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 travellers 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?

Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Mercure Bucharest Unirii

Day 2 | Journey to Transylvania and Braşov

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 Ceauşescu, 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 Peleş Castle, the summer retreat of Romania’s

first king. Then, continue to Braşov and check in to your

hotel in Poiana Braşov ski resort. Enjoy traditional

Romanian cuisine for dinner at your hotel against the

backdrop of panoramic mountain views.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Ana Sport

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Bucharest Parliament Visit - Built and furnished exclusively with Romanian materials, the Bucharest Parliament

building is the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon and reflects the work of the

country’s best artisans. Our guided visit will reveal a selection of its dazzling rooms, huge halls and quarters, where

we will experience a luxurious display of crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, marble, gold leaf, stained-glass

windows and floors covered in rich carpets.

Adult: 35.00 EUR

Day 3 | Dracula’s Castle and More in Braşov

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

favourite 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 Braşov. 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 favourites or consider

joining your travel companions for an optional dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Ana Sport

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Rustic Romania - Enjoy an evening of traditional Transylvanian cuisine in a location that is truly second to none. At the

entrance to Poiana Brasov, one of the best preserved mountain areas and most popular ski resorts in Eastern

Europe, the restaurant setting is both a winter and summer oasis for visitors. Our hosts will welcome us in their scenic

garden before inviting us into their rustic mountain-style chalet, where we will be entertained by a local musician.

Adult: 69.00 EUR

Day 4 | Continue to Medieval Veliko Târnovo

Head south, through ancient villages and tranquil

landscapes across the Danube River into Bulgaria. Your

journey ends in Veliko Târnovo, 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Yantra Grand

Day 5 | Onwards to Historic Sofia

The fairy-tale façades of Veliko Târnovo 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 UNESCOlisted 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Astoria Grand

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Traditional Bulgarian Dinner with Musical Entertainment - Join us at one of the oldest folk-style restaurants in Sofia,

housed in restored Revival houses dating back from 1866, where we will experience traditional Bulgarian cuisine with

live folk music.

Adult: 68.00 EUR

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

10 century. Later this evening, you may wish to get

your foot tapping to the flurry of red skirts at a

traditional folklore show.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Astoria Grand

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Rila Monastery - Rising out of a forested valley, magnificent Rila Monastery is the largest and most important symbol

of the Bulgarian Orthodox church. Founded in the 10th Century, the monastery looks like a fortress, but once

through the gates you are dazzled by the kaleidoscopic frescoes and red-and-cream striped brickwork, set against the

vertiginous green mountains. Our Local Specialist will explain the apocalyptic artwork beneath horseshoe-shaped

arches, while black-robed monks go about their business.

Adult: 45.00 EUR

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Day 7 | Journey to Macedonian Skopje

Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje,

the capital, religious crossroads and a vibrant medieval

trading centre. See the Ottoman Empire's legacy in the

mosques and bazaars as you join a Local Specialist for a

sightseeing tour this afternoon. Local flavours and

stories are on the menu tonight as you Connect With

Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Next Door Park and Spa

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 centre – one where dour grey

city blocks have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of

colourful façades. You’ll view such highlights as the

Palace of Culture, the National Library and the Clock

Tower before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn

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 15 -

century ramparts to explore its labyrinthine lanes and

small squares where you could choose to sit back and

watch the world go by.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: TQ Plaza

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

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island, whose beaches are called Hawaii by the locals. We'll also pass exclusive resorts on our way to Becici.

Adult: 35.00 EUR

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 colourful 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Novotel Bristol

Day 11 | Discover Sarajevo

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Novotel Bristol

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Entertainment - Enjoy a typical Bosnian evening in an authentic restaurant, famous

for its local cuisine. With lively entertainment, it truly is an unforgettable evening in Sarajevo.

Adult: 62.00 EUR

East Meets West - Discover the best of Sarajevo on a visit to Sarajevo’s iconic City Hall, an impressive Austro-Hungarian

building that suffered major damage during the civil war and was reopened after restoration in 2014. Our Local

Specialist will guide you through its stunning interior and share fascinating insights into its history. We then

experience the unique cultural blend of Sarajevo while exploring an old merchant house with an intriguing mix of

Ottoman and Austrian Imperial architecture.

Adult: 38.00 EUR

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Mercure Excelsior

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Serbian Dinner in the Bohemian Quarter - It is only about a quarter of a mile long but the Skadarska street carries the

spirit of Belgrade's bohemian life. With our Local Specialist we'll discover the street where the famous Serbian brandy

flows. The sound of tambourines, songs and joy can be heard through the night. Indulge yourself in a hearty

traditional dinner, while being entertained by live music.

Adult: 69.00 EUR

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Mercure Excelsior

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

The Genius & The Leader - A recently opened museum in Belgrade is dedicated to undoubtedly one of the biggest

inventors and scientists of our modern age, Nikola Tesla, who spent the most productive years of his life in the USA,

registering nearly 120 patents. We'll unravel the stories behind some of his genius inventions and hear the legends

that surrounded 'the man who invented the twentieth century'. Later we visit the resting place of former Yugoslavian

President, Josip Broz Tito, at the House of Flowers, built in 1975 as a winter garden near to the leader’s Belgrade

home. Featuring impressive views of the city and set in tranquil surroundings, this is not just a scenic discovery, but

also an important historical landmark. Our Local Specialist will share interesting stories of Tito and his rule.

Adult: 39.00 EUR

Day 14 | Farewell Belgrade

Our journey through the Balkans has come to an end. All

that’s left is to say a fond doviđenja as you bid your new

friends farewell.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

Booking and Payments

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.

• Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.

Cancellations and Refunds

• Cancellation by Client:

• More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

• 30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.

• Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.

• Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

• Changes to Itinerary

• Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.

• Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.

Travel Insurance

• Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

• Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.

Health and Safety

• Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.

• Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.

Liability

• Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.

• Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.

Visas and Documentation

• Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

• Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.

Conduct

• Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.

• Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.

Complaints

• Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.

• Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.

By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.