Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
A highlight-packed tour enjoying the glorious history, culture and fairytale landscapes of the Balkans & Transylvania.
The Royal Peles Castle, Sinaia, Transylvania
The Budapest parliamentary building along the Danube River
Budapest
Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad
Belgrade, Serbia
Kalemegdan Fortress, Belgrade
Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia
National Theatre Ivan Vazov, Sofia
Rila Monastery - a UNESCO World Heritage site
Elaborate frescoes adorn Rila Monastery
Ancient ruins in Old Plovdiv
Roman amphitheatre, Plovdiv
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo
Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo
Transylvania, Bran Castle
Cluj Napoca
Orthodox cathedral in Cluj Napoca
Enchanting Bucharest
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Budapest.
Fly to Budapest where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
DAY 2: Budapest.
Today's included sightseeing tour with a local guide features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. See the expansive plaza of Heroes' Square, the old inns and wine cellars along the Buda riverbank, the impressive Royal Castle, Parliament, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church and Margaret Island. (B)
DAY 3: Budapest - Novi Sad - Belgrade.
Travel to the border town of Szeged and cross into the province of Vojvodina in Serbia. Enjoy a stop in Novi Sad, the capital of the province, set on the River Danube and famed for its Petrovaradin Fortress - known in the west as the 'Gibraltar of the Danube'. Continue to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, for one night. (B)
DAY 4: Belgrade - Sofia.
Journey, by way of Nis, to the border and cross into Bulgaria continuing to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. Explore the city on an included sightseeing tour with a local guide, including highlights such as the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, National Theatre and St Sofia Church. (B, D)
DAY 5: Sofia. Excursion to Rila Monastery.
This morning head to Rila for a visit to the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous sights in the country. Founded by the hermit Ivan Rilski in 927, the monastery complex has a long and chequered history. During the long Turkish rule over the country, the monastery became a beacon of Bulgarian culture. Return to Sofia and this evening, why not join the optional folklore dinner? (B)
DAY 6: Sofia - Plovdiv - Veliko Tãrnovo.
Drive to Plovdiv, set on the banks of the Maritsa River and Bulgaria's second largest city. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman amphitheatre. Later, journey amongst picturesque landscapes and over the Stara Planina Mountains, by way of Gabrovo, to Veliko Tãrnovo for one night. (B, D)
DAY 7: Veliko Tãrnovo - Bucharest.
Enjoy some of the highlights of Veliko Tãrnovo, located on the Yantra River. During the Middle Ages, it was Bulgaria's capital and although now a modern town, it still retains attractive medieval features. Later, drive to nearby Arbanassi, world famous for its unusual fortress style houses. The village is known as an architectural and historic reserve and was once the summer residence of Bulgarian Kings. One of the highlights of the visit is the Church of the Nativity built in 1637. This afternoon, journey north to Rousse and cross the Danube to Romania and its capital, Bucharest. (B, D)
DAY 8: Bucharest.
Flower-festooned parks, gardens and wide, tree-lined boulevards contribute to Bucharest's beauty. The highlight of your sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, wind and watermills, and artisan workshops carefully preserved and moved here from all parts of the country. Later, take in the other city highlights such as the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace and the Savings Palace. This afternoon, enjoy an optional visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the largest civilian administrative building in the world. (B)
DAY 9: Bucharest - Sinaia - Brasov.
This morning, head to Sinaia in the Prahova Valley, a lovely ski resort, almost 3300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered to be one of the most romantic in the world. Later, continue to Brasov, a lovely medieval town famed for its town square and studded with baroque architecture and outdoor cafés. This evening, an optional 'folklore' dinner is available. (B)
DAY 10: Brasov.
This morning, enjoy a walking orientation tour of Brasov Old Town, including the Black Church, before time at leisure to explore at your own pace. This afternoon, continue to Bran for a visit to Bran Castle, built in 1377 and, according to legend, once home to Vlad the Impaler, now better known as Count Dracula. (B)
DAY 11: Brasov - Sighisoara - Cluj Napoca.
Visit the pretty medieval town of Sighisoara, a tranquil village nestled within stone city walls. Stroll the cobblestone streets to admire the ancient houses and churches. According to legend, Sighisoara was the birthplace of the notorious Vlad the Impaler (Dracula). Later, continue by way of Targu Mures to Cluj Napoca in the heart of Transylvania. (B, D)
DAY 12: Cluj Napoca - Budapest.
Journey by way of Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest for one night. This evening, enjoy an optional Danube Dinner Cruise. (B)
DAY 13: Budapest - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Budapest: Mercure Duna (3*); Belgrade: Best Western Hotel M (4*); Sofia: Crystal Palace (4*); Veliko Tãrnovo: Yantra Grand Hotel (4*); Bucharest: Pullman Bucharest (4*); Brasov: Aro Palace (4*); Cluj Napoca: Belvedere (4*); Budapest: Park Flamenco (4*).
Your Holiday Map
Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
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The Royal Peles Castle, Sinaia, Transylvania
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The Budapest parliamentary building along the Danube River
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Budapest
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Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad
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Belgrade, Serbia
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Kalemegdan Fortress, Belgrade
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Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia
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National Theatre Ivan Vazov, Sofia
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Rila Monastery - a UNESCO World Heritage site
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Elaborate frescoes adorn Rila Monastery
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Ancient ruins in Old Plovdiv
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Roman amphitheatre, Plovdiv
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Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
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Veliko Tarnovo
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Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo
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Transylvania, Bran Castle
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Cluj Napoca
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Orthodox cathedral in Cluj Napoca
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Enchanting Bucharest
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Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
EPHESUS FULL DAY
Ephesus is one of the most beautiful and ancient sites, once known as the capital of the Asian Province of the Roman Empire, with its fascinating library of Celcus, its huge amphitheater with seating for 26,000, and Adrian's Temple. Then drive up to the chapel, last home of the Virgin Mary and the site of the Temple of Diane - one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
€45 (Euro)
HUNGARIAN NIGHT
A typical Hungarian evening. After an aperitif, enjoy dinner with some fine local specialties and unlimited wine, followed by a programme of Hungarian folklore and Gypsy music.
€48 (Euro)
TYPICAL CAPPADOCIA VILLAGE
Discover fascinating Cappadocia with its "Fairy Chimneys", underground city of Ozkonak, typical villages, and the greatest concentration of accessible rock churches in the region. See rock-hewn chambers and other relics of monastic buildings and life.
€35 (Euro)
FOLKLORE DINNER
A night out Bulgarian style - your dinner comprises local cuisine which introduces you to Bulgarian specialities. At the same time you will be entertained by folklore music and traditional dances with men and women dancing on live coals with neaked feet.
€35 (Euro)
TURKISH FOLKLORE
Something quite different - a lively and colorful show of costumes, dancing and singing. Enjoy local wine and Turkish appetizers.
€29 (Euro)
PEOPLE'S PALACE
Your guided tour of the People's Palace, as it was known in the communist period, or the Parliament Palace as it is known today, will take you inside one of the largest buildings in Europe to visit some of the monumental and richly decorated halls.
€25 (Euro)
CITY SIGHTSEEING
Turkey's capital city typifies the contrast of old and new so evident throughout the entire country. See the new city as well as the market places and the Ataturk Mausoleum, honoring the first president and founder of modern Turkey. The next visit is to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located in a restored bazaar. The museum has a unique and priceless collection dating back to the Prehistoric Era.
€25 (Euro)
A ROMANIAN EVENING
Enjoy dinner out at a typical beer house restaurant located in the Herastrau Park. The venue has been for decades one of the favourite places to dine out in Bucharest. A folklore show, with music and dances, accompany the dinner
€43 (Euro)
BY NIGHT WITH DINNER
Drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul to a well-known nightclub where dinner, including specialties of Turkish cuisine and wine, is served. Then a show with singers, belly dancers, and folk groups from various regions of Anatolia.
€50 (Euro)
MEDIEVAL EVENING
Enjoy a traditional dinner with show in one of the most well-known Romanian restaurants - located in the medieval citadel of Brasov.
€43 (Euro)
BOSPORUS CRUISE
Drive over the Galata Bridge to board your boat for an excellent view of old Turkish wooden houses and beautiful scenery. See the elegant Dolmabahce Palace and cruise under the Bosporus Bridge.
€31 (Euro)
EVENING ON A BOAT
Cruise along the River Danube admiring the beauty of the twin cities Buda and Pest. See the Satle District, Gellert Hill and the House of Parliament sampling Hungarian and international dishes, with drinks during your dinner.
€55 (Euro)
HISTORIC HALF DAY TOUR
Drive first to Topkapi Palace, the historical residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the mid 15th to the 19th centuries, and now a museum. Then visit the 6th century St. Sophia, a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque and now a museum. Last stop is to the world-famous covered Grand Bazaar with 4,000 tiny shops.
€45 (Euro)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania 12 nights
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| 5 Jun 2012 |
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| 12 Jun 2012 |
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| 12 Jun 2012 | Aberdeen |
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Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
Price from £1145.00
What's Included
- Flights UK - Budapest - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 12 breakfasts (B) and 4 dinners (D)
- Services of a tour director on tour
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Individual Audio System You will be given headphones and a receiver so you can clearly hear the tour director/local guide during your visits.
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
- Single share option no supplement to pay
All this included
- Budapest City sightseeing
- Novi Sad Visit
- Belgrade Visit
- Sofia City sightseeing
- Rila Monastery Visit
- Plovdiv Visit
- Veliko Tãrnovo Visit and drive to Arbanassi Village
- Bucharest City sightseeing
- Sinaia Visit to Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle (entrance included)
- Brasov Visit old town and Black Church
- Bran Visit Dracula's castle
- Sighisoara Visit
- Cluj Napoca Visit
Departures from
- Aberdeen
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Humberside
- Leeds/Bradford
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Teesside
- Newcastle
- Norwich
Departures between
05 Jun 2012 to 18 Sep 2012
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
