Compare From Sofia to Dubrovnik by Europamundo Vacations vs Treasures of the Balkans - Small Group, 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Sofia

Today’s Highlight: Transfer to the hotel. City tour of Sofia. Welcome to Sofia!!!. Upon arrival at the airport, we shall be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. After lunch (towards 15.00hrs), we include a tour of the capital of Bulgaria, where we will see the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, its squares and avenues of Stalinist architecture. Rest of day at leisure.

Day 2: Sofia - Bachkovo - Plovdiv

Today’s Highlight: Plovdiv. Dinner included. In the morning we will leave for Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria’s second most important monastery, founded in the eleventh century, with its three churches, we feel it as a place full of peace. Continue to Plovdiv, where we will visit the city, which is one of the oldest in Europe. Here we include tickets to the Roman Amphitheatre, the ancient chemist’s and the Armenian House.

Day 3: Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Shipka - Etara - Arbanassi - Veliko Tarnovo

Today’s Highlight: Balkans mountain. Thracian tomb, Church of Nativity in Arbanasi. Lunch included. Today’s journey takes us through beautiful scenery across the Balkans mountain range. In the valley of the Roses, we will see Kazanluk, where tickets are included to the replica of the Thracian Tomb (Heritage of Mankind) and we will learn about the production of products derived from the roses. Amidst the mountains, we stop at the Russian church of Shipka, which commemorates the war between Russia and Turkey. Visit Etarat with its charming village/ethnographic museum. After lunch, we travel to Arbanasi, an ancient trading city with its fortress-houses, where we visit the Church of the Nativity with entrance included. Travel to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, with a very picturesque medieval centre. Note: In some cases, Arbanasi may be visited on Sunday morning instead of Saturday.

Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo - Basarboski - Bucharest

Today’s Highlight: Panoramic tour of Bucharest. Dinner included. We travel to Romania and on our way we will stop at the Basarbovski Monastery, a place of pilgrimage dug out of the rock. We proceed to cross the border and the river Danube, arriving to Bucharest in the early afternoon. Time for lunch, then we will take a panoramic tour of the city with its ancient quarter and the giant Parliament Palace. Leisure time followed by dinner.

Day 5: Bucharest - Sinaia - Bran - Sighisoara

Today’s Highlight: Dracula’s Castle. Transylvania region. Special dinner in Sighisoara. Today we have a journey with great scenic beauty, travelling to Transylvania across the Carpathian Mountains and through forests. In Sinaia, we will stroll through the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor Castles before going on to the 14th-century Bran fortress, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle (tickets included). Time for lunch, before continuing to Sighisoara, a very beautiful walled medieval city and Heritage of Mankind. In the evening we will enjoy a very special dinner, in the restaurant of Count Dracula, at the house where Vlad Tepes was born.

Day 6: Sighisoara - Biertan - Sibiu - Hunedoara - Timisoara

Today’s Highlight: varied landscapes, small picturesque villages en route. In Transylvania there are numerous fortified churches in areas that were inhabited by people of German origin; some of these churches have been declared Heritage of Mankind, and we will see one of them, Biertan (tickets included). After this, we continue to Sibiu, an important economic and cultural centre, previously the capital of Transylvania, with its bustling narrow streets and squares. Time for a stroll and take lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the impressive Castle of Hunedoara, which is considered the prettiest castle in Romania. We continue to Timisoara, with time to explore its elegant central squares.

Day 7: Timisoara - Belgrade

Today’s Highlight: Panoramic tour of Belgrade. We set off for Serbia and the border pass. After a few hours travelling, we will arrive to Belgrade. Here you can enjoy a panoramic tour of this active capital on the shores of the Danube as it flows into the Sava. We get the chance to admire its busy centre, its parliament, and stroll in the Kalemegdan Fortress. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 8: Belgrade - Sarajevo

Today’s Highlight: Panoramic tour of Sarajevo. Tunnel of life. Dinner included. Enjoy the journey of pretty forests and mountain scenery. We arrive to Bosnia, Sarajevo, at lunchtime. With a local guide, we will take a panoramic tour of this city with strong Turkish influence: its Mosques, its Madrasahs, and its busy bazaars. We will also see the Tunnel of Hopethat saved the city during the Serbian siege. Note: Depending on the arrival time, the Tunnel of Hope can also be visited on Friday before leaving for Mostar.

Day 9: Sarajevo - Mostar - Medjugorje - Kravice - Dubrovnik

Today’s Highlight: Beautiful landscapes throughout the stage: mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, picturesque villages en route. Dinner included. Another exciting drive of scenic beauty. Amidst deep valleys, we travel to Mostar, with its very beautiful historic centre and Stonebridge separating the Orthodox, Muslim and Catholic communities. After lunch, we stop in Medjugorje, a place that attracts thousands of Catholic Pilgrims. We then travel to Kravice, we stop at its magnificent waterfalls before continuing to Croatia. Border procedures (which may be long). We will then arrive into Dubrovnik at the end of the day with accommodation on the coast near the city. Dinner included.Note: From the end of October to the end of March we will not stop at Kravice Falls.

Day 10: Dubrovnik

Today’s Highlight: Panoramic tour of Dubrovnik. Cable car ride. Dinner included. In the morning we enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide. We are undoubtedly in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, surrounded by walls, bathed by the Adriatic Sea; its intact historic centre is a jewel of world architectural heritage. The tour includes tickets to the Franciscan Monastery with the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Cathedral. We also take the cable car to give us a fantastic view of the city and the neighbouring islands. You can then enjoy free time, returning to the hotel at the end of the afternoon. Dinner included.

Day 11: Dubrovnik

After breakfast, end of our services.

Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest

Transfers depart Henri Coandă International Airport at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 for your hotel, which is one of the city's most sophisticated and prestigious landmarks. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your Welcome Dinner, served with wine at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Bucharest and Castles of Transylvania

Join a Local Expert for sightseeing to view University Square and the former communist headquarters. Visit the immense Parliament Palace, one of the most impressive buildings in the world. This evening after the crowds have left enjoy a private visit to the iconic Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Learn about Queen Maria of Romania, the last inhabitant of the castle, visit the torture rooms and relive the tales of the infamous Count Dracula. Finish with a delicious private dinner in the recently renovated Queen Mary’s Tea House.

Day 3: Brasov and Sinaia

With your Local Expert, walk around Town Hall Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed houses and dominated by the Black Church. Travel along the Prahova Valley to the elegant mountain resort of Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle. Led by a local historian, admire the lavish rooms filled with art, armour and tapestries. Continue through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming medieval city of Brașov, founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights.

Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo

Cross the Danube into Bulgaria and continue to Veliko Tarnovo, the City of the Tsars, where houses cling to the cliffs of the River Yantra, making it one of the country's most beautiful towns. In the evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local specialities and wine, followed by an authentic folklore show.

Day 5: To Sofia Relaxed Start

Meet your Local Expert to climb up to the ruined Tsarevets Fortress, a reminder of the town's former imperial status. Enjoy the stunning views over the old Bulgarian capital and the Yantra Valley. Arbanasi is one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The frescoed churches and fortified dwellings offer a unique insight into the former wealth and spiritual commitment of the settlement. Visit a traditional 17th century merchant's house and the Church of the Holy Nativity. Cross the Balkan Mountains to Bulgaria's modern day capital of Sofia. On arrival, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you to St. Sofia Church, across the square from the golden domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archaeological complex, dominated by the church of St. George Rotonda.

Day 6: Sofia at Your Pace Relaxed Start

Enjoy the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Rila Monastery or enjoy a fascinating insight into the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria?

Day 7: Skopje

Cross the border and continue to the North Macedonian capital of Skopje, an ultra-modern city juxtaposed by an ancient bazaar, where Turkish influences can still be seen and felt. Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Expert.

Day 8: Lake Ohrid and Tirana

Making your way to the border, stop by the scenic Lake Ohrid for lunch. Cross into Albania and journey to Tirana, renowned for its friendly locals.  Continue to the landmark Skanderbeg Square for an insider’s look at the Albanian capital.

Day 9: Kotor and Dubrovnik

Journey through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the Old Town of Kotor, known as Stari Grad. Located beside a beautiful bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, its no surprise it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue over the Croatian border to the fortified port of Dubrovnik where you are at leisure to explore the Old Town, bustling with street artists, cafes and restaurants.

Day 10: Dubrovnik Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Join a Local Expert for a morning of exploring the stone-paved streets within the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio's Fountain and the Rector's Palace, the city walls and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The rest of the day is free for you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. Perhaps enjoy an Optional Experience to a stunning town on the Adriatic coast, Cavtat, where you can wander along the pine-forest paths beside the crystal-clear sea. Visit the workshop of Deša during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This important educational centre supports vulnerable communities and promotes local cultural heritage. At night, you may choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.

Day 11: Dubrovnik, Paradise on Earth Relaxed Start

Spend a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Sunbathe by the pool or stroll with friends along the ancient city walls. Perhaps explore some of the filming locations of the award-winning series 'Game of Thrones' and appreciate the enterprising spirit of the Old Harbour? As the sun starts to set, maybe take a relaxing cruise to admire the city and its incredible walls from the water.

Day 12: Mostar and Sarajevo

Journey to Mostar. With your Local Expert, see the famous Stari Most, the Old Bridge, reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the war. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, stretching on both sides of the bridge and filled with shops selling souvenirs. Continue your travels following the scenic route to Sarajevo for a unique and rewarding insight into the local way of life as you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner with drinks. Savour the authentic cuisine and traditional Bosnian coffee as you hear inspirational stories.

Day 13: Sarajevo, City of Culture

Explore Sarajevo with Insight Choice. Choose to meet a survivor of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo’s astonishing Tunnel of Hope. Alternatively, take a guided nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore as you wish.

Day 14: The Serbian Capital of Belgrade Relaxed Start

Trace your way along the Drina River, that lies on the border of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Take in beautiful landscapes of lush, green mountains that create magical forest canyons, winding your way through deep valleys as you make your way to Belgrade.

Day 15: The Best of Belgrade Relaxed Start

Join a Local Expert to see the best of Belgrade including Terazije Street, the national museum and national theatre in Republic Square, as well as a visit to the famous St. Sava Church. Finish your sightseeing at the Kalemegdan Fortress, situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or continue exploring on your own.

Day 16: Across to Budapest Relaxed Start

Journey north and cross the Province of Vojvodina to reach Palić on the Hungarian border. See the picturesque lake, where you can admire the art nouveau buildings. Continue on through the vast wilderness of the Puszta, where once cowboys rustled up goulash under the stars. Your destination will be Budapest on the Danube.

Day 17: Budapest, Queen of the Danube

Venture into the heart of Buda's medieval Castle District with a Local Expert to visit Matthias Church and take in the view of the immense Hungarian Parliament Building from the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes' Square and travel down elegant Andrássy Boulevard. Enjoy time to wander through the Central Market Hall. Spread over three levels, the market is a foodie's paradise, brimming with aromatic food stalls offering delicious salamis, spicy paprika, delicious Tokaji wines and an array of flavoured Pálinkas, a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy. Tonight you are in for a treat with your Celebration Dinner at Gundel, one of Budapest's most renowned restaurants for over a hundred years. Dine in elegance as you savour hearty, Hungarian delicacies accompanied with specially-selected Hungarian wine.

Day 18: Depart Budapest

Departure transfers arrive at Ferenc Liszt International Airport at 07:00 and 11:00.