16 DAYS 15 NIGHTS THE TREASURES OF THE BALKANS

  Arrival at Bucharest airport and transfer to a hotel.

  Departure to Bran Castle, which is connected to the myth of Dracula and is said to be the inspiration of Bram Stoker's book. Proceed to the famous resort of Sinaia, where you can admire the art and architecture of of Peles Castle. Return to Bucharest early evening.

  In Bucharest you will see the University Square, the former Communist Headquarters and the Parliament Palace, one of the largest buildings in the world. Continue to Bulgaria. Cross the Danube at Ruse & continue to Veliko Turnovo, the 'City of the Tsars', where houses cling to the riverside cliffs making it one of Bulgaria's most picturesque towns.

  Sightseeing tour of the town beginning with a stroll along Gurko Street with its cascade of restored old houses. Enjoy a magnificent view of the Monument of the Assens - symbol of the city. Visit the Tsaravets Fortress, the archeological remains of the town's former imperial status. Continue to the village of Arbanassi. It is known for the rich history and large number of historical monuments,such as 17th and 18th century churches. Later cross the Balkan Mountains & continue to the capital city of Sofia.

  Sightseeing tour of Sofia and visit the St Sofia Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Parliament building. Free afternoon for shopping or continue sightseeing. Perhaps take an optional excursion to the magnificent Rila Monastery.

  Departure for the Macedonian capital Skopje. The new town is full of modern buildings but if you take a walk in the old town you will be able to see many ancient sights and buildings. Enjoy a guided walk through these enchanting streets to see the churches, mosques & old Turkish buildings. Continue south to the lakeside resort of Ohrid where you can view the cobblestone streets of the old town.

  Continue to Albania and drive to the capital of Tirana for a guided sightseeing tour.

  Departure to the northern Albanian city of Shkodra. During its long history this city has played a very important role in Albanian culture and history. Continue along the Montenegro coast and visit the old town of Kotor, situated beside the only European fjord outside of Norway. Overnight on the glorious Dalmatian coast overlooking the Adriatic Sea .

  Sightseeing tour in the Old Town of Dubrovnik.Explore the stone-paved streets and see Onofrio's fountain ,the Rector's Palace, the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Free afternoon for shopping or optional sightseeing.

  Departure to Mostar. Walk across the famous Old Bridge, reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the war. The old town stretches on both sides of the bridge and its narrow streets are filled with shops selling souvenirs. Continue to Sarajevo, a city that has attracted its fair share of international attention over the years.
 
  Day 11
  SARAJEVO
  Sightseeing tour of Sarajevo including Bacarsija, the old town market where the city was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century. The tour also features Gazi Husrev-beg's Mosque, the Olympic Stadium, the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum. Free time in the afternoon when you can try Bosnian coffee and shop for traditional and hand crafted souvenirs.
 
  Day 12
  SARAJEVO – BELGRADE (830km/9h30min)
  Departure to Belgrade along the scenic route, which passes along many villages and small towns nestled in the mountaines. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
 
  Day 13
  BELGRADE
  Sightseeing tour and visit to the main attractions: St Sava Church, Terazije Street, the National Museum,National Theatre in Republic Square. At the end of the tour, visit the Kalemegdan Fortress, situated at the Sava & Danube Rivers. Free afternoon for shopping and optional sightseeing. In the evening optional dinner with live music in a typical national restaurant in the old quarter of Skadarlija.
 
  Day 14
  BELGRADE - SZEGED (220km/4h) – BUDAPEST (170km/2h20min)
  Departure for the town of Novi Sad and cross the Province of Vojvodina to the Hungarian border. Arrival in Szeged around noon. Try the fish stew for which the town is famous and see the countryside while you travel to the elegant city of Budapest.
 
  Day 15
  BUDAPEST
  Sightseeing tour of Budapest including the Citadel, Gellert Hill, Buda's Castle , Matthias Church, the Parliament building and the Fisherman's Bastion. Finally, visit Boulevard & Heroes Square in Pest. Tonight, enjoy an evening of Hungarian music and traditional cuisine.
 
  Day 16
  BUDAPEST
  Transfer to the airport.