Guide

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

Accommodation

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

Transport

Transport by minibus / coach with air conditioning

Meals

Breakfasts included.

Not included:

Others

Tips for tour manager / driver (5 euro/person/day) Entrance fees to museums/churches/national parks ecc Meals other that the ones indicated in “Services included” Anything not expressly indicated under “Included services”

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. It is not mandatory but still reccomended. Some countries requires to have it even if there isn’t a strictly control of it at the borders.

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

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

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

Skopje – Ohrid (190 Km) Macedonia

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 3 Ohrid – Tirana – Shkoder (230 Km) Macedonia + Albania
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ohrid – Tirana – Shkoder (230 Km) Macedonia + 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

Free 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
Day 9 Budapest – Timisoara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Budapest – Timisoara

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 (310Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Timisoara – The Corvini Castle – Sibiu (310Km)

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 – Bran –– Sinaia - Bucharest (180 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Brasov – Bran –– 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.

Overnight in a 4* hotel in Bucharest.

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

Bus: 4 hours
Day 13 Bucharest - Devetashka - Lovech (230 Km) Romania + Bulgaria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bucharest - Devetashka - Lovech (230 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

We will leave Bucharest in the morning and head to Bulgaria. After crossing the bridge over the Danube River we will enter in Bulgaria and our first visit will be at Devetàshka cave is a picturesque karst cave near the waterfalls. Unlike other caves Devetàshka is very well lit and its floor is covered by lush greenery, especially in spring and summer, so sometimes it is hard to believe that one is actually underground.

The Krushùna Falls are the biggest travertine cascade in Bulgaria, unique with its picturesque scenery, lush vegetation, numerous round-shaped terraces and small natural pools with mineral water. The main waterfall is about 20 m high and it splits into several smaller ones along its way down the soft limestone rocks.

Overnight in a 4* hotel in Lovech.

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

Bus: 4 hours
Day 14 Sunday – Lovech - Sofia (150 Km) Romania + Bulgaria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sunday – Lovech - Sofia (150 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

Visit Lovech with the Covered Bridge over the Osam River is another must-see attraction in Lovech. The bridge unites the two halves of the town and it’s a distinctive piece of construction and a significant representation of Lovech.

In the evening we will arrive in Sofia . The walking tour of city center will include the gold-domed

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint (Sveta) Sofia Church , Banya Bashi Mosque, the Sofia Synagogue and the main shopping street Vitosha .

No overnight offered for this day

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

Bus: 2,5 hours
Day 15 Day 15: Monday- Sibiu – Sighisoara – Targu Mures – Bistrita (260 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Monday- Sibiu – Sighisoara – Targu Mures – Bistrita (260 Km)

Breakfast at the hotel and 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. Here we will admire the church on the hill, reachable after a wooden staircase called the schoolchildren’s ladder. We will also see the statue of the famous Hungarian national poet Petofi Sandor, testifying to the fact that in Sighisoara the Magyar community was in the past numerically important. Next to the statue is the beautiful Catholic church, reserved for the Hungarian community, and the tower of the shoemakers. Lunch at the house where Vlad the Impaler was born (not included) and in the late afternoon arrival at Targu Mures, a city in which the baroque style predominates. Targu Mures is dominated by the beautiful Palace of Culture, symbol of the locality, an extraordinary baroque palace. In this transylvanian city, the Hungarian community is still numerous and the architects who have worked on the design of historic buildings are all Hungarians. Towards evening I arrive at the city of Bistrita, whose main monument is the Lutheran church, built in the fourteenth century in Gothic style but remodeled with Renaissance elements in the second half of the sixteenth century. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Bistrita.
Day 16 Day 16: Tuesday - Bistrita – Voronet – Moldovita – Sucevita – Marginea – Gura Humorului (250 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Tuesday - Bistrita – Voronet – Moldovita – Sucevita – Marginea – Gura Humorului (250 Km)

After breakfast at the hotel departure towards Bucovina, the northern part of the Moldavia region, magical place thanks to the presence of internally and externally frescoed monasteries, also UNESCO monuments. Stop in Borgo Pass, the mysterious place where the vampire legend Dracula comes to life. Later we arrive at the monastery of Voronet, nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of the Carpathians, founded by the great prince Stephen the Great and characterized by a beautiful blue color, inimitable and unique in the world. Next, we will have some free time and then continue with a visit to the Moldovita monastery, another famous religious monument, founded by Pietro Rares in the 16th century and whose interior and exterior frescoes enchant the visitor.

The last of the painted monasteries that you will have the pleasure of admiring is the Sucevita monastery, founded by the Movila brothers in the seventeenth century. Like the previous two, too, it presents Gothic and Byzantine elements, which merge to form the fascinating Moldovan architectural style. The frescoes on the northern façade of this monastery have remained visible thanks to the protective walls that have never been demolished here. We continue with a visit to the local artisans of Marginea, who perform excellent work with the famous black ceramic, here you will have the opportunity to enter the workshop to closely observe the various working phases of ceramic pots, but you can also buy items typical of Bucovina. At Marginea you can buy not only ceramic vases, but also beautiful painted eggs and decorated with the traditional Romanian technique. Overnight in a 4* hotel in Gura Humorului or Suceava.
Day 17 Day 17: Wednesday - Gura Humorului – Piatra Neamt – Bicaz Gorges – Miercurea Ciuc (290 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Wednesday - Gura Humorului – Piatra Neamt – Bicaz Gorges – Miercurea Ciuc (290 Km)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the Bicaz Gorges. Stop in Piatra Neamt, a famous ski resort that preserves a beautiful citadel founded at the time of Stephen the Great, in the fifteenth century and an 18th century synagogue. The city has a wonderful geographical position being surrounded by mountains that guard beautiful lush vegetation. Then we will head towards the Bicaz Gorges and then admire a breathtaking landscape. The Bicaz gorges are crossed by a road flanked by a stream and constitute a landscape of strong emotional impact with thrilling cliffs. Along the gorges there is a market with typical handicrafts and souvenirs that make the attraction even more lively.

Visit of the Red Lake, a natural barrier lake, which was formed following the landslide of a part of a mountain, in fact the trunks of the trees are still present in the lake and this gives a particularly evocative atmosphere. The place is interesting especially for the legends that were born and have spread in reference to the name of the lake. During the visit you will become aware of these legends. You then continue through a scenic road that offers a spectacular view of the Carpathian chain to get to Miercurea Ciuc. This area is also called the Siberia of Romania for the low temperatures and the landscape that characterize this area. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Miercurea Ciuc.
Day 18 Day 18: Thursday - Miercurea Ciuc – Brasov – Bran – Sinaia (180 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Thursday - Miercurea Ciuc – Brasov – Bran – Sinaia (180 Km)

Breakfast and then immediately departure to 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. Visit the Schei district, interesting for the entrances into the city that were carried out in medieval times through the Caatherine’s and Schei Gate, quest last of the nineteenth century. In Brasov we will also visit the impressive Black Church, the largest evangelical Gothic church in Eastern Europe, with a 65 meter high bell tower and a length of 90 meters, the church houses the most beautiful nineteenth-century mechanical organ of Romania. We will then admire the palaces and houses of the historic center, recently restored, with the Council Square which now houses a beautiful museum, and the pedestrian Avenue of the Republic.

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 Sinaia
Day 19 Day 19: Friday- Sinaia – Bucharest (130 Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Friday- Sinaia – Bucharest (130 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. Free time in the evening and overnight in a 4* hotel in Bucharest.
Day 20 Day 20: Saturday – Bucharest – Veliko Tarnovo - Devetashka - Lovech (230 Km) Romania + Bulgaria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Saturday – Bucharest – Veliko Tarnovo - Devetashka - Lovech (230 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

We will leave Bucharest in the morning and head to Bulgaria. After crossing the bridge over the Danube River we will enter in Bulgaria and our first visit will be at Veliko Tarnovo , “City of Tsars” , the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdo. Visit Tsarevets Fortress , Monument of the Asenevtsi kings , Samovodska charshia that are the main attractions of the city.

The Devetàshka cave is a picturesque karst cave near the waterfalls. Unlike other caves Devetàshka is very well lit and its floor is covered by lush greenery, especially in spring and summer, so sometimes it is hard to believe that one is actually underground.

The Krushùna Falls are the biggest travertine cascade in Bulgaria, unique with its picturesque scenery, lush vegetation, numerous round-shaped terraces and small natural pools with mineral water. The main waterfall is about 20 m high and it splits into several smaller ones along its way down the soft limestone rocks.

Overnight in a 3* hotel in Lovech.
Day 21 Day 21: Sunday – Lovech - Sofia (150 Km) Romania + Bulgaria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Sunday – Lovech - Sofia (150 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

Visit Lovech with the Covered Bridge over the Osam River is another must-see attraction in Lovech. The bridge unites the two halves of the town and it’s a distinctive piece of construction and a significant representation of Lovech.

In the evening we will arrive in Sofia . The walking tour of city center will include the gold-domed

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint (Sveta) Sofia Church , Banya Bashi Mosque, the Sofia Synagogue and the main shopping street Vitosha .

No overnight offered for this day.

+18

14 days tour

14 Days Complete Tour Of Balkans From Sofia Through Transylv

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 14 Days Complete Tour Of Balkans From Sofia Through Transylv

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

Skopje – Ohrid (190 Km) Macedonia

Ohrid – Tirana – Shkoder (230 Km) Macedonia + 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

Timisoara – The Corvini Castle – Sibiu (310Km)

Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov (210 Km)

Brasov – Bran –– Sinaia - Bucharest (180 Km)

Bucharest - Devetashka - Lovech (230 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

Sunday – Lovech - Sofia (150 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

Day 15: Monday- Sibiu – Sighisoara – Targu Mures – Bistrita (260 Km)

Day 16: Tuesday - Bistrita – Voronet – Moldovita – Sucevita – Marginea – Gura Humorului (250 Km)

Day 17: Wednesday - Gura Humorului – Piatra Neamt – Bicaz Gorges – Miercurea Ciuc (290 Km)

Day 18: Thursday - Miercurea Ciuc – Brasov – Bran – Sinaia (180 Km)

Day 19: Friday- Sinaia – Bucharest (130 Km)

Day 20: Saturday – Bucharest – Veliko Tarnovo - Devetashka - Lovech (230 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

Day 21: Sunday – Lovech - Sofia (150 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

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