Compare Balkan Mountains Walk by World Expeditions vs Balkan Adventure by Trafalgar

Day 1 Arrive Sofia, transfer to hotel

On arrival at Sofia Airport you will be transferred to your guesthouse in the city centre. The remainder of the day is free to explore Bulgaria's capital.

meals : Array

Day 2 Transfer to Saeva Dupka cave, walk via Glozhene Monastery to Goliam Izvor (4-5hrs)

This morning you are transferred to Saeva Dupka (1.5 hours), considered one of the most beautiful caves in Bulgaria. Visit the caves before a further transfer takes you to the village of Glozhene. From here a short trek through beech woods leads you to Glozhene Monastery, with its 1000-year-old icon of St George. From the monastery you will come across a dirt road leading to the pass between Goliam Izvor village and Teteven, and then following the quiet road, you will reach Goliam Izvor. Stay overnight in Goliam Izvor village (450m/1476ft). Uphill: 400m/1312ft; downhill: 350m/1148ft

meals : B,D

Day 3 Pass by plum tree orchards en route to Brusen, visit Etropole Monastery (4hrs)

Today you will start walking directly from your guest house in the village center, pass through plum tree orchards and pine forests. After a gentle ascent to Mt Orlyak you will follow a dirt road to the small village of Brusen. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the Etropole Monastery and a nearby waterfall. Uphill: 600m/1969ft; downhill: 350m/1148ft

meals : B,D

Day 4 Walk through pine forests to the village of Cherni Vit (4hrs)

Today's trek is a wonderful introduction to the region's picturesque landscapes of vast meadows dotted with lots of old apple tree gardens and grazing sheep. The path will take you up hill and then along a ridge, before descending to Cherni Vit village, renowned for its great dancers and traditional singers. Uphill: 450m/1476ft; downhill: 300m/984ft

meals : B,D

Day 5 Transfer then walk through beech forests of Boatin Reserve to Ribaritsa (3-4hrs)

This morning, after a short transfer to Kordela hut, you embark on arguably the most adventurous part of the trip. The track passes through century-old beech forests in the Boatin Reserve (at 825m/2707ft), reaching a high point at 1080m/3543ft after an hour of gentle ascent. From there, the path descends the other side of the hill, reaching a forestry road that leads to the region of Kostina, where the Bulgarian revolutionary and national hero, Georgi Benkovski, was killed by the Ottomans. This is a good spot for lunch. From this point you walk 3km/1.9mi along a peaceful asphalt road amongst gardens, meadows, villas and houses, to the village of Ribaritsa, where you stay overnight (at 545m/1788ft). Uphill: 250m/820ft; downhill: 530m/1739ft

meals : B,D

Day 6 Ridge walk along 'Debeli Dial' above Ribaritsa and return to hotel (5hrs)

Today you walk a circuit route, along the Debeli Dial ridge surrounding Ribaritsa and climb to its peak (1150m/3773ft) for fine views of the Central Balkan Mountains. The path descends along the Osenovia Rat ridge towards the Vasiliov Hut. On the way back to your hotel, you can observe the local way of life and enjoy the atmosphere of a typical Balkan mountain village. Uphill: 400m/1312ft; downhill: 400m/1312ft

meals : B,D

Day 7 Transfer to Teteven, ascend Petrahilya Peak and return to Teteven (4hrs)

Today's walk is on the other side of Teteven, and the river. You'll follow a rocky but easy path through a beautiful forest with unusually shaped trees. Continue to Opasniya Zab ('The Dangerous Fang') Shelter for a panoramic view to Teteven and the surrounding area (1179m/3868ft). Next you'll ascend to Petrahilya Peak, which is the highest mountain in the surrounding area. After you've climbed the peak, you descend to Teteven via a different route, heading to southeast. Overnight in Teteven. Uphill: 810m/2657ft; downhill: 810m/2657ft

meals : B

Day 8 Transfer to Sofia airport, trip concludes

After breakfast, transfer to Sofia airport (1.5 hrs drive) where the trip concludes.

meals : B

Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest

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 travelers 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?

Mercure Bucharest Unirii

Dinner

Day 2: Journey to Transylvania and Braşov

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.

Ana Sport

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Dracula’s Castle and More in Braşov Dive Into Culture

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 favorite 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 favorites or consider joining your travel companions for an optional dinner.

Ana Sport

Breakfast

Day 4: Continue to Medieval Veliko Târnovo

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.

Yantra Grand

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Onwards to Historic Sofia Stays With Stories

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. Our 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. Visit the Church of Holy Nativity before continuing to Sofia.

Astoria Grand

Breakfast

Day 6: Sofia Your Way

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

Astoria Grand

Breakfast

Day 7: Journey to Macedonian Skopje Connect with Locals

Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, religious crossroads and a vibrant medieval trading center. See the Ottoman Empire's legacy 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 at an exclusive Be My Guest experience.

Hotel Next Door Park and Spa

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Off to Albania and Tirana

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 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.

Hilton Garden Inn

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Journey to Budva

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

Hotel TQ Plaza

Breakfast

Day 10: Visit Kotor, Venture to Mostar and Sarajevo

After an orientation in Kotor, join a a Local Specialist in Mostar for a guided tour through colorful cobbled streets. View the Stari Most and meet a traditional coppersmith artisan on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. 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.

Novotel Bristol

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Discover Sarajevo

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.

Novotel Bristol

Breakfast

Day 12: On the Road to Belgrade

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.

Mercure Excelsior

Breakfast

Day 13: Explore Riverside Belgrade

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 perched perfectly on a ridge overlooking the confluence of two great rivers. Discover how each of these empires has had a hand in rebuilding the fortress over the past 16 centuries. This evening, we reunite one final time for a rousing Farewell Dinner to reminisce over our shared travel experience.

Mercure Excelsior

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Farewell Belgrade

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.

Breakfast