Grand Tour of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria

15 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
In two-weeks experience the highlights of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria. Explore their bustling cities along with the rolling Transylvanian countryside, the Rose Valley and the Black Sea coast. Also discover the extensive history from ancient Roman right up to the more recent communist regimes. Legendary Castles - Delve beneath the myths at Castle Bran a...
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$3,149
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Experience fascinating Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria on a city and countryside adventure
    • Discover the Ottoman, Roman and Communist history in Belgrade, the old capital of Yugoslavia
    • Explore spectacular Rila Monastery, Transylvania's Bran Castle and opulent Peles Castle

What's this trip about?

    In two-weeks experience the highlights of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria. Explore their bustling cities along with the rolling Transylvanian countryside, the Rose Valley and the Black Sea coast. Also discover the extensive history from ancient Roman right up to the more recent communist regimes. Legendary Castles - Delve beneath the myths at Castle Bran and marvel at the exquisite stained glass and décor in Peles Castle Belgrade - Discover the Ottoman, Roman and Communist history in the old capital of Yugoslavia Rila Monastery - Visit this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site with its brightly coloured frescoes

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBucharest
End CityBucharest

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Bulgaria
  • Romania
  • Serbia

Attractions

  • Belgrade
  • Brasov
  • Bucharest
  • Kazan
  • Romania
  • Sofia
  • Transylvania

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Bucharest, Romania

Arrive in Bucharest, Romania's largest city that became the capital in 1832. Thanks to a period of urban renewal and modernisation, it's now a bustling centre of Romanian culture, arts and media. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel ...

Day 2 Walking tour of Bucharest; visit to remarkable Peles Castle and Bran Castle

Our trip leader will take us to explore Romania's capital, Bucharest. Situated on the Danube Plain and set amid a series of lakes and spacious gardens, here we will see a remarkable blend of turn of the century elegance and communist excess. We visit many of the older...

Day 3 Explore medieval Brasov and the walled city of Sibiu

We drive to the Brasov, which is a treasure trove of centuries-old buildings and churches, and cobbled streets all clustered within the medieval city walls and overlooked by a magnificent 15th century Gothic cathedral. You'll have free time here to take a stroll throu...

Day 4 See King Decebalus' statue and take a dip in riverside hot springs

We drive to the large Gothic Corvin Castle with its pointed red-roofed turrets and vaulted ceilings. It's supposedly here that Vlad the Impaler was held prisoner for seven years by John Hunyadi until they later became allies, even though John had previously killed Vla...

Day 5 Explore ancient Roman Viminacium and arrive in Belgrade, Serbia

Today we leave Romania and cross the border into Serbia and drive to the ancient Roman city and military fort at Viminacium. The drive should take about 3.5 hours, but at times it can take an additional hour at the border crossing. A local guide will explain the hist...

Day 6 Visit to the laidback city of Novi Sad; explore Belgrade on foot

This morning we drive to Novi Sad, meaning 'new garden'. It is the second largest city in Serbia, but boasts a laidback atmosphere; with most locals choosing to enjoy a coffee on the banks of the Danube rather than rush anywhere. On arrival we'll have a walking tour e...

Day 7 See the rock formations at Devil's Town and Skull Tower in Nis

This morning we drive further south to Devil's Town to see the towering rock formations that legend says are petrified wedding guests at a marriage arranged by the Devil between a local brother and sister, who were then punished by god for their sins by being turned t...

Day 8 Arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria and visit the Soviet Army Monument by metro

Before leaving Serbia this morning we'll make a brief stop just outside Nis at the red bricked Latin Church and Cegar Hill where the battle of Cegar took place between the Serbian Revolutionaries and Ottoman army, as part of the First Serbian Uprising in 1809. We driv...

Day 9 Explore Rila Monastery; chance to visit the Museum of Socialist Art

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Rila Monastery is an important religious and cultural centre for the Bulgarian people, which we will go to visit this morning. Remaining in wonderful condition it has the most stunning brightly coloured frescoes and distinctiv...

Day 10 See Plovdiv Roman Theatre and a Thracian tomb in the Rose Valley

We'll drive to Plovdiv, an ancient city built on seven hills, and our trip leader will take us to discover the main highlights. The most famous of which is probably the well preserved Roman Theatre of Philipoppol, which is still used for concerts and theatrical perfor...

Day 11 Visit Shipka Memorial Church, Etar Museum and Tsarevets Fort

Today we'll get to experience a range of different sights. We start by driving deep into the mountains to Shipka Memorial Church. Its tall bell tower, golden domes and intricately decorated red and white exterior stand out somewhat from the remote surrounding tree cov...

Day 12 Discover Varna and Balchik on the Black Sea coast

This morning we drive to Varna on the Black Sea coastline. Our trip leader will point out the main sights and take us on a walk into the city centre. We'll see the ruins of the ancient Roman Baths of Odessos and the most famous Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in the coun...

Day 13 Visit Kaliakra Fortress and take a walk along the cliff tops

Today we'll continuing exploring the Black Sea coast beginning with a visit to Kaliakra Fortress. Perched on a rocky peninsula and surrounded by the crashing sea waves this fort used to be a vital stronghold in protecting the Black Sea Cape. After our visit we'll take...

Day 14 Return to Bucharest, Romania

This morning we leave Bulgaria and cross back over the border to Bucharest in Romania. Our drive will take approximately five to six hours and potentially around another hour at the border crossing. We'll make a stop to pick-up lunch along the way and arrive back in t...

Day 15 Trip ends in Bucharest, Romania

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Bucharest. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Bucharest at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would li...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,560
Price per day$171
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
11 May 2024
25 May 2024
$2,840
$640
4 spots left
01 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$2,950
$630
5 spots left
15 Jun 2024
29 Jun 2024
$2,840
$640
Sold Out
27 Jul 2024
10 Aug 2024
$2,760
$640
3 spots left
10 Aug 2024
24 Aug 2024
$2,840
$640
4 spots left
31 Aug 2024
14 Sep 2024
$2,560
$630
9 spots left
14 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024
$2,840
$640
2 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
T

Tonni

Apr 2024

Written on

Grand Tour of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria

Very good tour. Only misses 20-30 minuts at each Castle the first day Maybe cansel the villige museum next year, the one in. Bulgaria was a lot better Or talk Les ...

S

Simon

Nov 2023

Written on

Grand Tour of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria

Great tour guides and driver, good accommodation, good things to see but three countries in two weeks is too much: lots of driving, not enough time at the sutes bef...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Grand Tour of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria

Excellent trip - lots of variety, lots crammed in , excellent guide

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Grand Tour of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria

The variety of the countries, so different from each other.

P

Pauline

Oct 2023

Written on

Grand Tour of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It really did provide a taster of the three countries culture, sights and cuisine in a part of the world I wasn’t familiar with. Roma...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus,

Transportation & flights

Bus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US or Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant embassy prior to departure.
Health & Safety
We recommend protection against typhoid, hepatitis A, polio and tetanus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 14
  • Dinner : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-RSB

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