Balkan Odyssey – from Hungary to Albania in 15 days

Arrive at “Ferenc Liszt” Budapest International Airport.

Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. He will do the following: assist with currency exchange, provide essential information about Budapest, assist with check-in, explain the location of your accommodation, advise on how to reach the main sights, and give you 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 30 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 Budapest by walking around.

Overnight: Budapest

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

Take in the sights of the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, St Stephen’s Basilica, and more. Stroll through the streets of Buda Castle, marveling at its medieval ruins and the Royal Palace. Enjoy panoramic views from Gellért Hill. Drive past the iconic Parliament building before crossing the Danube River via the Margaret Bridge. Head to the Royal Castle area on the Buda side and disembark for a short walk to Fisherman’s Bastion. Admire the exterior of Matthias Church, one of the oldest churches in the Buda Castle district.

After the sightseeing tour, we will head to Serbia, a Balkan country known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Its capital, Belgrade, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, boasting a lively nightlife and historic architecture.

Use the afternoon on your own. 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

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 remarkable buildings such as the Ex-Central Committee of the Communist Party, Federal Executive Council, also known as the Palace of Federation, Genex Tower or Western Gate of Belgrade, Sava Center, Belgrade Arena, and many 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

Breakfast. Today, it’s time to leave Serbia behind us and proceed to neighbouring Romania.

On our guided tour around the historical center in Timisoara, 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.

After, we will visit one of the largest castles in Europe – The 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 have been kept captive for seven years.

Quick check-in at your hotel, and that’s it for the day. Use this afternoon to walk around independently or go for dinner following your guide’s recommendation.

Overnight: Hunedoara

One of the oldest settlements in Romania, Alba Iulia served as the largest military and economic center during the Roman occupation. Temples, mosaics, thermae and statues, amphitheaters, the governor’s palace “Daciarum Trium” – all rendered the original Dacian Apulul as a miniature copy of the mother Rome. Once we finish visiting this city, we are going to Sibiu for a walking tour. Sibiu was built by German settlers back in the 12th century. Maybe you’ve heard of it as “The City of Eyes” due to its unique architectural features on the roofs of houses. 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. Lunch break.

After 2 hours and 30 minutes of driving, we will reach Brasov.

After check-in, take the afternoon to relax and explore at your own pace. Enjoy a leisurely coffee or a delightful meal at one of Brasov’s charming restaurants or cozy coffee shops.

Overnight: Brasov

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.

We will start with the Brasov City Tour. Brasov is 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.

Our first stop after Brasov, 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.

Our next stop will be the Peles Castle, which is the most impressive castle in Romania and a must-see attraction. 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.

After this exceptional experience, we’ll continue to Bucharest in the evening. Check-in. Free time.

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 Arch of Triumph, the Romanian Athenaeum, Lipscani Street, Calea Victoriei Avenue, and, finally, Revolution Square.

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

Overnight: Bucharest

Breakfast and check-out.

As soon as we enter Bulgaria near the village of Ivanovo, we will 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.

Continuing our tour, we’ll make a brief photo stop in the small village of Arbanasi, a picturesque open-air museum of cultural heritage featuring 80 houses. Arbanasi is a quiet, picturesque village that, even today, retains a medieval character through its old architecture.

Our final stop will be in 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.

Check into the hotel and enjoy the evening in this charming town.

Overnight: Veliko Tarnovo

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.

We’ll drive to the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum Etar, which contains a collection of 50 objects, including water-powered installations and houses with artisans’ workshops. The complex showcases the architecture, way of life, and economy of central Bulgaria during the Bulgarian National Revival. Using original instruments and following traditional practices, it presents Bulgarian customs, culture, and the characteristics of 20 regional crafts.

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 Sofia.

Check in and enjoy your free evening.

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.

Next, we will visit Rila monastery – one of the holiest places in the country and another UNESCO World Heritage site. Rila Monastery is the most important spiritual and literary center of the Bulgarian national revival, with an uninterrupted history from the Middle Ages to the present.

After the visit, we will continue our trip to Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital and the largest city. Check in at the hotel. Use your free evening to explore independently.

Overnight: Skopje

After breakfast, we’ll head for Kosovo. We’ll spend a full day exploring the area’s natural and cultural highlights.­

Before we reach Pristina, we’ll stop at the marvelous medieval UNESCO-protected Gračanica monastery, completed in 1321 by the Serbian king Milutin. The monastery, set on large grassy grounds, is one of the most attractive in Kosovo. Here, you will hear the history of the monastery and the surrounding area, learn about Orthodox Christianity, and admire the breathtaking interior, with extraordinary frescoes covering the walls to the top of the highest tower.­

After this serene experience, we will continue to Pristina, only 20 minutes away. We’ll start sightseeing immediately. We’ll visit sites such as the National University Library of Kosovo, the open-air archaeological park, the Carshi Mosque, the Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque, and the Great Hammam. You’ll have some free time to explore the city on your own or perhaps grab a bite before we proceed to Prizren.­

Set on the slopes of Šar mountain and by the banks of the Bistrica River, Prizren is widely regarded as the most beautiful city in Kosovo. Its rich cultural heritage reflects a blend of Turkish, Serbian, and Albanian influences. Here, you will see the Sinan Pasha Mosque, Prizren Fortress, and Prizren Old Town, with various souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. ­

After some free time, we’ll return to Skopje, arriving in the evening.­

Overnight: Skopje

After breakfast, we’ll start with the walking tour.
Skopje, a city with 2,000 years of history and the capital of North Macedonia, is a meeting point for many nations and cultures in the heart of the Balkans. It attracts tourists with a fortress, cultural and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and most of all, very warm, hospitable, and welcoming citizens. During our tour, we will walk through the narrow Streets of Old Bazaar, the biggest market in the Balkans; we’ll check the 1500-year-old fortress Kale, the monastery St. Pantaleon with the fresco” Lamentation of Christ,” the Islamic monuments Sultan Murat’s- Hjunkar Mosque, the Daut Pasha’s bath, and the birthplace of Mother Teresa.
After the walking tour, we will continue our trip toward Ohrid Lake.

En route, we will stop at the famous Matka Canyon and enjoy a boat ride through the beautiful gorge.

After a short refreshment, we’ll continue towards Ohrid. Nicknamed “The Jerusalem of the Balkans,” Ohrid was once the center of Slavic culture and religion. The natural and cultural heritage of the Ohrid region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, specifically one of the few places listed on both the Cultural and Natural lists. We’re sure that this place’s beauty and charm will impress you. 

After check-in and a short break for refreshments, we will begin our walking tour. We will walk the Old Town’s cobbled streets and feel this unique place’s atmosphere. We will walk to the hilltop Church of St John at Kaneo to get an incredible view of the lake, mountains, and Galicica National Park. We’ll check out sights such as the Church of St. Sophia, the Roman amphitheater, and the Samuel Fortress.

After the walking tour, spend the evening on your own. Walk around the lake and the Old Town, or maybe go on a boat tour. 

Overnight: Ohrid

Breakfast and check-out. After a short ride of 30 minutes, it’s time to enter one of the perhaps most mysterious and yet-to-be-discovered countries of the Balkans – Albania. The country’s geographical position, political history, and unique language have made Albania one of Europe’s least-visited countries, but it has changed rapidly in the past 10 years.

On our way to Tirana, we’ll make a short stop at Elbasan, the third-largest city in the country, right in the middle of Albania. We’ll check the Castle of Elbasan, the King’s Mosque, St Mary Orthodox Church, and the Clock Tower.

After a brief break, we’ll continue toward Tirana. Check in at the hotel, and off we go to explore this vibrant city, famous for its non-stop energy and motion. During our tour, we’ll see the Mosque of Et’hem Bey and the 35 m high Kulla e Sahatit, or the Watch Tower.

Moreover, we will visit the famous Mosaic uncovered on the floor of an old Roman lodge. Its center configures the walls of the castle of the Roman emperor Justinian (A.D. 520). The monumental Tomb of Kaplan Pasha and the Ura e Tabakëve (a bridge constructed at the beginning of the 19th century, located on Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard) are a few other interesting places we will visit.

Enjoy your free afternoon discovering Tirana on your own. Consider visiting BunkArt 1, a former anti-nuclear bunker now a fascinating historical and art center, or take the Dajti Cable Car for breathtaking city views.

Overnight: Tirana

Use your day to discover Tirana on your own. Consider visiting BunkArt 1, a former anti-nuclear bunker now a fascinating historical and art center, or take the Dajti Cable Car for breathtaking city views.

Overnight: Tirana

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

• 14 nights 4* or 5* accommodation
• 1 night in a chosen hotel category in Budapest
• 2 nights in a chosen hotel category in Belgrade
• 1 night in a chosen hotel category in Hunedoara
• 1 night in a chosen hotel category in Brasov
• 2 nights in a chosen hotel category in Bucharest
• 1 night in a chosen hotel category in Veliko Tarnovo
• 1 night in a chosen hotel category in Sofia
• 2 nights in a chosen hotel category in Skopje
• 1 night in a chosen hotel category in Ohrid
• 2 nights in a chosen hotel category in Tirana
• 14 meals: breakfasts in hotels
• Arrival & departure airport transfers
• Transfers according to the itinerary
• Sightseeing per itinerary
• English-speaking tour manager from day 2 to day 14
• All fuel costs, parking fees, and road tolls
• Entrance fees: Saint Sava Temple, Corvin Castle, Bran Castle, Peleș Castle groundfloor, Open Air Ethnographic Museum “Etar”, Matka Canyon boat ride
• City taxes
• VAT
• Tour organization and 24/7 assistance from a licensed incoming tour operator

• Arrival and departure flights
• Food & drinks (except for breakfasts in the hotels)
• Optional expenses
• entrance fees other than mentioned

• 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