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Treasures of the Balkans - Small Group
from $6,825 pp

  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Destinations: Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 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 Braov, 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 your adventure ends in Belgrade.
Call to Book 1-800-529-3222
Additional Information

Welcome to Bucharest

Welcome to Bucharest! Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Bucharest

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. Enjoy a delicious private dinner in the recently renovated Queen Mary's Tea House. 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.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Aurum, Braov

Brasov and Sinaia

Travel along the Prahova Valley to the elegant mountain resort of Sinaia to visit Pele Castle. Admire the lavish rooms filled with art, armor and tapestries. Return through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming medieval city of Braov, founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights. With your Local Expert, walk around Town Hall Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed houses and dominated by the Black Church.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Aurum, Braov

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 dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Yantra, Veliko Tarnovo

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.
Hotel: Grand Millennium Sofia

Sofia at Your Pace Relaxed Start

Enjoy the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Rila Monastery to enjoy a fascinating insight into the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria?
Hotel: Grand Millennium Sofia

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.
Hotel: Bushi Resort & Spa, Skopje

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 with a Local Expert.
Hotel: MAK Albania, Tirana

Journey to Montenegro's Budva

Soak up Montenegro's natural beauty as you drive towards Budva, where you will have time to explore 'Montenegro's Miami'. 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, Budva

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. Loven, its no surprise it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At night, you may choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around evening.
Hotel: Kompas Dubrovnik

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 and visit a local winery.
Hotel: Kompas Dubrovnik

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 traditional handicrafts. 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 dinner. Savor the authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories.
Hotel: Europe, Sarajevo

Sarajevo, City of Culture

Explore Sarajevo with Insight Choice. Choose to meet an expert on the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's astonishing Tunnel of Hope. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience for a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore as you wish.
Hotel: Europe, Sarajevo

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.
Hotel: Radisson Collection, Old Mill Belgrade

The Best of Belgrade Relaxed Start

Join a Local Expert to see the best of Belgrade including Terazije Street, the national museum and national theater 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 an afternoon at leisure before joining your fellow travelers for dinner this evening.
Hotel: Radisson Collection, Old Mill Belgrade

Farewell Belgrade

Your journey through the Balkans has come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond dovienja as you bid your new friends farewell.

Departure Dates
Start: June 15, 2026
End: June 30, 2026
Price: $6,825 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: July 27, 2026
End: August 11, 2026
Price: $6,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: August 24, 2026
End: September 8, 2026
Price: $6,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Price My Trip
Product Code: IVUSAS-SE966N26

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