Balkan Adventure

ARRIVE BUCHAREST Destination Title

Bucharest, Romania

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 a Welcome Reception. Why not toast to new friends with a shot of the local Pálinka to set the tone for your memorable journey?

Intercontinental Hotel

BUCHAREST - SINAIA - BRASOV Destination Title

Bucharest, Romania

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.

Destination Title

Brasov, Romania

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.

Breakfast, Dinner

Ana Sport Hotel

BRASOV SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Destination Title

Brasov, Romania

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 are 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.

Breakfast

Ana Sport Hotel

BRASOV - VELIKO TARNOVO Destination Title

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

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.

Breakfast, Dinner

Yantra Grand

VELIKO TARNOVO - ARBANASI - SOFIA Destination Title

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

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.

Destination Title

Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Your 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. Here you'll visit the Church of the Nativity.

Destination Title

Sofia, Bulgaria

Next, continue to Sofia, where you'll 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.

Breakfast

Marinela

SOFIA FREE DAY Destination Title

Sofia, Bulgaria

You'll have a full day to explore this modern city built on Roman ruins. Once a thriving centre for trade and crafts, Sofia's history, culture and architecture have been influenced by Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and communists. Settle in to the relaxed atmosphere and take a stroll along its elegant boulevards or sit in a park and people-watch.

Destination Title

Sophia, Bulgaria

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. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the flurry of red skirts at a traditional folklore show.

Breakfast

Marinela

SOFIA - SKOPJE Destination Title

Skopje, Macedonia

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

Local flavors and stories are on the menu tonight as you 'Connect With Locals' for an exclusive 'Be My Guest' dinner, perhaps with some of the local rakija on hand to toast to new friends.

Breakfast, Dinner

Holiday Inn

SKOPJE - TIRANA Destination Title

Tirana, Albania

Leaving Macedonia behind, head to the Albanian capital of Tirana where you'll join a 'Local Specialist' on arrival 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 grey 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.

Breakfast, Dinner

Hilton Garden Inn

TIRANA - KOTOR - BUDVA Destination Title

Kotor, Montenegro

Soak up Montenegro's natural beauty as you drive towards Kotor. You'll have some time for lunch on your own and an orientation tour of this fortified town, tucked deep within enchanting fjord-like surrounds.

Destination Title

Budva, Montenegro

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 may choose to sit back and watch the world go by.

Breakfast

Falkensteiner

BUDVA - MOSTAR - SARAJEVO Destination Title

Mostar, Bosnia

Leave the shimmering Adriatic coast for Mostar, a multicultural city that has restored itself with enviable verve following the Bosnian War. A 'Local Specialist' will lead you through its colorful cobbled streets and you'll view the Stari Most, Ottoman-style bridge, reconstructed entirely using traditional methods.

Destination Title

Sarajevo, Bosnia

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.

Breakfast, Dinner

Novotel Bristol

SARAJEVO SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Destination Title

Sarajevo, Bosnia

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.

Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own. Visit the Old Town and trace the Sarajevo Roses, dotted across the city as a stark reminder of that tumultuous time in the city’s history. You could choose to join your travel companions for an optional dinner this evening.

Breakfast

Novotel Bristol

SARAJEVO - BELGRADE Destination Title

Belgrade, Serbia

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 explore tomorrow.

Breakfast

Mercure Excelsior

BELGRADE SIGHTSEEING Destination Title

Belgrade, Serbia

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 and perched perfectly on a ridge overlooking the confluence of two great rivers. Discover how each of these empires have had a hand in rebuilding the fortress over the past 16 centuries.

This evening, you'll reunite one final time for a rousing Farewell Dinner to reminisce over your shared travel experience.

Breakfast, Dinner

Mercure Excelsior

DEPART BELGRADE Destination Title

Belgrade, Serbia

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 and take your transfer to the airport. Conditions apply.

Breakfast

ALL guests must carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES or with a visa service, as these requirements may change. Guests without proper documentation may be denied entry and will not be entitled to a refund

• 60 days or more prior to departure the deposit is non-refundable
• 59-16 days prior to commencement of services: 30% of total price*
• 15-8 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price*
• 7-1 days prior to commencement of services: 90% of total price*
• On departure day and later: 100% of total price*
• *Total price does not include any Instant Purchase Air or Instant Purchase Air service fees, which are non-refundable after 24 hours from purchase. Intra-vacation air is non-refundable after final payment.
• Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
• In many instances, airline revision or change fees can be up to $300, but in some instances may be up to 100% of the ticket price. Cancellation penalties will be quoted at time of cancellation.
• All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
• The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

• Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
• All prices are in US Dollars.
• A $200 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted theseall Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
• Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date. The payment policy may vary for group reservations.
• Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation and/or for intra-vacation air, as specified in the itinerary (“air-inclusive vacations”). Air-inclusive vacation pricing is guaranteed upon receipt of full land plus air deposit or land deposit plus full airfare price, depending on type of airfare purchased (Flex-Air or Instant Purchase Air).
• For complete terms and conditions please visit the Trafalgar Terms & Conditions for more information.