Compare Treasures of the Balkans - Small Group, 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations vs 7-Day Serbia Discovery Tour from Belgrade by Tours4Fun

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 18: Depart Budapest

Departure transfers arrive at Ferenc Liszt International Airport at 07:00 and 11:00.

Day 1 Belgrade

Upon arrival a the airport in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, you will be welcomed by our driver and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from Nikola Tesla airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of New Belgrade with its prominent blocks: a classic example of Socialist architecture, built after World War II – and modern business centers, including the imposing Usce Tower. Along the way, your driver will regale you with stories about the Western Gate of Belgrade, the famous Belgrade Arena, and the monumental Palace of Serbia. Check-in at the hotel. Use your free time to rest and prepare for the trip. At 7:00pm in the hotel reception area, you will be greeted by your guide, who will introduce himself and provide you with detailed information about the entire trip. You will also meet the other travelers in your group. For the rest of the evening, we recommend you take a short, leisurely walk through one of the oldest quarters towards the bohemian heart of Belgrade: Skadarlija. In a charming 19th century cobbled street you will find many numerous kafanas where you can try delicious local specialties while listening to traditional music.

Day 2 Belgrade sightseeing tour

After breakfast we will embark on a driving and walking tour of Belgrade, a capital city well known for its unique architectural styles, dynamic history, and fantastic views of one of the biggest river confluences in the whole of Europe. We'll start by visiting the Museum of Yugoslav History, a memorial complex devoted to the life and deeds of Josip Broz Tito, the political leader of Yugoslavia. Next, we'll pass by the stadium of FC Red Star, the former European and World Cup champions, then proceed to the Temple of Saint Sava, Belgrade's patron saint. After a short break, the panoramic tour will take us from Slavija Square to Saint Mark's Church, the Serbian National Parliament, White Palace, and on to Republic Square. This most central point of Belgrade is surrounded by such cultural institutions as the National Theatre and National Museum. The tour will then head along the lively Knez Mihailo Street, the main pedestrian and shopping zone, before stopping for a visit to the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, just across from the Building of Patriarchate. Your guide will tell you about the oldest tavern in the city before continuing on to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, the most important cultural-historic complex in the city, situated on the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube.

Day 3 Belgrade free day

Enjoy a free day in Belgrade, or join us for the optional day trip below: We will explore the most interesting sights of Vojvodina, a province in the north of Serbia. You will journey through Serbia's famous wine region toward the Serbian Holy Land, home to 17 functioning Serbian Orthodox monasteries. We'll visit the well preserved monastery Krusedol, where you'll have the opportunity to buy wine and rakija made by the monks. Our tour continues on to the town of Sremski Karlovci. A real gem of Serbian culture and spirituality, featuring a Baroque center, the Patriarchal Court, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, and the very first Serbian secondary school (gymnasium). We'll finish our tour of this charming town with a tour and tasting at one the region's most prominent wineries. Further along, we'll visit the 2021 European Capital of Culture, Novi Sad. Located on the historical border of two former empires – the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman – Novi Sad is a multi-cultural city with an interesting mix of architectural influences. On a sightseeing tour around the city, we'll walk through the pedestrian zone, past City Hall, a Catholic church, the old city center, the former house of Albert Einstein's wife Mileva, the cultural foundation Matica Srpska, and a synagogue. Then we'll follow the right bank of the Danube to Petrovaradin, or the so-called Danube's Gibraltar, where the fortress is located. Here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Danube and the entire city. Accommodations for the evening are in Belgrade.

Day 4 Belgrade free day

Enjoy a free day in Belgrade, or join us for the optional day trip below: We'll depart from Belgrade in the morning hours, and drive to the Manasija Monastery with its Church of the Holy Trinity located in central Serbia. Manasija was built during the rule of despot Stefan Lazarevic in the early 15th century. The Turks conquered the monastery in the 15th century and the Austrians in the 18th, so by the 19th century the monastery had been restored twice. The Manasija floor mosaics and wall frescoes, along with various architectural styles of objects of Manasija represent a real rarity of Serbian medieval architecture and painting. There are also the preserved ruins of the refectory and library, home to the Resava School of Transcription. We then make our way to Resava Cave, considered a natural monument and thus protected by the state. Lunch will be served at a restaurant near the Lisina waterfalls, yet another of Serbia's spectacular natural monuments. Return to Belgrade. Overnight.

Day 5 Belgrade - Ovcar-Kablar Gorge - Tara National Park - Sargan Eight railway - Drvengrad - Zlatibor

Breakfast and check-out. Morning departure from Belgrade, heading west towards the picturesque Ovcar-Kablar Gorge, through which the West Morava river flows. We'll continue on to Tara National Park, where you will have time to reflect on the beauty aboard an authentic, retro train running on the narrow-gauge heritage railway, Sargan Eight. Travelling from the bottom of Sargan mountain on a route shaped like the number eight (hence the name), you will be transported back in time while enjoying stunning mountain scenery and numerous tunnels and viaducts. We'll then arrive at the ethnic village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), built by prominent movie director Emir Kusturica. The village, which includes the Mecavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema, and a church, is made of natural materials, mostly wood. Since 2008, the village has played host to the annual Küstendorf Film and Music Festival, and visited by the likes of Johnny Depp, Monica Belucci, Jim Jarmusch, and many others. After exploring Drvengrad, we will do the short drive to the famous Zlatibor Mountain, home of the first royal resort in Serbia. Here you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the quaint town center. In the evening, a scrumptious dinner comprised of local Serbian specialties will be served at the hotel.

Day 6 Zlabitor - Uvac Nature Reserve - Uvac River - Sirogojno - Belgrade

Breakfast and check-out. We'll depart from Zlatibor in the morning, then drive to Uvac Special Nature Reserve, situated between the Javor and Zlatar mountains. The main attraction of the reserve is its population of griffon vultures, a relatively rare species of bird of prey. The bird's wing span is about 3 meters and they can weigh up to 11 kilograms, making it the largest bird in Serbia. We'll also take a boat trip along the Uvac river as it twists and turns through impressive landscapes, stopping at two caves: Usak and Ledena. After this exciting boat trip, we'll visit Sirogojno, a village famous for its ethnological museum and sweaters made of raw wool. We'll visit the open-air museum known as the Old Village before heading back to Belgrade. Hotel check-in. Overnight.

Day 7 Belgrade

Breakfast and hotel check-out. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip at their own expense, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like us to organize a departure transfer for an additional fee are welcome to contact us for a quote.