Splendours of Balkans and Transylvania

Uncover a region where history and medieval castles meet rocky coastlines and mountainous terrain. Get a glimpse into the generations of culture and tradition throughout the Balkans and Transylvania. Experience the incredible Gothic architecture, legends and castles of Dracula, lush enchanting forests and fairy tale-like villages as you journey through Transylvania. Hit the beautiful Adriatic coastlines of Dubrovnik and Montenegro, the charming old towns and moving stories of Bosnia, the endearing quirkiness and colourful facades of capital cities Tirana and Skopje. With a mix of Greek, Slavic and Ottoman influences, the Balkans and Transylvania is nothing short of character! Discover the hidden gems for yourself as you journey through on this 17-day adventure.

Duration

Destination

Start/Ends in

17 Days

Balkans / Transylvania, Romania

Bucharest / Sofia

Hotels

Group Size

Age Requirement

4 Star

12-42 People

18+

Trip Rating

Trip Theme

Departs

4.6

18 reviews

Classic,Overland

April to December

Sights Visited on This Tour

One of the oldest cities in Europe and the only one built on the confluence of two rivers, also known as the city that never sleeps.

A medieval town set in the heart of Transylvania's Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is the launchpad for the dazzling castles of the region.

The capital of Romania has everything to keep the traveler satisfied with a cosmopolitan downtown and historic sites.

The unofficial capital of Transylvania beckons with its myriad modern facilities scattered across Saxon and Hungarian monuments.

More than its fame as the house of the fictional Dracula, Bran Castle captures the hearts with its importance as a national landmark.

This complex is one of the most beautiful and strongest fortified systems in Europe, but the lively streets show that there is more!

Also known as Corvin is one of the largest Gothic-Renaissance castles in Europe and is featured as one of the Seven Wonders of Romania.

Montenegro’s chief coastal town, Kotor is a picturesque town where maritime history and Romanesque architecture are the moving forces.

Mostar is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) that acts as a calling card for the Balkans.

Ohrid is a large town in North Macedonia on the shore of Lake Ohrid and a UNESCO heritage site since 1980.

Hilly Plovdiv old town is famed for its photogenic winding cobbled streets and beautifully preserved Ottoman-era townhouses.

Salina Turda is a salt mine in the Durgău-Valea Sărată area of Turda, the second largest city in Cluj County, northwest Romania.

Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia, is a compact city on the Miljacka River, the center has museums commemorating local history

Shkodër or Shkodra is the fourth largest city in Albania and one of the oldest places in the Balkan peninsula.

Sibiu is a city in Transylvania, central Romania. It’s known for Germanic architecture in its old town, the legacy of 12th-century.

Sighisoara lies on the Târnava Mare River in Mures, Romania, right at the historic region of Transylvania, hosting a UNESCO-heritage citadel.

A town in central Romania’s Bucegi Mountains, Its 17th-century Sinaia Monastery was once a royal family residence.

Skopje is the capital and largest city of the North Macedonia and it lies in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula region.

Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria.ıt has rich history from Roman and Ottoman Empires. Also famous with it's night life.

Tirana is the capital and largest city of Albania.It is also culturel and economical, politically center of the country.

Trebinje is a small sized city situated in the Trebišnjica river valley in south eastern Herzegovina, about 30 km by road from Dubrovnik.

Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest towns in the country, as its history dates back to more than five thousand years ago.

Tour Inclusions

Accommodation

4 star hotels

Meals

16 breakfasts

Transportation

Air-conditioned coach or mini-bus

Airport Transfer(s)

Arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel on day 1

Tour Guiding

Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

Free Wi-Fi

Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access (where available)

Sightseeing

Bucharest
Count Dracula Castle in Bran
Sighisoara

Cluj-Napoca
Salina Turda Salt Mine
Corvin Castle
Sibiu

Veliko Tarnavo
Plovdiv
Sofia

Knez Mihailova
Danube
Belgrade Fortress
Mostar Bridge

Mostar Old Town
Dubrovnik Old Town
Kotor & Shkoder
Skenderbeg square

What is NOT included?

What is NOT included?

- Any flights not mentioned above
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not stated above
- Items of a personal nature

- Tips and gestures
- Entrance fees to the sights and museums
- Optional activities
- Other services not stated in the itinerary

Dates & Rates

All prices are per person, based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers not wishing to pay a single supplement will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender.

The prices listed below will be automatically applied when you book for 2 or more passengers. Solo travellers will receive 45% discount.

All prices are per person, based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers not wishing to pay a single supplement will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender.

The prices listed below will be automatically applied when you book for 2 or more passengers. Solo travellers will receive 45% discount.

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Deal/Discount

Price Per Person ( $ )

Sat 1 Mar 2025

Mon 17 Mar 2025

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$4817 $2409

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$4817 $2409

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April 2025

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May 2025

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$4860 $2430

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July 2025

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September 2025

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Mon 29 Sep 2025

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Available

50 % Off

Start 1 Mar

End 17 Mar

Per Person in Share Room

$4817 $2409

Available

50 % Off

Start 15 Mar

End 31 Mar

Per Person in Share Room

$4817 $2409

Available

50 % Off

Start 29 Mar

End 14 Apr

Per Person in Share Room

$4817 $2409

April 2025

Available

50 % Off

Start 5 Apr

End 21 Apr

Per Person in Share Room

$4817 $2409

Available

50 % Off

Start 12 Apr

End 28 Apr

Per Person in Share Room

$4817 $2409

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50 % Off

Start 19 Apr

End 5 May

Per Person in Share Room

$4817 $2409

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50 % Off

Start 26 Apr

End 12 May

Per Person in Share Room

$4817 $2409

May 2025

Available

50 % Off

Start 10 May

End 26 May

Per Person in Share Room

$4860 $2430

Available

50 % Off

Start 17 May

End 2 Jun

Per Person in Share Room

$4860 $2430

Available

50 % Off

Start 24 May

End 9 Jun

Per Person in Share Room

$4860 $2430

June 2025

Available

50 % Off

Start 7 Jun

End 23 Jun

Per Person in Share Room

$4860 $2430

Available

50 % Off

Start 21 Jun

End 7 Jul

Per Person in Share Room

$4860 $2430

Available

50 % Off

Start 28 Jun

End 14 Jul

Per Person in Share Room

$4860 $2430

July 2025

Available

50 % Off

Start 5 Jul

End 21 Jul

Per Person in Share Room

$4846 $2423

Available

50 % Off

Start 19 Jul

End 4 Aug

Per Person in Share Room

$4846 $2423

August 2025

Available

50 % Off

Start 2 Aug

End 18 Aug

Per Person in Share Room

$4846 $2423

Available

50 % Off

Start 9 Aug

End 25 Aug

Per Person in Share Room

$4846 $2423

Available

50 % Off

Start 16 Aug

End 1 Sep

Per Person in Share Room

$4846 $2423

Available

50 % Off

Start 30 Aug

End 15 Sep

Per Person in Share Room

$4846 $2423

September 2025

Available

50 % Off

Start 13 Sep

End 29 Sep

Per Person in Share Room

$4860 $2430

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Accommodation

HOTEL MERCURE UNIRII
Bucharest
4 Star

A modern-design accommodation, only a few steps away from the city center. The hotel features an on site restaurant & bar and spacious rooms equipped with coffee-tea maker.

HOTEL AMBIENT
Brasov
4 Star

A charming accommodation, located in the heart of Old Town Brasov. The hotel offers its guests rooms equipped with tea/ coffee maker, an on-site restaurant offering delicacies from various cuisines.

HOTEL RIVER PARK
Cluj Napoca
4 Star

An elegant hotel overlooking the Someșul Mic, offering its guests spectacular views. Guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen tv with cable channels, safe deposit box, tea/ coffee maker and free toiletries.

GOLDEN TULIP ANA TOWER
Sibiu
4 Star

A contemporary accommodation, located only a steps away from the Old Town. The hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with tea-coffee maker, an on-site restaurant & bar and a SPA & wellness center.

BEST WESTERN PREMIER PLOVDIV HILLS
Plovdiv
4 Star

A modern & comfortable hotel, offering its guests rooms equipped with electric kettle & flat screen tv with satellite channels, hair dryer & free toiletries, an on-site restaurant and a lounge bar and a fitness center.

NOVOTEL SOFIA
Sofia
4 Star

A modern-design hotel, offering spacious rooms with flat-screen tv with satellite channels, coffee/ tea maker, safe deposit box, hairdryer & free toiletries, an on-site restaurant, lounge bar and a fitness center.

ABBA HOTEL
Belgrade
4 Star

Discover some of the most elegant hotel rooms in Belgrade, designed to immerse the guests in apsolute comfort and unparaleled luxury.

IBIS STYLE HOTEL
Sarajevo
4 Star

Ibis Style Hotel offers various facilities such as swimming pool and a wellness centre. The hotel has a rich continental breakfast buffet.

HOTEL CENTRAL PARK
Trebinje
4 Star

Hotel Central Park is located in Trebinje and has a terrace with a nice and cozy restaurant.The hotel is in a building that has a very interesting history.

GRAND HOTEL EUROPA
Shkoder
5 Star

Located in the centre of Shkoder, Grand Hotel Europa features a fitness center & SPA. Clasically decorated rooms are air-conditioned and have LCD TV.

HOTEL AQUALINA
Ohrid
4 Star

Located on the shore of Lake Ohrid, surrounded by an area of an amazing clear water of the lake on one side and endless green forest of and national park of Galicica.

HOTEL NOVA RIVIERA
Ohrid
4 Star

A charming hotel located on the shores of Ohrid Lake. Hotel offers spacious rooms and an on-site restaurant & bar that have breathtaking views.

HOTEL PANORAMIKA
Skopje
4 Star

This hotel has much to offer, swimming pool, spa with sauna, steam bath and gym center.The property is located a 20-minute walk from Macedonia Square.

Accommodation
Bucharest
HOTEL MERCURE UNIRII
4 Star
Accommodation
Brasov
HOTEL AMBIENT
4 Star
Accommodation
Cluj Napoca
HOTEL RIVER PARK
4 Star
Accommodation
Sibiu
GOLDEN TULIP ANA TOWER
4 Star
Accommodation
Plovdiv
BEST WESTERN PREMIER PLOVDIV HILLS
4 Star
Accommodation
Sofia
NOVOTEL SOFIA
4 Star
Accommodation
Belgrade
ABBA HOTEL
4 Star
Accommodation
Sarajevo
IBIS STYLE HOTEL
4 Star
Accommodation
Trebinje
HOTEL CENTRAL PARK
4 Star
Accommodation
Shkoder
GRAND HOTEL EUROPA
5 Star
Accommodation
Ohrid
HOTEL AQUALINA
4 Star
Accommodation
Ohrid
HOTEL NOVA RIVIERA
4 Star
Accommodation
Skopje
HOTEL PANORAMIKA
4 Star

Tour Reviews

At Travel Talk we do not only strive to provide excellent value for premium adventures but also to exceed expectations in every aspect of our trips, which is reflected in an enviable 98.2% customer satisfaction rate in 2019. Thanks to the invaluable feedback of our incredible travellers, we are continuously working to improve ourselves and the communities we touch, year after year.

4.6/5 18 reviews
  • Accomodation 4.39
  • Transportation 4.78
  • Value for Money 4.78
  • Guide 4.89
  • Overall 4.56

Odette Foronda

I took the Splendours of the Balkans and Transylvania 17-day tour in August-September 2024 with a group of friends. I went in wanting to understand the complex history of the region, to see the places where significant events had taken place, and experience the local culture.

The Romania-Bulgaria segment was led by Bogdan Pistritu who was not only attentive to our needs but also a walking, talking history book, complete with all the important dates and names. I did come away with a better understanding of the history of both countries, especially because of Bogdan’s own personal thoughts and stories. He threw in a bonus site, too: Alba Iulia, which was a beautiful surprise. Ciprian, our friendly driver, made all the traveling smooth and safe.

Simon Simonovic led the Balkans segment of the tour. The history of the former Yugoslavia had always been a big puzzle for me and I was all ears to everything Simon told us. History becomes much easier to understand when it’s told within the framework of one’s own personal life, and this was the case with Simon talking about the conflicts in ex-Yugoslavia that started when he was a young boy in the 1990s. Very valuable for me to listen to first-hand stories like Simon’s. Because, of course, the trip’s itinerary barely scratched the surface, I came away wanting to have spent more time for the museums, especially in Sarajevo and Mostar. Our driver Slavche did his job well of making sure we got to where we needed to be safely and on time. He was also very nice and welcoming.

All told, I got from the tour what I had aimed for: better historical knowledge, tons of photos of amazing places (Bosnia-Herzegovina’s natural beauty was a pleasant surprise), new friends, and what I’m sure will be lasting memories.

A million thanks to you, Bogdan, Simon, Ciprian, and Slavche! As well, to local guides Prof. Zoran Tuntev and Maria Maneva – Travel Talk needs more like you. You each get five sparkling stars!

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cuc phuong Tran

we just finished Balkans TRANSYLVANIA tours
hotels , most of them were ok
Ambient in Braşov is 3 starts hotel
Best westerns tourist in Skopje is the worst , no star hotel
Simon is good guide
local guide Maria 0f Sofia and professor of Ohrid were the best .
traveller friends are all good to travel with .

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Heather M

Splendours of Balkans & Transylvania 13.4.24. A fast paced tour, with lots of history & cultural depth provided by 2 very good guides Christina and Simon, aided by 2 good drivers also. Accomodation varied, buses were good. Lots of walking and exploring. Be prepared to be busy, culturally saturated, tired. Keep coins for toilet stops and tissues handy, be prepared to tip often, to move seats on the bus daily, sometimes long border crossings.

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S. Wu

Embarking on a journey through the enchanting landscapes of Romania was an experience to cherish, largely thanks to our exceptional tour guide, Crina with traveltalktours . Her extensive knowledge of Romania’s rich history and culture illuminated every site we visited, from the gothic spires of Bran Castle to the cobblestone streets of Sighișoara. Crina’s enthusiasm was infectious, making even the most mundane travel details seem exciting. Her wholehearted commitment to ensuring each traveler felt the magic of Romania turned what could have been a simple tour into a series of unforgettable moments. Whether it was her impromptu stories about local legends or her thoughtful recommendations for off-the-beaten-path eateries, Crina’s insights enriched our adventure, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful country. 🏰
As we bid farewell to Transylvania, we realized that Crina wasn’t just a guide; she was a storyteller, a friend, and a guardian of Romania’s soul. If you’re seeking an authentic and enriching adventure, look no further than the Treasures of Transylvania tour with Crina. It’s a journey that will stay with you long after the last mist has lifted from the Carpathians.

Thank you, Crina, for making our Romania tour truly magical! 🌟

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R.Young

I hope the next travel with the same tour guide, he is knowledgeable ,educating us. Sense of humor , many thanks to Travel Talk! I cant thank enough.

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Tour Guide

L.Shirley

Excellent guide & driver!

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Accomodation
Transportation
Value for Money
Tour Guide

R.Young

I hope the next travel with the same tour guide, he is knowledgeable ,educating us. Sense of humor , many thanks to Travel Talk! I cant thank enough.

Overall
Accomodation
Transportation
Value for Money
Tour Guide

L.Shirley

Excellent guide & driver!

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