Romania, Bulgaria, Muntenegro, Boznia and Hertzegovina, Serbia & Hungary
Treasures of the Balkans Day 1. Homeland - Bucharest Transfers depart Henri Coandă International Airport Day 2. Bucharest - Sinaia - Brasov Join a for a sightseeing tour to view University Square and the former communist headquarters. Visit the immense Parliament Palace, one of the largest buildings in the world. Travel along the Prahova Valley to the elegant mountain resort of Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of Romania’s first royal family. Led by a local historian, admire the lavish rooms filled with art, armour and tapestries. Continue through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming medieval city of Brașov, founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights. Day 3. Brasov - Bran - Brasov Take a walk around Town Hall Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed houses and dominated by the Black Church. Visit the medieval fortress guarding the Transylvanian border that is said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel, Bran Castle. Explore inside this national monument of Romania and discover if this popular image of Dracula’s castle is true or like the vampire story itself, only a myth. Day 4. Brasov - Veliko Tarnovo Cross the Danube into Bulgaria and continue to Veliko Tarnovo, the City of the Tsars, where houses cling to the cliffs of the River Yantra, making it one of the country’s most beautiful towns. In the evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local specialties and wine, followed by an authentic folklore show. Day 5. Veliko Tarnovo - Abranasi - Sofia In the morning, see the Monument of the Assens, before climbing up to the ruined Tsarevets Fortress, a reminder of the town’s former imperial status. Enjoy the stunning views over the old Bulgarian capital and the Yantra Valley. Arbanasi is one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The frescoed churches and fortified dwellings offer a unique insight into the former wealth and spiritual commitment of the settlement. Visit a traditional 17th century merchant’s house and the Church of
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the Holy Nativity. Cross the Balkan Mountains to Bulgaria’s modern day capital of Sofia. On arrival, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you to St. Sofia Church, across the square from the golden domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archaeological complex, dominated by the church of St. George Rotonda. Day 6. Sofia - Rila - Sofia Enjoy the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Rila Monastery and enjoy a fascinating insight into the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria? Throughout the centuries, this popular tourist destination has been the spiritual, educational and cultural centre of Bulgaria. Day 7. Sofia - Skopje Cross the border and continue to the Macedonian capital of Skopje, an ultramodern city juxtaposed by an ancient bazaar, where Turkish influences can still be seen and felt. Day 8. Skopje - Ohrid - Tirana Making your way to the border, stop by the scenic Lake Ohrid for lunch. As you cross into Albania and journey to Tirana, renowned for its friendly locals, you are joined by a resident expert. Continue to the landmark Skanderbeg Square for an insider’s look at the Albanian capital. Day 9. Tirana - Kotor - Dubrovnik Journey through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the Old Town of Kotor, known as Stari Grad. Located beside a beautiful bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, its no surprise it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue over the Croatian border to the fortified port of Dubrovnik where you are at leisure to explore the Old Town, bustling with street artists, cafes and restaurants. Day 10. Dubrovnik Join a Local Expert for a morning of exploring the stone-paved streets within the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio’s Fountain and the Rector’s Palace, the city walls and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The rest of the day is free for you to immerse
