Guide

Professional Tour Manager Local tour guide in Romania, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Sarajevo

Others

Overnight in 3/4* Hotel with breakfast included as indicated in the itinerary All breakfasts included Transport by minibus / coach with air conditioning English speaking Tour Manager that will accompany the group for the duration of the tour

Transport

Transport by minibus / coach with air conditioning

Meals

Breakfasts included.

Accommodation

Overnight in 3/4* Hotel with breakfast included as indicated in the itinerary

Not included:

Optional

Daytrip from Podgorica (Montenegro) to Kotor and Budva - 60 euro - to be payed locally in cash Daytrip from Medugorje (Bosnia&Herzegovina) to Dubrovnik (Croatia) - 60 euro - to be payed locally in cash Daytrip from Medugorje (Bosnia&Herzegovina) to Split (Croatia) - 60 euro - to be payed locally in cash

Others

Tips for tour manager / driver Entrance fees to museums/churches/national parks ecc Meals other that the ones indicated in “Services included” Anything not expressly indicated under “Included services”

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Sofia – Rila – Skopje (350 Km) Bulgaria +Macedonia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sofia – Rila – Skopje (350 Km) Bulgaria +Macedonia

Departure to Rila Monastery , Bulgaria’s most famous tourist site ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) and founded in the 10th century by Saint Ivan Rilsky (St John of Rila ) , a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church . The monastery , one of the largest in the Balkans , was the center of Bulgarian culture and Orthodox belief for more than 1000 years . Our tour includes a visit to the Church, which is of particular artistic value, for it was adorned by the foremost 19-century masters of the Samokov, Bansko and Debar schools of painting and woodcarving. Continue drive south to the Bulgarian - Macedonian border . In the early evening we will arrive in Skopje , the capital of Macedonia . Orientation tour of Skopje before arriving to your centrally located hotel. Overnight in Skopje in a 4* Hotel.

Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain

Bus: 6 hours
Day 2 Skopje – Ohrid (190 Km) Macedonia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Skopje – Ohrid (190 Km) Macedonia

After breakfast enjoy a walking tour of Skopje (internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa ) , with its most important landmarks : quay of the Macedonian river “Vardar”, the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar (is the biggest bazaar preserved in the Balkans today ), the Memorial house of Mother Teresa , the 1500 years old fortress Kale , Macedonia Square with the statue of Alexander The Great on horse . Continue the tour to Ohrid ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) situated on the banks of the lake with the same name , perched on the border of Macedonia and Albania. Ohrid area has been the setting of thousands of years of human history and the old city center are testimony to its past. Lake Ohrid itself is Europe’s oldest lake having formed over three millions years ago. The walking tour of the old city center will include the narrow streets and squares , the Anchient Theater , discover the famous old churches, monasteries and basilicas (Sveti Sofia Church ) , Tsar Samuil’s (Samuel’s) Fortress and pedestrian shopping street .

Overnight in Ohrid in a 4* hotel .

Strenuous walking: 4–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.

Bus: 3 hours
Day 3 Ohrid – Tirana – Shkoder (230 Km) Northmacedonia + Albania
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ohrid – Tirana – Shkoder (230 Km) Northmacedonia + Albania

After breakfast departure to the Macedonian – Albanian border heading to Tirana, capital of Albania . The walking tour of city center of Tirana will reveal the main tourist attractions : Tirana’s massive main square – Skanderbeg , National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque and Skanderbeg’s statue . In the evening you will arrive in Shkoder, one of the most authentic cities in Albania.

Overnight in a 4* hotel in Shkoder.

Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain

Bus: 4 hours
Day 4 Shkoder – Kotor - Trebinje (190 Km) Montenegro
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Shkoder – Kotor - Trebinje (190 Km) Montenegro

Departure to Kotor – Montenegro , crossing the Albanian – Montenegro border and discover the fortified old town – Stari Grad ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) .

In the evening we will arrive in Trebinje (Bosnia&Herzegovina)

Overnight in a 4* hotel in Trebinje.

Moderate walking: 3–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs.

Bus: 4 hours
Day 5 Trebinje – Mostar – Sarajevo (240 Km) Bosnia&Herzegovina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Trebinje – Mostar – Sarajevo (240 Km) Bosnia&Herzegovina

After breakfast , we will head to Mostar where the focus of our attention will be the old town and the Old Bridge of Mostar. Built in 1566 the Mostar bridge has since been the main reason behind Mostar developing into the capital of the Herzegovina region. Unfortunately in November of 1993, during the Siege of Mostar, the bridge was destroyed. Reasons and judicial facts behind the destruction of the Mostar Old Bridge, we will thoroughly cover during our walking tour of Mostar.

Since the Bridge, since then there’s been a tradition of bridge diving. Today young and brave Mostar divers compete to earn a few euros by diving off the bridge in front of the tourists from all around the world.

After we leave Mostar, we shall take an amazingly scenic road passing by the Jablanica lake and via the Neretva river canyon, we’ll arrive in Sarajevo.

Walking tour of the old part and city centre of Sarajevo. Our 2.5 hour tour will cover the stories of origins of Sarajevo and the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. We shall visit the Ottoman and Austria-Hungarian parts of Sarajevo, which both with its stunning markets, bazaars, mosques, churches and synagogues will reveal the true nature of the real European Jerusalem. We’ll make sure to visit the Latin Bridge and learn the story about how WWI was triggered right here, in the heart of Sarajevo. Sarajevo’s 1984 Winter Olympics and life during the Siege of Sarajevo will surely be part of our story today.

Overnight in Sarajevo in a 4* hotel.

Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.

Bus: 4.5 hours
Day 6 Sarajevo – Belgrad (400 Km) Bosnia + Serbia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sarajevo – Belgrad (400 Km) Bosnia + Serbia

Departure to Belgrad, capital of Serbia. Visit the Republic Square, the National theater and the National museum, Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), the oldest part of Belgrade with Ottoman heritage, the only mosque in the city, Kalemegdan park, Belgrade fortress, „Victor“ the most famous symbol of Belgrade and the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers.

Overnight in a 4* hotel in Belgrad.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs.

Bus: 6 hours
Day 7 Belgrad – Novi Sad – Budapest (400 Km) Serbia + Hungary
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Belgrad – Novi Sad – Budapest (400 Km) Serbia + Hungary

After breakfast , departure to Budapest with a stop in Novi Sad ( European Capital of Culture 2021) where we will visit Zmaj Jovina Street, the promenade of Novi Sad and obligatory sight for any tourists, not least for the ornamental Palace of the Orthodox Bishop. We will see also y – Dunavska, street with its long line of singlestoried 19th century houses. The Danube embankment, the outside of Petrovaradin Fortress on the other bank. In the evening we will arrive to Budapest ,`´ The Queen of Danube “ , capital of Hungary .

Overnight in a 3* hotel in Budapest.

Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain

Bus: 5 hours
Day 8 Budapest Hungary
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Budapest Hungary

Spare time in Budapest in wich you can discover by yourself this magical city and see the iconic statues of Heroes’ Square, the Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover also St. Stephen’s Basilica, Dohány Street Synagogue and the beautiful Castle District in Buda.

Overnight in a 3* hotel in Budapest.

Bus: 0 hours
Day 9 Budapest – Timisoara (320Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Budapest – Timisoara (320Km)

After crossing the border in Romania you will visit Timisoara, a city full of charm and distinct architectural style thanks to many influences from the turks, serbians, Austrians , germans , ecc , , European Capital of Culture in 2023.

Overnight in 3* hotel in Timisoara

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs.

Bus: 4 hours
Day 10 Timisoara – The Corvini Castle – Sibiu (440Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Timisoara – The Corvini Castle – Sibiu (440Km)

In the morning we will visit the most fascinating gothic castle in Eastern Europe and one of the most beautiful and greatest of our continent, the famous Corvin Castle. In the evening we will arrive in Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Visit Sibiu city dominated by the Tower of the Clock or Council Tower dating to the medieval era and by the extensive 18th – 19th century Brukenthal museum, the former residence of the governor of Transylvania. The big square, the small square and Huet Square, with the Evangelical Cathedral, show off in all their beauty.

Overnight in a 3 * hotel in Sibiu.

Strenuous walking: 4 – 7 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.

Bus: 4 hours
Day 11 Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov (210 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov (210 Km)

Departure to the city of Sighisoara, with its imposing Clock Tower. This citadel is the best preserved in Europe and, extraordinary, it is still inhabited. Since 1999 the historic center of Sighisoara is a UNESCO heritage site. You will see also the house where Vlad the Impaler was born during the walking tour.

Next we will visit Brasov, a wonderful Transylvanian town, once entirely fortified, an important cultural, tourist and commercial center. Brasov impresses with its typically German architecture, where the Gothic, the Baroque and the Renaissance intersect to give life to an interesting and culturally very lively city.

Overnight in Brasov in a 3* Hotel.

Strenuous walking: 4 – 7 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.

Bus: 3,5 hours
Day 12 Brasov - Sinaia – Bucharest (180 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Brasov - Sinaia – Bucharest (180 Km)

Departure to Bran where we will visit the famous Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle. In the Middle Ages, Bran was exactly on the border between Wallachia and Transylvania, so it was essential for the inhabitants of Brasov to build and preserve a defensive stronghold. In the 90s of the 900 this fortress was transformed into a beautiful castle thanks to the intervention of Queen Maria of Romania. In the evening arrival in Sinaia, the pearl of the Carpathians.

Next, visit to the fabulous Peles Castle, the summer residence of the first king of Romania, the King Charles 1 of Hohenzollern, of German origins. The castle was beautifully designed by a Czech architect, and is famous for being one of the most modern castles in Europe at the time of its construction, between the 19th and 20th centuries. Each room is characterized by a unique style, different from the styles of the other rooms. We will also admire the Florentine room, where we will breathe a typically Italian and Renaissance atmosphere.

We continue towards Bucharest and enjoy a panoramic tour of Bucharest with its Triumph Arch, Atheneum, Revolution Square.

No overnight offered for this day.

Strenuous walking: 4–7 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs.

Bus: 4 hours
Day 13 Day 13: Saturday - Budapest – Timisoara (320Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Saturday - Budapest – Timisoara (320Km)

After crossing the border in Romania you will visit Timisoara, a city full of charm and distinct architectural style thanks to many influences from the turks, serbians, Austrians , germans , ecc , , European Capital of Culture in 2023.

Overnight in 3* hotel in Timisoara

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs.

Bus: 4 hours
Day 14 Day 14: Sunday- Timisoara – The Corvini Castle – Turda Salt Mine – Sibiu (440Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Sunday- Timisoara – The Corvini Castle – Turda Salt Mine – Sibiu (440Km)

In the morning we will visit the most fascinating gothic castle in Eastern Europe and one of the most beautiful and greatest of our continent, the famous Corvin Castle. Later, we will go to the most beautiful salt mine in Eastern Europe: Turda Salt Mine. In the evening we will arrive in Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture in 2007.

Overnight in a 3 * hotel in Sibiu.

Strenuous walking: 4 – 7 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.

Bus: 5,5 hours
Day 15 Day 15: Monday – Sibiu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Monday – Sibiu

Visit Sibiu city dominated by the Tower of the Clock or Council Tower dating to the medieval era and by the extensive 18th – 19th century Brukenthal museum, the former residence of the governor of Transylvania. The big square, the small square and Huet Square, with the Evangelical Cathedral, show off in all their beauty.

Overnight in a 3* hotel in Sibiu.

Light walking: 2–3 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain

Bus: 0 hours
Day 16 Day 16: Tuesday- Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov (210 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Tuesday- Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov (210 Km)

Departure to the city of Sighisoara, with its imposing Clock Tower. This citadel is the best preserved in Europe and, extraordinary, it is still inhabited. Since 1999 the historic center of Sighisoara is a UNESCO heritage site. You will see also the house where Vlad the Impaler was born during the walking tour.

Next we will visit Brasov, a wonderful Transylvanian town, once entirely fortified, an important cultural, tourist and commercial center. Brasov impresses with its typically German architecture, where the Gothic, the Baroque and the Renaissance intersect to give life to an interesting and culturally very lively city.

Overnight in Brasov in a 3* Hotel.

Strenuous walking: 4 – 7 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.

Bus: 3,5 hours
Day 17 Day 17: Wednesday - Brasov – Bran – Zarnesti – Brasov (70 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Wednesday - Brasov – Bran – Zarnesti – Brasov (70 Km)

Visit Libearty Bear Sanctuary, the biggest brown bear sanctuary from Europe and has the largest surface in the world. Here, 75 bears found a nice home in this 5 stars welfare facility. Here you can see happy bears in their natural environment, after a bad life in circuses and zoo cages. The tours are guided by trained animal welfare experts and the visitors can see brown bears really close.

Later we proceed to Bran where we will visit the famous Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle. In the Middle Ages, Bran was exactly on the border between Wallachia and Transylvania, so it was essential for the inhabitants of Brasov to build and preserve a defensive stronghold. In the 90s of the 900 this fortress was transformed into a beautiful castle thanks to the intervention of Queen Maria of Romania. In the evening arrival in Sinaia, the pearl of the Carpathians.

Overnight in a 3 * hotel in Brasov.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs.

Bus: 1,5 hours
Day 18 Day 18: Thursday -Brasov - Sinaia – Bucharest (180 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Thursday -Brasov - Sinaia – Bucharest (180 Km)

In the morning visit to the fabulous Peles Castle, the summer residence of the first king of Romania, the King Charles 1 of Hohenzollern, of German origins. The castle was beautifully designed by a Czech architect, and is famous for being one of the most modern castles in Europe at the time of its construction, between the 19th and 20th centuries. Each room is characterized by a unique style, different from the styles of the other rooms. We will also admire the Florentine room, where we will breathe a typically Italian and Renaissance atmosphere.

We continue towards Bucharest and enjoy a panoramic tour of Bucharest with its Triumph Arch, Atheneum, Revolution Square and Parliament Palace. This will be followed by a tour of the hystorical Center of Bucharest, a completely pedestrian area, with the remains of the princely fortress of Vlad the Impaler, the 16th century palatine church in Byzantine style, and the Stavropoleos church, an architectural jewel of the 18th century, in typical Wallachian style, with important oriental influences in external decoration.

Overnight in a 3* hotel in Bucharest.

Light walking: 2–3 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain with some stairs

Bus: 3 hours
Day 19 Day 19: Friday – Bucharest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Friday – Bucharest

Parliament Palace

Built by Communist Party leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, the colossal Parliament Palace (formerly known as the People’s Palace) is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. It took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build. The palace boasts 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, a 328-ft-long lobby and four underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker.

The Palace of Parliament it is the world’s second-largest office building in surface (after the Pentagon) and the third largest in volume (after Cape Canaveral in the U.S. and the Great Pyramid in Egypt)

Old Town Bucharest

Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Bucharest, a completely pedestrian area, with the remains of the princely fortress of Vlad the Impaler, the 16th century palatine church in Byzantine style, and the Stavropoleos church, an architectural jewel of the 18th century, in typical Wallachian style, with important oriental influences in external decoration

Village Museum

Visit Village Museum, founded by a Romanian sociologist and built in 1936 with the collaboration of construction experts, anthropologists, ethnographers and sociologists from all over Romania. This wonderful open-air museum offers the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of the romanian farmers of the 19th century, their houses, their water mills and their churches entirely made of wood

Revolution Square

Revolution Square ( Panoramic sightseeing) the place where Nicolae Ceausescu held his last speech and where the protests that ultimately led to the fall of communism took place in December 1989.

No overnight offered for this day

Strenuous walking: 3 – 6 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.

Bus: 30 minutes

+16

12 days tour

12 Days Balkans Tour From Sofia

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 12 Days Balkans Tour From Sofia

Sofia – Rila – Skopje (350 Km) Bulgaria +Macedonia

Skopje – Ohrid (190 Km) Macedonia

Ohrid – Tirana – Shkoder (230 Km) Northmacedonia + Albania

Shkoder – Kotor - Trebinje (190 Km) Montenegro

Trebinje – Mostar – Sarajevo (240 Km) Bosnia&Herzegovina

Sarajevo – Belgrad (400 Km) Bosnia + Serbia

Belgrad – Novi Sad – Budapest (400 Km) Serbia + Hungary

Budapest Hungary

Budapest – Timisoara (320Km)

Timisoara – The Corvini Castle – Sibiu (440Km)

Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov (210 Km)

Brasov - Sinaia – Bucharest (180 Km)

Day 13: Saturday - Budapest – Timisoara (320Km)

Day 14: Sunday- Timisoara – The Corvini Castle – Turda Salt Mine – Sibiu (440Km)

Day 15: Monday – Sibiu

Day 16: Tuesday- Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov (210 Km)

Day 17: Wednesday - Brasov – Bran – Zarnesti – Brasov (70 Km)

Day 18: Thursday -Brasov - Sinaia – Bucharest (180 Km)

Day 19: Friday – Bucharest

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