Balkan Explorer

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: UK - Bucharest

  Travel from the UK to Bucharest where you'll be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you’ll be introduced to Romania’s culinary heritage at a traditional restaurant, where local delicacies will set the tone for the adventures to come.

• Day 2: Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo

  The day begins with a guided tour of Bucharest, a city where history and modernity converge beautifully. Highlights include the monumental Parliament Palace, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, and Revolution Square, where Romania’s path to democracy was paved. Discover architectural marvels, art galleries, and bustling squares that paint a picture of Bucharest’s storied past. In the afternoon you’ll cross into Bulgaria, journeying to Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital nestled in the Yantra River valley. Upon arrival, take in the scenic surroundings and unwind before spending the night in this charming hillside city.

• Day 3: Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia

  In the morning, a guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo reveals the historical grandeur of Bulgaria’s medieval capital. Explore the legendary Tsarevets Fortress, perched on a hill and surrounded by ancient stone walls that once protected Bulgarian royalty. The fortress offers stunning views and a captivating journey into Bulgaria’s medieval period. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a scenic drive that will take us to Sofia, where the evening is yours to relax or explore the charming streets of Bulgaria’s vibrant capital.

• Day 4: Sofia

  We’ll start our day with a morning tour of Sofia, which takes you through Sofia's most captivating sights, including the magnificent St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, many people are particularly struck by its neo-Byzantine architecture and glittering gold domes. We’ll see the elegant National Theatre, with its striking classical façade reminiscent of the grand theatres of Vienna and Paris. Built in 1907, this cultural landmark still hosts some of Bulgaria's finest performances. The afternoon is yours to explore more of the Bulgarian capital. Dinner this evening will be accompanied by a folklore show of Bulgarian dancing and song.

• Day 5: Sofia - Skopje

  A real highlight of the region is today. Leaving Sofia behind, we’ll wind our way through the Rila Mountains to one of Eastern Europe's most remarkable treasures – the magnificent Rila Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is described as Bulgaria's 'jewel in the crown'. As you step through the fortress-like entrance, you'll be amazed by the vibrant frescoes, telling biblical stories through intricate paintings and the monastery's striped archways and peaceful cloisters. After a relaxing lunch near the monastery, we’ll continue to Skopje, North Macedonia’s bustling capital. As we arrive, you'll notice the city's fascinating mix of architectural styles – Ottoman-era buildings sit alongside modern structures and grand neoclassical facades. The evening is yours to explore at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll across the iconic Stone Bridge to the Old Bazaar, or enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants along the Vardar River.

• Day 6: Skopje

  A morning tour of Skopje showcases the city’s landmarks. You'll visit the striking Mother Teresa Memorial House, dedicated to the city's most celebrated daughter, where you’ll learn about the early life of this remarkable woman. The historic Old Bazaar is a particular highlight - one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans. As you wander its cobbled lanes, you'll be immersed in a world where traditional craftsmen still work copper and silver, and the aroma of Turkish coffee mingles with the scent of grilled kebabs. The afternoon offers a choice: explore more of Skopje at your own pace, or join our optional excursion to Kosovo's dynamic capital, Prishtina. Here, you'll discover a youthful city embracing change while honouring its heritage, with Ottoman-era mosques alongside modern cafes and galleries. Return to Skopje for dinner.

• Day 7: Skopje - Belgrade

  Today, we travel on to Serbia, discovering the captivating city of Niš. With roots dating back to Roman times and a pivotal role in WWII, Niš offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. We’ll visit the haunting Skull Tower, before enjoying a delicious traditional Serbian lunch. In the afternoon, we continue to Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital where history and modern culture meet. Spend the evening exploring or relaxing in the city known for its dynamic food scene and historic riverside charm.

• Day 8: Belgrade

  This morning, a guided tour introduces you to Belgrade’s iconic sights, from the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers to St. Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. With the afternoon free, you can stroll along the pedestrian streets of Knez Mihailova, enjoy the riverside restaurants, or delve deeper into the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy dinner later after a day exploring this brilliant city.

• Day 9: Belgrade - Timisoara

  After a short morning drive to Novi Sad, Serbia’s picturesque city on the Danube, we’ll enjoy a walking tour that takes us through the Petrovaradin Fortress and the colourful streets of the Old Town. In the afternoon, we cross back into Romania, arriving in Timisoara, a city known for its floral beauty and historical significance as the birthplace of the Romanian Revolution. A guided tour highlights the city’s blend of Austro-Hungarian architecture and lively squares before you settle in for the night.

• Day 10: Timisoara - Brasov

  Our day begins with a visit to the grand Corvinilor Castle, a stunning Gothic masterpiece steeped in legend and history. Wander through its grand halls and imposing towers, uncovering tales of medieval life. Next, we travel to Sibiu and we’ll tour this beautifully preserved medieval town, where every square and cobbled street tells a story. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Brasov, nestled at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. With its fairy-tale charm and picturesque streets, Brasov is the perfect place to unwind. Spend your evening at leisure – whether you choose to stroll through the medieval squares or simply relax and soak up the town’s peaceful atmosphere.

• Day 11: Brasov

  Today we’ll experience a number of highlights of the whole Balkan region. Starting with a tour of Brasov’s old town, we’ll explore the Black Church, medieval fortifications, and vibrant Pia?a Sfatului square. Next, we travel to a small village called Zarnesti where we’ll visit our Just You Care project, the Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Here, you’ll meet rescued bears in a natural forest setting, which has very stringent animal welfare priorities. This sanctuary is certainly not a zoo - it is a haven for bears that have been treated badly in captivity previously and have now been given a second chance. In the afternoon, we delve into the mysterious lore of Bran Castle, often associated with Dracula’s legend, and enjoy a magical evening meal at the restaurant in the castle grounds, an experience that transports you to another era.

• Day 12: Brasov - Bucharest

  As our journey nears its end, we’ll first travel through some spectacular scenery in the Romanian Carpathian mountains. We’ll visit the splendid Peles Castle in Sinaia, a neo-Renaissance masterpiece surrounded by breath-taking mountain scenery. From there, we travel back to Bucharest for a farewell dinner at Caru’ cu Bere, a historic restaurant renowned for its traditional Romanian dishes and ornate interior. Here we’ll reflect on our incredible journey through the Balkans, shared with new-found friends.

• Day 13: Bucharest - UK

  Today we say farewell to the fascinating Balkan region today, as you travel back to the UK.