Treasures of the Balkans - Small Group
Treasures of the Balkans - Small Group
$6620
Treasures of the Balkans - Small Group
16 Days Starting in Bucharest and ending in Belgrade
Visiting: Bucharest, Bran Castle, Brasov, Sinaia, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi, Sofia, Skopje, Ohrid, Tirana, Budva, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour 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 Bra?ov, 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
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Bucharest
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Bucharest! Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Bucharest And Castles Of Transylvania
Location: Bucharest, Bran Castle, Brasov
Accommodation: Aro Palace, Brasov.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Aurum, Brașov
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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.
Day 3: Brasov And Sinaia
Location: Brasov, Sinaia, Brasov
Accommodation: Aro Palace, Brasov.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Aurum, Brașov
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo
Location: Brasov, Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation: Yantra Hotel, Veliko Tarnovo.
Accommodation Name: Yantra, Veliko Tarnovo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 5: To Sofia Relaxed Start
Location: Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi, Sofia
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Sofia
Meals Included: 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.
Day 6: Sofia At Your Pace Relaxed Start
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Sofia
Meals Included: 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?
Day 7: Skopje
Location: Sofia, Skopje
Accommodation: Bushi Resort & Spa, Skopje.
Accommodation Name: Bushi Resort & Spa, Skopje
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Lake Ohrid And Tirana
Location: Skopje, Ohrid, Tirana
Accommodation: MAK Albania Hotel Tirana.
Accommodation Name: MAK Albania, Tirana
Meals Included: 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.
Day 9: Journey To Montenegro’S Budva
Location: Tirana, Budva
Accommodation Name: TQ Plaza, Budva
Meals Included: Breakfast
Soak up Montenegro’s natural beauty as you drive towards Budva 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.
Day 10: Kotor And Dubrovnik
Location: Budva, Kotor, Dubrovnik
Accommodation Name: Kompas Dubrovnik
Meals Included: 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.
Day 11: Dubrovnik Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation Name: Kompas Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 12: Mostar And Sarajevo
Location: Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo
Accommodation: Swissotel Sarajevo.
Accommodation Name: Europe, Sarajevo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 13: Sarajevo, City Of Culture
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation: Swissotel Sarajevo.
Accommodation Name: Europe, Sarajevo
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 14: The Serbian Capital Of Belgrade Relaxed Start
Location: Sarajevo, Belgrade
Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Collection, Old Mill Belgrade
Meals Included: 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.
Day 15: The Best Of Belgrade Relaxed Start
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Collection, Old Mill Belgrade
Meals Included: 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.
Day 16: Farewell Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 15 breakfasts, 6 dinners, and 3 dinners with wine.
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Local Expert Guides
Local experts will guide you through various locations, providing insights and historical context.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Tips at hotels and restaurants are included, so you don't have to worry about tipping.
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Porterage
Porterage is included, meaning your bags will be carried and delivered to your hotel room.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi on the coach and at hotels (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights match the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in comfort on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for use throughout the day.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as visiting the Rila Monastery or the town of Cavtat are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi are available, and physical distancing measures are implemented.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including the Radisson Blu Bucharest, Radisson Blu Aurum in Bra?ov, Yantra in Veliko Tarnovo, Grand Millennium Sofia, Bushi Resort & Spa in Skopje, MAK Albania in Tirana, TQ Plaza in Budva, Kompas Dubrovnik, Europe in Sarajevo, and Radisson Collection in Belgrade.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
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.
Insight Experiences
- Bran: Learn about the story of the infamous Count Dracula during a private after-hours visit of Bran Castle, followed by dinner.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Sarajevo visit?
In Sarajevo, you can choose between meeting an expert on the Bosnian War for a visit to the Tunnel of Hope, or taking a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide.
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What special dining experiences are offered during the tour?
The tour includes several special dining experiences such as a private dinner in Queen Mary’s Tea House in Bucharest, a private after-hours visit to Bran Castle followed by dinner, and a dinner in a Sarajevan family home where you can savor authentic cuisine and hear inspirational stories.
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Are there any activities that support sustainable tourism?
Yes, the tour includes activities that support sustainable tourism, such as the nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River in Sarajevo, which advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. Additionally, the dinner in a Sarajevan family home supports Goals 10 and 11: Reduced Inequalities and Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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What are some of the historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several historical sites including the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, Bran Castle in Transylvania, Peleș Castle in Sinaia, Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, the Church of the Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, and the Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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Is there any free time included in the itinerary?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour. For example, you have a day at leisure in Sofia, and free time to explore Budva and Dubrovnik on your own.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at high-quality hotels such as the Radisson Blu Bucharest, Radisson Blu Aurum in Brașov, Grand Millennium Sofia, Bushi Resort & Spa in Skopje, MAK Albania in Tirana, TQ Plaza in Budva, Kompas Dubrovnik, Europe in Sarajevo, and Radisson Collection, Old Mill Belgrade.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Airport transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. 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.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions