TREASURES OF THE BALKANS
AND TRANSYLVANIA 13 DAYS FROM $1,919 US Details below or
click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Discover the treasures of the Balkans on this adventure that starts and ends in Budapest, the lively city on the Danube. Guided sightseeing introduces you to the highlights, including the Royal Castle, Parliament, and Fishermen’s Bastion. Next, head south through ever-changing landscapes to Novi Sad, famous for its citadel, then Serbia’s capital of Belgrade and the breathtaking gorges leading into Bulgaria. Explore Sofia with its ornate orthodox churches; visit Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and explore Plovdiv’s charming Old Town and Roman Amphitheater. Continue to medieval Veliko Târnovo and Arbanassi before arriving in beautiful Bucharest, Romania, for two overnights. On to the picturesque mountains, fortified villages, and castles of Transylvania. Visit Sinaia Monastery and Bran Castle, the medieval dwelling of legendary Count Dracula. Enjoy additional stops in enchanting Sighisoara and Cluj Napoca and return to Budapest for the finale of this outstanding vacation.
Day 1 ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day 2 BUDAPEST Included sightseeing with a Local Guide features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Also see Heroes’ Square, which typifies the modern capital, as well as the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, the Royal Castle, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Coronation Church. (Breakfast)
Day 3 BUDAPEST–NOVI SAD, SERBIA–BELGRADE
This morning, travel southwards at first along the motorway to the border town of Szeged to cross into the province of Vojvodina in Serbia. Stop in Novi Sad, the capital of the province, situated on the River Danube and famous for its Petrovaradin Citadel, known in the west as the “Gibraltar of the Danube.” Drive along the motorway into Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. (Breakfast)
Day 4 BELGRADE–SOFIA, BULGARIA
A comfortable drive this morning southeast by way of Nis; then, across the border into Bulgaria. Arrive in Sofia, its capital, for sightseeing with a Local Guide, which will include such highlights as the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Boyana Church, the National Theater, and St. Sofia Church. The locals will tell you that Sofia is growing all the time, yet never aging. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 SOFIA. EXCURSION TO RILA MONASTERY
This morning, drive to Rila to visit its Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the most famous in the country. It has a checkered history that goes way back to Ivan Rilski, a hermit who founded it in 927. During the very long Turkish rule over the country, the monastery became a beacon of Bulgarian culture. Return to Sofia. Tonight, maybe join an optional folklore dinner. (Breakfast)
Day 6 SOFIA–PLOVDIV–VELIKO TÂRNOVO
This morning, head eastwards to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, located along the banks of the River Maritsa. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman Amphitheater. Journey northwards through fine scenery over the Stara Planina Mountains to Veliko Târnovo. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7 VELIKO TÂRNOVO–BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Today, time to see some of the highlights of Veliko Târnovo, located on the Yantra River. During the Middle Ages, it was Bulgaria’s capital and, although now a modern town, it still retains some of its most attractive medieval features. Later, drive to nearby Arbanassi, world famous for its type of house, which is a cross between a dwelling and a fortress. The village is known as an architectural and historic reserve and was at one time the summer residence of Bulgarian kings. One of the highlights of the visit is the Church of the Nativity, built in 1637. In the afternoon, journey north to Rousse and cross the Danube to reach Bucharest. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8 BUCHAREST
Flower-festooned parks, gardens, and wide boulevards shaded by century-old trees contribute to Bucharest’s beauty. The highlight of your sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, wind and watermills, and artisans’ workshops from all parts of the country. The Local Guide will also show you other places of interest, including the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Savings Palace. There is also an afternoon optional visit to the Romanian Parliament, known as the House of the People. (Breakfast)
Day 9 BUCHAREST–SINAIA–BRASOV
Leave this morning for a stop in Sinaia in the Prahova Valley. This is a lovely ski resort, almost 3,300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered among the most romantic in the world. Only a few more miles and you reach Brasov, a lovely medieval town famous for its town square filled with baroque architecture and outdoor cafés. This evening, enjoy an optional folklore dinner in a typical Transylvanian restaurant. (Breakfast)
Day 10 BRASOV
This morning a walking orientation of the Old Town of Brasov will include a visit to the Black Church and leisure time. In the afternoon, leave for Bran and visit its castle, built in 1377 and inhabited by Vlad the Impaler—better known as Dracula. (Breakfast)
Day 11 BRASOV–SIGHISOARA–CLUJ-NAPOCA
Head northwards for a stop in Sighisoara, a medieval town with 11 towers within the city walls, which surround cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches—it is one of Romania’s prettiest towns. Legend has it that it is also the birthplace of the notorious Vlad (Dracula). Continue the journey north by way of Tirgu Mures on to Cluj-Napoca in the heart of Transylvania. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12 CLUJ-NAPOCA–BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Travel westwards today by way of Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest. In the evening, enjoy an optional Danube dinner cruise. (Breakfast)
Day 13 BUDAPEST
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
Learn more about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.
AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES
View details and pricing on airport transfer times and extra nights. Learn more about what's included with your vacation and how you can personalize it.
INCLUDED FEATURES
Visits to Novi Sad, Belgrade, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv, Veliko Târnovo, Arbanassi village, Sinaia Monastery, Brasov, Bran Castle, Sighisoara,Cluj Napoca
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Stara Planina Mountains, Southern Carpathia, Transylvania
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
GUIDES
Local Guides for city sightseeing in Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest, Peles Castle; services of a professional Tour Director while touring
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.
MEALS
Buffet breakfasts; 4 dinners
HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
Budapest Mercure Duna (ST), Belgrade Best Western Hotel M (F), Sofia Crystal Palace (F), Veliko Târnovo Yantra Grand (F), Bucharest Pullman Bucharest (F), Brasov Aro Palace (F), Cluj-Napoca Belvedere (F), Budapest Flamenco Park (F)
TRANSPORTATION
Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
Optional Excursions
Important Note:
the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.
CITY: Brasov
Medieval Evening
Back to the medieval times! Enjoy a traditional dinner in one of the most well-known restaurants in Romania, located in the citadel of Brasov. The dinner will be accompanied by a medieval show with real troubadours and knights.
Approximate value: EUR €42 per person
CITY: Bucharest
People's Palace
Your guided tour of the People's Palace, as it was known in the communist period, or the Parliament Palace as it is known today, will take you inside one of the largest buildings in Europe to visit some of the monumental and richly decorated halls.
Approximate value: EUR €20 per person
A Romanian Evening
Enjoy dinner out at a typical beer house restaurant located in the Herastrau Park. The venue has been for decades one of the favorite places to dine out in Bucharest. A folklore show, with music and dances, accompany the dinner.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person
CITY: Budapest
Artist Village Szentendre
Drive to the picturesque village of Szentendre, the home of many famous Hungarian artists at the turn of the century. Proceed with a visit to a the pretty Greek Orthodox church or Marzipan Museum plus Margit Kovacs Museum. Finally enjoy coffee and cake at a typical inn.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person
Hungarian Night
A typical Hungarian evening. After an aperitif, enjoy dinner with some fine local specialties and unlimited wine, followed by a program of Hungarian folklore and Gypsy music.
Approximate value: EUR €47 per person
Evening On A Boat
Cruise along the River Danube admiring the beauty of the twin cities Buda and Pest. See the Satle District, Gellert Hill and the House of Parliament sampling Hungarian and international dishes, with drinks during your dinner.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person
CITY: Sofia
Folklore Dinner
A night out Bulgarian style - your dinner comprises local cuisine which introduces you to Bulgarian specialties. At the same time you will be entertained by folklore music and traditional dances with men and women dancing on live coals with naked feet.
Approximate value: EUR €32 per person
Departure Dates: April - October
Prices From approx $1,919 US
per person based on double occupancy
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Discover the treasures of the Balkans on this adventure that starts and ends in Budapest, the lively city on the Danube. Guided sightseeing introduces you to the highlights, including the Royal Castle, Parliament, and Fishermen’s Bastion. Next, head south through ever-changing landscapes to Novi Sad, famous for its citadel, then Serbia’s capital of Belgrade and the breathtaking gorges leading into Bulgaria. Explore Sofia with its ornate orthodox churches; visit Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and explore Plovdiv’s charming Old Town and Roman Amphitheater. Continue to medieval Veliko Târnovo and Arbanassi before arriving in beautiful Bucharest, Romania, for two overnights. On to the picturesque mountains, fortified villages, and castles of Transylvania. Visit Sinaia Monastery and Bran Castle, the medieval dwelling of legendary Count Dracula. Enjoy additional stops in enchanting Sighisoara and Cluj Napoca and return to Budapest for the finale of this outstanding vacation.