2 Weeks in Romania

• Feel the Montmartre-style charm of Belgrade’s Skadarlija
• Explore the castle of the infamous Vlad (Count) Dracula in Bran
• Discover the ancient city of Plovdiv and taste the famous lyutenica in Sofia
• Look for the Game of Thrones filming sites in the maze of narrow, marble streets in Dubrovnik

• 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
• 13 Breakfast (B)
• 4 Dinner (D)
• 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
• 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
• Skopje: Spend quality time with the locals when you join an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring local hospitality and cuisine.
• Bran: Visit the infamous mythical home of Count Dracula and favourite residence of Romanian royalty - Bran Castle.
• Bucharest: Bask in the rich history of Bucharest and its lasting legacies.
• Sinaia: Journey to the Carpathian Mountains and discover Peles Castle.
• Brasov: Journey through the medieval streets of Brasov and discover its trading history.
• Veliko Tarnovo: Discover the rich history of Veliko Tarnovo with a Local Specialist.
• Sofia: Journey to Sofia and spend the day basking in the wonders of Bulgaria's modern-day capital.
• Skopje: Join a Local Specialist on a city tour of the historic center of Skopje.
• Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they share insights into life in the Albanian capital.
• Budva: Spend the day exploring the picturesque town of Budva.
• Kotor: Spend the day discovering the wonders of Kotor.
• Mostar: Discover the magnificent coves and cliffs of the Dalmatian coast as well as the monumental Mostar Bridge.
• Sarajevo: Discover the wonders and hidden treasures of Sarajevo.
• Sarajevo: Discover the history of the Bosnian war tunnel in Sarajevo.
• Belgrade: Discover the rich history of Belgrade and all it's wonderful sights.
• : Explore Bucharest, Braşov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade with a Local Specialist
• : Discover Kotor and Budva
• : Visit Bran Castle in Braşov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Kotor, Budva, Mostar, the War Tunnel in Sarajevo and Kalmegdan Fortress in Belgrade
• : View Peleş Castle in Sinaia, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church in Sofia, the Palace of Culture and the National Library in Tirana and the Stari Most in Mostar
• : See the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest
• Sofia: Soak up the tranquillity of the Japanese Garden and inspired interior of the Marinela Hotel, designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa.
• : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• : Optional Experiences and free time

• Bucharest: During sightseeing with your Local Expert see University Square and the former Communist Headquarters.
• Bucharest: Walk the cavernous halls of the vast Palace of Parliament, learn about the history and listen to amusing tales from your Local Expert.
• Sinaia: Witness the opulent and sumptuous decor in Peleș Castle, the fairy-tale Royal summer residence, at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains.
• Veliko Tarnovo: Ascend Tsarevets, the King's Hill, crowned by a ruined medieval citadel. Enjoy the views and imagine yourself back in the days of the Crusades when this was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
• Arbanasi: At the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arbanassi, visit a traditional 17th century merchants' house and enjoy the acoustics in the Church of the Holy Nativity.
• Sofia: Sightseeing with your 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.
• Skopje: Visit the capital of Macedonia with your Local Expert, explore Square Macedonia and see the Stone Bridge before walking through the Old Bazaar.
• Ohrid: Walk the cobbled, narrow streets of the Old Town.
• Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they explain what it's like to live in the Albanian capital.
• Kotor: Visit the Stari Grad, also referred to as the Old Town, perfectly positioned on a beautiful bay.
• Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
• Mostar: Learn the history and symbolic significance of Stari Most and explore the old town with your Local Expert.
• Belgrade: A Local Expert will show you St. Sava Church, Terazije Street, the national museum, national theater, Republic Square and the Kalemegdan Fortress.
• Bran: Learn about the story of the infamous Count Dracula during a private after-hours visit of Bran Castle, followed by dinner.
• Sarajevo: Meet an expert of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and hear a first-hand account of when the city was under siege for 44 months. Alternatively, take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city.
• Dubrovnik: Visit the workshop of Deša, an organization founded following the Siege of Dubrovnik to help refugees and women who were victims of violence. They have grown to be an important educational center, workshop and an advocate for women’s rights. Through its meaningful work Deša continues to act as a safe space for women to support one another, provides training opportunities and sponsors the revival of traditional crafts. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
• Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide.
• Bucharest: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your Welcome Dinner served with wine.
• Dubrovnik: You will be offered a varied selection of charming restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
• Sarajevo: You are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner and drinks. Savor the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture.
• Sarajevo: Experience authentic Bosnian coffee and learn about the traditional ritual of coffee preparation.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide.
• Optional - Sarajevo: Meet an expert of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and hear a first-hand account of when the city was under siege for 44 months. Alternatively, take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city.

• Take a cruise on Danube and Sava and meet Belgrade and its fortress from a different perspective
• Travel through time as you seek inspiration from Bram Stoker for the story of the infamous Count Dracula
• Visit a complex of rock-hewn churches and monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Ivanovo, Bulgaria
• Be shocked by the famous Skull Tower in Niš and meet the birthplace of Constantine the Great

• Visit the Primaverii Palace - Ceausescu's Private Mansion
• Visit the Village Museum in Bucharest
• Discover the Painted Monasteries of Bucoviona - UNESCO
• Walking tour in the fascinating city of Cluj
• Take a visit of Alba Iulia, Walk in the beautiful city of Targu Mures
• known for its wonderful Art Nouveau Architecture
• Discover the birthplace of Vlad Dracula - the city of Sighisoara
• Enjoy Sibiu - Cultural Capital of Europe in 2007
• Visit Astra Museum and enjoy a Horse and Carriage Tour
• Walk amongst myth and legends at Dracula's Castle
• Meet the royalty in Sinaia while visiting the Peles Castle
• Visit Libearty Bear Sanctuary
• Visit Bachkovo Monastery - known for and appreciated for the unique combination of Byzantine
• Georgian and Bulgarian culture
• Rila Monastery - the largest and most famous orthodox monastery in Bulgaria

• Experience fascinating Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria on a city and countryside adventure
• Discover the Ottoman, Roman and Communist history in Belgrade, the old capital of Yugoslavia
• Explore spectacular Rila Monastery, Transylvania's Bran Castle and opulent Peles Castle

• Rich in history, art, architecture, cuisine and nightlife, Budapest is a hot European destination. The Museum of Fine Arts offers free English tours that reveal the famous artwork of Monet, Manet and Goya, just to name a few
• A homestay with a family in the Saxon village of Viscri in Romania offers insight into local life and the chance to sample some delicious home-cooked food
• This trip takes you to a mix of exciting capital cities and quaint mountain villages through Eastern Europe all the way to the transcontinental Istanbul.
• Transylvania is drenched in history and myth. Discover the medieval city of Sighisoara, the birthplace of one of Romania's most infamous figures, Vlad the Impaler - better known as the inspiration for Count Dracula
• Journey deep into the forested valley of Rila to find the Monastery of Saint Ivan. Over 1,000 years old, this spectacular building is one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments

• Immerse yourself in the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers
• Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery
• Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
• Discover the incredible ancient and modern history of Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area.
• Taste local fruit wines in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country. Get to know the friendly locals with a home-made lunch at a local family in Cappadocia.

• Bucharest: During sightseeing with your Local Expert see University Square and the former Communist Headquarters.
• Bucharest: Walk the cavernous halls of the vast Palace of Parliament, learn about the history and listen to amusing tales from your Local Expert.
• Sinaia: Witness the opulent and sumptuous decor in Peleș Castle, the fairy-tale Royal summer residence, at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains.
• Veliko Tarnovo: Ascend Tsarevets, the King's Hill, crowned by a ruined medieval citadel. Enjoy the views and imagine yourself back in the days of the Crusades when this was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
• Arbanasi: At the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arbanassi, visit a traditional 17th century merchants' house and enjoy the acoustics in the Church of the Holy Nativity.
• Sofia: Sightseeing with your 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.
• Skopje: Visit the capital of Macedonia with your Local Expert, explore Square Macedonia and see the Stone Bridge before walking through the Old Bazaar.
• Ohrid: Walk the cobbled, narrow streets of the Old Town.
• Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they explain what it's like to live in the Albanian capital.
• Kotor: Visit the Stari Grad, also referred to as the Old Town, perfectly positioned on a beautiful bay.
• Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
• Mostar: Learn the history and symbolic significance of Stari Most and explore the old town with your Local Expert.
• Belgrade: A Local Expert will show you St. Sava Church, Terazije Street, the national museum, national theater, Republic Square and the Kalemegdan Fortress.
• Bran: Learn about the story of the infamous Count Dracula during a private after-hours visit of Bran Castle, followed by dinner.
• Sarajevo: Meet an expert of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and hear a first-hand account of when the city was under siege for 44 months. Alternatively, take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city.
• Dubrovnik: Visit the workshop of Deša, an organization founded following the Siege of Dubrovnik to help refugees and women who were victims of violence. They have grown to be an important educational center, workshop and an advocate for women’s rights. Through its meaningful work Deša continues to act as a safe space for women to support one another, provides training opportunities and sponsors the revival of traditional crafts. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
• Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide.
• Bucharest: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your Welcome Dinner served with wine.
• Dubrovnik: You will be offered a varied selection of charming restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
• Sarajevo: You are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner and drinks. Savor the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture.
• Sarajevo: Experience authentic Bosnian coffee and learn about the traditional ritual of coffee preparation.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Sarajevo: Take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide.
• Optional - Sarajevo: Meet an expert of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and hear a first-hand account of when the city was under siege for 44 months. Alternatively, take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• A comprehensive cruise along the Danube, taking in its history, fascinating culture and sublime landscapes
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Authentic Bulgaria with Veliko Tarnovo and the charming town of Ruse
  • Bucharest, the surprising Romanian capital

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover 6 countries and diverse cultures
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED: 
  • The valley along the Rusenski Lom River and the fascinating rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo
  • Ruse, one of the largest Bulgarian ports—a perfect blend of Bulgarian, Romanian, and Austrian cultures
  • Constanta, a multi-cultural seaside city

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• A comprehensive cruise along the Danube, taking in its history, fascinating culture and sublime landscapes
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Bucharest, the surprising Romanian capital
  • Authentic Bulgaria with Veliko Tarnovo and the charming town of Ruse

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover 6 countries and diverse cultures
• Passage through the famous Iron Gates
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Fantastic Bucharest, the Romanian capital
  • Belgrade by coach or by bike
  • Ruse, one of the largest Bulgarian ports—a perfect blend of Bulgarian, Romanian, and Austrian cultures

• Explore the romantic lower Danube through the heart of Central Europe
• where East and West meet and intertwine in fascinating cultures and turbulent history... Glide past medieval monasteries
• citadels and villages... Discover resort towns along Romania’s Black Sea Coast
• explore an ancient Christian necropolis in Pecs
• and visit 'Dracula’s' castle in Transylvania... dine in the Soviet-style People’s Palace in Bucharest... Share homemade refreshments in the home of a Croatian family rebuilding their lives in postwar Vukovar
• and listen to Béla Bartók’s piano music at a recital in his Budapest home. Experience authentic local cuisine
• music and dance
• and a wealth of architectural wonders as your river cruise winds its way through Hungary
• Croatia
• Serbia
• Bulgaria and Romania
• with nights on land at luxury hotels in the popular cities of Bucharest and Budapest (the Paris of Eastern Europe).

• Explore the romantic lower Danube through the heart of Central Europe
• where East and West meet and intertwine in fascinating cultures and turbulent history... Glide past medieval monasteries
• citadels and villages... Discover resort towns along Romania’s Black Sea Coast
• explore an ancient Christian necropolis in Pecs
• and visit 'Dracula’s' castle in Transylvania... dine in the Soviet-style People’s Palace in Bucharest... Share homemade refreshments in the home of a Croatian family rebuilding their lives in postwar Vukovar
• and listen to Béla Bartók’s piano music at a recital in his Budapest home. Experience authentic local cuisine
• music and dance
• and a wealth of architectural wonders as your river cruise winds its way through Hungary
• Croatia
• Serbia
• Bulgaria and Romania
• with nights on land at luxury hotels in the popular cities of Bucharest and Budapest (the Paris of Eastern Europe).

• Visit Farm house in Fruska Gora village. Welcome by host dressed in costume serving homemade peach brandy or juice, salt and bread. Traditional organic lunch, folklore performance.
• Explore Veliko Tarnovo. Panoramic sightseeing tour of the city.
• Visit Old town and the Fortress Tsarevets – The ruins are of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom
• Discover Sremski Karlovci; the cultural, educational and spiritual center. We will visit the Patriarchal Residence, Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, Four Lions Fountain, and Gymnasium.
• Visit fisher’s hut, where you will have the opportunity to learn things about the Delta fishermen’s life and habits

• Welcome to Bucharest
• Visit Peles Castle
• Guided tour of Brasov; guided visit of Dracula's Bran Castle
• Guided sightseeing in Bucharest; transfer to ship; onboard welcome reception
• Guided sightseeing, visit the National History and Archaeological Museum in Constanta; wine tasting
• Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or a walk in the park with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided sightseeing to Vidin’s fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik or walk with your Adventure Host
• Scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or walk with your Adventure Host; visit to Golubač fortress
• Choice of guided sightseeing or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
• Choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of honey and wine tasting or hike to the Petrovaradin Fortress
• Ilok guided tour with wine tasting; Vukovar guided tour
• Guided tour and organ concert in Pécs or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas watermill
• Sail from Romania to Hungary’s capital of Budapest to experience river views like no other
• Begin your Danube River vacation your way before your cruise with an overnight stay and sightseeing in Bucharest