Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
A highlight-packed tour enjoying the glorious history, culture and fairytale landscapes of the Balkans & Transylvania.
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
Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
ARTIST VILLAGE SZENTENDRE
Drive to the picturesque village of Szentendre, the home of many famous Hungarian artists at the turn of the century. Proceed with a visit to a the pretty Greek Orthodox church or Marzipan Museum plus Margit Kovacs Museum. Finally enjoy coffee and cake at a typical inn.
€30 (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.
€47 (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.
€32 (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.
€20 (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
€40 (Euro)
MEDIEVAL EVENING
Back to the medieval times! Enjoy a traditional dinner in one of the most well-known restaurants in Romania, located in the citadel of Brasov. The dinner will be accompanied by a medieval show with real troubadours and knights.
€42 (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)
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
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

| Date | Depart From | Price from PP | |
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| 24 Apr 2012 |
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| 24 Apr 2012 | Aberdeen |
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| 24 Apr 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 24 Apr 2012 | Bristol |
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| 24 Apr 2012 | London Heathrow |
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Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
Price from £1115.00
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
24 Apr 2012 to 02 Oct 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.
