Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia & Bosnia in two weeks

Arrive at Sofia International Airport.

Our guide will meet you in the arrival hall, holding a sign with your name. He will do the following: assist with currency exchange, provide essential information about Bucharest, assist with check-in, explain the location of your accommodation, advise on how to reach the main sights, and provide an overview of current events in the city.

If your flight is delayed, there is no need to worry. We will monitor your flight, and our guide will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays. After a short ride of 20 minutes, you’ll be in the city’s center. Check in at the hotel, and take the rest of the day to get more familiar with Sofia, walk around, or follow your guide’s recommendation for dinner. 

Overnight: Sofia

After breakfast, we will start with our Sofia sightseeing tour. On our walking tour, we will visit the ruins of Serdica-Roman fortress walls; St George Rotunda, the oldest building in Sofia; St Sofia Basilica, the oldest active church which gave the city its name; St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world; National Theatre and many more historical sites from ancient times alongside the modern areas of cosmopolitan city life.

The next stop on our tour will be the beautiful and ancient city of Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Located on the banks of the Marica River and built around seven hills, the city has a cultural mix of different civilizations and a unique blend of architectural elements. It is an open-air museum. We’ll visit the most famous sights: the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, the Roman Stadium, the Church of Saint Constantine and Helena, and we will finish in Kapana, a real art center and a district dedicated to creative industries, with a pedestrian area full of shops, restaurants, and galleries.

After that, we will continue to Veliko Tarnovo. Check in and enjoy your free evening.

Overnight: Veliko Tarnovo

Today, we will explore Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful cities, located on the banks of the Yantra River. Also known as the City of Tsars, Veliko Tarnovo features an impressive fortress, the ruins of the former Tsarevets Palace, and a patriarchal church, now adorned with modern and intriguing paintings. The city’s medieval atmosphere is well preserved, thanks to its old architecture and narrow streets, where you can admire local artisans at work.

After the walking tour, we will proceed toward Ivanovo to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, a complex of rock-hewn churches, chapels, monasteries, and cells,  where the first hermits dug out their cells and churches in the rock during the 12th century.

We will then continue to Bucharest, arriving late in the afternoon.

Check in at the hotel, and take the rest of the day to get more familiar with Bucharest, walk around, or follow your guide’s recommendation for dinner. 

Overnight: Bucharest

Today, we’ll show you why Bucharest is nicknamed “Little Paris,” known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings, and a reputation for the high life.

While exploring this magnificent city filled with parks, we will see a very interesting blend of French, Byzantine, and communist architecture in the many stylish buildings. We will visit all the major sights in the city: Piața Unirii with Parliament (the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon), Roman Square, the Arc of Triumph, the Romanian Athenaeum, Lipscani Street, Calea Victoriei Avenue, and, finally, Revolution Square.

On your own this afternoon, explore the city, enjoy the bars and terraces, and in the evening, take in the vibrant atmosphere Bucharest is famous for.

Overnight: Bucharest

Today we’ll spend a day immersing ourselves in the landscapes and landmarks of Transylvania. This unique region is packed with historic castles, rich scenery, and an evocative atmosphere.

Our first stop will be Peles Castle, the most impressive castle in Romania and a must-see. King Carol the I-st built this Neo-Renaissance castle as a summer residence for the Royal family. This fairy-tale-like edifice is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. The castle is surrounded by splendid parklands – the work of several landscape architects, each of whom left his mark on the park and gardens of Peleş. In addition to the magnificent exterior, with hand-painted stained-glass windows and numerous sculptures surrounding the castle, the interior of more than 160 rooms was decorated by more than 400 artisans and artists.

Our next stop, the famous Bran Castle, is the former residence of the Romanian Royal family, widely known as Dracula’s Castle. Here we will walk inside its majestic towers and down its winding, narrow staircases and passages, and learn about the infamous Vlad the Impaler.

Then we will proceed to Brasov, perhaps the most picturesque town on our trip. You’ll be charmed by its historical buildings, restored bastions, and fortified guard towers. The best way to explore this cute place is on foot, so that’s exactly what we will do.

You’ll see the narrowest street in the world, The Black Church, Catherine’s Gate, Beth Israel Synagogue, and many other interesting sights.

Enjoy some free time for coffee or a meal at one of Brasov’s beautiful coffee shops.

Time this evening on your own. Free time.

Overnight: Brasov

Today, we’ll continue exploring “The Transylvanian Triangle.” Our next stop will be Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This town was also established in the 12th century, again by German craftsmen, the so-called Transylvanian Saxons.   Today, the city is known for its well-preserved historical center, colorful houses, and watchtowers, but perhaps more than anything else, as the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, aka Vlad the Impaler. We’ll check the Church of the Dominican Monastery, the Clock Tower, Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, the Tailors’ Tower, the Covered Stairway, and other significant sights.

After the break, we’ll continue towards the west, and after around two hours of a pleasant ride, we’ll arrive in Sibiu, built by German settlers back in the 12th century. You may know it as “The City of Eyes” for its distinctive roof features. We’ll check in at our hotel, take a short break to refresh, and then proceed to the walking tour. We will visit the Large Square with Brukenthal National Museum, the Small Square, the Council Tower, the Bridge of Lies, the Stairs Passage, and the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, modeled on the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Use your free afternoon to explore the town independently.

Overnight: Sibiu

Breakfast and check-out. Today we’ll leave Sibiu behind us and head for Timisoara, Romania’s second-largest city, built on an ancient Roman fortress site.

But first, we will visit one of the largest castles in Europe: Corvin Castle. Recognized as one of Europe’s top ten “fairytale destinations”, this castle is a must-see when travelling through Romania. We’ll check out the torture chamber and bear pit and see where Vlad the Impaler (often confused with Dracula) was said to be kept captive for seven years.

After this exceptional experience, we’ll continue to Timisoara and start our walking tour immediately upon arrival.

On our guided tour around the historical center, we’ll make sure that you don’t miss any of the most important sights: The Orthodox Cathedral, Victory Square, Liberty Square with the City Hall, and the Union Square with the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral with the Bishop’s Palace. We will take a lunch break in one of Timisoara’s cozy restaurants.

That’s the end of the Romanian part of our adventure. We will proceed towards Belgrade, where we will arrive in the evening. Check-in. Free time.

Overnight: Belgrade

Breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll start with our Belgrade sightseeing tour. Today, we will show you most of the city’s most important sights.

We’ll start at the daunting Belgrade Fortress, dramatically perched above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. We’ll visit the Victor Monument, the Monument of Gratitude to France, the Zindan Gate, the Chapel of Saint Petka, the Clock Gate, and the Clock Tower.

Once we finish at the fortress, we will begin our panoramic ride through New Belgrade – Belgrade’s largest municipality, featuring impressive modern architecture. Here, we will see some notable buildings, including the former Central Committee of the Communist Party, the Federal Executive Council (also known as the Palace of Federation), Genex Tower, the Western Gate of Belgrade, the Sava Center, Belgrade Arena, and more.

After New Belgrade, we’ll reach Zemun, a northern area of Belgrade known for its Central European architecture, charming quarters, cobblestone streets, and fish restaurants along the Danube River. Its curvy cobblestone streets and small houses will give you the impression that Zemun is a melting pot of Mediterranean and Middle European cultures.

After Zemun, we’ll drive through Dedinje, Belgrade’s most luxurious residential area, before we reach the imposing Saint Sava Temple, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.

After the sightseeing tour, spend this afternoon on your own. Maybe check out Nikola Tesla’s Museum, the National Museum, or wander around the central streets.

In the evening, visit the Old Bohemian Quarter of Skadarlija, often compared to Montmartre in Paris in both appearance and artistic atmosphere. It’s a perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with traditional Serbian cuisine and the famous Belgrade nightlife. (Optional = 30€ per person)

Overnight: Belgrade

After breakfast, we will visit Novi Sad. On our way to the second-largest city in Serbia, we shall stop at the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci, the center of Serbian culture in the 18th century. Strolling through this picturesque town’s cobbled streets will lead us to the first Serbian High School, which produced several great writers and poets. Along the way, we shall pay a visit to the Old Patriarch’s Court and the theological complex – Assembly Church and Theological Lyceum. Being in the very heart of the famous wine region, why not visit one of the well-respected wine cellars? We’ll try Bermet wine, the area’s most famous product.

Our next stop is the second-largest fortress on the Danube River – Petrovaradin, one of the most important strategic points in the perpetual war between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. We will be introduced to the legends of the underground passages before we continue to “Serbian Athens,” as Novi Sad is known.

As we stroll through Novi Sad’s great cultural institutions and historic buildings, we will visit the oldest part of the city, the Zmaj Jovina pedestrian zone. Here, we will be introduced to the rich history of Novi Sad, including the monument to Svetozar Miletic, the Novi Sad Cathedral, and the Episcopal Church. After our sightseeing, we will enjoy a traditional Serbian three-course lunch at one of the area’s most famous restaurants. (not included). Enjoy your free afternoon and discover Novi Sad independently. Return to Belgrade. Free time.

Overnight: Belgrade

After breakfast, it’s time to hit the road toward Western Serbia, known for its wild and untouched nature, tasty cuisine, and friendly and hospitable people. Our first stop is a world-famous attraction, “The House on Drina” – an isolated house made of logs on a river stone.

After a photo stop and refreshments, we will continue our trip to the famous Šargan Eight. A unique narrow-gauge railway is now used only for amusement. We will pass through and stop at several viewpoints along our ride, from which you can see spectacular views of Mokra Gora. Authentic cars with wooden seats, wood-burning stoves, and characteristic rattling sounds will take us back to 1925 when this railway was put into operation.

The next stop is Wooden Town. The renowned director Emir Kusturica (a two-time Palme d’Or winner at Cannes) decided to build it during the filming of his film “Life is a Miracle.” He chose to convey ruined wooden chalets from the mountain’s slopes, restore them, and form a new settlement.

After we have fed our eyes and souls with beauty, we will conclude our day in Kraljeve Vode, the tourist center of the Zlatibor Mountain. The Zlatibor region is known for its clean air, folk architecture, native culture and traditions, diverse ethnic heritage, renowned culinary specialties, healthy cuisine, and balmy climate. After check-in, you’ll have free time to relax and enjoy yourself.

Overnight: Zlatibor

Breakfast. Departure from Zlatibor in the morning and transfer to the Uvac Special Natural Reserve.

After only one hour of driving, we’ll find ourselves in the pure beauty of Uvac Canyon. For centuries, the Uvac River has flowed through the mountains, leaving deep meanders and forming caves that attract many tourists. If we’re lucky, we’ll get a chance to see the mighty griffon vulture, whose population in Uvac is the largest in Europe. The bird’s wingspan is about 3 m, and it can weigh up to 11 kg, thus making it the largest bird in Serbia.

We will take a boat trip and follow the river as it winds through the impressive landscape. We’ll not leave the Reserve before taking some fantastic photos from the viewpoints overlooking the canyon.

After the stunning Uvac Canyon experience, it is time for lunch at a local restaurant (not included).

When we return to Zlatibor, you can take a ride on the “Gold Gondola Lift” (optional). It’s the world’s longest such panoramic lift. Free afternoon to enjoy and relax.

IMPORTANT NOTE 1: To reach the viewpoints, expect about 25 minutes of uphill hiking. It’s not recommended for older, overweight, or people with any walking disabilities. Another option is to sit in the boat while the rest of the group returns from the photo session at the viewpoints.

IMPORTANT NOTE 2: In the event of inclement weather or insufficient water level for the cruise to proceed, we’ll replace the cruise with a jeep ride to the beautiful viewpoints. 

Overnight: Zlatibor

Breakfast. After breakfast, we are departing for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina and one of the most historically rich cities in Europe. But our first stop en route will be the town of Višegrad, where we will see the famous Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, a UNESCO site and the most beautiful example of Ottoman architecture in the Balkans. Also, we’ll have a lunch stop in Stone Town, another interesting project made by Emir Kusturica. After a lunch break, we’ll proceed toward Sarajevo.

After check-in, enjoy a tour of Sarajevo, a beautiful city with a complicated history. Visit the picturesque Turkish Bazaar (Bascarsija), an old trading district with artisan workshops. View many examples of splendid Ottoman architecture around the city center. The city is truly a “living history museum” where mosques built by the Ottomans sit alongside buildings created by the Austro-Hungarians. We’ll visit the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, the most prominent Islamic structure in the country and one of the world’s finest examples of Ottoman architecture. We’ll drive past the now-neglected stadium from the 1984 Winter Olympic Games and the Gavrilo Princip Museum. On our walk, look for the Sarajevo Roses, flower-shaped memorials in the pavement made of red cement, one of the few reminders of the war.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Sarajevo and visit some of the city’s most renowned restaurants, which serve the famous “ćevapčići,” a traditional Bosnian dish: a small rolled patty of ground beef.

Overnight: Sarajevo

After breakfast, our next stop will be Mostar, a medieval town in northern Herzegovina and one of the Balkans’ top ten sights. With cobblestoned streets, old stone buildings, and its beautiful bridge spanning the picturesque Neretva River, it attracts thousands of visitors.

We will walk through its narrow streets to soak up the atmosphere and learn more about the history of this magnificent place. We will cross the reconstructed Old Bridge, a staunch symbol of freedom on the Neretva River, and a UNESCO-protected landmark. If we are lucky, we may even witness some brave divers jumping from the bridge, following a tradition that has lasted for a couple of centuries in Mostar. You will have free time in Mostar for lunch on the banks of the Neretva River, with a view of the famous bridge.

Our trip continues to Blagaj (a site on the UNESCO Tentative List), an old town from the first half of the 16th century and a beautiful representation of Ottoman architecture. Blagaj was the cradle of Islam in today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the short tour, enjoy views of the monastery in a fairy-tale setting beneath the cliffs on the shores of the emerald-green river Buna.

In the afternoon, we will return to Sarajevo. Use the time on your own to say farewell to the Balkans.

Overnight: Sarajevo

Breakfast. Free time until your flight. Transfer to the airport. End of services. Have a safe flight!

• 1 x BB in the chosen hotel category in Sofia
• 1 x BB in the chosen hotel category in Veliko Tarnovo
• 2 x BB in the chosen hotel category in Bucharest
• 1 x BB in the chosen hotel category in Brasov
• 1 x BB in the chosen hotel category in Sibiu
• 3 x BB in the chosen hotel category in Belgrade
• 2 x HB in the chosen hotel category in Zlatibor
• 2 x BB in the chosen hotel category in Sarajevo
• Arrival & departure airport transfers
• Transfers according to the itinerary
• Sightseeing per itinerary
• English-speaking tour manager from day 2 to day 13
• All fuel costs, parking fees, and road tolls
• Entrance fees: Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, Corvin Castle, Saint Sava Temple in Belgrade, wine tasting in Sremski Karlovci, Sargan Eight train ride, The Wood Town, boat ride in Uvac Natural Reserve, Blagaj Tekke
• City taxes
• VAT
• Tour organization and 24/7 assistance from a licensed incoming tour operator

• Arrival and departure flights
• Food & drinks
• Optional expenses
• Food & drinks
• Optional expenses

• Children from 0 to 2 years old – FREE of charge.
• Children from 2 to 12 years old, sharing the bed – 50% discount on the price of a twin room
• Children aged 2 to 12: extra bed – 30% discount on the price of a twin room.

• Up to 60 days before the departure date = 100% refund
• 59 days to 46 days before the departure date = 90% refund
• 45 days to 31 days before the departure date = 80% refund
• 30 days to 16 days before the departure date = 70% refund
• 15 days to 8 days before the departure date = 50% refund
• 7 days or less before the departure date = 0% refund

• You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to the booking. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler. A current, valid passport is required on the day of travel.
• Gratuities are not included in the price (not mandatory, but encouraged)
• The final choice of hotels will depend on the availability at the time of your booking. We reserve the right to change the hotel due to availability, but we promise the same category, location, and level of quality
• Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee entrance to the church/cathedral due to sudden closure (mass, wedding, etc)
• Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee the timing due to weather and traffic
• Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee entrance to any sight due to late arrival
• The minimum number of guests required is one
• Tour duration = 14 days