Ultimate Balkans and Transylvania

Day 1: Bucharest

Welcome to Bucharest! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. After you get all the critical information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner around 8:15pm and walk the streets of Bucharest.



Accommodation

Hotel Inter Business - 4 Star

Included Activities

Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities

Group Dinner

Day 2: Bucharest City Tour

After a hefty breakfast at the hotel, it's time to launch our discovery of the fascinating Romanian capital, Bucharest. Follow your guide as we visit unmissable landmarks of the city starting with the Revolution Square, Arc of Triumph and Romania Athenaem. Learn about the unique culture and vast history of the city as we continue to the famous Opera House, National Military Club, Dimitrie Gusti National Village and the Palace of Parliament, each building presents a different perspective to the Romanian culture and an artwork in itself. After some personal leisure time for you to explore this gorgeous city on your own terms, return to the hotel following a long day of discovery.



Accommodation

Hotel Inter Business - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Bucharest City Tour

Entrance Fees

National Village Museum - EUR 5

Day 3: Bucharest, Sinaia, Bran, Brasov

Today's the day we set course for the fascinating region of Transylvania. Drive through misty forests of lush green towards our first stop at Peles Castle in Sinaia, a beautiful neo-renaissance castle in the Carpathian mountains. Just as we start to warm up to this unique atmosphere, goosebumps creep in... Prepare for the legendary Bran Castle, also known as the Castle of Count Dracula! This iconic sight is where legend and reality blend together to create the timeless stories of the vampires. Continue deep into Transylvania to Bravos, a fascinating town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and embellished with gothic & baroque architecture. Starting with the cobble-stone Piata Sfatului (Council Square), visit famous landmarks as the Black Church and Muresenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.



Accommodation

Hotel Cubix – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Visit to Peles Castle

Visit to Count Dracula Castle

Brasov Sightseeing

Entrance Fees

Peles Castle - EUR 8.5

Dracula Castle Bran - EUR 8.5

Day 4: Brasov, Sighisoara, Targu Mures, Cluj-Napoca

Ready to follow the footsteps of Count Dracula? Our journey continues to Sighisoara after making a stop at the Clock Tower. Soak in marvellous views of Sighisoara Citadel, the Dominican Monastery, The Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal), and Dracula's House while listening to your guide about the colourful background of the town. Next stop will be Targu Mures, a small town yet an important seat of Transylvanian parliaments since 1500s, having survived the Mongol invasion. Have a small tour around town to see the Synagogue Quo Ante, Targu Mures citadel and the Culture Square. Our next stop will be the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region, Cluj-Napoca! Tag along your tour leader for a sightseeing tour of the colourful town, visiting the Union Square, St. Mihail Church and Matthias Corvinus Monument. Then make way to our 4-star hotel following a long day of discovery with spare time to scroll through your photo reel.



Accommodation

Hotel Premier – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sighisoara Sightseeing

Targu Mures Sightseeing

Cluj-Napoca Sightseeing

Day 5: Cluj-Napoca, Salina Turda, Hunedeoara, Sibiu

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the salt mines of Turda. This fascinating geologic wonder first produced salt for the region in antique times and has been active since the 11th century! Continuing to Hunedeoara Castle, also known as the Corvin Castle, learn all about the vibrant history of the Transylvanian citadel from your local guide. Our next stop will be the fairytale-like town of Sibiu. Presenting marvellous samples of Germanic architecture, Sibiu's legacy dates back to Saxxon settlers from the 12th century. Tag along your tour leader to view landmarks such as Brukenthal Palace, Piata Mare (city square), Lutheran Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Finally, relax at our comfortable 4-star hotel following a day filled with cultural adventure or continue to explore Sibiu as you wish.



Accommodation

Hotel Plaza 35 – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Visit to Salina Turda (Salt Mine)

Hunedeoara Sightseeing

Sibiu Sightseeing

Entrance Fees

Salina Turda - EUR 7

Corvin Castle - EUR 7

Day 6: Sibiu, Bucharest, Ruse

It's time to bid farewell to Romania as we embark our ride for Ruse, Bulgaria via Bucharest. Upon arrival, start exploring the colourful town at the Freedom Square. Walk with your expert guide to visit unmissable sights such as the Sveta Troitsa Church, Opera House, Courthouse, Regional Historical Museum and Regional Library Lyuben Karavelov.



Accommodation

Hotel Dunav – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Ruse Sightseeing

Day 7: Ruse, Veliko Tarnavo, Etar, Kazanlak, Plovdiv

After breakfast at the hotel, our journey takes us to Veliko Tarnavo, the City of the Tsars. The historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire displays the unique Bulgarian architecture from the medieval age. Uncover the vast history and gems including Tsareverts Fortress and the Holy Forty Martyrs Church before moving on to Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex, an open-air museum with well-preserved samples of Bulgarian culture and craftsmanship.

Moving on to Kazanlak, famed for its roses, we will stop along the Rose Valley and visit a Rose oil factory. Extensively familiarised with the Bulgarian culture, finish the day with a good night's rest in Plovdiv.



Accommodation

Hotel Best Western Premier – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Veliko Tarnavo Sightseeing

Visit to Etar Ethnographic Complex

Visit to Rose Valley

Entrance Fees

Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex - EUR 3

Tsarevets Fortress - EUR 3

Day 8: Plovdiv, Sofia

Fill up at breakfast at the hotel as we prepare for a city tour of beautiful Plovdiv. Launching our tour at Old Plovdiv in Nebet Hill, visit the Balabanov and Georgi Mavridi House, witness the impressive St. Konstantin Church and Elena Church, and proceed to Roman Amphitheatre of Philippopolis and Stadium - some of the best-preserved samples of Roman architecture in the world. Then we continue to visit the Citadel Door, Castle Streets and St. Nedelya Church. Having explored the marvels of Plovdiv, we embark for Sofia! Upon arrival, discover the Bulgarian capital on a panoramic city tour covering all the unmissable sights of the city and learn about its rooted history.



Accommodation

Hotel Vega – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Plovdiv City Tour

Sofia Panoramic Tour

Day 9: Sofia, Belgrade

After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.



Accommodation

Abba Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Belgrade City Tour

Day 10: Belgrade, Sarajevo

Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.



Accommodation

Hotel Ibis Styles – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sarajevo City Tour

Entrance Fees

Catholic Church - EUR 1

Day 11: Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje

Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old caršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.



Accommodation

Hotel Central Park – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Mostar City Tour

Optional Activities

Kravice Waterfalls - EUR 20

Day 12: Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje

Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic"! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the "King’s Landing", the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night's rest.



Accommodation

Hotel Central Park – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Dubrovnik City Tour

Optional Activities

Dubrovnik Boat Trip - EUR 35

Entrance Fees

Dubronvnik City Walls - EUR 15

Day 13: Trebinje, Kotor, Budva

Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time, make your way to the popular touristic hub of the region, Budva. Your guide will take you on a brief walking tour of the vibrant summer town with great food, impressive views and lively nightlife.



Accommodation

Hotel Park – 3 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Kotor City Tour

Budva Walking Tour

Day 14: Budva, Tirana, Ohrid

Hit the road after breakfast, next stop Albania! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.



Accommodation

Hotel Sileks – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Panoramic Tour of TiranaOhrid Walking Tour

Optional Activities

Balkan Night With Dinner - EUR 25

Day 15: Ohrid, Skopje

Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.



Accommodation

Hotel Panoramika – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Ohrid City Tour

Optional Activities

St. Naum Tour - EUR 15

Day 16: Skopje, Thessaloniki

Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon cross the border heading towards the second largest Greek city, Thessaloniki, for the night.



Accommodation

Hotel ABC – 3 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Skopje City Tour

Day 17: Kalambaka, Meteora, Delphi

Starting off the day with a panoramic Thessaloniki tour on the bus, depart for Kalambaka, the gateway to Meteora. Meteora is famous for its breath-taking scenery and ageless monasteries, almost suspended between the earth and sky. The town hosts one of the largest and steepest complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, literally named as “middle of the sky”. The World Heritage-listed site is out-of-this-world with its unique landscape of immense monolithic pillars and huge rounded boulders hosting monasteries on top, and one of the most visited locations in Greece. Each monastery has a central courtyard surrounded by chapels and living cells of monks, who have inhabited the region since the 11th century – for far less than the first inhabitants from 50,000 years ago. Later in the afternoon, hop on the bus for Delphi.



Accommodation

Hermes Hotel - 3 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Meteora Tour

Day 18: Delphi, Athens

Eat up at breakfast, you will be discovering Delphi and all its wonders. Built high atop the cliffs with spectacular scenery, the town made its name in ancient Greek mythology. Chosen as the centre of the earth, here is where the famous powerful Oracles of Delphi resided. UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi had a tremendous influence in the ancient world, uniting many city-states under the Hellenic spirit as displayed in rich monuments and ancient stories. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to Athens. As you get your bearings and all the information you need about the capital from your guide, arrive at the hotel to freshen up. Prepare to cap off the amazing tour Greek-style; bring in the mezes, it’s time to do some Sirtaki!



Accommodation

Arion Hotel - 3 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Delphi Tour

Day 19: Athens

Have your final breakfast on us and start bidding farewells to your travel mates before checking out of the hotel (11:00). Time to start counting days for your next adventure with Travel Talk!



Meals Included

Breakfast