Europe
Trafalgar – Balkan Adventure
From R63,800
Per Person Sharing
Valid
27 April 2024 - 18 May 2024
Travel outside of these dates may be subject to supplements and increases
14 DAY BALKANS TOUR FROM BUCHAREST TO BELGRADE
Visit several countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.
Inclusions
- 13 Nights' accommodation in twin or triple share hotels throughout (The Balkans)
- Services of a professional Trip Manager
- 13 Breakfasts & 7 Dinners
- Transport throughout in an air-conditioned coach equipped with power-points, Wi-Fi and reclining seats
- Various Set departure dates Book early to secure discount offer!
Exclusions
- Flights and related taxes (Ask us - we can arrange this!)
- Travel insurance (Highly recommended!)
- Visa
- All items of a personal nature
- Anything not mentioned
13 Cities, 7 Countries
Visit several countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.
Day 1
WELCOME TO BUCHAREST
You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Paris when you explore the Belle-Époque atmosphere of Romania’s capital, Bucharest. Your first day will be free to explore the city your way, admiring the elegant boulevards that once hosted high society and an Old City filled with cobbled streets, Baroque architecture and vintage cafés. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. Why not toast to new friends with a shot of the local Pálinka to set the tone for your memorable journey?
Arrival Transfer
Depart the airport at 12:00, 15:00
AccommodationMercure Bucharest Unirii
Included Meals
Dinner
Day 2
JOURNEY TO TRANSYLVANIA AND BRAŞOV
A full day of sightseeing stretches ahead, beginning in Bucharest where you’ll join a Local Specialist to delve into the city’s tumultuous history. See the immense Palace of the Parliament, one of the lasting legacies left behind by dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu, whose extravagant tastes culminated in the world’s second-largest administrative building in stark contrast to the poverty of his people. Venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia and view Peleş Castle, the summer retreat of Romania’s first king. Then, continue to Braşov and check in to your hotel in Poiana Braşov ski resort. Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine for dinner at your hotel against the backdrop of panoramic mountain views.
AccommodationAna Hotels Sport
Included Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
DRACULA’S CASTLE AND MORE IN BRAŞOV
The highlight of the day is this morning’s visit to Bran Castle, the legendary home of Dracula. Dive Into Culture with a Local Specialist and learn about its history as the favourite royal residence of Queen Maria of Romania. Although the connection between the castle and Bram Stoker’s famous literary figure is tentative at best, its imposing walls, towering spires and secret passageways may convince you otherwise. Next, we journey to the medieval streets of Braşov. The city once stood at the crossroads of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe, forging a melting pot of influences that can be seen to this day. Join a Local Specialist who will reveal the city’s trading history and Saxon roots as you walk around Town Hall Square and see the Black Church, so named following the damage caused by the Great Fire of 1689. Your evening is free to indulge in some of the local Transylvanian favourites or consider joining your travel companions for an optional dinner.
AccommodationAna Hotels Sport
Included Meals
Breakfast
Day 4
CONTINUE TO MEDIEVAL VELIKO TÂRNOVO
Head south, through ancient villages and tranquil landscapes across the Danube River into Bulgaria. Your journey ends in Veliko Târnovo, the 'City of the Tsars' and former capital of the Bulgarian Empire. Relax after your scenic drive and join your travel companions for dinner at your hotel. After dinner, resist the urge to retire early and take a stroll through the Old City admiring the Renaissance gems that line its winding streets.
AccommodationYantra Grand Hotel Veliko Târnovo
Included Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
ONWARDS TO HISTORIC SOFIA
The fairy-tale façades of Veliko Târnovo exude medieval history around every turn and your Local Specialist will reveal a rich history and culture befitting a former imperial capital. At the heart of the city is Tsarevets Fortress, which you’ll have an opportunity to visit as part of your sightseeing tour. Our next stop is the UNESCO-listed town of Arbanasi, renowned for its Bulgarian National Revival architecture and rich spiritual history reflected in the beautiful medieval frescoed churches that can be found here. Visit the Church of Holy Nativity before continuing to Sofia.
AccommodationAstoria Grand
Included Meals
Breakfast
Day 6
SOFIA YOUR WAY
Join a Local Specialist for an in-depth sightseeing tour of Bulgaria’s modern-day capital including views of the golden-domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church. Settle in to the relaxed atmosphere and take a stroll along its elegant boulevards or sit in a park and people-watch. You could choose instead to join an Optional Experience to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila in the 10th century. Later this evening, you may wish to get your foot tapping to the flurry of red skirts at a traditional folklore show.
AccommodationAstoria Grand
Included Meals
Breakfast
Day 7
JOURNEY TO MACEDONIAN SKOPJE
Cross the Macedonian border today, bound for Skopje, the capital, religious crossroads and a vibrant medieval trading centre. See the Ottoman Empire's legacy in the mosques and bazaars as you join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour this afternoon. Local flavours and stories are on the menu tonight as you Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience.
AccommodationHotel Next Door Park and Spa
Included Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
OFF TO ALBANIA AND TIRANA
Leaving North Macedonia behind, head to the Albanian capital of Tirana where, on arrival, you’ll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour. Delve into how the city has emerged from decades of communist rule into a vibrant, trendy tourism centre – one where dour grey city blocks have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colourful façades. You’ll view such highlights as the Palace of Culture, the National Library and the Clock Tower before enjoying dinner at your hotel.
AccommodationHilton Garden Inn Tirana
Included Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
JOURNEY TO BUDVA
Travel to Budva next where your Travel Director will provide an orientation tour before you have the rest of the day to explore 'Montenegro's Miami' on your own. Head to Stari Grad (the Old Town) surrounded by 15th-century ramparts to explore its labyrinthine lanes and small squares where you could choose to sit back and watch the world go by.
AccommodationHotel TQ Plaza
Included Meals
Breakfast
Day 10
VISIT KOTOR, VENTURE TO MOSTAR AND SARAJEVO
After an orientation in Kotor, join a a Local Specialist in Mostar for a guided tour through colourful cobbled streets. View the Stari Most and meet a traditional coppersmith artisan on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Head to Sarajevo next where you’ll delve into the rich religious and multicultural heritage that has earned it the nickname, the 'Jerusalem of Europe'. Tonight you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.
AccommodationNovotel Sarajevo Bristol
Included Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11
DISCOVER SARAJEVO
Join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour of Sarajevo, which will reveal centuries of religious history reflected in its beautiful synagogues, mosques and Orthodox and Catholic churches. Visit the War Tunnel, an underground tunnel of hope that was built in 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo, allowing war supplies and humanitarian aid to reach the city at the height of the Bosnian War. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own. Visit the Old Town and trace the Sarajevo Roses, dotted across the city as a stark reminder of that tumultuous time in the city’s history.
AccommodationNovotel Sarajevo Bristol
Included Meals
Breakfast
Day 12
ON THE ROAD TO BELGRADE
Travel through lush forests, pastures and the Bosnian Mountains into Serbia – a scenic day of driving that will end in Belgrade. The 'White City' has a long history which you’ll have an opportunity to discover tomorrow.
AccommodationMercure Belgrade Excelsior
Included Meals
Breakfast
Day 13
EXPLORE RIVERSIDE BELGRADE
Your Local Specialist will share the sights and sounds of Belgrade from an insider’s perspective this morning. Delve into its Celtic, Roman, Serbian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history, then visit Kalemegdan Fortress, the symbol of the Serbian capital perched perfectly on a ridge overlooking the confluence of two great rivers. Discover how each of these empires has had a hand in rebuilding the fortress over the past 16 centuries. This evening, we reunite one final time for a rousing Farewell Dinner to reminisce over our shared travel experience.
AccommodationMercure Belgrade Excelsior
Included Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14
FAREWELL BELGRADE
Our journey through the Balkans has come to an end. All that’s left is to say a fond doviđenja as you bid your new friends farewell.
Departure Transfer
Arrive at the airport at 07:00, 11:00
Included Meals
Breakfast
Terms and Conditions
Why we like it
Visit several countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.
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Why book with us?
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
Our expertise in sports and group travel, resulted in IGO’s appointment in 2014 as the official travel agent and tour operator in South Africa by the Schools World Cups Limited (SWCL) to supply travel services to all SWC Sports tournaments and events.
INNOVATION
We’re innovative trendsetters, combining technology and travel savoir-faire to ensure a trouble-free voyage. We’re adaptable to your needs and continuously strive to provide the most efficient, up-to-date and reliable service.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
We know that the smallest overlooked detail could ruin an entire trip. That is why we pride ourselves in paying attention to every detail to ensure your group getaway runs like a well-oiled machine. And when life happens, we’re on standby to get things back on track as efficiently as possible.
SUPPLIER RELATIONS
With many years in the industry we’ve built up a trusted partnership base with quality suppliers, guaranteeing reliable services locally and internationally. We only work with certified trusted partners and prioritize the safety of our clients.