Balkan Adventure

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

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.

• Bucharest City Tour
• See Peleș Castle

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 favourite 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 favourites or consider joining your travel companions for an optional dinner.

• Explore the residence of Romanian royalty
• Brasov City Tour

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.

The fairy-tale facades of Veliko Târnovo reveal medieval history at every turn and your Local Specialist will share the rich history and culture of this former imperial capital. At the heart of the city is Tsarevets Fortress, which you’ll have an opportunity to visit during your sightseeing tour. Continue to Arbanasi, known for its Bulgarian National Revival architecture and spiritual heritage, then visit the Church of Holy Nativity before travelling on to Sofia. This evening, you may wish to join one of two Optional Experiences, either a lively Bulgarian folk evening or an evening of live music.

• Veliko Tarnovo City Tour

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.

• Sofia City Tour

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

• Skopje City Tour

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 centre – one where dour grey city blocks have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colourful façades. You’ll view such highlights as the Palace of Culture, the National Library and the Clock Tower before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

• Tirana City Tour

Travel to Budva next where your Travel Director will provide an orientation 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. This evening, perhaps join an Optional Experience at Hotel Adrović, dining on its panoramic terrace with views over Sveti Stefan resort and the Adriatic coast.

• Budva Orientation

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

• Mostar Bridge Visit
• Kotor Orientation

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 flavours and stories are on the menu tonight as you meet your host on your Be My Guest experience.

• Sarajevo City Tour
• Sarajevo Tunnel Tour
• Enjoy Dinner with the Locals
• The Art of Bosnian Coppersmithing

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.

Your Local Specialist introduces Belgrade’s layered history, from Celtic and Roman roots to Serbian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule. Visit the Church of Saint Sava, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, known for its vast dome and white marble facade. Continue to Kalemegdan Fortress, perched above the meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers, and see how different empires reshaped its walls over 16 centuries. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner and share stories from your journey.

• Belgrade City Tour

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.