Highlights of the Balkans

Highlights of the Balkans

53 Views
14 Days From

$3310

$3058

Highlights of the Balkans

14 Days Starting in Belgrade, Serbia and ending in Tirana, Albania

Visiting: Belgrade, Brasov, Bucharest, Sofia, Skopje, Ohrid, Tirana

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

RE-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3310 $3058 Barrhead discount: -$252

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

For the travel lover who wishes to see it all, this tour of the beauty of Balkan countries delivers! Visit the must-see sites and hear about the long and fascinating histories as you journey through Serbia, Romania, North Macedonia, and Albania. Explore Serbia’s capital city of Belgrade, along with the Romanian cities of Timisoara, Sibiu andBucharest. Visit Brasov’s impressive Black Church; Ruse, Bulgaria’s “Little Vienna;” the byzantine Holy Sofia Church, built in the 6th century and today a symbol of Sofia; plus, Staro Nagorichane Monastery near Kumanovo, and Tirana’s Bunk’Art, in Albania.
Revel in remarkable experiences along the way, including a visit to Romania’s 14th-century Bran Castle of Dracula lore. See its torture chambers and enjoy dinner on the castle grounds. Embark on a boat cruise on Lake Ohrid and see the monastery of Saint Naum. This Eastern Europe tour is sure to thrill!

Highlights

  • Explore the Santa Sava Church and Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade.

  • Admire the Romanian Orthodox Church in Timisoara and explore Sibiu's medieval towers and churches.

  • Tour the Black Church and Bran Castle in Brasov, with dinner at Queen Mary Tea House.

  • Visit Peles Castle in Sinaia, known for its modern amenities and historical significance.

  • Sightseeing in Bucharest, including views of the Palace of the Parliament.

  • Discover Ruse, Bulgaria's "Little Vienna," with its neo-baroque and neo-rococo architecture.

  • Guided tour of Sofia, including the Byzantine Holy Sofia Church.

  • Explore the Staro Nagorichane Monastery in Kumanovo and enjoy Skopje's landmarks.

Places You'll See

Mercure Belgrade Excelsior

Mercure Sibui Arsenal

Radisson Blu Aurum

Radisson Blu

Hilton Sofia

Skopje Marriott

Metropol Lake Resort

Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Belgrade,Serbia

Сергей Филиппов
dejan sokolovic

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation Name: Mercure Belgrade Excelsior

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
ARRIVE IN BELGRADE, SERBIA Welcome to Belgrade! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Day 2: Belgrade

Сергей Филиппов
dejan sokolovic

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation Name: Mercure Belgrade Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast

Follow a guided sightseeing featuring main sights like the Santa Sava Church and views of the fascinating Kalemegdan Fortress. Free afternoon and evening.
BELGRADE A Strong Faith Follow a guided sightseeing featuring main sights like the Santa Sava Church and views of the fascinating Kalemegdan Fortress. Free afternoon and evening.
(B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT The Church of Saint Sava is one of the largest churches in the world and the largest church building in the Balkans. The church is built on the site where the Ottomans burned the remains of Saint Sava in 1595 and it represents the resilience and continuity of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbian culture through centuries of foreign domination. A visit to Belgrade is not complete without a stop here.

Day 3: Belgrade,Timisoara,Romania,Sibiu

Сергей Филиппов
dejan sokolovic

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation Name: Mercure Sibui Arsenal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

TIMISOARA Admire the Romanian Orthodox Church, seat of the archbishop. SIBIU An orientation tour reveals Sibiu’s towers, churches, and buildings dating back to the 14th century 267mi / 430km
BELGRADE–TIMISOARA, ROMANIA–SIBIU Capital Cities TIMISOARA Admire the Romanian Orthodox Church, seat of the archbishop.
SIBIU An orientation tour reveals Sibiu’s towers, churches, and buildings dating back to the 14th century (B,D) 267mi / 430km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A CITY OF FIRSTS Situated in Transylvania, Sibiu is a real gem with a local vibe which recorded many premieres in this part of Europe. It was here where the first hospital, the first library, the first school, the first pharmacy, the first Zoo garden, the first open-air cinema in Romania opened.

Day 4: Sibiu,Brasov

Location: Brasov

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Aurum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

BRASOV Follow your guide for a tour of the city and visit the Black Church. Later visit Bran Castle and enjoy [LF] dinner on the castle grounds at Queen Mary Tea House. 93mi / 150km
SIBIU–BRASOV Fact or Fiction BRASOV Follow your guide for a tour of the city and visit the Black Church. Later visit Bran Castle and enjoy [LF] dinner on the castle grounds at Queen Mary Tea House. (B,D) 93mi / 150km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Legend has it that King Solomon, while escaping enemies in pursuit, fled into the Brasov forest, exchanged his clothes with a local peasant, and cast his crown on a tree trunk to evade being recognized. So the city of Brasov was dubbed Brasov, Kronstadt (Crown City). The fortress-castle was built in 1377 by master masons of Brasov, on a cliff, dominating the whole region. The most famous feature of the town is the castle associated with Vlad the Impaler, a true-life prince who stayed at the castle in the 15th century. His cruel habit of impaling his enemies on stakes inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional tale of Dracula.

Day 5: Brasov,Sinaia,Bucharest

Location: Brasov

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu

Meals Included: Breakfast

SINAIA Visit Peles castle 118mi / 190km
BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST Romanian Royalty SINAIA Visit Peles castle (B) 118mi / 190km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM From the very beginning, Peles Castle was one of the most modern in Europe. It was the first castle on the continent fully supplied by electrical power – it had its own electrical unit – and one of the few with a central heating system, an elevator, and the best comfort of the time. The castle was a museum from its first years, and the ticket sales were used to finance Romania’s Queen Elisabeth’s charity works. After the castle was confiscatedby the communists, it was used only as a museum from 1953 to 1975, escaping the destructive whims of ruling dictator, Ceausescu.

Day 6: Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu

Meals Included: Breakfast

BUCHAREST Follow your guide for a sightseeing that includes views of the palace where former Romanian dictator Ceausescu lived.
BUCHAREST Parisian Style and Palace Squares BUCHAREST Follow your guide for a sightseeing that includes views of the palace where former Romanian dictator Ceausescu lived. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT In the early 20th century, Bucharest was known as "Little Paris" due to its elegant architecture and vibrant cultural scene, reminiscent of the French capital. See the imposing Palace of the Parliament, former home of communist dictator, Ceausescu. Noted as the world's heaviest building and largest administrative building after the Pentagon.

Day 7: Bucharest,Ruse,Sofia,Bulgaria

Location: Sofia

Accommodation Name: Hilton Sofia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

RUSE Stop in Bulgaria’s most important river port nicknamed “Little Vienna” due to its beautiful neo-baroque and neo-rococo architecture. 242 mi / 390 km
BUCHAREST–RUSE–SOFIA, BULGARIA Little Vienna RUSE Stop in Bulgaria’s most important river port nicknamed “Little Vienna” due to its beautiful neo-baroque and neo-rococo architecture. (B,D) 242 mi / 390 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARTISTRY & ARCHITECTURE Unique to the country of Romania is the architectural jewel of Ruse. Its leafy avenues and squares are reminiscent of Vienna, with a Central European feel found in its baroque and belle epoque architectural style.

Day 8: Sofia

Location: Sofia

Accommodation Name: Hilton Sofia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

SOFIA Hear the history of this fascinating capital city during your guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Byzantine Holy Sofia Church.
SOFIA A City of Centuries SOFIA Hear the history of this fascinating capital city during your guided sightseeing tour.
Visit the Byzantine Holy Sofia Church. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia is poised as it has been for centuries below Vitosha Mountain, with its landmarks reflecting more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century. Sofia was known as Serdica centuries before Christ and was ruled at one time by Alexander the Great’s father, Philip of Macedonia.

Day 9: Sofia,Kumanovo,North Macedonia,Skopje

Location: Sofia

Accommodation Name: Skopje Marriott

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

KUMANOVO Visit the Staro Nagorichane Monastery.SKOPJE Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant 155mi / 250km
SOFIA–KUMANOVO, NORTH MACEDONIA–SKOPJE Prophecies, Prayers, and Promises KUMANOVO Visit the Staro Nagorichane Monastery.
SKOPJE Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (B,D) 155mi / 250km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Visit the 11th-century church of Staro Nagorichane. Built by Byzantine emperor Roman IV Diogen in gratitude to the hermit and saint Prohor Pcinski. According to the legend, the emperor wounded a deer while hunting in the surrounding forests and followed its bloody trail to a cave in which it found refuge with the hermit Pcinski. The old man beseeched the emperor to spare the deer and prophesized he would become the future king upon his return to Constantinople. With the prophecy ultimately fulfilled. Diogen built the church in honor of the beatified Saint Pcinski.

Day 10: Skopje

Location: Skopje

Accommodation Name: Skopje Marriott

Meals Included: Breakfast

SKOPJE Guided sightseeing includes views of the city’s landmarks.
SKOPJE City of Statues and Saint Theresa SKOPJE Guided sightseeing includes views of the city’s landmarks. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MONUMENTS The city of Skopje is located on the Vardar River and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Hear how it is often referred to as the “City of Statues,” with over 190 statues scattered throughout the city, it truly lives up to its nickname. But it is also famous as Mother Theresa was born here.

Day 11: Skopje,Ohrid

amer demishi
zlatko zlatko
Ivica Jandriček

Location: Ohrid

Accommodation Name: Metropol Lake Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

OHRID Guided sightseeing includes a boat cruise. 112mi / 180km
SKOPJE–OHRID Water Colors OHRID Guided sightseeing includes a boat cruise. (B) 112mi / 180km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Lake Ohrid is the oldest natural lake in Europe and one of the oldest lakes in the whole world and home to a high number of endemic species, found nowhere else in the world. Don’t miss the chance to witness one of the lake’s most enchanting spectacle at sunset when the golden hues reflect upon the tranquil waters for a mesmerizing sight.

Day 12: Ohrid,Tirana,Albania

Location: Tirana

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Meals Included: Breakfast

OHRID Visit the monastery of Saint Naum 81mi / 130km
OHRID–TIRANA, ALBANIA Macedonian Marvels OHRID Visit the monastery of Saint Naum (B) 81mi / 130km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT The Monastery of St. Naum is built on a high rocky cliff over the shore of the most southern point of Ohrid Lake and is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia, which also represents one of the first monuments of Slavic church architecture and art in the Ohrid region – this is. The founder of the monastery is the medieval writer and teacher Naum, who is one of the founders of the Slavic and Macedonian literacy and education tradition. Take in the heavenly views surrounding this clifftop marvel.

Day 13: Tirana

Location: Tirana

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art and the main square. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
TIRANA Underground Art TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art and the main square. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Discover a vibrant story of history, architecture, and art in Tirana – from the Tirana mosaic (Ancient Roman) to the Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit), a symbol of ottoman architecture, Italian buildings, and the construction style of the dictatorship. Visit the former Cold War bunker-turned-art-museum of Bunk’Art.

Day 14: Tirana

Location: Tirana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
TIRANA Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at various hotels including Mercure Belgrade Excelsior in Belgrade, Mercure Sibui Arsenal in Sibiu, Radisson Blu Aurum in Brasov, Radisson Blu in Bucharest, Hilton Sofia in Sofia, Skopje Marriott in Skopje, Metropol Lake Resort in Ohrid, and Hilton Garden Inn Tirana in Tirana.

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast and several dinners are included throughout the tour.

  • Guided Sightseeing

    Guided sightseeing tours in Belgrade, Sibiu, Brasov, Bucharest, Sofia, Skopje, Ohrid, and Tirana.

  • Welcome Dinner

    Welcome dinner on the first day in Belgrade.

  • Farewell Dinner

    Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Tirana.

  • Boat Cruise

    Guided sightseeing in Ohrid includes a boat cruise.

  • Visits to Historical Sites

    Visits to various historical sites including Santa Sava Church, Kalemegdan Fortress, Romanian Orthodox Church, Black Church, Bran Castle, Peles Castle, Palace of the Parliament, Staro Nagorichane Monastery, and the Monastery of Saint Naum.

What's Not Included

  • Instant Booking

    Instant booking is not available for this tour.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

UNESCO Sites

Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region

Accommodation

Belgrade:Mercure Belgrade Excelsior
Sibiu:Mercure Sibui Arsenal
Brasov:Radisson Blu Aurum
Bucharest:Radisson Blu
Sofia:Hilton Sofia
Skopje:Skopje Marriott
Ohrid:Metropol Lake Resort
Tirana:Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Notes

The Bran Castle visit requires guests to navigate many steps which may pose a challenge for those with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Meals

13 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the first activity upon arrival in Belgrade?

    Upon arrival in Belgrade, you will meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel at 6 pm.

  • What are some of the main sights to see in Belgrade?

    In Belgrade, you will see the Santa Sava Church and have views of the fascinating Kalemegdan Fortress during a guided sightseeing tour.

  • What can I expect to see in Timisoara and Sibiu?

    In Timisoara, you will admire the Romanian Orthodox Church, the seat of the archbishop. In Sibiu, an orientation tour will reveal the city's towers, churches, and buildings dating back to the 14th century.

  • What unique experience is included in Brasov?

    In Brasov, you will visit the Black Church, later visit Bran Castle, and enjoy dinner on the castle grounds at Queen Mary Tea House.

  • What is special about Peles Castle in Sinaia?

    Peles Castle was one of the most modern in Europe, being the first castle fully supplied by electrical power and having a central heating system, an elevator, and other comforts of the time. It was also used as a museum from its early years.

  • What historical site will be visited in Bucharest?

    In Bucharest, you will see the Palace of the Parliament, the former home of communist dictator Ceausescu, noted as the world's heaviest building and the largest administrative building after the Pentagon.

  • What is unique about the city of Ruse in Bulgaria?

    Ruse is known as 'Little Vienna' due to its beautiful neo-baroque and neo-rococo architecture, giving it a Central European feel.

  • What historical landmarks will be visited in Sofia?

    In Sofia, you will visit the Byzantine Holy Sofia Church and hear the history of this fascinating capital city during a guided sightseeing tour.

  • What is the significance of the Staro Nagorichane Monastery in Kumanovo?

    The Staro Nagorichane Monastery was built by Byzantine emperor Roman IV Diogen in gratitude to the hermit and saint Prohor Pcinski, who prophesized that Diogen would become the future king upon his return to Constantinople.

  • What can I expect during the guided sightseeing in Skopje?

    In Skopje, the guided sightseeing includes views of the city's landmarks, and you will learn about its history, including its nickname 'City of Statues' and its connection to Mother Theresa.

  • What unique experience is included in Ohrid?

    In Ohrid, the guided sightseeing includes a boat cruise on Lake Ohrid, the oldest natural lake in Europe, known for its high number of endemic species and enchanting sunsets.

  • What is special about the Monastery of Saint Naum in Ohrid?

    The Monastery of Saint Naum is built on a high rocky cliff over the shore of Lake Ohrid and is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia. It represents one of the first monuments of Slavic church architecture and art in the Ohrid region.

  • What will be visited during the walking tour in Tirana?

    In Tirana, the guided walking tour features a visit to the Bunk’Art and the main square, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.


Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.


We look after you every step of the way.


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