13-Nights Balkan Adventure from $3,366

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1519137

Balkan Adventure
Visit several countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.


Dining Summary

  • 7 Dinner (D)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
  • Skopje: Spend quality time with the locals when you join an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring local hospitality and cuisine.
Dive Into Culture
  • Bran: Visit the infamous mythical home of Count Dracula and favorite residence of Romanian royalty - Bran Castle.
Iconic Experience
  • 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.
  • Mostar: Discover the magnificent coves and cliffs of the Dalmatian coast as well as the monumental Mostar Bridge.
  • Kotor: Spend the day discovering the wonders of Kotor.
  • 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.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
  • Mostar: Meet Denis, one of the last traditional coppersmith artisans in Mostar. Learn about the techniques required to design elaborate copper jewelery and appreciate the importance of this traditional craft during a lively demonstration. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
  • Explore Bucharest, Brasov, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade
  • Discover Budva and Kotor
  • Visit Bran Castle in Brasov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, and the War Tunnel in Sarajevo
  • View Peles Castle in Sinaia, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church in Sofia, the Palace of Culture and the National Library in Tirana and Mostar's Stari Most
  • See the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest

Whats Included
  • 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
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.


13 nights from $3,366 per person

Special Promotion: The Big Tour Sale | Guests Save Up To $1,500 Per Couple on Select 2025 Departures

Valid for new bookings deposited December 9, 2024 – February 20, 2025 for select 2025 travel
 
*Promotion may not be combinable with any other offers, promotions, or discounts, and is subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. 

Itinerary

Trafalgar Tours: Balkan Adventure

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?
Accommodations: Mercure Bucharest Unirii
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Journey to Transylvania and Brasov
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 Ceausescu, 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 Peles Castle, the summer retreat of Romania’s first king. Then, continue to Brasov and Check in to your hotel in Poiana Brasov ski resort. Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine for dinner at your hotel against the backdrop of panoramic mountain views.
Accommodations: Ana Bradul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Dracula’s Castle and More in Brasov 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 Brasov. 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.
Accommodations: Ana Bradul
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Continue to Medieval Veliko Tarnovo
Head south, through ancient villages and tranquil landscapes across the Danube River into Bulgaria. Your journey ends in Veliko Tarnovo, 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.
Accommodations: Yantra Grand
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Onwards to Historic Sofia Stays With Stories
The fairy-tale façades of Veliko Tarnovo 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. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the flurry of red skirts at a traditional folklore show.
Accommodations: Astoria Grand
Meals: 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.
Accommodations: Astoria Grand
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Journey to Macedonian Skopje
Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, a 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.
Accommodations: Next Door Park and Spa
Meals: 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.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals: 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.
Accommodations: TQ Plaza
Meals: 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.
Accommodations: Novotel Bristol
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 - Discover Sarajevo Connect with Locals
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. Local flavors and stories are on the menu tonight as you Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience.
Accommodations: Novotel Bristol
Meals: 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.
Accommodations: Mercure Excelsior
Meals: 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.
Accommodations: Mercure Excelsior
Meals: 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 dovidenja as you bid your new friends farewell.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations
Brasov
Belgrade
Sarajevo
Budva
Skopje
Veliko Tarnovo
Tirana
Sofia
Bucharest

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
04/13/2025 - 04/26/2025
from $3,825 per person *
04/27/2025 - 05/10/2025
from $3,443 per person
05/04/2025 - 05/17/2025
from $3,825 per person *
05/11/2025 - 05/24/2025
from $3,366 per person
05/18/2025 - 05/31/2025
from $3,825 per person *
05/25/2025 - 06/07/2025
from $3,388 per person *
06/01/2025 - 06/14/2025
from $3,388 per person
06/08/2025 - 06/21/2025
from $3,388 per person *
06/15/2025 - 06/28/2025
from $3,388 per person
06/22/2025 - 07/05/2025
from $3,388 per person
06/29/2025 - 07/12/2025
from $3,388 per person *
07/06/2025 - 07/19/2025
from $3,895 per person *
07/13/2025 - 07/26/2025
from $3,428 per person
07/20/2025 - 08/02/2025
from $3,428 per person
07/27/2025 - 08/09/2025
from $3,428 per person
08/03/2025 - 08/16/2025
from $3,428 per person
08/10/2025 - 08/23/2025
from $3,428 per person
08/17/2025 - 08/30/2025
from $3,410 per person
08/31/2025 - 09/13/2025
from $3,488 per person *
09/07/2025 - 09/20/2025
from $3,443 per person
09/14/2025 - 09/27/2025
from $3,825 per person *
09/21/2025 - 10/04/2025
from $3,825 per person
09/28/2025 - 10/11/2025
from $3,795 per person *
10/05/2025 - 10/18/2025
from $3,416 per person *


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $3,366 per person
Length
13 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1519137

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Let's Travel SM

21021 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
USA

(310) 451-5805