Black Friday Sale: 60% OffOur legendary Black Friday Sale is HERE! Score up to 60% OFF tours now! Top discounts are available on limited spots: sooner you book, sweeter the deal.
Croatia Sailing 2024: Save up to 60% Discover crystal clear turquoise waters, unspoiled nature, historic towns and cool bars with a Premium boat…
Ski Bansko Tours : Save up to 60% Bansko is the finest winter destination in Bulgaria offering excellent nightlife, great après-ski, fantastic snow conditions and long ski runs. 
ANZAC Day Tours: 40% Off The memorial sites and stunning atmosphere take you back in time and guide you through this unique experience.
Why Travel TalkAt Travel Talk, we have one focus and that is simply to make your trip the experience of…
Safe Travels with Travel TalkThe wellbeing and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited have always…
Fair Travels with Travel TalkAs Travel Talk, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our prices….
Travel Talk BlogFind your travel inspiration here. Check out our blog for travel tips, experiences & more! Experience the highlights of the Balkans and Transylvania on this 16 day adventure. Explore the historic capital of Bucharest, delve into the legend of Dracula at Bran Castle, learn about the humbling history of Bosnia, be amazed by the coastlines and fjords of Montenegro and take a dip in Macedonia’s beautiful Lake Ohrid. You’ll experience it all with the perfect balance of history, culture, adventure, night-life and scenery.
Duration
Destination
Start/Ends in
16 Days
Balkans / Transylvania, Romania
Bucharest / Sofia
Hotels
Group Size
Age Requirement
4 Star
12-42 People
18+
Trip Rating
Trip Theme
Departs
1 reviews
Classic,Overland
April to December
Balabanov House is a picturesque Revival house in the old town of Plovdiv, opening its gates as a community center.
One of the oldest cities in Europe and the only one built on the confluence of two rivers, also known as the city that never sleeps.
A medieval town set in the heart of Transylvania's Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is the launchpad for the dazzling castles of the region.
The capital of Romania has everything to keep the traveler satisfied with a cosmopolitan downtown and historic sites.
The unofficial capital of Transylvania beckons with its myriad modern facilities scattered across Saxon and Hungarian monuments.
More than its fame as the house of the fictional Dracula, Bran Castle captures the hearts with its importance as a national landmark.
This complex is one of the most beautiful and strongest fortified systems in Europe, but the lively streets show that there is more!
Also known as Corvin is one of the largest Gothic-Renaissance castles in Europe and is featured as one of the Seven Wonders of Romania.
Montenegro’s chief coastal town, Kotor is a picturesque town where maritime history and Romanesque architecture are the moving forces.
Mostar is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) that acts as a calling card for the Balkans.
Ohrid is a large town in North Macedonia on the shore of Lake Ohrid and a UNESCO heritage site since 1980.
Hilly Plovdiv old town is famed for its photogenic winding cobbled streets and beautifully preserved Ottoman-era townhouses.
Salina Turda is a salt mine in the Durgău-Valea Sărată area of Turda, the second largest city in Cluj County, northwest Romania.
Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia, is a compact city on the Miljacka River, the center has museums commemorating local history
Shkodër or Shkodra is the fourth largest city in Albania and one of the oldest places in the Balkan peninsula.
Sibiu is a city in Transylvania, central Romania. It’s known for Germanic architecture in its old town, the legacy of 12th-century.
Sighisoara lies on the Târnava Mare River in Mures, Romania, right at the historic region of Transylvania, hosting a UNESCO-heritage citadel.
A town in central Romania’s Bucegi Mountains, Its 17th-century Sinaia Monastery was once a royal family residence.
Skopje is the capital and largest city of the North Macedonia and it lies in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula region.
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria.ıt has rich history from Roman and Ottoman Empires. Also famous with it's night life.
Sveta Troitsa Church is one of Ruse's highlights, built below ground level and resembling a fortress more than a cathedral.
Tirana is the capital and largest city of Albania.It is also culturel and economical, politically center of the country.
Trebinje is a small sized city situated in the Trebišnjica river valley in south eastern Herzegovina, about 30 km by road from Dubrovnik.
Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest towns in the country, as its history dates back to more than five thousand years ago.
Welcome to Bucharest! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. After you get all the critical information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner around 8:15pm and walk the streets of Bucharest.
After a hefty breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to launch our discovery of the fascinating Romanian capital, Bucharest. Follow your guide as we visit unmissable landmarks of the city starting with the Revolution Square, Arc of Triumph and Romania Athenaem. Learn about the unique culture and vast history of the city as we continue to the famous Opera House, National Military Club, Dimitrie Gusti National Village and the Palace of Parliament, each building presents a different perspective to the Romanian culture and an artwork in itself. After some personal leisure time for you to explore this gorgeous city on your own terms, return to the hotel following a long day of discovery.
Today’s the day we set course for the fascinating region of Transylvania. Drive through misty forests of lush green towards our first stop at Peles Castle in Sinaia, a beautiful neo-renaissance castle in the Carpathian mountains (Please note that it is not possible to visit inside of the castle). Just as we start to warm up to this unique atmosphere, goosebumps creep in… Prepare for the legendary Bran Castle, also known as the Castle of Count Dracula! This iconic sight is where legend and reality blend together to create the timeless stories of the vampires. Continue deep into Transylvania to Brasov, a fascinating town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and embellished with gothic & baroque architecture. Starting with the cobble-stone Piaţa Sfatului (Council Square), visit famous landmarks as the Black Church and Muresenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.
Ready to follow the footsteps of Count Dracula? Our journey continues to Sighisoara after making a stop at the Clock Tower. Soak in marvellous views of Sighisoara Citadel, the Dominican Monastery, The Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal), and Dracula’s House while listening to your guide about the colourful background of the town. Our next stop will be the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region, Cluj-Napoca! Tag along your tour leader for a sightseeing tour of the colourful town, visiting the Union Square, St. Mihail Church and Matthias Corvinus Monument. Then make way to our 4-star hotel following a long day of discovery with spare time to scroll through your photo reel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the salt mines of Turda. This fascinating geologic wonder first produced salt for the region in antique times and has been active since the 11th century! Continuing to Hunedeoara Castle, also known as the Corvin Castle, learn all about the vibrant history of the Transylvanian citadel from your guide. Our next stop will be the fairytale-like town of Sibiu. Relax at our comfortable 4-star hotel following a day filled with cultural adventure or start exploring Sibiu as you wish.
We start our day with a walking tour of charming Sibiu. Presenting marvellous samples of Germanic architecture, Sibiu’s legacy dates back to Saxxon settlers from the 12th century. Tag along your tour leader to view landmarks such as Brukenthal Palace, Piata Mare (city square), Lutheran Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. In the afternoon, we will be heading back to Bucharest for our overnight stay.
It’s time to bid farewell to Romania as we embark our ride for Veliko Tarnavo, the City of the Tsars. The historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire displays the unique Bulgarian architecture from the medieval age. Uncover the vast history and gems including Tsareverts Fortress and the Holy Forty Martyrs Church before moving on to Plovdiv.
Fill up at breakfast at the hotel as we prepare for a city tour of beautiful Plovdiv. Launching our tour at Old Plovdiv in Nebet Hill, visit the Balabanov and Georgi Mavridi House, witness the impressive St. Konstantin Church and Elena Church, and proceed to Roman Amphitheatre of Philippopolis and Stadium – some of the best-preserved samples of Roman architecture in the world. Then we continue to visit the Citadel Door, Castle Streets and St. Nedelya Church. Having explored the marvels of Plovdiv, we embark for Sofia! Upon arrival, discover the Bulgarian capital on a panoramic city tour covering all the unmissable sights of the city and learn about its rooted history.
After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.
Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.
Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.
Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the “King’s Landing”, the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night’s rest.
Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time. Departure to Albania, which is our final destination for the day. Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania. Walking tour through the centre. Overnight in Shkoder.
Hit the road after breakfast! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.
Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.
Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where our trip ends and we say goodbye to our new friends. You can explore the shopping streets, highlights and the nightlife as you wish.
Welcome to Bucharest! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. After you get all the critical information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner around 8:15pm and walk the streets of Bucharest.
After a hefty breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to launch our discovery of the fascinating Romanian capital, Bucharest. Follow your guide as we visit unmissable landmarks of the city starting with the Revolution Square, Arc of Triumph and Romania Athenaem. Learn about the unique culture and vast history of the city as we continue to the famous Opera House, National Military Club, Dimitrie Gusti National Village and the Palace of Parliament, each building presents a different perspective to the Romanian culture and an artwork in itself. After some personal leisure time for you to explore this gorgeous city on your own terms, return to the hotel following a long day of discovery.
Today’s the day we set course for the fascinating region of Transylvania. Drive through misty forests of lush green towards our first stop at Peles Castle in Sinaia, a beautiful neo-renaissance castle in the Carpathian mountains (Please note that it is not possible to visit inside of the castle). Just as we start to warm up to this unique atmosphere, goosebumps creep in… Prepare for the legendary Bran Castle, also known as the Castle of Count Dracula! This iconic sight is where legend and reality blend together to create the timeless stories of the vampires. Continue deep into Transylvania to Brasov, a fascinating town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and embellished with gothic & baroque architecture. Starting with the cobble-stone Piaţa Sfatului (Council Square), visit famous landmarks as the Black Church and Muresenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.
Ready to follow the footsteps of Count Dracula? Our journey continues to Sighisoara after making a stop at the Clock Tower. Soak in marvellous views of Sighisoara Citadel, the Dominican Monastery, The Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal), and Dracula’s House while listening to your guide about the colourful background of the town. Our next stop will be the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region, Cluj-Napoca! Tag along your tour leader for a sightseeing tour of the colourful town, visiting the Union Square, St. Mihail Church and Matthias Corvinus Monument. Then make way to our 4-star hotel following a long day of discovery with spare time to scroll through your photo reel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the salt mines of Turda. This fascinating geologic wonder first produced salt for the region in antique times and has been active since the 11th century! Continuing to Hunedeoara Castle, also known as the Corvin Castle, learn all about the vibrant history of the Transylvanian citadel from your guide. Our next stop will be the fairytale-like town of Sibiu. Relax at our comfortable 4-star hotel following a day filled with cultural adventure or start exploring Sibiu as you wish.
We start our day with a walking tour of charming Sibiu. Presenting marvellous samples of Germanic architecture, Sibiu’s legacy dates back to Saxxon settlers from the 12th century. Tag along your tour leader to view landmarks such as Brukenthal Palace, Piata Mare (city square), Lutheran Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. In the afternoon, we will be heading back to Bucharest for our overnight stay.
It’s time to bid farewell to Romania as we embark our ride for Veliko Tarnavo, the City of the Tsars. The historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire displays the unique Bulgarian architecture from the medieval age. Uncover the vast history and gems including Tsareverts Fortress and the Holy Forty Martyrs Church before moving on to Plovdiv.
Fill up at breakfast at the hotel as we prepare for a city tour of beautiful Plovdiv. Launching our tour at Old Plovdiv in Nebet Hill, visit the Balabanov and Georgi Mavridi House, witness the impressive St. Konstantin Church and Elena Church, and proceed to Roman Amphitheatre of Philippopolis and Stadium – some of the best-preserved samples of Roman architecture in the world. Then we continue to visit the Citadel Door, Castle Streets and St. Nedelya Church. Having explored the marvels of Plovdiv, we embark for Sofia! Upon arrival, discover the Bulgarian capital on a panoramic city tour covering all the unmissable sights of the city and learn about its rooted history.
After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.
Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.
Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.
Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the “King’s Landing”, the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night’s rest.
Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time. Departure to Albania, which is our final destination for the day. Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania. Walking tour through the centre. Overnight in Shkoder.
Hit the road after breakfast! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.
Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.
Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where our trip ends and we say goodbye to our new friends. You can explore the shopping streets, highlights and the nightlife as you wish.
4 star hotels
15 breakfasts
Air-conditioned coach or mini-bus
Arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel on day 1
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access (where available)
Bucharest
Count Dracula Castle in Bran
Sighisoara
Cluj-Napoca
Salina Turda Salt Mine
Corvin Castle
Sibiu
Veliko Tarnavo
Plovdiv
Sofia
Knez Mihailova
Danube
Belgrade Fortress
Mostar Bridge
Mostar Old Town
Dubrovnik Old Town
Kotor & Shkoder
Skenderbeg square
- Any flights not mentioned above
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not stated above
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips and gestures
- Entrance fees to the sights and museums
- Optional activities
- Other services not stated in the itinerary
Departing
Finishing
Availability
Deal/Discount
Price Per Person ( $ )
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
+ Load More Departures
Fully Booked
50 % Off
Start 2 Mar
End 17 Mar
Per Person in Share Room
$4218 $2109
Available
50 % Off
Start 16 Mar
End 31 Mar
Per Person in Share Room
$4218 $2109
Available
55 % Off
Start 30 Mar
End 14 Apr
Per Person in Share Room
$4218 $1898
April 2024
Available
50 % Off
Start 13 Apr
End 28 Apr
Per Person in Share Room
$4218 $2109
Available
50 % Off
Start 27 Apr
End 12 May
Per Person in Share Room
$4218 $2109
May 2024
Available
50 % Off
Start 11 May
End 26 May
Per Person in Share Room
$4262 $2131
Available
50 % Off
Start 25 May
End 9 Jun
Per Person in Share Room
$4262 $2131
June 2024
Available
50 % Off
Start 8 Jun
End 23 Jun
Per Person in Share Room
$4262 $2131
Available
50 % Off
Start 22 Jun
End 7 Jul
Per Person in Share Room
$4262 $2131
July 2024
Available
50 % Off
Start 6 Jul
End 21 Jul
Per Person in Share Room
$4233 $2117
Available
60 % Off
Start 20 Jul
End 4 Aug
Per Person in Share Room
$4233 $1693
August 2024
Available
50 % Off
Start 3 Aug
End 18 Aug
Per Person in Share Room
$4233 $2117
Available
55 % Off
Start 17 Aug
End 1 Sep
Per Person in Share Room
$4233 $1905
Available
60 % Off
Start 31 Aug
End 15 Sep
Per Person in Share Room
$4233 $1693
September 2024
Available
50 % Off
Start 14 Sep
End 29 Sep
Per Person in Share Room
$4262 $2131
Available
55 % Off
Start 28 Sep
End 13 Oct
Per Person in Share Room
$4262 $1918
October 2024
Available
50 % Off
Start 12 Oct
End 27 Oct
Per Person in Share Room
$4262 $2131
Available
55 % Off
Start 26 Oct
End 10 Nov
Per Person in Share Room
$4262 $1918
+ Load More Departures
A modern-design accommodation, only a few steps away from the city center. The hotel features an on site restaurant & bar and spacious rooms equipped with coffee-tea maker.
A charming accommodation, located in the heart of Old Town Brasov. The hotel offers its guests rooms equipped with tea/ coffee maker, an on-site restaurant offering delicacies from various cuisines.
An elegant hotel overlooking the Someșul Mic, offering its guests spectacular views. Guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen tv with cable channels, safe deposit box, tea/ coffee maker and free toiletries.
A contemporary accommodation, located only a steps away from the Old Town. The hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with tea-coffee maker, an on-site restaurant & bar and a SPA & wellness center.
A modern & comfortable hotel, offering its guests rooms equipped with electric kettle & flat screen tv with satellite channels, hair dryer & free toiletries, an on-site restaurant and a lounge bar and a fitness center.
A modern-design hotel, offering spacious rooms with flat-screen tv with satellite channels, coffee/ tea maker, safe deposit box, hairdryer & free toiletries, an on-site restaurant, lounge bar and a fitness center.
Discover some of the most elegant hotel rooms in Belgrade, designed to immerse the guests in apsolute comfort and unparaleled luxury.
Ibis Style Hotel offers various facilities such as swimming pool and a wellness centre. The hotel has a rich continental breakfast buffet.
Hotel Central Park is located in Trebinje and has a terrace with a nice and cozy restaurant.The hotel is in a building that has a very interesting history.
Located in the centre of Shkoder, Grand Hotel Europa features a fitness center & SPA. Clasically decorated rooms are air-conditioned and have LCD TV.
Located on the shore of Lake Ohrid, surrounded by an area of an amazing clear water of the lake on one side and endless green forest of and national park of Galicica.
A modern design hotel situated next to Vardar River in the beautiful capital city of North Macedonia. The hotel features a fitness & SPA center and an on-site restaurant.
At Travel Talk we do not only strive to provide excellent value for premium adventures but also to exceed expectations in every aspect of our trips, which is reflected in an enviable 98.2% customer satisfaction rate in 2019. Thanks to the invaluable feedback of our incredible travellers, we are continuously working to improve ourselves and the communities we touch, year after year.
Open until midnight
+44 20 809 995 96
[email protected]
Monday - Friday:
09:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed
W. Europe
Kerri Paasse
If you are looking for a relaxed, easygoing tour around Europe then this is not the one for you! If you want to squeeze 8 amazing countries into 16 amazing days, then this is the one. The days were long and packed full of fairytale towns, lots of sights to see and fascinating histories to learn. It really is an extremely underrated region of the world and I loved it all. Accommodations were all very nice , and the tour is really excellent value for money.
And I definitely need to mention Simon, our guide in the Balkans who spoke so passionately about his beautiful corner of the world, and taught us all a lot along the way.
I came home exhausted but very happy and would highly recommend this tour.
+ Load More
If you are one of our previous travellers and wish to share your experience with others please fill in the form below. Thanks!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Sign up to our emails, get the latest news, travel stories and hot offers!
Enquiry From