Compare Highlights of the Balkans by Direct Traveller vs Treasures of the Balkans - Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 19 days |
| Price From | $ 746 | $ 5,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 107 | $ 316 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfasts |
N/A |
| Description |
Enjoy your Highlights of the Balkans 7 days trip. Visit Dubrovnik and Sarajevo. Also visit the Belgrade city's wide boulevards and squares, and the historic and green heart of Kalemegdan Park. At last Departure for Sofia via Nis, the third largest city in Serbia. |
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 the adventure continues in Hungary. Conclude your voyage with the spectacular city vistas served up from the Budapest Fisherman's Bastion. |
Day 1: Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Accommodation: Overnight Dubrovnik 3-star stay at Valamar Club Dubrovnik
Welcome to Dubrovnik. Upon your arrival, you'll be welcomed at the airport or port. In the afternoon, head out on a guided walk along the city walls, enjoying views of the sparkling Adriatic Ocean. You'll also visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, built by the European architect Onofrio della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city, 13th-century Franciscan monastery and the Sponza and Rector's Palaces. At the end of your journey, perhaps you'd prefer to simply unwind on a beach.
Day 2: Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight Dubrovnik 3-star stay at Valamar Club Dubrovnik
Today is a free day in Dubrovnik. You might like to check out the city's War Photography Museum, or even take a boat trip to nearby Lokrum Island or chill out on beach. Enjoy the evening, every alley was full with restaurants, cafes, and bars, and they were all filling up.
Day 3: Dubrovnik - Mostar - Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight Sarajevo 4-star stay at Hotel Hollywood
Today depart for Sarajevo via Mostar, a town situated in a beautiful valley in the high mountains of Herzegovina. The city was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war, but it has since been rebuilt and now features on UNESCO's World Heritage list. On the way we visit the famous Stari Most Bridge, built by the Ottomans in 1565 - it was the great architect Mimar Hajrudin who succeeded with the impossible mission to cross the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. Afterwards, we drive to Sarajevo .Which is Bosnia and Herzegovina's small but vibrant capital. Twenty years after the end of a devastating war, Sarajevo is slowly asserting itself as one of Europe's most beautiful and interesting cities. The city mixes east and west - dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee like Istanbul. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a simple but delicious meal in Bascarsija, Sarajevo's old bazaar and you must try the local speciality of bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices).
Day 4: Sarajevo - Novi Sad (Serbia)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight Novi Sad 4-star stay at Hotel Master
This morning, after breakfast, depart for Novi Sad, is mostly a baroque town with a Central European atmosphere. The old town center is lined up with beautiful 200 year old houses, out-doors cafes, shops and ice-cream parlors, as well as beautiful places of worship - the ornate Serbian Orthodox church, the tall Catholic Cathedral or the Jewish synagogue (no longer in actual use). Afternoon, walking tour of Novi Sad.
Day 5: Novi Sad - Belgrade (Serbia)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight Belgrade 3-star stay at Tulip Inn Putnik
Today, we depart from Novi Sade and drive to Belgrade, upon our arrival, we will visit the city's wide boulevards and squares, and the historic and green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kelmegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River here for centuries. In the evening, head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and enjoy the lively atmosphere, in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to fashionable nightclubs.
Day 6: Belgrade - Nis - Sofia (Bulgaria)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight Sofia 3-star stay at Hotel Sofia Plaza
Departure for Sofia via Nis, the third largest city in Serbia. After a sightseeing in Nis, proceed to Sofia with arrival in the afternoon. The afternoon will be for gentle walking tour of the center, where you will learn about the National Library, Sofia University, The Parliament, The St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theatre, St. Sofia Church, Sofia's oldest building - St George Rotunda (from the 3rd century), The houses of the Council of Ministers, presidency and the former communist party headquarters, the ruins of the ancient city of Serdika (dating from the 5th-6th century), the National Palace of Culture, the main shopping streets of Sofia.
Day 7: Sofia (Bulgaria)
After breakfast, our tour concludes with a transfer to Sofia airport
Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest
Transfers depart Henri Coandă International Airport at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 for your hotel, which is one of the city's most sophisticated and prestigious landmarks. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your Welcome Dinner, served with wine at a local restaurant.
Athénée Palace Hilton, Bucharest.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Bucharest and Castles of Transylvania
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. 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. Finish with a delicious private dinner in the recently renovated Queen Mary’s Tea House.
Aro Palace, Brasov.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Brasov and Sinaia
With your Local Expert, walk around Town Hall Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed houses and dominated by the Black Church. Travel along the Prahova Valley to the elegant mountain resort of Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle. Led by a local historian, admire the lavish rooms filled with art, armour and tapestries. Continue through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming medieval city of Brașov, founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights.
Aro Palace, Brasov.
Breakfast
Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo
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 a Highlight Dinner of local specialities and wine, followed by an authentic folklore show.
Yantra Grand Hotel, Veliko Tarnovo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: To Sofia Relaxed Start
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.
InterContinental Sofia.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Sofia at Your Pace Relaxed Start
Enjoy the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Rila Monastery or enjoy a fascinating insight into the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria?
InterContinental Sofia.
Breakfast
Day 7: Skopje
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.
Bushi Resort & Spa, Skopje.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Lake Ohrid and Tirana
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.
MAK Albania Hotel Tirana.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: Kotor and Dubrovnik
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. Continue over the Croatian border to the fortified port of Dubrovnik where you are at leisure to explore the Old Town, bustling with street artists, cafes and restaurants.
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Breakfast
Day 10: Dubrovnik Sightseeing Relaxed Start
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. Visit the workshop of Deša during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This important educational centre supports vulnerable communities and promotes local cultural heritage. At night, you may choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Dubrovnik, Paradise on Earth Relaxed Start
Spend a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Sunbathe by the pool or stroll with friends along the ancient city walls. Perhaps explore some of the filming locations of the award-winning series 'Game of Thrones' and appreciate the enterprising spirit of the Old Harbour? As the sun starts to set, maybe take a relaxing cruise to admire the city and its incredible walls from the water.
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Breakfast
Day 12: Mostar and Sarajevo
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 souvenirs. 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 a dinner with drinks. Savour the authentic cuisine and traditional Bosnian coffee as you hear inspirational stories.
Swissotel Sarajevo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 13: Sarajevo, City of Culture
Explore Sarajevo with Insight Choice. Choose to meet a survivor of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo’s astonishing Tunnel of Hope. Alternatively, take a guided nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore as you wish.
Swissotel Sarajevo.
Breakfast
Day 14: The Serbian Capital of Belgrade Relaxed Start
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.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 15: The Best of Belgrade Relaxed Start
Join a Local Expert to see the best of Belgrade including Terazije Street, the national museum and national theatre 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 a free afternoon to relax or continue exploring on your own.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade.
Breakfast
Day 16: Across to Budapest Relaxed Start
Journey north and cross the Province of Vojvodina to reach Palić on the Hungarian border. See the picturesque lake, where you can admire the art nouveau buildings. Continue on through the vast wilderness of the Puszta, where once cowboys rustled up goulash under the stars. Your destination will be Budapest on the Danube.
Hotel Nemzeti Budapest - MGallery.
Breakfast
Day 17: Budapest, Queen of the Danube
Venture into the heart of Buda's medieval Castle District with a Local Expert to visit Matthias Church and take in the view of the immense Hungarian Parliament Building from the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes' Square and travel down elegant Andrássy Boulevard. Enjoy time to wander through the Central Market Hall. Spread over three levels, the market is a foodie's paradise, brimming with aromatic food stalls offering delicious salamis, spicy paprika, delicious Tokaji wines and an array of flavoured Pálinkas, a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy. Tonight you are in for a treat with your Celebration Dinner at Gundel, one of Budapest's most renowned restaurants for over a hundred years. Dine in elegance as you savour hearty, Hungarian delicacies accompanied with specially-selected Hungarian wine.
Hotel Nemzeti Budapest - MGallery.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 18: Depart Budapest
Departure transfers arrive at Ferenc Liszt International Airport at 07:00 and 11:00.
Breakfast
