Transylvanian Castles to Adriatic Shores - 8 Days

Welcome to Bucharest, where your adventure begins. Upon arrival, we will take care of your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some time to relax. You will be provided with information regarding the start of the tour. At 3:00 p.m., after lunch, we will set out on a panoramic city tour, offering an introduction to Bucharest's rich history and architectural grandeur. You'll have the chance to explore the historic quarter and view the monumental Palace of the Parliament, a testament to the city's past. Post-tour, you'll have free time to wander and discover more of the city at your own pace. Later, join us for an inviting dinner, rounding off your first day in Romania. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we'll embark on a captivating journey to Transylvania, venturing through the verdant landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains. Our first destination is Sinaia, where we'll leisurely explore the charming gardens of Peles and Pelisor Castles. These superb examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture provide a glimpse into Romania's royal past. Continuing our travels, we arrive at the renowned 14th-century Bran Fortress, famously linked to the Dracula legend�entrance is included for those eager to uncover its mysteries.

After a break for lunch, our adventure brings us to Sighisoara, a delightful medieval town that holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Known for its cobbled streets and well-preserved fortifications, Sighisoara exudes historic charm. As evening descends, we'll indulge in a special dinner at Count Dracula's restaurant, which is notably set in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born. This promises to be a memorable conclusion to a day steeped in legend and history.

This morning, we delve deeper into Transylvania, a region enriched with history and cultural significance. Our day begins with a visit to Biertan, where we explore one of the remarkable UNESCO-listed fortified churches, offering insight into the area's German heritage. Tickets are included for this visit. Next, our journey takes us to Sibiu, a city that once served as the capital of Transylvania and is now a vital economic and cultural hub. Here, you'll have time to wander through its vibrant streets and charming squares, and the opportunity to enjoy lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon, we proceed to the majestic Hunedoara Castle, often hailed as Romania�s most beautiful fortress. Tickets for this architectural masterpiece are included. Our day concludes in Timisoara, where you'll have free time to explore the city�s stately central squares and vibrant atmosphere.

Today, we set off for Serbia, crossing the border and travelling approximately three hours to reach Belgrade. This vibrant capital, located at the meeting point of the Danube and Sava rivers, will be our playground for the day. We will embark on a panoramic tour of the city, taking in the lively city centre, the imposing parliament building, and the historic Kalemegdan Fortress. Our exploration also includes a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, home to Tito's Mausoleum. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please, allowing you to delve deeper into Belgrade's rich cultural tapestry at your own pace.

We begin our day by journeying through the picturesque Vojvodina region, reaching our first destination, Sremska Mitrovica. Nestled along the Sava River, this city boasts a charming historic centre and was once a significant location within the Roman Empire, serving proudly as the capital of the province of Pannonia. We will explore the Imperial Palace of Sirmium, with admission included, uncovering the city's fascinating historical tapestry.

Our adventure continues as we head towards Bosnia, with a stop in Zvornik, one of Bosnia's oldest cities, located on the river forming a natural boundary with Serbia. Zvornik is steeped in history, particularly reflecting upon the Bosnian conflict, where the primarily Muslim population faced displacement, and Serbian refugees settled. This poignant locale is also near Srebrenica, forever marked by the sorrowful massacre.

We will pause for lunch and enjoy a leisurely walk before resuming our scenic journey through captivating landscapes towards Sarajevo. Arriving in the evening, you will have the opportunity to discover the enchantment of Sarajevo's historic centre, especially the charming bazaar. This old Ottoman market is famed for its striking architecture, rich atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included, offering a delightful end to a day filled with history and beauty.

Our day in Sarajevo starts with a guided exploration of this fascinating city, which is often referred to as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its rich tapestry of coexisting religions. As we wander through the old town, the area�s strong Ottoman influence is evident, especially with the impressive mosque that has stood for over 500 years and the charming fountain nearby.

After taking in the diverse cultural heritage of Sarajevo, we embark on a journey through beautiful landscapes towards Mostar. Here, the historic centre awaits with its captivating architecture and iconic stone bridge that links the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities. You'll have some time to savour lunch and stroll through the town, soaking up its unique atmosphere.

Our adventure continues as we head towards Croatia, where border formalities may take some time. We arrive in Dubrovnik by the day's end, ready to enjoy an included dinner and unwind after a day filled with remarkable sights and experiences.

Today, we will delve into the captivating charm of Dubrovnik with an expert local guide. Known as one of Europe's most stunning cities, Dubrovnik is perched dramatically on a cliff, encircled by ancient walls and lapped by the Adriatic Sea. The city's perfectly preserved historic core is a treasure trove of world architectural heritage. We'll begin by taking in breathtaking views of Dubrovnik from a scenic vantage point along the road, an ideal spot to appreciate its unique setting.

Our tour includes visits to the Franciscan Monastery, where you can discover the oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral, both landmarks of cultural and historical significance. Afterwards, we will set sail to Lokrum, a charming isle a mere 15-minute journey away. Here, you will explore the atmospheric ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, a location that may be familiar to fans of the series Game of Thrones.

Following the tour, you will have free time to wander Dubrovnik at your own pace before we regroup at the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be provided for you to enjoy as you reflect on the day's experiences. Please note that in some instances, accommodation might be arranged in Cavtat, a neighbouring coastal town. Additionally, from November to March, Lokrum is not accessible by boat, so our visit to the island will be skipped during these months.

After enjoying breakfast, our tour will come to a conclusion in Dubrovnik. We hope you depart with a collection of wonderful, lasting memories from your travels with us.