13-day multi-country European tour from Bucharest to Venice, exploring Romania, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Discover medieval castles, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic cities, Adriatic coastlines, Plitvice Lakes, Lake Bled and the canals of Venice.
Amazing Balkans
Experience six fascinating European countries in 13 days, from the castles of Transylvania and historic Sarajevo to Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes, Lake Bled and the canals of Venice.
Itinerary
Day 1 Bucharest, Romania
Welcome to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have some free time to relax. Information about the beginning of your tour will be provided. At approximately 3:00 p.m., after lunch, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Bucharest, including the historic quarter and the impressive Palace of the Parliament. After the city tour, enjoy some free time to explore Bucharest independently. Dinner included.
Overnight: Bucharest
Day 2 Bucharest – Sinaia – Bran – Sighisoara
Today, travel towards the fascinating region of Transylvania, crossing the Carpathian Mountains and beautiful forested landscapes. In Sinaia, enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens surrounding Peles and Pelisor Castles. Continue to Bran Fortress, famously known as Dracula's Castle. Admission to the fortress is included. After some free time for lunch, continue to Sighisoara, one of Romania's most picturesque medieval towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula's restaurant, located in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.
Overnight: Sighisoara
Day 3 Sighisoara – Biertan – Sibiu – Hunedoara – Timisoara
Continue your exploration of Transylvania, a region renowned for its fortified churches and historic settlements. Visit Biertan, home to a remarkable fortified church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission included. Continue to Sibiu, an important cultural and economic centre that historically served as the capital of Transylvania. Enjoy time to explore its lively streets and attractive squares and have lunch. In the afternoon, visit the spectacular Hunedoara Castle, considered one of the most beautiful castles in Romania. Admission included. Continue to Timisoara, where you will have time to explore its elegant central squares.
Overnight: Timisoara
Day 4 Timisoara – Belgrade, Serbia
Depart Timisoara and cross the border into Serbia. After approximately three hours of travel, arrive in Belgrade, the Serbian capital situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Enjoy a panoramic city tour, taking in the city centre, Parliament and Kalemegdan Fortress. The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, home to Tito's Mausoleum. The afternoon is free for you to explore Belgrade at your own pace.
Overnight: Belgrade
Day 5 Belgrade – Sremska Mitrovica – Republic of Srpska – Sarajevo
Begin today's journey towards the region of Vojvodina. Stop in Sremska Mitrovica, a historic city on the banks of the Sava River and one of the important cities of the Roman Empire. The city was once the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia. Visit the Imperial Palace of Sirmium. Admission is included. Continue towards Bosnia & Herzegovina, stopping en route for lunch. Travel through the Republic of Srpska, enjoying the beautiful scenery before arriving in Sarajevo in the late afternoon. Explore Sarajevo's historic centre and its enchanting bazaar, the famous Ottoman-era market filled with traditional shops, architecture and an oriental atmosphere. Dinner included.
Overnight: Sarajevo
Day 6 Sarajevo – Mostar – Herzegovina – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Begin the day with a guided tour of Sarajevo, a fascinating multicultural city often referred to as the "Jerusalem of Europe" because of the coexistence of different religious communities. Discover the city's mosques, churches and synagogues, as well as the strong Ottoman influence visible throughout the historic centre. Continue through the beautiful landscapes of Herzegovina to Mostar. Explore the historic centre and admire the famous stone bridge spanning the river and connecting different communities. Enjoy free time for lunch and independent exploration. Continue towards Croatia, crossing the border. Border formalities may take some time. Arrive in Dubrovnik towards the end of the day. Dinner included.
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Day 7 Dubrovnik
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide. Discover this spectacular Adriatic city, dramatically positioned on the coast and surrounded by historic walls. Dubrovnik's remarkably preserved historic centre is a major architectural and cultural attraction. Enjoy a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city. The tour includes admission to the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe's oldest pharmacies, and the Assumption Cathedral. A boat trip to Lokrum Island is also included. The island is located approximately 15 minutes from Dubrovnik and is known for the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore Dubrovnik independently before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner included. Seasonal note: From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum Island, so the Lokrum visit will not operate during these months. Accommodation note: On some occasions, accommodation may be arranged in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik.
Overnight: Dubrovnik/Cavtat
Day 8 Dubrovnik – Ston – Split
Depart Dubrovnik and travel along the spectacular Croatian coastline, enjoying views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands. Stop in Ston, a picturesque historic town famous for its impressive defensive walls. Continue across the impressive Pelješac Bridge. Arrive in Split around midday. Enjoy a guided tour of Split with a local guide, including admission to the magnificent Diocletian's Palace. Explore the historic Roman palace, its labyrinthine streets and spectacular setting beside the Adriatic. Dinner included.
Overnight: Split
Day 9 Split – Plitvice Lakes – Opatija
Leave Split and travel inland through Croatia's beautiful hilly landscapes. Arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular lakes, waterfalls and scenic walking trails. Enjoy time to admire the natural scenery. Your visit includes either a boat ride or train ride within the park. After lunch, continue towards the Croatian coast. Arrive in Opatija, a charming coastal resort town known for its attractive atmosphere. Dinner included. Important note: Depending on weather conditions or visitor numbers, the train or boat service at Plitvice may occasionally be unavailable or unsuitable.
Overnight: Opatija
Day 10 Opatija – Postojna – Bled – Ljubljana, Slovenia
Today, cross into Slovenia. Your first stop is Postojna Cave, one of the world's largest cave systems. Explore part of the cave by train. Continue to Bled, one of Slovenia's most picturesque destinations, situated beside the beautiful waters of Lake Bled. Enjoy a boat trip to Bled Island, where the monastery's bell tower stands beneath the medieval castle. Continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital. Enjoy a guided tour of the city and discover its historic centre and Central European character. Dinner included.
Overnight: Ljubljana
Day 11 Ljubljana – Venice, Italy
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Ljubljana. Use your free time to explore the charming city centre, enjoy a coffee or take a leisurely walk through the streets. In the afternoon, depart towards the Adriatic Sea and cross the border into Italy. Arrive in Venice in the evening and check into your accommodation in the Mestre area.
Overnight: Venice/Mestre
Day 12 Venice
After breakfast, take a boat transfer to Venice, travelling towards the St. Mark's area. Venice is built across more than 100 islands connected by hundreds of bridges and canals. Enjoy a walking tour with a local guide, discovering the historic city and its famous canals. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore Venice independently. In the afternoon, you may choose to experience an optional gondola ride through the Venetian canals.
Overnight: Venice/Mestre
Day 13 Venice – Tour Ends
After breakfast, your European adventure comes to an end. Depart Venice with wonderful memories of Romania, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy.
Overnight: End of tour
What's included
Included
- Travel by coach with an English-speaking guide
- Basic travel insurance
- Hotel accommodation
- Breakfast buffet
- Arrival and Departure transfer
- Guided city tours in: Bucharest, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Split, Ljubljana, Venice
- Boat trip to Lokrum Island in Dubrovnik, subject to seasonal operation
- Boat tour on Lake Bled
- Boat transfer between Tronchetto and St. Mark's Square in Venice
- Entrance to Bran Fortress
- Entrance to Biertan Church
- Entrance to Hunedoara Castle
- Entrance to the Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade
- Entrance to the Imperial Palace of Sirmium in Sremska Mitrovica
- Entrance to the Franciscan Monastery and Cathedral in Dubrovnik
- Entrance to Diocletian's Palace in Split
- Entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park, including boat or train experience
- Entrance to Postojna Cave
- Visit to a Murano glass factory in Venice
- 8 dinners during the tour
Not included
- International and domestic flights unless specifically included in the quotation
- Visa application fees and visa processing charges
- Travel insurance beyond the basic insurance specified in the package
- Personal expenses
- Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned under inclusions
- Optional excursions and activities
- Venice gondola ride
- Tips and gratuities
- Porterage
- Laundry services
- Telephone calls and other hotel extras
- Any additional transportation not specified in the itinerary
- Any increase resulting from changes in taxes, government fees, exchange rates or supplier charges
- Any service not expressly listed under What's Included
Important notes
- Passport, visa and immigration requirements should be confirmed before booking.
- The itinerary may be adjusted due to operational, traffic, weather or local conditions while maintaining the main sightseeing programme.
- Optional activities, such as the Venice gondola ride, are not included unless specifically stated.
