Compare Balkans Group Tour: 2 Weeks by Euroventure vs Treasures of the Balkans - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 19 days |
| Price From | $ 1,326 | $ 5,595 |
| Price Per Day | $ 95 | $ 294 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Our Balkans route is a fast-paced tour of some of Eastern Europe’s most popular destinations. Experience authentic European backpacking, travelling with a small group of likeminded people, staying in hostels and travelling on public transport with an experienced guide. You’ll have between one and four nights in each city, making this the ultimate way to experience lots of unique European landmarks in a short amount of time. With unmissable included activities and an exciting library of optional excursions as well as plenty of opportunities for self-guided exploring, this is the ultimate way to experience all that the Balkans have to offer. Travelling with you throughout, your tour leader will ensure your trip goes smoothly; making sure you arrive in each destination safely. They’ll also co-ordinate essential and optional activities such as walking tours and pub crawls- not to mention making sure you’ve got a cold beer waiting for you upon arrival in each hostel. Euroventure take all the stress out of travelling so that you’re free to relax and enjoy your trip! |
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: Budapest (1 Night)
A magnificent Eastern European city to explore – Budapest is really a spectacle by day and night. Think rich homemade foods, craft beers, lit-up buildings and river tours… there is no end to the things you can do in the crown jewel of the Danube.
You’ll meet the rest of your group and your Tour Leader in the late afternoon at your first hostel. If you need an extra night before your tour starts to fit in with your flights then you can add this at check-out.
Check out the ruin bars hidden around the Pest side of the city- These dilapidated buildings have found new life as independent restaurants bars and markets, serving up some of the best food and drinks in the city!
- Included: Szechenyi Baths
- Optional: river cruise
- Suggestion: Explore Budapest’s quirky markets and shops
- Suggestion: Experience unique nightlife with a ruin pub crawl
- Suggestion: Visit the Hungarian Parliament
- Suggestion: Cycle the banks of the beautiful Danube
Day 2 to 3: Belgrade (2 Nights)
The capital of Serbia won’t disappoint you. Visitors from surrounding countries come here for the all-night party scene and friendly atmosphere. Tourists also come to see the world’s largest Orthodox church or just wander around the bohemian town centre of a bygone era.
Included: Bus and Walking Tour
Optional: Ghost Tour
Optional: River Tour
Suggestion: Visit the 18th Century Belgrade Fortress
Suggestion: Climb the cobbled streets of Skadarlija
Suggestion: Float down the Danube on the splavovi party boats
Day 4 to 6: Sarajevo (3 Nights)
Immerse yourself in the culture clash that is Sarajevo, with its bustling markets, colourful streets and friendly people. This historic city has a distinctly Turkish feel, adding to its unique atmosphere. They say no one ever visits Sarajevo just once – you’ll leave understanding why.
- Included: Total Siege Tour
- Optional: Kravice Waterfall Tour
- Optional: Scars and Smiles Tour
- Optional: Neretva Rafting
- Suggestion: Wander round the Ottoman quarter & explore the Turkish Bazaar
- Suggestion: Take a tour with a local guide to find out about the city’s turbulent history
- Suggestion: Sample crazy Bosnian nightlife (with some compulsory Rakja)
Day 7: Mostar (1 night)
Mostar is a bucket list destination – Bosnia at its most beautiful. The famous bridge which links two sides of the river was destroyed in the war, but carefully rebuilt to its former glory. Discover how a once war-torn town built itself back up – you’d never know from its friendly people, beautiful buildings and amazing food and drink.
- Included: Mostar Bridge
- Suggestion: Visit the mosque that sits above the river Neretva
- Suggestion: Shop for handmade crafts in the bazaar
Day 8 to 9: Kotor (2 nights)
Nestled amongst the mountains and hidden from the ocean behind a stunning bay, Kotor is framed by mountains for spectacular views to rival any other. Relax by the crystal clear waters or just wander round the old town and drink local wine. It’s an idyllic place to chill out after a busy few days.
- Included: Kotor Boat Trip
- Suggestion: Take a trip out to the beautiful Lovcen National Park just a few miles away.
- Suggestion: Take the bus to Perast and visit Our Lady of the Rocks monastery.
Day 10: Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is an absolute pearl with its wonderful marble streets and Baroque buildings, totally recovered after being bombed in 1991. You won’t be anything but awe-struck at its beauty, a medieval city perched against the Adriatic and positively beaming with charm.
- Included: Sightseeing in Dubrovnik
Day 11 to 14: Split (4 nights)
Sitting elegantly between the Adriatic and the mountains, Croatia’s second city has two UNESCO World Heritage sites within its walls, a marble waterfront walkway, and a buzzing atmosphere around its bars and pubs.
Split is renowned for its buzzing nightlife, stunning vistas and crystal-clear waters. Be sure to head to the beach on your final night to watch the sun set over your time in this incredible country (and your trip!)
If you’d like to have some extra time to explore Split, or to fit in with the most convenient flight times, then you can include a night of post-trip accommodation before heading to the airport the following day.
- Included: Visit to Dubrovnik (en route)
- Included: Sea Kayaking
- Optional: Return Tickets to Hvar
- Optional: Split Pub Crawl
- Optional: Krka National Park
- Suggestion: See the amazing ruin of Diocletian’s Palace
- Suggestion: Admire the city as you approach it from the sea
- Suggestion: Stroll along the glittering waterfront
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.
Maritim Hotel Plaza 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.
Corinthia Hotel Budapest.
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.
Corinthia Hotel Budapest.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 18: Depart Budapest
Departure transfers arrive at Ferenc Liszt International Airport at 07:00 and 11:00.
Breakfast
