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Balkan Adventure
From US$3,416 /person
Twin room
Limited Time Special (select departures)

Balkan Adventure

Operated by: Trafalgar
Book up until  
Overview
14 days
13 places
7 countries
5+ yrs
moderate
From
US$3,416 /person
Was US$3,795
Twin room
Call 888 337 2083
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Bucharest
Brasov
Bucharest
Brasov
Veliko Tarnovo
Brasov
Sofia
Arbanasi
Veliko Tarnovo
Sofia
Rila
Skopje
Sofia
Tirana
Skopje
Tirana
Budva
Mostar
Sarajevo
Kotor
Sarajevo
Belgrade

Visit seven countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.

Overview
14 days
13 places
7 countries
5+ yrs
moderate
From
US$3,416 /person
Was US$3,795
Twin room
Call 888 337 2083
Itinerary & map
What you'll see
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 cafes. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner. Why not toast to new friends to set the tone for your memorable journey?

Inclusions
Mercure Bucharest Unirii
Dinner
Brasov, Bucharest

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.

Inclusions
Ana Bradul
Breakfast and Dinner
Brasov

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 favorite 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 favorites or consider joining your travel companions for an optional dinner.

Inclusions
Ana Bradul
Breakfast
Veliko Tarnovo, Brasov

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.

Inclusions
Yantra Grand
Breakfast and Dinner
Sofia, Arbanasi, Veliko Tarnovo

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 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. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the live-music entertainment during an optional experience.

Inclusions
Astoria Grand
Breakfast
Sofia, Rila

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 10th century.

Inclusions
Astoria Grand
Breakfast
Skopje, Sofia

Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, a religious crossroads, and a vibrant medieval trading center. See the Ottoman Empire’s legacy in the mosques and bazaars as you join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour this afternoon.

Inclusions
Solun Hotel & Spa
Breakfast
Tirana, Skopje

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 center – one where dour gray city blocks have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colorful façades. You’ll view such highlights as the Palace of Culture, the National Library and the Clock Tower before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

Inclusions
Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
Breakfast and Dinner
Tirana, Budva

Travel to Budva next where your Travel Director will provide an orientation 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 15th-century ramparts to explore its labyrinthine lanes and small squares where you could choose to sit back and watch the world go by.

Inclusions
TQ Plaza
Breakfast
Budva, Mostar, Sarajevo, Kotor

After an orientation in Kotor, join a Local Specialist in Mostar for a guided tour through colorful cobbled streets. 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.

Inclusions
Mövenpick Sarajevo
Breakfast and Dinner
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. Meet third-generation coppersmiths Adnan and Kenan, who are preserving Bosnia’s Ottoman-era metalwork tradition on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, where you can discover traditional shops, lively cafes and the poignant Sarajevo Roses. Local flavors and stories are on the menu tonight as you meet your host on your Be My Guest experience.

Inclusions
Mövenpick Sarajevo
Breakfast and Dinner
Sarajevo, 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.

Inclusions
Radisson RED Belgrade
Breakfast
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.

Inclusions
Radisson RED Belgrade
Breakfast and Dinner
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.

Inclusions
Breakfast
Highlights & inclusions
The following are included in your tour package:
  • 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
  • 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
  • 7 Dinner (D)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)
  • Explore Bucharest, Braşov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade
  • Discover Budva and Kotor
  • Visit Bran Castle in Braşov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, and the War Tunnel in Sarajevo
  • View Peleş Castle in Sinaia, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church in Sofia, the Palace of Culture and the National Library in Tirana and Mostar’s Stari Most
  • See the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest
  • Skopje: Spend quality time with the locals when you join an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring local hospitality and cuisine.
  • Bucharest: Bask in the rich history of Bucharest and its lasting legacies.
  • Sinaia: Journey to the Carpathian Mountains and discover Peles Castle.
  • Brasov: Journey through the medieval streets of Brasov and discover its trading history.
  • Veliko Tarnovo: Discover the rich history of Veliko Tarnovo with a Local Specialist.
  • Sofia: Journey to Sofia and spend the day basking in the wonders of Bulgaria’s modern-day capital.
  • Skopje: Join a Local Specialist on a city tour of the historic center of Skopje.
  • Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they share insights into life in the Albanian capital.
  • Budva: Spend the day exploring the picturesque town of Budva.
  • Mostar: Discover the magnificent coves and cliffs of the Kotor coast as well as the monumental Mostar Bridge.
  • Kotor: Enjoy some time in the morning discovering the wonders of Kotor.
  • Sarajevo: Discover the wonders and hidden treasures of Sarajevo.
  • Sarajevo: Discover the history of the Bosnian war tunnel in Sarajevo.
  • Belgrade: Discover the rich history of Belgrade and all it’s wonderful sights.
  • Sarajevo: Meet third-generation coppersmiths Adnan and Kenan, who are preserving Bosnia’s Ottoman-era metalwork tradition. Using repurposed war materials, they craft intricate coffee sets, jewelry and decorative pieces, keeping their family’s legacy alive despite the rise of mass production. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
  • Bran: Visit the infamous mythical home of Count Dracula and favorite residence of Romanian royalty - Bran Castle.
Dates & pricing
Apr 12, 2026
Sunday
Apr 25, 2026
Saturday
From
US$4,160 /person
Twin room
Apr 26, 2026
Sunday
May 9, 2026
Saturday
Limited Time Special
From
US$3,866 /person
Was US$4,295
Twin room
May 3, 2026
Sunday
May 16, 2026
Saturday
From
US$4,390 /person
Twin room
May 10, 2026
Sunday
May 23, 2026
Saturday
From
US$4,295 /person
Twin room
May 17, 2026
Sunday
May 30, 2026
Saturday
Limited Time Special
From
US$3,735 /person
Was US$4,150
Twin room
May 24, 2026
Sunday
Jun 6, 2026
Saturday
Limited Time Special
From
US$3,596 /person
Was US$3,995
Twin room
2026
2027
Things to know

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

  • Date changes can be made on request by contacting us via phone or email. Prices and spaces on the tour and are subject to availability.

For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, Luxury Escapes will:

  • allow you to change the dates of your tour
  • offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
  • refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)

Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase, and are outlined in more detail in the “Highlights and Inclusions” section, as well as in the itinerary. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.

  • If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact our trusted, third-party tour partner for further information.
  • If booking a Twin Share package, transfers are based on two people sharing the one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles
  • Flight details must be advised as per our trusted third-party tour partner’s requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by our trusted, third-party tour partner may result in forfeiting your transfer.

Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, Motorcoach Drivers and other ; laundry; phone calls; minibar; drinks and meals not detailed in the itinerary; and all items of a personal nature.

  1. International Flights (either side of tour)
  • Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your tour’s start destination on your chosen tour start date. Please ensure you allow for travelling time, and please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed. We are happy to assist you in arranging your flights, either via our website at http://luxuryescapes.com/flights or via our contact centre.
  1. Visas
  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 12 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
  • When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
  1. Personal Expenses
  • Optional activities and day tours are not included in your tour package, nor are meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary.
  1. Tipping & Gratuities
  • Tipping and gratuities are included for the services included in your trip, but are not included for your Motorcoach Driver and (where applicable) your Trip Manager, Wellbeing Director, Local Hosts or Local Guides. These are at your own discretion, and should be extended on a voluntary basis at the end of your journey. As a guide, approximately A$5 – A$10 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
  1. Travel Insurance
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
  • Luxury Escapes can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
  • COVID-19 requirements vary from country to country and region to region and you may be required to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of vaccination. Evidence of negative COVID tests may also be required. Airlines and other transport providers may also have separate requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your holiday due to your failure to comply with these requirements. You will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation.
  • Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
  • By purchasing this tour, you acknowledge the Covid-19 Health & Safety advice as shown https://le-prod-public-press-releases.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/20210224/le-covid19-health-and-safety-acknowledgement.pdf.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes or the tour provider liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
  • In most cases the tour operator can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
  • Any dietary requirements must be received by the tour operator at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
  • Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
  • Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • From dreaming, to planning, to booking, we’re with you every step of the way with our 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service. We have the experience and know how to adapt to change while ensuring our guests holiday is always stress free, so they can focus on what matters – having a great time and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We know that our guests don’t just want to see places. They want to be a part of them, to savour not just sights and sounds but experiences, to get insider looks at cultures, customs, and wonders. This is why we do not just take our guests to see places...instead we have locals open their doors to welcome them in like friends. From small, family-run hotels to passionate keepers of cultures and traditions, we craft memorable encounters and connections that our guests will cherish for years to come.
  • Stay in accommodation that is more than just a bed for the night. We select our hotels not only for their quality, impeccable service and comfort but they are also an important piece of the local heritage. From centuries-old castles to historical homesteads, you will be immersed in the stories behind each property, giving you the chance to live the legacy yourself.
  • Each trip is carefully crafted to leave you free to live in the moment and enjoy your holiday. Dive into the local cultures that make each destination so special. Enjoy our Trafalgar-exclusive experiences for a deeper understanding of the places we go, while allowing you to see the world through a different lens. We connect you with locals who are proud to welcome you into their community and share their stories through food – not only to experience the regions’ delicacies, but also the way of life. See the iconic, bucket list sights with a local specialist. Someone who won't just give you the kind of information you might glean from guidebooks, but show you how it's done, or supply you with fresh insights and anecdotes to make your guided holiday memorable. Food tastes so much better when it's shared with local people who have a story to tell. Perhaps that's why Trafalgar's "Be My Guest" experiences are so popular. You'll dine with local families in their homes, learn how to cook regional dishes, and share a glass or two with winemakers at their vineyards; giving you a deeper understanding of their lives and history.
  • You will gain access to travel expertise and dedicated service to support you at every step, making travel in these recent times worry-free. The Trafalgar difference is not just what we promise, it’s what we deliver. The best way to unlock rich travel experiences around the world starts here.Our Travel Directors are carefully selected for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Whether they're introducing you to a local artisan, revealing a hidden treasure or simply helping you to plan your day, they are your ideal friend and companion, wherever you are on your travels. From checking you into your hotel room to recommending a local eatery, your Travel Director's aim is to make travelling easy.
  • Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from 20 people up to 52 guests, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends from all over the world. With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with Trafalgar, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our guided tours. There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40.
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