Ultimate Balkans

Today depart for Sofia the capital of Bulgaria, a Balkan nation.

Please note: Some travellers may depart on Day 2 and arrive on Day 2.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival at Sofia Airport, you will be met by a representative and be transferred to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Zoo or similar, Sofia

Meals included: None

This morning you will enjoy a guided walking tour in the city centre, which will include seeing the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (entry included), Saint (Sveta) Sofia Church, the main shopping street Vitosha, the Synagogue, St. George Rotunda (entry included), the National Theatre and Banya Bashi Mosque.

A visit would not be complete without a stop to the country’s most important museum, The Museum of National History that contains some of the most important artefacts in Bulgaria’s History (entry included). Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore some more of this beautiful city on your own.

Overnight: Hotel Zoo or similar, Sofia

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll travel to discover Bulgaria’s most famous tourist site, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery. Being one of the largest in the Balkans it was the centre of Bulgarian culture and Orthodox belief for more than 1000 years. The monastery was founded in the 10th century by the hermit Saint Ivan Rilsky (St John of Rila).

Next, leave Bulgaria behind and head to Skopje, Macedonia, where you will arrive in the evening. The city is famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa. Enjoy an orientation tour and then check into the hotel after an approximately 340 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Gold or similar, Skopje

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will discover the most attractive landmarks of Skopje during a walking guided tour, such as the quay of the Macedonian river ‘Vardar’, the Memorial house of Mother Teresa (entrance excluded), Macedonia Square with the statue of Alexander the Great on his horse, the 1500-year-old fortress Kale and the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar. As one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans, the Old Bazaar has been Skopje's centre for trade and commerce since the 12th century and is still home to several active mosques, churches, and a clock tower.

Next travel to the town Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will enjoy a walking guided tour of the old city. Ohrid once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year, therefore it has been referred to as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans". You will have the chance to wander through the narrow streets and squares of the city situated on the banks of the lake with the same name. Lake Ohrid is famous as it’s Europe's oldest lake having formed over three million years ago. The tour will include the Ancient Theatre, the Tsar Samuil’s (Samuel’s) Fortress, old churches, monasteries, basilicas (Sveti Sofia Church) and the famous pedestrian shopping street (entrances excluded). Unwind after an approximately 180 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Granit or similar, Ohrid

Meals included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, you will visit the Museum On Water, also known as the Bay Of Bones, an amazing archaeological complex and a reconstruction of a pile dwelling settlement, dating back between 1200 and 700 BC. Afterwards, you will visit the Monastery of St. Naum, an amazing monastery built on a rock that offers a wonderful view of Lake Ohrid. You'll then enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or take part in an optional Ohrid boat ride around the marina, the old town and the Sveti Jovan Kaneo Monastery, bookable on tour (extra charges apply, entries included).

Overnight: Hotel Granit or similar, Ohrid

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will travel to Tirana, the capital of Albania and see the main tourist attractions during a walking guided tour of the city centre. These will include Tirana’s massive main square (Skanderbeg), Et’hem Bey Mosque, & Skanderbeg’s statue.

The remainder of the day will be at leisure for you to explore one of the most fascinating capitals in Eastern Europe at your own pace after an approximately 140 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Eurostar or similar, Tirana

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will travel to the nearby town of Kruje. The history of this city is very much linked to the national hero of Albania, George Castriot Skanderbeg, who made Kruje a fortress of resistance against the Turkish Ottoman empire in the 15th century. You will see Kruje Castle (entry included), which is supposed to be the headquarters of the “Dragon Of Albania”. Then you will explore the souvenir market in the traditional Old Bazaar. Your day will then continue to Budva, Montenegro. Here you will enjoy a walk in the city centre and see the most famous tourist attractions: the Citadel, Ballerina and Mogren Beach, the marina, Land Gate, Square of Churches, Ancient Necropolis, Njegoš’s Street, Mediternaska Street and Slovenska Plaza. Enjoy your hotel and explore more of this fascinating small port town after an approximately 200km travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Rivijera or similar, Budva

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy time at leisure to explore the beautiful Old Town or beaches of Budva.

Overnight: Hotel Rivijera or similar, Budva

Meals included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, enjoy time at leisure to explore the beautiful Old Town or beaches of Budva. Alternatively you can take part in an optional Kotor City Tour & Boat Ride, bookable on tour (extra charges apply).

Overnight: Hotel Rivijera or similar, Budva

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll head to Dubrovnik, Croatia, known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’ on an Approximately 95 kilometre travel day. The medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also discover Onofrio’s Fountain and walk along Prijeko Street to the Old Port, the key to Dubrovnik’s trading and maritime success.

Overnight: Hotel Valamar or similar, Dubrovnik area

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is free at leisure to explore this magical city.

Overnight: Hotel Valamar or similar, Dubrovnik area

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will travel to Split on an approximately 235 kilometre travel day. This is one of the most important cities along the Adriatic Sea. Here you can visit the city’s historical centre which is UNESCO World Heritage Listed.

Overnight: Hotel Batuda or similar, Split

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll transfer to the town of Korenica on an approximately 250-kilometre travel day. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may take the opportunity to join an optional tour to travel to the nearby Plitvice National Park, Croatia’s oldest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will enjoy a guided nature walking tour, a boat trip across the lakes and a panorama train ride and will be amazed by the colour of the water, bookable on tour (extra charges apply). In the late afternoon travel approximately 120 kilometre to Zadar and check in to your hotel.

Please note: The visit to Plitvice Lakes is weather-dependent. In the event of bad weather, the National Park can be closed. If possible, changes will be made to the following day’s schedule, respecting all the visits included in the itinerary

Overnight: Hotel Porto or similar, Zadar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will cross into Slovenia and travel to the Postojna Cave (entrance not included) - one of the largest caves in Europe. For those who don't wish to enter the cave, there are plenty of cafes nearby to sit and relax in. Afterwards, you'll continue on to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, having an approximately 400 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel One 66 or similar, Ljubljana

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast you will enjoy a walking guided tour to see the main tourist attractions of Ljubljana’s city centre. These include the National University Library, Congress Square, Cobbler’s Bridge, the New Square, Franciscan Church, the main square with the Prešeren Monument, the Three Bridges, the river promenade, the Municipality Square, the Open-Air Market, Butcher’s Bridge, the Old Square, St. Nicholas Cathedral and Dragon Bridge (entrances not included).

Next you will visit Ljubljana Castle (entry included), a medieval castle with Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, located on the summit of Castle Hill which dominates the city centre. The visit includes a return journey by funicular. This afternoon enjoy your time at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel One 66 or similar, Ljubljana

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be driven to Lake Bled where you can enjoy some time at leisure. Upon arrival at the lake, you can take an optional scenic boat ride on the emerald-green lake to admire lush scenery (extra charges apply, bookable on tour). After the optional boat ride everyone will visit Bled Castle (entry included), the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to the 11th century. Perched on a steep cliff high above the lake, the castle creates a dramatic backdrop to the city. Enjoy lunch at leisure in the fortress (not included) then return to Ljubljana after an approximately 110 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Blue Zagreb or similar, Zagreb

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will travel to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, where you will enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb’s Upper and Lower Town districts with amazing city views from the Strossmayer Promenade. You will also see the main attractions including St Catherine’s Church, the Stone Gate, the Lotrščak Tower and the Croatian Parliament. You will head to the Lower Town via Tkalčićeva Street and pass the Dolac Market to the medieval Kaptol (entrances excluded). Last but not least, you will enjoy the traditional architecture in Ban Jelačić Square after an approximately 140 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Blue Zagreb or similar, Zagreb

After breakfast, start the drive toward Serbia on an approximately 380 kilometre travel day. It boasts a perfect blend between cities and nature. Enjoy the scenic ride as you go inland towards Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city.

Overnight: Hotel Garni Planeta Inn or similar, Novi Sad

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll travel to the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. Upon arrival admire the Republic Square, the National Theatre and National Museum, Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija) which is the oldest part of Belgrade with Ottoman heritage, Bajrakli Mosque the only mosque in the city, Kalemegdan Park, Belgrade Fortress and the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers (entrances not included). You will also discover Pobednik (“The Victor”), the most famous symbol of Belgrade, built to commemorate Serbia's victory over the Ottoman and Austro- Hungarian Empire during the Balkan Wars. You'll then return to Novi Sad in the evening after an approximately 200 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Garni Planeta Inn or similar, Novi Sad

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning is free for your leisure or you may take part in an optional day tour to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci (can be booked directly during the tour). In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour to see Zmaj Jovina Street, the promenade of Novi Sad, the Palace of the Orthodox Bishop, Dunavska Street with its long line of single-story 19th century houses, the Danube embankment and the outside of Petrovaradin Fortress on the other bank (entrances not included).

Overnight: Hotel Garni Planeta Inn or similar, Novi Sad

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will travel to Budapest, “The Queen of Danube", and the capital of Hungary with a stop in Subotica, one of the least-known architectural gems of Serbia along the way. Upon arrival in Budapest, you may check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 310 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Ibis Budapest City or similar, Budapest

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy the day at leisure in this beautiful city. In the evening take the opportunity to join an optional tour with a fantastic 2-hour folklore show which includes traditional Hungarian dances and a scenic boat ride to see the evening lights of Budapest, (extra charges apply, bookable on tour).

Overnight: Ibis Budapest City or similar, Budapest

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will travel to Romania on an approximately 325 kilometre travel day. The first stop in Arad where you will admire the impressive Neo-Gothic Palace of Culture, the City Hall Palace, the Red Church, the great Catholic Cathedral and the State Theatre (entrances not included). Next you will discover Timisoara, a wonderful city frequently referred to as "Little Vienna” that became the European Capital Of Culture in 2021.

The charm of this city lies in its distinct architectural character and vibrant cultural life. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to discover Victory Square, Union Square, the Roman Catholic Cathedral, Freedom Square or the Jewish Neighbourhood.

Hotel Ibis City Center or similar, Timisoara

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you will visit the famous Corvin Castle (entry included), one of the most fascinating castles in Eastern Europe. Built in a Renaissance Gothic style the castle is full of amazing legends. Next, you will travel to Alba Iulia, the city of the Great Union Of Romania (national day). Here you will explore Alba Carolina Fortress and visit the Coronation Cathedral and St. Michael’s Cathedral (entries included).

Afterwards travel to Sibiu, the European Capital Of Culture in 2007 on an approximately 330 kilometre travel day. The city is dominated by the Tower Of The Clock or the 'Council Tower' that dates to the medieval era. See the Brukenthal Museum (the former residence of the governor of Transylvania), the Big Square, the Small Square and Huet Square with the Evangelical Cathedral (entrances not included).

Overnight: Hotel Ibis Style Arsenal or similar, Sibiu

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will explore the ancient, fortified church of Biertan (entry included), a Saxon village. Discover the bastion where couples who wanted to separate were imprisoned in order to change their mind. You'll also visit the Saxon Citadel Of Biertan that has preserved and intact three city walls. Next, you will travel to Sighisoara, renowed as one of the best-preserved citadels in Europe that's still inhabited. The historic centre of Sighisoara has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and is dominated by the Clock Tower.

Here you will see the Church On The Hill (entry included), reachable by a wooden covered staircase. You will also admire the statue of the famous Hungarian national poet Petofi Sandor. Next to the statue, you will see the Catholic Church (entry included), reserved for the Hungarian community and the tower of the shoemakers. You have the option to enjoy lunch in the house where Vlad The Impaler was born (not included) before continuing to Brasov and checking into the hotel after an approximately 210 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Ambient or similar, Brasov

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will enjoy a guided tour of Brasov, which was once an entirely fortified town. Brasov is also an important cultural and commercial centre and one of the most charming cities of Transylvania. Brasov impresses with its typically German architecture where the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance intersect to give life to an interesting and culturally lively city. You will see the First Romanian School, located in the oldest district of the city (the Schei district) which was inhabited exclusively by Romanians.

You will then visit the amazing Black Church (entry included), the largest evangelical Gothic church in Eastern Europe. The church houses are the most beautiful 19th century mechanical organ in Romania. Next you will see the palaces and houses of the historic centre, with the Council Square and the pedestrian Avenue of the Republic. Later you will continue travelling to Bran where you will tour Bran Castle (entry included), also known as Dracula’s Castle. In the Middle Ages Bran was on the border between Wallachia and Transylvania, therefore it was essential for the inhabitants of Brasov to build a defensive stronghold.

The fortress was later transformed into a beautiful castle thanks to the intervention of Queen Maria of Romania. After lunch (not included) you will visit the famous Peles Castle (entry included), the summer residence of the first king of Romania - King Charles 1 of Hohenzollern, of German origins. The castle was built between the 19th and 20th centuries. Each room is characterised by a unique style. Afterwards, you'll continue to Bucharest and check into the hotel after an approximately 215 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Central or similar, Bucharest

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will enjoy a fantastic guided city tour of Bucharest and lunch (not included) at a restaurant in the beautiful Herastrau Park, a relaxing place with a large lake. Explore the Village Museum (entry included), founded by a Romanian sociologist, an impressive open-air museum that offers the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of 19th-century Romanian farmers, their houses, water mills and churches made entirely of wood. You will also discover a wooden Maramures Church, which was dismantled and brought to the museum.

Next, you will see the Parliament Building, an impressive monument that was built at the command of the dictator in the 80’s. You will then enjoy a tour of the historical centre of Bucharest, a completely pedestrian area, with the remains of the princely fortress of Vlad the Impaler. You will also see the 16th century Palatine Church which was built in the Byzantine style and visit the Stavropoleos Church, an architectural jewel of the 18th century that was built in typical Wallachian style with important oriental influences in its external decorations (entrances not included).

Overnight: Hotel Central or similar, Bucharest

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Australia or New Zealand after a trip of a lifetime!

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day.

Meals included: None