16 Days | In Search of Dracula | Balkans and Transylvania

Bucharest, Romania

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.

Included Activities

• Bucharest City Tour

Entrance Fees

• National Village Museum – EUR 6

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Unirii

Bucharest Snaia 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 (Please note that it is not possible to visit inside of the castle). 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 Brasov, a fascinating town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and embellished with gothic & baroque architecture. Starting with the cobble-stone Piaţa Sfatului (Council Square), visit famous landmarks as the Black Church and Muresenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.

Included Activities

• Visit to Peles Castle
• Visit to Count Dracula Castle
• Brasov Sightseeing

Entrance Fees

• Dracula Castle Bran – EUR 8.5

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Ambient

Brasov Sighisoara 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. 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.

Included Activities

• Sighisoara Sightseeing
• Cluj-Napoca Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel River Park

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 guide. Our next stop will be the fairytale-like town of Sibiu. Relax at our comfortable 4-star hotel following a day filled with cultural adventure or start exploring Sibiu as you wish.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Golden Tulip Ana Tower

 Sibiu Bucharest

We start our day with a walking tour of charming 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. In the afternoon, we will be heading back to Bucharest for our overnight stay.

Included Activities

• Sibiu Sightseeing

Optional Activities

• Group Dinner

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Unirii 

Bucharest Veliko Tarnavo Plovdiv

It’s time to bid farewell to Romania as we embark our ride for 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 Plovdiv.

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.

Included Activities

• Plovdiv City Tour
• Sofia Panoramic Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Novotel Sofia

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.

Included Activities

• Belgrade City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Abba Hotel

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.

Included Activities

• Sarajevo City Tour

Entrance Fees

• Catholic Church – EUR 1

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Ibis Styles

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 čaršija (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.

Included Activities

• Mostar City Tour

Optional Activities

• Kravice Waterfalls – EUR 30

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Central Park

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.

Included Activities

• Dubrovnik City Tour

Optional Activities

• Dubrovnik Boat Trip – EUR 40

Entrance Fees

• Dubronvnik City Walls – EUR 15

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Central Park

Trebinje Kotor Shkoder

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. Departure to Albania, which is our final destination for the day. Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania. Walking tour through the centre. Overnight in Shkoder.

Included Activities

• Kotor City Tour
• Shkoder Walking Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Europa

Shkoder Tirana Ohrid

Hit the road after breakfast! 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.

Included Activities

• Panoramic Tour of TiranaOhrid Walking Tour

Optional Activities

• Balkan Night With Dinner – EUR 35

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Nova Riviera or Hotel Aqualina 

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.

Included Activities

• Ohrid City Tour

Optional Activities

• St. Naum Tour – EUR 20

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Panoramika

Skopje Sofia

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, leave for Sofia, where our trip ends and we say goodbye to our new friends. You can explore the shopping streets, highlights and the nightlife as you wish.

Included Activities

• Skopje City Tour

Meals: Breakfast