennium Sofia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the border and continue to the North Macedonian capital of Skopje, an ultra-modern city juxtaposed by an ancient bazaar, where Turkish influences can still be seen and felt. Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Expert.
Accommodation: Bushi Resort & Spa, Skopje
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Making your way to the border, stop by the scenic Lake Ohrid for lunch. Cross into Albania and journey to Tirana, renowned for its friendly locals. Continue to the landmark Skanderbeg Square for an insider’s look at the Albanian capital with a Local Expert.
Accommodation: MAK Albania, Tirana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Soak up Montenegro’s natural beauty as you drive towards Budva where you will have the day to explore 'Montenegro's Miami'. Head to Stari Grad (the Old Town) surrounded by 15thcentury 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, Budva
Meals: Breakfast
Journey through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the Old Town of Kotor, known as Stari Grad. Located beside a beautiful bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, its no surprise it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At night, you may choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around evening.
Accommodation: Kompas Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Join a Local Expert for a morning of exploring the stone-paved streets within the 16th-century bastions. See Onofrio's Fountain and the Rector's Palace, the city walls, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The rest of the day is free for you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. Perhaps enjoy an Optional Experience to a stunning town on the Adriatic coast, Cavtat, where you can wander along the pine-forest paths beside the crystal-clear sea and visit a local winery.
Accommodation: Kompas Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to Mostar. With your Local Expert, see the famous Stari Most, the Old Bridge, reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the war. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, stretching on both sides of the bridge and filled with shops selling traditional handicrafts. Continue your travels following the scenic route to Sarajevo for a unique and rewarding insight into the local way of life as you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for dinner. Savor the authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories.
Accommodation: Europe, Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Sarajevo with Insight Choice. Choose to meet an expert on the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo’s astonishing Tunnel of Hope. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore as you wish.
Accommodation: Europe, Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast
Trace your way along the Drina River, that lies on the border of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Take in beautiful landscapes of lush, green mountains that create magical forest canyons, winding your way through deep valleys as you make your way to Belgrade.
Accommodation: Radisson Collection, Old Mill Belgrade
Meals: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert to see the best of Belgrade including Terazije Street, the national museum and national theater in Republic Square, as well as a visit to the famous St. Sava Church. Finish your sightseeing at the Kalemegdan Fortress, situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before joining your fellow travelers for dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Radisson Collection, Old Mill Belgrade
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Your 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
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Nelson Winter - Traveled, September 2024
Both the tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, and the driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, were excellent. Overall, a great experience and a chance to visit new places of the European beaten track. The trip goes to a lot of places to which most people wouldn't otherwise go. It is a great learning experience and an opportunity to see something new.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2024
Diana and Mark - Traveled, May 2024
We enjoyed this tour very much. While some of the stops were brief, the tour gave us a good overview of the Balkan area. We particularly enjoyed a personal visit to Bran Castle, the old city in Dubrovnik, and the Rila monastery. One thing that makes a tour is the staff that are involved. The Tour Director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was excellent; she was very knowledgeable, had a great sense of humour, and surprised us often with little gifts like local chocolates, fruits and snacks from the area. She also made sure that people with food allergies were made safe at each meal time. The Bus Driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was very friendly and showed his skill in manoeuvring the large bus on small country roads as well as challenging city routes. One thing that stood out for us was that every city had a local tour guide which introduced local expertise and flavour into their tours (don't forget to bring Euros for tipping the guides). All in all, we would highly recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2024
David Capper - Traveled, May 2024
We travelled with Insight last year in the U.S.A. for the first time. That trip was magical and our Tour leader and driver were amazing. Our Balkan's tour leader and driver had a lot to live up to and passed with flying colours. Everything was so well planned. The trip was well planned. We had sufficient time at each destination and everything was well explained to us. The tour leader, *Personal information removed by Feefo* and the bus driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo* were outstanding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2024
John Yates - Traveled, August 2024
Superb. I have worked with thousands of visitors arranging two week experiences. *Personal information removed by Feefo* is absolutely the best at this job. In all this time I have no complaints and everything worked perfectly. "Treasure " is the appropriate word. I doubt most Americans (saw only a few) even know where the Balkans are, much less know their historical significance in world history and religious history. Beautiful and unique. A true treasure for a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2024
Elizabeth Campbell - Traveled, August 2024
You are on the go with this trip but it is well worth it. My favorite activity was having dinner in Sarajevo with a local family. Also our local guide in Dubrovnik shared her personal experience during the war. These experiences are incredible and really give you an insight and a connection to the places you are visiting. Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo* was excellent and so was our driver. I really appreciate that Insight does not take you to local "factories" where you feel pressure to buy their products.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Our first time in a tour (we do our own, having covered all of Europe) because it is our first time in the Balkans. And making my prior research, I found out that train service is not as fast or efficient. What we liked most is the porter service from room to coach/and coach to room. Related, the coach has a wide legroom and the number of participants is limited/not cramped. We commend *Personal information removed by Feefo* our driver. Expected that he knew the road being a local and an expert, but over and beyond he was very friendly. Like St Joseph in the Bible who did not speak but kept Jesus and Mary safe, *Personal information removed by Feefo* had the same mindset. We have had much better experience in a yatch tour than the one offered in Dubrovnik. I noticed the majority did not enjoy the food. The venue of the farewell dinner should have been in a safer place. The area was dark and the walk was long especially for those with walking issue. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was a gracious host. It is comprehensive enough to give a brief insight into the Balkans. The tour of the Parliament in Bucharest could have been exchanged for some place else.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
Very helpful tour director and coach driver. Long days of travelling between countries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
A very fast paced tour. The food was very bland. The mountains in the Balkans were stunning. Our favourite places were Mostar, Kotor and Sarajevo the tunnel of hope and enjoying a meal with a Bosnian family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Out Tour Director (Karin) was simply outstanding. The best It's just a perfect itinerary. Don't fiddle with it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
Karen Howson - Traveled, September 2024
The trip was well planned and organised and additional experiences were carefully thought out and well executed. Our tour director was fantastic. She planned optional experiences that gave us much more understanding of the countries and people that we were visiting. She was interested in our opinion and regularly spoke to us individually to ask how we were going. She even organised ice for my stung finger when it swelled up. We were very impressed with her knowledge and experience in the tour industry. She is a genuine asset to the company and her professionalism made this tour a success for us. It was a well planned and thoughtful itinerary, detailing countries that are not well known in Australia. I learned so much about countries and events that I only heard about on the news. Being in the countries like Bosnia and Serbia and hearing local residents voice their feelings and experiences gave me more empathy for other peoples lives.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
Phillip Howson - Traveled, September 2024
The Insight service was terrific. The tour was well planned and the attractions were very interesting. Karin the tour guide was fantastic. Her attention to detail was exemplary and she had a good knowledge of the history for each country we visited.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Karan, our Insight guide and all local guides were very knowledgeable. They made sure we were comfortable and accommodating our needs. Really enjoyed the dinner hosted by a Sarajevo family! Our guide was wonderful...very knowledgeable and accommodating in every way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
*Personal information removed by Feefo* was absolutely FANTASTIC. Best guide tour leader ever! Accommodation was great. Food was abundant and delicious. Local guides were knowledgeable and entertaining. Driver was first rate. It gave us a great taste of several Eastern European countries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
The Tour Guide could not have done any more to ensure we were happy. All local experts, drivers and staff were excellent in their customer service. Insight made the best out of what was available. The back doubling from Bran Castle, for example, was wasted time but unavoidable. We were kept busy but had free time to spend as we wished.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2024
Donald Kain - Traveled, October 2024
I have travelled with Insight on previous tours and have always found them to be very efficient and enjoyable. I would recommend them to anybody. I found the tour very fascinating. The guide and the driver were very good. The side tours were also very good. I would recommend this tour to my friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
I feel they do an outstanding job, as it is not an easy feat dealing with a group of people who all have different expectations about a trip. They put in many hours making it the best experience they can for us travelers to enjoy the trip. Nothing in life is perfect, if you don't like the food etc. then why travel, things are different and isn't that what you want to experience. They are always ready to try and help you out if you have a problem. Do know that it is a lot of time on the bus, but to see all the places it is necessary. The history is old, the architecture is interesting in a different way say from Easter Europe, the scenery on the country roads is beautiful. I did enjoy the extra excursions, it was always nice to have the meal included with most of them as it took the worry off trying to find a place to eat. So all in all it was a wonderful time with new things to deposit into my memory bank and as always met new wonderful people in our group, support staff and people of the areas.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Always excellent! It was a great tour including countries I may not have otherwise traveled to. I think a little more time in some of the cities may have been nice expand the length of the tour a bit so there were 2 nights instead of 1.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Our tour director Karin was above and beyond. Hotels, except one, were wonderful. Food was good. Too many countries....some not very interesting. If it weren't for Tito and orthodox churches, not much to see in some countries. The most interesting was our at home dinner with a local family. It was wonderful and learned so much. Food was delicious!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Jam packed itinerary. Tons of history. Very rich in experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Mindful and considerate service from Karin and Slobodan with attention to detail. The itinerary covered the historic and cultural aspects of the countries with sensitivity and honesty. Loved getting to meet and interact with the locals on two optional events - more of that, please. Add some environmental aspects to make it even better. Plenty of food from each country- sometimes too much in one day- but not complaining. A special area
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
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