Discovering the historic lands, fascinating capital cities and breathtaking landscapes of the Balkans on a journey through Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania
Sofia - 3 nights
Belgrade - 3 nights
Băile Herculane - 1 night
Râmnicu Vâlcea - 1 night
Bucharest - 2 nights
The term Balkan, meaning mountain, has been used since the early 19th century and describes the region of South Eastern Europe. The Ottomans left their legacy when they invaded these lands at the end of the 14th century and ruled for some 500 years before the Austro-Hungarian invasion weakened their dominance. With the Ottoman Empire crumbling, many states saw this as an opportunity to build a national identity, which led to war breaking out when Montenegro sent in troops who were later joined by Serbian, Bulgarian and Greek forces.
If we go further back in time, the Romans also left their mark in history and at their height were in control of the entire peninsula - the cities of Sofia and Plovdiv in Bulgaria today showcase some impressive Roman remains. The extensive history of the Balkans has today left us with a wealth to explore and this innovative arrangement combines our experience in Bulgaria and Romania with the lesser known neighbour of Serbia.
Cultural & Countryside Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
No Single Supplement
Local Expert Guides
Central Hotels
Group Size: 10 – 22
To round off your capital visits indulge in a range of rakias in a stylish communist-era retro bar in Sofia, a cup of coffee and cake at the oldest Kafana in Belgrade and a glass of prosecco with savoury tartlets at a historic restaurant in a quiet, leafy area of Bucharest.
Day 1 Fly to Sofia and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Anel for three nights.
Day 2 Travel south to visit Rila Monastery, a symbol of the 19th-century Bulgarian Renaissance and spiritual centre of the country. Tour of Sofia visiting Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Russian Church, St. George’s Rotunda and Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rakia Tasting. (B)
Day 3 Travel to Plovdiv and tour the old town including a visit to the Roman theatre and Dzhumaya Mosque. (B)
Day 4 Cross the border to Nis in Serbia (3 hrs) one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and take a tour of its fortress. Continue to Belgrade (3 hrs) for three nights at the 4-star Belgrade Art Hotel. (B)
Day 5 Morning tour visits the medieval Kalemegdan Fortress, Republic Square, Church of Saint Sava and Tito’s memorial. Coffee and cake at a kafana. (B)
Day 6 Drive to Sremski Karlovci, the spiritual and cultural centre of Serbia for a tour of the Baroque centre and a wine tasting. Continue to Novi Sad to visit Petrovaradin Fortress and its Gothic and Baroque architecture. (B)
Day 7 Travel to Viminacium, one of the most important Roman cities alongside the Danube and visit the archaeological site. Travel along the Danube to view King Decebal’s face (3 hrs), carved into the rock on the banks of the river and the Romanian spa town Băile Herculane for overnight at the 3-star Afrodita Hotel. (B)
Day 8 Drive to Târgu Jiu to view sculptures by Constantin Brâncuși, a pioneer of modernism. Continue to Horezu and visit the monastery, part of UNESCO World Heritage. Later, travel to Râmnicu Vâlcea for overnight at the 4-star Ramada Hotel. (B)
Day 9 Travel to Curtea de Arges to visit the monastery. Drive to Bucharest for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Cismigiu. (B)
Day 10 Tour of Bucharest includes the Palace of Parliament, Metropolitan Church, Romanian Athenaeum and Arch of Triumph. Later, visit the open-air Village Museum in Herăstrău Park. Drink at a historic restaurant. (B)
Day 11 Return flight. (B)
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A contemporary 4-star hotel at a prime location in Sofia. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool and WiFi (free). 56 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A modern 4-star boutique hotel conveniently located in the heart of Belgrade. Restaurant, bar, sauna, WiFi (free) and 55 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This 3-star hotel is set amidst the Domogled Mountains, in the centre of Baile Herculane, a natural spa resort. Restaurants, bar, indoor pool, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 220 rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
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A comfortable 4-star hotel close to the city park. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 112 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel set in a historical building built in 1912, close to the old Town. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 60 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Brasov and Bucharest Extension
Stay one night in Brasov, a 12th-century Transylvanian Saxon town and enjoy visits to the celebrated Gothic Black Church, Bran Castle (known as Dracula’s castle), the Neo-Renaissance Peleș Castle and Sinaia Monastery. Final night in Bucharest. Breakfast daily.
Day 1 Travel to Brasov and walking tour of the cobbled streets and visit to St. Nicholas Church and First Romanian School. Stay overnight at the 4-star Aro Palace. (B)
Day 2 Travel to Bran to visit Dracula's castle and later to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle and the monastery. Return to Bucharest for overnight at the 4-star Cismigiu. (B)
Day 3 Transfer to Bucharest airport for flight to London Heathrow. (B)
This spacious 4-star hotel overlooks the Tampa Mountain and the medieval historic quarter of Brasov and is facing the central park. Restaurants. bar, indoor pool, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 196 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel set in a historical building built in 1912, close to the old Town. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 60 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Mondays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £445
Flight Options
British Airways Club Europe from £245
Extension Options
Extension - Brasov & Bucharest
2 nights £350
Single supplement £80
Extra Nights – Sofia
Hotel Anel
(per night) £60
Single supplement £50
Extra Nights – Bucharest
Hotel Cismigiu
(per night) £75
Single supplement £55
Independent Arrival
Save £200
Arrival or departure transfer add £20
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 10 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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VAT No. 805146159
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