Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania - 12 Days

Your Tour Includes:

• Guided sightseeing in Sofia, including Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Guided sightseeing of Belgrade
• Visit to Novi Sad on the Danube River
• Guided sightseeing in Budapest
• Orientation tour of Cluj Napoca
• Orientation tour of Sighisoara
• Visit to Bran Castle, of Dracula legend
• Walking orientation tour of Brasov with visit to the Black Church
• Visit to Sinaia Monastery and Pele’s Castle
• Guided sightseeing in Romanian capital of Bucharest

DAY 1

ARRIVE IN SOFIA, BULGARIA

Check into your hotel. Take advantage of the CosmosGO app to visit Sofia at leisure. In the early evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

DAY 2

SOFIA

This morning, join a Local Guide for a city tour that includes the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Theater, and St. Sofia Church and Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

BREAKFAST

DAY 3

An interesting drive today as you leave Bulgaria and cross the border into Serbia. Continue to the lively capital that takes its name Belgrade (white city) from the fortress built on a white ridge overlooking the city.

BREAKFAST

DAY 4

BELGRADE

Today, discover more about Belgrade on a guided city sightseeing tour to see the main monuments including Novi Beograd, Ada Bridge, Topcider park, Tito’s Memorial, Parliament House, Terazije and Kalemegdan Fortress. Enjoy some free time to explore more.

BREAKFAST

DAY 5

BELGRADE–NOVI SAD–BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Stop in Novi Sad, capital of the province, built on the banks of the Danube River and famous for its Petrovaradin Citadel. Enjoy a stroll in the town center. Continue to Budapest, capital of Hungary, split in two by the River Danube. It is a treasure trove of architectural wonders and history. See the best of both Buda and Pest with an optional cruise on the Danube River, with refreshments and refreshing views of the magnificent Parliament, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Castle Hill.

BREAKFAST

DAY 6

BUDAPEST

This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour to discover the highlights of Budapest. Admire views of the Opera House, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, Parliament, the Royal Palace, and Matthias Church. Stop to take a photo at Heroes Square and the Castle District. Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more.

BREAKFAST

DAY 7

BUDAPEST–CLUJ NAPOCA, ROMANIA

Drive through the Hungarian countryside, cross the border into Romania and continue to Cluj-Napoca, the film capital of Romania. En-route to the hotel, see some of the city’s highlights during a panoramic city tour.

BREAKFAST / DINNER

DAY 8

CLUJ NAPOCA-SIGHISOARA-BRASOV

Stop in Sighisoara, a medieval town with 11 towers within the city walls surrounding cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches—one of Romania’s prettiest towns. Legend says it is also the birthplace of the notorious Vlad who inspired the fictional character of Count Dracula. Continue to Brasov, a lovely medieval town famous for its town square filled with Baroque architecture and outdoor cafés.

BREAKFAST / DINNER

DAY 9

BRASOV: EXCURSION TO BRAN

Transylvania is commonly associated with vampires due to the influence of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, and all the subsequent books and many films the tale has inspired. This morning, depart for Bran and visit the legendary Dracula castle. It was built in 1377 and inhabited by the Wallachian prince, Vlad the Impaler. In the afternoon, a walking orientation of the Old Town of Brasov includes a visit to the Black Church, followed by leisure time.

BREAKFAST

DAY 10

BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST

Travel to Sinaia in the Prahova Valley. This is a lovely ski resort, almost 3,300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia, there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered to be among the most romantic castles in the world. Continue to beautiful Bucharest with its flower-festooned parks, gardens, and wide boulevards shaded by century-old trees.

Today’s Distance: 115 mi/ 185 km

BREAKFAST

DAY 11

BUCHAREST

The highlight of the included sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, windmills, watermills, and artisans’ workshops from all parts of the country. Your Local Guide will show you other places of interest, including the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Savings Palace. Take your experience to another level with an optional afternoon visit to the massive site of the Romanian Parliament, known today as “The Peoples 'Palace,” once the most extravagant symbol of Romania’s communist era under Ceausescu's dictatorship.

BREAKFAST

DAY 12

BUCHAREST

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

BREAKFAST

World Heritage Sites are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. The sites are judged to contain cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:

• Boyana Church
• Budapest (including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue)
• Historic Centre of Sighisoara

ZSUZSANNA LUKA

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

Traveling, researching the history and culture of new places has always been a passion of mine so when the opportunity arose to become a Tour Director I did not hesitate, and I still enjoy it - sharing my knowledge, passion and experience with guests, doing my best to ensure that their trip exceeds their expectations and becomes a wonderful memory. On tour there are travelers from all around the world, so I also learn a lot from them, broadening my horizon with each tour. It is not easy to choose a favorite country or a favorite tour as there is something unique and delightful in every corner of the world, but perhaps the Balkans and Transylvania are closest to my heart, as they are regions I am closely linked to.

Belgrade

Moxy Belgrade

Njegoseva 2 Belgrade Serbia

WiFi

Superior Tourist-Class

Located in the heart of Serbia¿s vibrant capital, Moxy Belgrade offers a fresh and contemporary hospitality experience just steps from the city¿s main attractions, shopping streets and cultural landmarks. The hotel features stylish guestrooms with smart design, comfortable bedding and modern amenities, creating the perfect base for exploring Belgrade.

HOTEL AMENITIES

Free WiFi

Fitness Room

Restaurant On-Site

Bar/Lounge

Business Center

Laundry Available

Luggage Storage

Elevator

ROOM FEATURES

In-Room Safe

Air Conditioning

Climate Control

Desk

Hair Dryer

Television

Cable/Satellite

Internet Access

Phone

Air Conditioning (Seasonal)

Budapest

Intercity Hotel Budapest

Baross tér 7-8 Budapest Hungary

WiFi

First-Class

Intercity Budapest is a modern hotel just steps away from the city center and everything it has to offer in terms of shopping and entertainment. The onsite restaurant has a modern, bright ambiance and offers a selection of regional specialties and international dishes. All tastefully furnished air-conditioned guestrooms promise homey comfort at the highest level and feature soundproofed windows, flat-screen TV with international channels, work desk, safe, and one free bottle of water. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel.

HOTEL AMENITIES

Free WiFi

Restaurant On-Site

Bar/Lounge

Business Center

Laundry Available

Luggage Storage

Elevator

ROOM FEATURES

In-Room Safe

Air Conditioning

Climate Control

Coffee Maker

Desk

Hair Dryer

Television

Cable/Satellite

Complimentary Toiletries

Internet Access

Phone

Cluj Napoca

Golden Tulip Ana Dome

Observatorului Street 129 Cluj-Napoca Romania

WiFi

First-Class

Located only a few minutes away from downtown Cluj-Napoca, the Golden Tulip Ana Dome hotel will impress you with its superb urban view. Close to shopping malls, business centers and recreation areas, Golden Tulip Ana Dome is the perfect choice for leisure or business travel. The newest Golden Tulip Hotel in Cluj-Napoca sets the highest standards of quality and elegance.

HOTEL AMENITIES

Free WiFi

Fitness Room

Restaurant On-Site

Bar/Lounge

Business Center

Concierge desk

Laundry Available

Luggage Storage

Elevator

Parking/Valet

Hot Tub

ROOM FEATURES

Mini-bar

In-Room Safe

Alarm Clock

Air Conditioning

Climate Control

Wake-Up Calls

Desk

Hair Dryer

Television

Window Opens

Cable/Satellite

Complimentary Toiletries

Internet Access

Phone

Voicemail

Air Conditioning (Seasonal)

Disabled Access / Rooms

Non-smoking Rooms

Brasov

Aro Palace

Bdul Eroilor 27-29 Brasov Romania

WiFi

First-Class

Overlooking the Tampa Mountain and the medieval historic quarter of Brasov, the traditional Hotel Aro Palace faces the Central Park. It features spacious and luxurious accommodations and offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. Both Romanian and European cuisine can be savored at the hotel's restaurant and the top floor Belvedere Club offers views over Brasov's Citadel. The hotel also has a Spa & Wellness Center offering various treatments and beauty procedures, a swimming pool, sauna and a gym. bathrobes, All of the soundproofed guestrooms have a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, slippers and bathrobes, other amenities include a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a mini-bar. The hotel enjoys a privileged location, right in the heart of Brasov, in the historical downtown.

HOTEL AMENITIES

Free WiFi

Fitness Room

Restaurant On-Site

Bar/Lounge

Business Center

Concierge desk

Pool

Spa Services

Laundry Available

ATM

Luggage Storage

Elevator

ROOM FEATURES

Room Service

Mini-bar

In-Room Safe

Air Conditioning

Iron/Ironing Board

Desk

Hair Dryer

Television

Cable/Satellite

Complimentary Toiletries

Internet Access

Phone

Bucharest

Ibis Bucharest Politehnica

Splaiul Independentei 313A Bucharest Romania

WiFi

Superior Tourist-Class

Ibis Bucharest Politehnica is a modern and vibrant hotel located within easy reach of the city centre, the Palace of Parliament, the Botanical Garden, and the popular AFI Cotroceni shopping centre. The hotel offers 158 contemporary, air-conditioned rooms, all equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with international channels, minibar, and in-room safe. The hotel also features a lively restaurant serving international cuisine, a bar with outdoor seating area and a 24-hour snack service.

HOTEL AMENITIES

Free WiFi

Restaurant On-Site

Bar/Lounge

Business Center

Luggage Storage

Elevator

ROOM FEATURES

Mini-bar

In-Room Safe

Air Conditioning

Desk

Hair Dryer

Television

Cable/Satellite

Complimentary Toiletries

Internet Access

Phone

Air Conditioning (Seasonal)

From US$ 2,899

*prices per person, based on double occupancy for 29 June 2027 departure

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