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Tour of the Balkans

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  • Scheduled tours, Fixed dates, Guaranteed departures
Dracula’s Castle
Tirana
Skopje


 

Description


TOUR OF THE BALKANS

VISIT ROMANIA, BULGARIA, MACEDONIA, ALBANIA, MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA, SERBIA – May – June 2017

Bucharest – Sinaia – Brasov – Sighisoara – Veliko Tarnovo – Kazanlak – Plovdiv – the Rila Monastery – Sofia – Skopje – Ohrid – Tirana – Kotor – Medjugorie – Sarajevo – Belgrade – Novi Sad – Belgrade

Day 1 –  FRIDAY 26 MAY, 2017 – Bucharest, Romania

Afternoon arrival to Coanda International Airport in Bucharest. Meet and greet by your professional English speaking tour guide waiting with a name sign reading COMPASS TRAVEL ROMANIA visible right after you exit Customs. Transfer to your downtown Bucharest hotel with a short orientation tour.

Transfer and dinner – Accommodation in Bucharest at Hotel Berthelot **** (two nights)

 

Day 2 – SATURDAY 27 MAY – Bucharest Half Day City Tour

Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. This morning take a city tour of Bucharest including the Revolution Square, a view of the former Roayl Palace, a guided tour of the Palace of the Parliament – the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon, then Cotroceni Quarter for its representative architecture and the Village Museum – one of the world’s most interesting open air museums with century old original peasant households from all parts of Romania. Retrun to the hotel in the afternoon; the remainder of the day is at leisure in the city. B, L, D

Day 3 – SUNDAY 28 MAY

Bucharest – Sinaia & Peles Castle –  Bran Castle  – Brasov & Evening at Leisure

Hot and cold buffet breakfast. Morning pick up by your English speaking tour guide at your hotel. Leave Bucharest for Sinaia – one of the famous Carpathian Mountains town. Named after St. Catherine Monastery on Mount Sinai, Sinaia became the unofficial capital of the Kingdom of Romania toward the end of the 19th century. The Orient Express use to regularly call here and it still does once a year on its way from Paris to Constantinople. Take an orientation tour including a view of the Casino building inspired by the one in Monte Carlo and a visit to Sinaia Orthodox Monastery. Next is one of the most important tourist attractions of the country:  Peles Castle and Gardens , the former royal residence of King Charles I of Romania and known as one of the most beautiful summer royal residences in Europe. Then cross the mountains into Transylvania to the village of Bran. The attraction here is the medieval Bran Castle also known as Dracula Castle. The castle was built in 1377 to safeguard the trading route between Transylvania and Wallachia to later be turned into a royal residence under Queen Marie of Romania. The connection between this place and Vlad the Impaler Dracula is still under debate, but the castle is definitely worth a visit. Enjoy cheese tasting on the premises. Continue to the nearby town of  Brasov. Hotel check in. The evening  is at leisure. Enjoy Brasov’s lovely pedestrian area of the Old Town with its many shops, traditional restaurants and outdoor cafes.

B, L, D Accommodation in Brasov at Hotel Aro Palace ***** (two nights)

 

Day 4 – MONDAY 29 MAYSighisoara Excursion & Transylvanian Lunch

Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Take a morning tour of Brasov with a view of the Gothic Black Church. Brasov has one of the best preserved medieval quarter and fortifications. The tour will include the Council Square, Schei Quarter and the First School in Romanian language, the Rope Street and Catherine’s Gate. Leave Brasov in the morning and drive through the picturesque Transylvanian Plateau with its quaint villages and Saxon fortifications such as Saschiz.  Late morning arrival to Sighisoara, a World Heritage Site and the only still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. It was developed by the German settlers as of late 12th century. It stands on a network of tunnels and catacombs and, according to one version of the myth; this is where the Pied Piper brought the children of Hamelin after their ungrateful parents refused to pay him his due. Sighisoara is the place where the famous Vlad the Impaler-Dracula was born in 1431. The Birthplace is today a restaurant and one of the main tourist attractions. Visit the exquisite Spoonman Exhibition of Transylvanian Arts & Crafts. walking tour of Sighisoara includes the two squares of the Citadel (Upper Town), the Scholars’ Staircase, the Ducklings’ Square, the Tinsmiths’ Tower, the House with Antler and the Venetian House,  a view of the Tower with Clock. Enjoy a Transylvanian lunch at the famous House with Antler – formerly a merchant house, built in the early 16th century. The afternoon is at leisure in the Uper Town to further explore on own, then drive back to Brasov. Evening at leisure.

B, L, D Accommodation in Brasov at Hotel Aro Palace *****

   Day 5 – TUESDAY 30 MAY Brasov  to Bulgaria

Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Hotel check out. Depart form Brasov at 8 30 am and head south to Bucharest and then off to th border with Bulgaria at Giurgiu. Arrive around 1 pm. Meet your Bulgarian tour guide, change buses and proceed with the Bulgarian leg of your tour.

Continue to Veliko Turnovo.

Located on the hills above the meandering river Yantra, this city, once a glorious mediaeval capital (1186 – 1393), is now attracting thousands of romantic travelers with its irresistible atmosphere. Mixing the legends of the past with bursting joy of hundreds of young students – this is Veliko Tarnovo today, the seconds most important University City after Sofia. Start exploring the city with the Tsarevets Royal hill. Our guide can tell you more than any of the thick books will. The neighboring Arbanassi museum village is a genuine gallery of art. A must here is the 15th century Church of the Nativity, repainted in the 17th century. Because of its more than 1200 frescoes, It is also called the Sistine Chapel on the Balkans. Overnight.

  B Accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo at hotel Yantra ****

Day 6 – WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 – Veliko tarnovo – Kazanlak – Plovdiv

In the morning departure to Kazanlak where you will visit the « Golyamata Kosmatka » Thracian tomb, dating to the 4th century BC. Next stop is the Rose museum where you will get more information about the rose industry in Bulgaria. After lunch departure to Plovdiv. sightseeing tour of PLOVDIV: The second largest town of Bulgaria, an area since the time of Philip, King of Macedonia, father of Alexander The Great. The most impressive building of Roman time that has come to us rising above the city is the Antique Amphitheatre by Emperor Mark Avrelii during the 2nd c. A.D. Its magnificent arcade adorned with marble statues is simply breath-taking. Theatre and opera performances are still staged here on warm summer nights. Departure to Sofia. Before arriving in the capital make a stopover in the village of Novi Han where you will enjoy absolutely beautiful performance of the local children and a choir of eldery woment performing an authentic foklore songs. This performance will be organized exclusively for you. In the late afternoon arrive in Sofia. Check in. Diner. Overnight.

B L D Accommodation in Plovdiv in Grand Hotel Plovdiv ****+

Day 7 – THURSDAY, JUNE 1 – Plovdiv – the Rila monastery – Sofia

Departure to the Rila Monastery – the richest historical and architectural monument of the Orthodox enclave, founded in 10th century and transformed to the most important spiritual and cultural center of Bulgaria. On a number of occasions it was destroyed and burnt down, only to rise again like a phoenix from the ashes. The visitor’s first sight of Rila monastery huge towering walls gives the impression of a fortress. However, a step through the archway produces a wonderful surprise. The Monastery’s unrivalled architecture and murals will captivate you. Departure to Sofia. Overnight.

B L D Accommodation in Sofia in hotel Central Park **** or similar for two nights

 

Plovdiv – The Rila monastery – Plovdiv – 200 km – 4 hours

the Rila monastery  – Sofia – 125 km – 2 hours

Day 8 – FRIDAY, JUNE 2– Full Day Sofia

In the morning visit the Boyana church and admire its beautiful paintings from the 13th century. In the afternoon take a walking sightseeing tour of Sofia including the most significant landmarks of the capital.

After lunch – time on your own to explore the central pedestrian street with its numerous caffes and shops. In the evening enjoy diner in a typical Bulgarian restaurant with a folklore performance.

B L D Accommodation in Sofia in hotel Central Park **** (or similar)

Day 9 – SATURDAY, JUNE 3 – Sofia – Skopie

In the morning departure to Skopje. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon take a tour of Skopje including the Mother Teresa House, the Stone Bridge, the monument of Alexander the great and his father Fillip. Diner at the historical restaurant “Stara Kuka”. Overnight.

B L D  Accommodation in hotel Holiday Inn ****

Day 10 – SUNDAY, JUNE 4 – Skopie – Ohrid

In the morning departure to the town of Ohrid. After lunch have a walking tour in the  old part of the town including the church of St Sofia, the Greek theater, the Fortress of Samuel, the Church of St Ioan Kaneo, the Plaoshnik. Get back to the hotel by boat on the Ohrid lake. The view towards the town is just breath-taking. Diner in the hotel. Overnight.

B L D  Accommodation in hotel Millenium ****

Day 11 – MONDAY, JUNE 5 – Ohrid – Tirana (Albania)

In the morning departure to the Albanian border. After custom clearance proceed to the town of Elbasan where you will visit the Ottoman fortress situated in the center of the town. After lunch in Tirana take a sightseeing tour including Justinian fortress, the Ethem Bej Mosque, one of the most beautiful in the town and after a walking tour around the center continue towards the ex-block area, once an exclusive area for the communist leaders. The villa of the ex-communist leader Enver Hoxha is still standing next to tall buildings and loud bars. In the afternoon check in the hotel. Evening at leisure to explore Tirana.

B L D Accommodation in Tirana in hotel Sky Hotel **** (or similar)

Day 12 – TUESDAY, JUNE 6 – Tirana – Budva – Kotor

Departure to the Albanian – Montenegrin border. Proceed to Budva where you will stop for lunch. Continue to Kotor. After arrival have a sightseeing tour of the town (around 2 hours). Kotor is situated in one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The old town of Kotor is a well preserved city typical of construction between the XII and XIV century. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor a UNESCO town. Visit the St Tryphon Cathedral, with its magnificent Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and the 12th century Church of St. Luke. Hotel check in. Diner. Overnight.

B L D Accommodation in Kotor in hotel Splendido **** (porterage in this hotel included as it has no elevator)

Day 13 – WEDNESDAY – JUNE 7 – Kotor – Perast – Medujgorie

After brekafast departure to Perast, situated at the foot of St. Elijah Hill (873 m), opposite the narrow Verige strait, where the innermost bays of Risan and Kotor converge. This easternmost shore was the earliest inhabited area in the Boka.  The remains of a Neolithic culture (3500 BC) have been discovered in the caves of Spila above Perast and various archeological finds provide evidence of civilization dating from Illyrian, Roman and early Christian periods. Visit the Roman Catholic church Our Lady of the Rock situated on the small island bearing the same name. It is an artificial island created by bulwark of rocks and by sinking old and seized ships loaded with rocks. After lunch continue to Bosnia and Herzegovina. After clearing the border formalities proceed to Medujgorie. Hotel check in. Diner. Overnight.

B L D Accommodation in Medujgorie in hotel Luna **** (two nights)

Day 14 –  THURSDAY, JUNE  8 – Free day in Medujgorie

B  Accommodation in Medujgorie in hotel Luna ****

Day 15 – FRIDAY, JUNE 9 – Medujgorie – Mostar – Sarajevo

After breakfast departure to Mostar (UNESCO). Visit the Old Bridge, a reconstructed medieval arched bridge. The nearby alleys are full of shops and market stalls. Take the narrow staircase of 89 steps of the minaret of the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque. From here you will enjoy beautiful panoram view over the town. Departure to Sarajevo. Aftar lunch take a sightseeing tour of the town including the City Hall, Spite House, Sarajevo fortresses,  the old handcrafts streets Bravadziluk and Kazandziluk, Saraci Morica han (caravan-saray), Ghazi Husrev Bey’s Mosque and Maddresah Clock tower, Sarajevo Assassination 1914, Ghazi Husrev Bey’s Bazaar, Sephardic neighbourhood and synagogues, Cathedral of Holly Hearth of Jesus Synod Orthodox Church, the Eternal Flame. Diner. Overnight.

B L D Accommodation in Sarajevo in hotel Residence Inn by Mariott Sarajevo **** (or similar)

Day 16 – SATURDAY, JUNE 10 – Sarajevo – Belgrade

After breakfast departure to Belgrade. Lunch in restaurant “Peka”. Meet the guide and have a sightseeing tour of Belgrade including the Kalemegdan Fortress, teh Patriarchate, the St Sava church, the Tito’s Memorial house of Flowers. Dinner. Overnight.

B L D Accommodation in Belgrade in hotel Radisson Old Blue Mill **** (or similar, two nights)

Day 17 – SUNDAY, JUNE 11 – Belgrade – Sremski Karlovci – Novi Sad – Belgrad

In the morning take a tour to Novi Sad. The city’s most striking feature is the Petrovaradin Fortress, sitting across the Danube in the Petrovaradin town. The city centre has a number of noteworthy buildings, mostly in the Baroque style, together with some excellent museums and art galleries. It is also a very lively city, with a large student population and a dynamic café-bar scene.

On the way to Novi Sad make a stopover in Sremski Karlovci – a small and historic town located 11km south-east of Novi Sad. known for its baroque architecture and wine production, which represents the place of preservation of the Serbian culture in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Sremski Karlovci’s most important building is the Peace Chapel, which stands on a hill at the south end of the town. This building commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Karlowitz, that brought peace between the Turks and the Austrians in the region. The current chapel was built in 1817 and mimics the shape of a Turkish military tent with four entrances to enable aa of the participating parties to enter the room at the same time, thus putting them on equal terms.

Optional: after you get back to Belgrade visit the underground city built by Tito.

Farewell dinner with folklore music at Skadarlija “Sesir Moj” (my hat). Overnight.

B L D Accommodation in Belgrade in hotel Radisson Old Blue Mill (or similar) ****

Day 18 – MONDAY, JUNE 12 – Transfer to the BELGRADE airport for your departure flight. End of service.

The trajectory of the Bulgaria and Romania part please see here: https://goo.gl/maps/1WgLWHkFaHQ2

The trajectory of the Macedonia and Albania: https://goo.gl/maps/cNejf3hVRBU2

The trajectory of Montenegro, Bosnia and Serbia please see here: https://goo.gl/maps/RcBmqGe9XFQ2

 

Included features in Romania

  • 4 nights at four and five star hotels (all centrally located)
  • fully insured bus with climate control, for the entire distance
  • fuel & parking fees included
  • all sightseeing tours & cultural connections
  • informal talks on: Vlad the Impaler – Dracula, The Gypsies and Their Journey, Transylvanian History Overview (all by the tour guide)
  • 5 meals: 4 breakfasts & 1 lunch
  • cheese tasting session in the village of Bran
  • a professional English speaking guide to accompany you throughout
  • guide’s expenses
  • admissions to museums, sites as per itinerary
  • porterage at hotels
  • VAT and local tax

 

 

Included features in Bulgaria

  • 4 overnights at four star hotels (all centrally located)
  • Fully insured minivan with climate control, for the entire distance
  • Fuel & parking fees included
  • all sightseeing tours & cultural connections
  • Visit to a rose distillery
  • 16 meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 diners, 4 lunches
  • A professional English speaking guide to accompany you throughout
  • admissions to museums and sites as per itinerary
  • VAT and local tax

 

 

Included features in Macedonia

  • 2 nights in four stars hotels (all centrally located)
  • fully insured bus with climate control, for the entire distance
  • fuel & parking fees included
  • all sightseeing tours & cultural connections
  • 6 meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 diners
  • a professional English speaking guide to accompany you throughout
  • admissions to museums, sites as per itinerary

Included features in Albania

  • 1 night
  • fully insured bus with climate control, for the entire distance
  • fuel & parking fees included
  • all sightseeing tours & cultural connections
  • 3 meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 diner
  • a professional English speaking guide to accompany you throughout
  • admissions to museums, sites as per itinerary

Included features in Montenegro

  • 4 nights
  • fully insured bus with climate control, for the entire distance
  • fuel & parking fees included
  • all sightseeing tours & cultural connections
  • 4 meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 diner
  • a professional English speaking guide to accompany you throughout
  • admissions to museums, sites as per itinerary

 

Included features in Bosnia

  • 3 nights
  • fully insured bus with climate control, for the entire distance
  • fuel & parking fees included
  • all sightseeing tours & cultural connections
  • 4 meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 diner
  • a professional English speaking guide to accompany you throughout
  • admissions to museums, sites as per itinerary
  • porterage at hotels

 

Included features in Serbia

  • 2 nights
  • fully insured bus with climate control, for the entire distance
  • fuel & parking fees included
  • all sightseeing tours & cultural connections
  • 4 meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 diner
  • a professional English speaking guide to accompany you throughout
  • admissions to museums, sites as per itinerary
  • porterage at hotels