Balkan Marvels Castles, Monasteries, and Beaches
Start location – Sofia End location – Dubrovnik Total number of days – 11 Key experiences or destinations – Sofia, Plovdiv, Rose Valley and Thracian heritage, Veliko Tarnovo, Bucharest and the Palace of Parliament, Transylvanian castles including Bran and Hunedoara, Sighisoara and Biertan, Belgrade and Kalemegdan, Sarajevo’s bazaar, Mostar’s bridge, Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Lokrum. Set off from Sofia and finish in Dubrovnik on an 11–day journey through the Balkans and Transylvania. You’ll explore Bulgaria’s monasteries and medieval towns – from Bachkovo and Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo – before crossing to Romania for Bucharest’s grand boulevards, the castles of Transylvania including Bran and Hunedoara, and the UNESCO charms of Sighisoara and Biertan. Continue via vibrant Belgrade and Vojvodina’s Roman past to Bosnia and Herzegovina – Sarajevo’s bazaar and Mostar’s iconic bridge – then end by the Adriatic in Dubrovnik, with monastery cloisters, sea views and a hop to Lokrum. Expect varied scenery, rich history, relaxed pacing and plenty of atmospheric old towns.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
SofiaEnds
DubrovnikMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Bulgaria that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia And Herzegovina, CroatiaPassengers
$4,143.75
$500.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Sofia
Bachkovo
Plovdiv
Kazanlak
Shipka
Etar
Arbanasi
Veliko Tarnovo
Basarbovo
Bucharest
Sinaia
Bran
Sighisoara
Biertan
Sibiu
Hunedoara
Timisoara
Belgrade
Sremska Mitrovica
Zvornik
Sarajevo
Mostar
Kravica
Dubrovnik
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Sofia
Welcome to Sofia. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll receive details about the start of your tour. At around 3 pm we begin a city tour of Bulgaria’s capital, taking in the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque and the city’s squares and avenues known for their Stalinist architecture. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Sofia - Bachkovo - Plovdiv
In the morning, we depart Sofia for Bachkovo Monastery – Bulgaria’s second most significant, founded in the eleventh century and known for its three churches and serene setting. We then continue to Plovdiv, where lunch is included before we set out on a guided tour of one of Europe’s oldest cities. We include entry to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy and the Armenian House.
Day 3 - Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Shipka - Etar - Arbanasi - Veliko Tarnovo
We leave Plovdiv to cross the Balkan Mountains, travelling through the Rose Valley to Kazanlak, where we include admission to the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and learn about the region’s rose-based products. In the mountains we pause at the Shipka Memorial Church, dedicated to those who fell in the Russo–Turkish War, before continuing to Etar to explore its traditional village and ethnographic museum. After lunch – included – we travel on to Arbanasi, an old trading town noted for its fortress-like houses, where we visit the Nativity Church – admission included. We finish the day in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, known for its picturesque medieval centre beside its canyon. Please note that on occasion the visit to Arbanasi may be moved to Sunday morning.
Day 4 - Veliko Tarnovo - Basarbovo - Bucharest
We travel into Romania today, pausing en route to visit Basarbovo Monastery – a pilgrimage site carved into the rock. We then cross the Danube and the border, arriving in Bucharest at about 1:00 pm. In the afternoon we take a panoramic tour of the city, including the historic centre and the impressive Palace of Parliament. You’ll have free time afterwards to explore on your own. Dinner is included.
Day 5 - Bucharest - Sinaia - Bran - Sighisoara
We leave Bucharest for Transylvania, crossing the Carpathian Mountains and lush forests. In Sinaia, we take a leisurely walk through the gardens of Peles and Pelisor Castles. We continue to Bran to visit the 14th–century fortress – admission included – popularly known as Dracula’s Castle. You’ll have free time for lunch before we travel on to Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage walled medieval city. In the evening, we enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula’s restaurant, set in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.
Day 6 - Sighisoara - Biertan - Sibiu - Hunedoara - Timisoara
We travel deeper into Transylvania to explore its fortified churches, built in areas historically settled by communities of German origin. We visit the fortified church at Biertan – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with tickets included. We then continue to Sibiu, an important economic and cultural centre that once served as Transylvania’s capital, where you’ll have time to wander the narrow streets and lively squares and choose a spot for lunch. In the afternoon we head to Hunedoara to visit its impressive castle – tickets included – considered the most beautiful in Romania. We end the day in Timisoara, where you’ll have time to explore the city’s elegant central squares.
Day 7 - Timisoara - Belgrade
We depart Timisoara for Serbia, crossing the border and travelling for around three hours to reach Belgrade – a lively capital at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava. On arrival we take a panoramic tour, exploring the bustling city centre, viewing the Parliament, and walking through Kalemegdan Fortress. We also visit the Museum of Yugoslavia, where Tito’s Mausoleum is located. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace.
Day 8 - Belgrade - Sremska Mitrovica - REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA - Sarajevo
We set out towards the Vojvodina region, pausing in Sremska Mitrovica, whose historic centre lines the Sava River. Once a major Roman city and capital of the province of Pannonia, it reveals its past at the Imperial Palace of Sirmium – entrance included. We then continue towards Bosnia, with time for you to have lunch en route, travelling across the Republic of Srpska – the Serbian Republic of Bosnia – through beautiful landscapes to Sarajevo.We arrive in the late afternoon, leaving you free to explore the historic centre. You can wander the atmospheric bazaar, the old Ottoman market known for its traditional shops and distinctive architecture. Dinner included.
Day 9 - Sarajevo - Mostar - HERZEGOVINA - Dubrovnik
This morning we join a guided tour of Sarajevo – a city often called the Jerusalem of Europe for its long-standing religious diversity. We explore the historic centre, where mosques, churches and synagogues stand close together, and see the strong Ottoman influence in the old town, including a mosque more than 500 years old and a beautiful fountain. After the visit, we travel through the landscapes of Herzegovina to Mostar to discover its historic centre and iconic stone bridge that links Orthodox, Muslim and Catholic communities. You will have free time for lunch and to explore at your own pace. We then continue into Croatia – border formalities may be lengthy – arriving in Dubrovnik at the end of the day. Dinner is included.
Day 10 - Dubrovnik
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide, exploring one of Europe’s most beautiful walled cities on the Adriatic. We pause at a scenic viewpoint for sweeping views, and our visit includes entry to the Franciscan Monastery – home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe – and the Assumption Cathedral. We then take a short boat ride of about 15 minutes to Lokrum, where we visit the ruins of an eleventh‑century Benedictine monastery, a filming location for the series Game of Thrones. Afterward, you’ll have free time to continue exploring at your own pace before we return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is included. Note: On some departures we may stay in Cavtat, a nearby coastal town. From November to March there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.
Day 11 - Dubrovnik
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Dubrovnik. Our services end here – you’re free to depart at the time that best suits your onward travel plans. We hope you leave with lasting memories of the trip.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Dubrovnik
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Sofia
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard. Click here to see more information about the ships used on this and similar Tour.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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