Guide

Professional Tour Manager Local tour guide in Romania, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Dubrovnik, Split, Sarajevo, Belgrad

Meals

Breakfast included.

Others

Overnight in 3 * Hotel with breakfast included as indicated in the itinerary All breakfasts included Transport by minibus / coach with air conditioning English speaking Tour Manager that will accompany the group for the duration of the tour

Transport

Transport by minibus / coach with air conditioning

Accommodation

Overnight in 3 * Hotel with breakfast included as indicated in the itinerary

Not included:

Others

Tips for tour manager / driver Entrance fees to museums/churches/national parks ecc Meals other that the ones indicated in “Services included” Anything not expressly indicated under “Included services” !! The tour manager will indicate the time that we will have for the visits and also he will decide the order of the visits. The order can be changed based on multiple factors like weather, traffic conditions and restrictions, national holidays, ecc but all the visits will be done as indicated in the itinerary, changing just the order keeping in mind that all this is done for your safety or to make more enjoyable your tour. !! This tour is a easy walking tour for persons with a good general fit condition. It requires some small effort like: carrying your own bag on just some steps to get into the hotel (mostly of the hotels have also an elevator), and also some average effort like: walking tours from 2 hours to 4/5 hours (from 1 km to 7 km) depending on the sites visited. To have a better idea: Sofia walking tour: 1,5 hours = 4 km, Skopje Walking Tour: 1,5 hours = 3 km ; Even if there is involved some walking the tour is still accessible for all the people with a good condition without involving trekking or any other high difficulty tours. Still keep in mind that we will have to make some walk during the tour. In case you can't have the walking tour or you like to spend your time in a different way you can explore the attractions by yourself if possible only after agreeing with the tour manager. In this tour you will enjoy the sightseeing, see the cities indicated and have also enough time for yourself. Even if it we see 10 countries the days are organized to start the tour between 08.00 to 09.00 and get to the hotel at 6 – 7 p.m. in order to have also free time.

Optional

Daytrip from Podgorica (Montenegro) to Kotor and Budva - 60 euro - to be payed locally in cash Daytrip from Medugorje (Bosnia&Herzegovina) to Dubrovnik (Croatia) - 60 euro - to be payed locally in cash Daytrip from Medugorje (Bosnia&Herzegovina) to Split (Croatia) - 60 euro - to be payed locally in cash

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Saturday – Bucharest – Veliko Tarnovo - Devetashka - Lovech (230 Km) Romania + Bulgaria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Saturday – Bucharest – Veliko Tarnovo - Devetashka - Lovech (230 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

We will leave Bucharest in the morning and head to Bulgaria. After crossing the bridge over the Danube River we will enter in Bulgaria and our first visit will be at Veliko Tarnovo , “City of Tsars” , the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Visit Tsarevets Fortress , the main attraction of the city. The Devetàshka cave is a picturesque karst cave near the waterfalls. Unlike other caves Devetàshka is very well lit and its floor is covered by lush greenery, especially in spring and summer, so sometimes it is hard to believe that one is actually underground. The Krushùna Falls are the biggest travertine cascade in Bulgaria, unique with its picturesque scenery, lush vegetation, numerous round-shaped terraces and small natural pools with mineral water. The main waterfall is about 20 m high and it splits into several smaller ones along its way down the soft limestone rocks. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Lovech. Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 4 hours
Day 2 Day 2: Sunday – Lovech - Sofia (150 Km) Romania + Bulgaria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Sunday – Lovech - Sofia (150 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

Visit Lovech with the Covered Bridge over the Osam River is another must-see attraction in Lovech. The bridge unites the two halves of the town and it’s a distinctive piece of construction and a significant representation of Lovech. In the evening we will arrive in Sofia . The walking tour of city center will include the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint (Sveta) Sofia Church , Banya Bashi Mosque, the Sofia Synagogue and the main shopping street Vitosha . Overnight in a 3* hotel in Sofia. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain Bus: 2,5 hours
Day 3 Day 3: Monday – Sofia – Rila – Skopje (350 Km) Bulgaria +Macedonia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Monday – Sofia – Rila – Skopje (350 Km) Bulgaria +Macedonia

Departure to Rila Monastery , Bulgaria's most famous tourist site ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) and founded in the 10th century by Saint Ivan Rilsky (St John of Rila ) , a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church . The monastery , one of the largest in the Balkans , was the center of Bulgarian culture and Orthodox belief for more than 1000 years . Our tour includes a visit to the Church, which is of particular artistic value, for it was adorned by the foremost 19-century masters of the Samokov, Bansko and Debar schools of painting and woodcarving. Continue drive south to the Bulgarian - Macedonian border . In the early evening we will arrive in Skopje , the capital of Macedonia . Orientation tour of Skopje before arriving to your centrally located hotel. Overnight in Skopje in a 3* Hotel. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain Bus: 6 hours
Day 4 Day 4: Tuesday – Skopje – Ohrid (190 Km) Macedonia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Tuesday – Skopje – Ohrid (190 Km) Macedonia

After breakfast enjoy a walking tour of Skopje (internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa ) , with its most important landmarks : quay of the Macedonian river “Vardar”, the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar (is the biggest bazaar preserved in the Balkans today ), the Memorial house of Mother Teresa , the 1500 years old fortress Kale , Macedonia Square with the statue of Alexander The Great on horse . Continue the tour to Ohrid ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) situated on the banks of the lake with the same name , perched on the border of Macedonia and Albania. Ohrid area has been the setting of thousands of years of human history and the old city center are testimony to its past. Lake Ohrid itself is Europe's oldest lake having formed over three millions years ago. The walking tour of the old city center will include the narrow streets and squares , the Anchient Theater , discover the famous old churches, monasteries and basilicas (Sveti Sofia Church ) , Tsar Samuil’s (Samuel’s) Fortress and pedestrian shopping street . Overnight in Ohrid in a 3* hotel . Strenuous walking: 4–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 3 hours
Day 5 Day 5: Wednesday – Ohrid – Tirana (130 Km) Macedonia + Albania
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Wednesday – Ohrid – Tirana (130 Km) Macedonia + Albania

After breakfast departure to the Macedonian – Albanian border heading to Tirana, capital of Albania . The walking tour of city center of Tirana will reveal the main tourist attractions : Tirana’s massive main square – Skanderbeg , National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque and Skanderbeg’s statue . Overnight in a 3* hotel in Tirana. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain Bus: 3 hours
Day 6 Day 6: Thursday – Tirana - Podgorita (160 Km) - Albania+Montenegro
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Thursday – Tirana - Podgorita (160 Km) - Albania+Montenegro

After breakfast we will head to the capital of Montenegro and during our walking tour we wil admire: The Clock Tower, Osmanagica and Doganjska Mosque, Skaline (the old stairs), St.George Church, Millenium Bridge, Russian Bridge, Vladimir Vysotsky Monument, Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Roman Square, King Nicola's Castle. Overnight in Podgorica in a 3* hotel. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain Bus: 3,5 hours
Day 7 Day 7: Friday – Optional: Thursday – Podgorica – Budva – Kotor - Podgorica (180 Km) Montenegro
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Friday – Optional: Thursday – Podgorica – Budva – Kotor - Podgorica (180 Km) Montenegro

OPTIONAL - Enjoy spare time in Podgorica or you can take an optional tour to Budva and Kotor. Departure to Budva – Montenegro , crossing the Albanian – Montenegro border and stop to visit the Old Town walls of Budva and see the most important spots: Ballerina and Mogren Beach, Land Gate, Ancient Necropolis, Square of Churches, Citadel, Njegoš’s street, marina, Mediternaska Street and Slovenska Plaza. In the evening you will arrive in Kotor and discover the fortified old town – Stari Grad ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) . Overnight in a 3* hotel in Podgorica. Moderate walking: 3–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 4 hours
Day 8 Day 8: Saturday - Podgorica - Kravice - Medugorje (230 Km) Montenegro + Bosnia&Herzegovina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Saturday - Podgorica - Kravice - Medugorje (230 Km) Montenegro + Bosnia&Herzegovina

After crossing the border in Bosnia&Herzegovina we will visit Kravica Waterfall, between the villages of Studenci and Zvirici, the river Trebizat creates a waterfall 28 meters high and a beautiful natural amphitheater 120 meters wide. Kravica waterfall is a paradisiacal place where we shall have a rest from everything that is ordinary and mundane, and simply enjoy the serene setting of captivating waterfalls embraced by the lush greenery. During the summer it is also possible to swim Next, we will arrive in Medjugorje is one of the most famous Roman Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world. It became known through the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, which began as a phenomenon in 1981, In years that where coming Međugorje became the center of religious Tourism of this part of Europe. Although, it is one of Bosnian most visited tourist centers, Medjugorje still retained its original charm, in which pilgrims find peace in faith. Walk to Apparition Hill Križevac or just feel the positive energy of this settlement in St Jacob Church Overnight in Medugorje in a 3* hotel. Moderate walking: 3–6 miles throughout the day with some hills. Bus: 4,5 hours
Day 9 Day 9: Sunday – Medugorje - Dubrovnik - Medugorje (250 Km) – Croatia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Sunday – Medugorje - Dubrovnik - Medugorje (250 Km) – Croatia

Enjoy free time in Medugorje or take our OPTIONAL tour in Dubrovnik. On the walking tour of Dubrovnik, you will explore the beautiful historic architecture and stone-paved streets of the UNESCO-protected Old City of Dubrovnik, and pay a visit to the famous Dubrovnik City Walls. Dubrovnik is most famous for serving as one of the sets for Game of Thrones, so fans of the show are definitely in for a treat, but we are certain everyone will be enthralled by Dubrovnik, regardless of their TV preferences. Overnight in Medugorje in a 3* hotel. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain Bus: 4 hours
Day 10 Day 10: Monday – Optional - Saturday – Medugorje – Split - Medugorje (280 Km) Croatia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Monday – Optional - Saturday – Medugorje – Split - Medugorje (280 Km) Croatia

OPTIONAL : Today you will have a chance to admire one of the most popular Mediterranean places, a place so special that there will hardly be a single thing you won’t be fascinated with. They say that Split is a place you have to love, it’s not a matter of choice. The first part of a day we will use for an walking tour and learn about Split in depth. We will take a stroll through the centuries, starting from Roman times and enjoy the treasure trove of endless layers of history, architecture and urban spirit of this amazing city. Just the fact that the essence of the city’s urban life is the grandiose 4th century Diocletian’s Palace which, along with the historic centre are UNESCO protected and maintained by the United Nation’s agency for education, science and culture is a small hint on all of the possible whirlwinds of emotions you will be experiencing while walking the paths of the ancient civilisations and enjoying the mesmerizing colors of Adriatic sea. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Medugorje. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain Bus: 4 hours
Day 11 Day 11: Tuesday– Medugorje – Mostar – Sarajevo (150 Km) Bosnia&Herzegovina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Tuesday– Medugorje – Mostar – Sarajevo (150 Km) Bosnia&Herzegovina

After breakfast , we will head to Mostar where the focus of our attention will be the old town and the Old Bridge of Mostar. Built in 1566 the Mostar bridge has since been the main reason behind Mostar developing into the capital of the Herzegovina region. Unfortunately in November of 1993, during the Siege of Mostar, the bridge was destroyed. Reasons and judicial facts behind the destruction of the Mostar Old Bridge, we will thoroughly cover during our walking tour of Mostar. Since the Bridge, since then there’s been a tradition of bridge diving. Today young and brave Mostar divers compete to earn a few euros by diving off the bridge in front of the tourists from all around the world. After we leave Mostar, we shall take an amazingly scenic road passing by the Jablanica lake and via the Neretva river canyon, we’ll arrive in Sarajevo. Walking tour of the old part and city centre of Sarajevo. Our 2.5 hour tour will cover the stories of origins of Sarajevo and the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. We shall visit the Ottoman and Austria-Hungarian parts of Sarajevo, which both with its stunning markets, bazaars, mosques, churches and synagogues will reveal the true nature of the real European Jerusalem. We’ll make sure to visit the Latin Bridge and learn the story about how WWI was triggered right here, in the heart of Sarajevo. Sarajevo’s 1984 Winter Olympics and life during the Siege of Sarajevo will surely be part of our story today. Overnight in Sarajevo in a 3* hotel. Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 3 hours
Day 12 Day 12: Wednesday – Sarajevo – Belgrad (400 Km) Croatia + Serbia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Wednesday – Sarajevo – Belgrad (400 Km) Croatia + Serbia

Departure to Belgrad, capital of Serbia. Visit the Republic Square, the National theater and the National museum, Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), the oldest part of Belgrade with Ottoman heritage, the only mosque in the city, Kalemegdan park, Belgrade fortress, „Victor“ the most famous symbol of Belgrade and the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Belgrad. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 6 hours
Day 13 Day 13: Thursday – Belgrad – Novi Sad – Budapest (400 Km) Serbia + Hungary
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Thursday – Belgrad – Novi Sad – Budapest (400 Km) Serbia + Hungary

After breakfast , departure to Budapest with a stop in Novi Sad ( European Capital of Culture 2021) where we will visit Zmaj Jovina Street, the promenade of Novi Sad and obligatory sight for any tourists, not least for the ornamental Palace of the Orthodox Bishop. We will see also y – Dunavska, street with its long line of singlestoried 19th century houses. The Danube embankment, the outside of Petrovaradin Fortress on the other bank. In the evening we will arrive to Budapest ,`´ The Queen of Danube “ , capital of Hungary . Overnight in a 3* hotel in Budapest. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain Bus: 5 hours
Day 14 Day 14: Friday – Budapest Hungary
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Friday – Budapest Hungary

Spare time in Budapest in wich you can discover by yourself this magical city and see the iconic statues of Heroes’ Square, the Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover also St. Stephen’s Basilica, Dohány Street Synagogue and the beautiful Castle District in Buda. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Budapest. Bus: 0 hours
Day 15 Day 15: Saturday - Budapest – Timisoara (320Km)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Saturday - Budapest – Timisoara (320Km)

After crossing the border in Romania you will visit Timisoara, a city full of charm and distinct architectural style thanks to many influences from the turks, serbians, Austrians , germans , ecc , , European Capital of Culture in 2023. Overnight in 3* hotel in Timisoara Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 4 hours
Day 16 Day 16: Sunday – Timisoara – Corvini’S Castle – Alba Iulia – Sibiu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Sunday – Timisoara – Corvini’S Castle – Alba Iulia – Sibiu

In the morning we will visit the most important gothic Castle from Eastern Europe: The Corvini’s Castle and later the city where Romania was Born in 1918: Alba Iulia. In the evening arrival in Sibiu, one of the most beautiful medieval city of Romania and a magical city steeped in an atmosphere of another era, which in 2007 was the European cultural capital. Overnight in in a 3* hotel in Sibiu. Strenuous walking: 4 – 7 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 5,5 hours
Day 17 Day 17: Monday – Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Monday – Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov

Departure to Sighisoara, “fortress city” also a Unesco monument, which retains its medieval center on the hill of the fortification. Here and also born Vlad Tepes, more known as Count Dracula. You will enjoy also the city of Brasov and visit the Black Church and the oldtown with its typical saxons houses. Brasov is called also Kronstadt “the city of the crown”, and we will take a walking tour of the historical center, enriched by particular civil and religious buildings, such as the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania, the Council House from the fifteenth century, the Gates Schei and Ecaterina. Overnight in Brasov in a 3* Hotel. Strenuous walking: 4 – 7 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 3,5 hours
Day 18 Day 18: Tuesday – Brasov – Bran – Sinaia – Bucharest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Tuesday – Brasov – Bran – Sinaia – Bucharest

We start our day with a visit of the famous Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) built between 1377 and 1382 on a large rock. But the castle owes especially its fame to the legend associated with the figure of Vlad Tepes. After the visit of Dracula’s Castle we will departure to Sinaia, where will be visiting the Peles Castle, considered among the most beautiful in Europe. Peles Castle may be considered the castle of Records: – was the first building of its kind to have since the construction of central heating and elevator – in the hall of the theater commissioned by Queen was presented for the first time in Romania a film. In the afternoon we will arrive in Bucharest. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Bucharest. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 3,5 hours
Day 19 Day 19: Wednesday – Bucharest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Wednesday – Bucharest

Parliament Palace Built by Communist Party leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, the colossal Parliament Palace (formerly known as the People’s Palace) is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. It took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build. The palace boasts 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, a 328-ft-long lobby and four underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker. The Palace of Parliament it is the world’s second-largest office building in surface (after the Pentagon) and the third largest in volume (after Cape Canaveral in the U.S. and the Great Pyramid in Egypt) Old Town Bucharest Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Bucharest, a completely pedestrian area, with the remains of the princely fortress of Vlad the Impaler, the 16th century palatine church in Byzantine style, and the Stavropoleos church, an architectural jewel of the 18th century, in typical Wallachian style, with important oriental influences in external decoration Village Museum Visit Village Museum, founded by a Romanian sociologist and built in 1936 with the collaboration of construction experts, anthropologists, ethnographers and sociologists from all over Romania. This wonderful open-air museum offers the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of the romanian farmers of the 19th century, their houses, their water mills and their churches entirely made of wood Revolution Square Revolution Square ( Panoramic sightseeing) the place where Nicolae Ceausescu held his last speech and where the protests that ultimately led to the fall of communism took place in December 1989. No overnight offered for this day. Strenuous walking: 3 – 6 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 30 minutes

+16

19 days tour

19 Days Balkans Tour From Bucharest

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 19 Days Balkans Tour From Bucharest

Day 1: Saturday – Bucharest – Veliko Tarnovo - Devetashka - Lovech (230 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

Day 2: Sunday – Lovech - Sofia (150 Km) Romania + Bulgaria

Day 3: Monday – Sofia – Rila – Skopje (350 Km) Bulgaria +Macedonia

Day 4: Tuesday – Skopje – Ohrid (190 Km) Macedonia

Day 5: Wednesday – Ohrid – Tirana (130 Km) Macedonia + Albania

Day 6: Thursday – Tirana - Podgorita (160 Km) - Albania+Montenegro

Day 7: Friday – Optional: Thursday – Podgorica – Budva – Kotor - Podgorica (180 Km) Montenegro

Day 8: Saturday - Podgorica - Kravice - Medugorje (230 Km) Montenegro + Bosnia&Herzegovina

Day 9: Sunday – Medugorje - Dubrovnik - Medugorje (250 Km) – Croatia

Day 10: Monday – Optional - Saturday – Medugorje – Split - Medugorje (280 Km) Croatia

Day 11: Tuesday– Medugorje – Mostar – Sarajevo (150 Km) Bosnia&Herzegovina

Day 12: Wednesday – Sarajevo – Belgrad (400 Km) Croatia + Serbia

Day 13: Thursday – Belgrad – Novi Sad – Budapest (400 Km) Serbia + Hungary

Day 14: Friday – Budapest Hungary

Day 15: Saturday - Budapest – Timisoara (320Km)

Day 16: Sunday – Timisoara – Corvini’S Castle – Alba Iulia – Sibiu

Day 17: Monday – Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov

Day 18: Tuesday – Brasov – Bran – Sinaia – Bucharest

Day 19: Wednesday – Bucharest

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