Highlights of the Balkans
Highlights of the Balkans
Highlights of the Balkans
14 Days Starting in Belgrade, Serbia and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Belgrade, Sibiu, Brasov, Bucharest, Sofia, Skopje, Ohrid, Tirana, Europe, Ruse
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RE-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Balkans with our "Highlights of the Balkans" tour, exploring the rich history and vibrant cultures of Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia. Begin in Belgrade with a welcome dinner, then marvel at the Santa Sava Church and Kalemegdan Fortress. Discover Romania's architectural gems in Timisoara and Sibiu, and visit the legendary Bran Castle in Brasov. Experience the grandeur of Peles Castle in Sinaia and the historic charm of Bucharest. In Bulgaria, explore the neo-baroque beauty of Ruse and the ancient wonders of Sofia. Conclude your adventure in North Macedonia and Albania, with highlights including Lake Ohrid, the Staro Nagorichane Monastery, and Tirana's Bunk’Art museum. Enjoy guided tours, scenic drives, and local cuisine, making this a truly immersive Balkan experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Belgrade,Serbia
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
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 HIGHLIGHTPICTURE 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
Location: Sibiu
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 / 430kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTA 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 / 150kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & 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 / 190kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL 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 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTARTISTRY & 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 HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL 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 / 250kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & 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 HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & 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
Location: Skopje, 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 / 180kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL 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 / 130kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC 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 HIGHLIGHTART & 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
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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.
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Meals
Daily breakfast and several dinners are included throughout the tour.
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tours in Belgrade, Sibiu, Brasov, Bucharest, Sofia, Skopje, Ohrid, and Tirana.
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Welcome Dinner
Welcome dinner on the first day in Belgrade.
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Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Tirana.
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Boat Cruise
Guided sightseeing in Ohrid includes a boat cruise.
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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
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Instant Booking
Instant booking is not available for this tour.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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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.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes guided sightseeing tours and transfers between cities such as Belgrade, Sibiu, Brasov, Bucharest, Sofia, Skopje, Ohrid, and Tirana, covering distances up to 430 km in a day.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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