Castles & Capitals of the Balkans – 14 days TEST

Travel north to Sremski Karlovci, an important centre of Serbian culture and education during the 18th century. Walk through its compact historic centre, see the Patriarch’s Court and theological complex, and taste Bermet, the region’s best-known dessert wine.

Continue to Petrovaradin Fortress, one of the Danube’s great strategic strongholds, before crossing into Novi Sad. During a guided walk through the pedestrian centre, see Zmaj Jovina Street, the Svetozar Miletić Monument, the cathedral and the Episcopal Church, followed by free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, continue by motorway to Budapest. Check in at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure in the Hungarian capital.

Set off on a guided city tour beginning with the panoramic view from Gellért Hill. Explore the Buda side of the city around the Castle District, Trinity Square, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, then cross the Chain Bridge toward Pest.

See the Hungarian Parliament Building, lively Váci Street, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, elegant Andrássy Avenue, the Hungarian State Opera House and Heroes’ Square.

The afternoon is free for lunch, independent sightseeing or one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. An evening cruise on the Danube beneath the illuminated bridges is available as an optional activity.

Leave Budapest after breakfast and travel south to Szeged, Hungary’s third-largest city. Enjoy a guided walk through the centre, beginning at spacious Széchenyi Square, followed by free time for lunch.

Continue into Romania and arrive in Timișoara, the historic capital of the Banat region. After hotel check-in, spend the afternoon discovering the restored squares and elegant architecture that earned the city its nickname, “Little Vienna”.

Begin with a guided walk through central Timișoara, including the Orthodox Cathedral, Victory Square, Liberty Square, Union Square, the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral with the Bishop’s Palace.

Continue east to Corvin Castle, one of Transylvania’s most imposing Gothic landmarks. After the visit, travel onward to Sibiu, the Saxon city known for the distinctive “eyes” set into its rooftops.

Explore Sibiu on foot, visiting the Large and Small squares, the Council Tower, the Bridge of Lies, the Stairs Passage and the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. The evening is free for independent exploration.

Continue through the Transylvanian Triangle to Sighișoara, a UNESCO-listed medieval town founded by Transylvanian Saxons. Walk through the colourful historic centre and see the Dominican Monastery Church, Clock Tower, Roman Catholic Church, Tailors’ Tower and Covered Stairway.

Proceed to Brașov, one of Romania’s most picturesque cities. A guided walking tour introduces its fortified heritage and central landmarks, including the Black Church, Catherine’s Gate, the Beth Israel Synagogue and Rope Street, often described as one of Europe’s narrowest streets.

After check-in, enjoy a free evening in Brașov.

Spend the day among the castles and mountain scenery of Transylvania. First visit Bran Castle, widely associated with the Dracula legend, and explore its towers, narrow stairways and passages while learning about Vlad the Impaler and the castle’s royal history.

Continue to Peleș Castle, the Neo-Renaissance summer residence built for King Carol I. Its richly decorated rooms, stained glass, sculptures and landscaped grounds make it one of Romania’s most remarkable royal residences.

After the visits, travel to Bucharest, check in at the hotel and enjoy free time in the Romanian capital.

Discover why Bucharest became known as “Little Paris”, with its broad boulevards, Belle Époque buildings and contrasting French, Byzantine and communist-era architecture.

During the guided city tour, see Union Square and the monumental Palace of Parliament, Roman Square, the Arch of Triumph, the Romanian Athenaeum, Calea Victoriei, Revolution Square and the historic Lipscani district.

The afternoon and evening are free to explore the city’s parks, cafés, bars and terraces at your own pace.

After breakfast, cross the Danube into Bulgaria and visit the UNESCO-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a remarkable complex of medieval chapels, monasteries and monastic cells carved into the cliffs.

Continue to Arbanasi for a short visit to this preserved village of traditional houses and medieval character. The day concludes in Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Bulgarian tsars, dramatically set above the Yantra River.

Explore the old town, Tsarevets area and narrow craft streets before checking in and enjoying the evening at leisure.

Travel to the Etar Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, where traditional houses, workshops and water-powered installations recreate everyday life and crafts from Bulgaria’s National Revival period.

Continue through the Valley of Roses to Kazanlak. See the rose-growing landscape, learn about Bulgaria’s famous rose-oil tradition and visit the UNESCO-listed Thracian Tomb dating from the 4th century BC.

End the day in Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Check in and enjoy a free evening in this atmospheric city built around seven hills.

Begin with a walking tour of Plovdiv, including the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, the Roman Stadium, the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, and the creative Kapana district with its shops, galleries and restaurants.

Continue to Koprivshtitsa, a tranquil mountain town known for its authentic 19th-century architecture and its role in Bulgaria’s national revival. Walk among colourful historic houses and learn about the writers, revolutionaries and cultural figures connected with the town.

Proceed to Sofia in the late afternoon, check in and enjoy free time in the Bulgarian capital.

Explore Sofia on a guided walking tour through layers of Roman, medieval and modern history. See the remains of ancient Serdica, Saint George Rotunda, Saint Sofia Basilica, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Theatre and other central landmarks.

The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most important spiritual centre and a UNESCO World Heritage Site set in the Rila Mountains.

After breakfast, transfer to Sofia Airport according to your departure schedule. This marks the end of the tour services.

Travellers with more convenient flights from Belgrade may return to Belgrade without an additional transport charge. Extra hotel nights can be booked separately, subject to availability.