Tour · Insight Vacations · 15 nights

Treasures of the Balkans

Luxury air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom
Included hotel and restaurant tips - no need to worry about gratuities
Personal radio headsets for freedom to wander during sightseeing

$7,736 pp twin share

15 nights

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Treasures of the Balkans Guided Tour

Map Treasures Balkans Guided Tour 2025

Departs 31 August 2026 Returns 28 September 2027

Duration15 nights

OperatorInsight Vacations

StyleTour

HighlightUncover the myths, legends and medieval wonders of the Balkans on this 15-night journey through Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro

Explore Bucharest, Sofia and Sarajevo with local experts. Discover Transylvanian castles, Bulgarian monasteries and the Tunnel of Hope. Immerse in Balkan culture with home-hosted meals and private visits

Explore the former Communist headquarters of Romania in Bucharest, see Bulgaria’s Roman ruins in Sofia and marvel at Bosnia’s Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo. After exploring the medieval city of Brașov, take the mountain roads to the Transylvanian border and join a private visit of Bran Castle after hours - better known as Dracula’s haunted abode in Bram Stoker’s infamous novel, followed by private dinner. Delve into the myths and legends before adventuring onwards to Mostar, where a Local Expert guides you through the city’s iconic sights ahead of a Sarajevo Dine at Home experience. Sit down with a Sarajevan family for a feast of local delicacies, traditional Bosnian coffee and tales of local life before your adventure ends in Belgrade.

$7,736

pp twin share

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Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

31 August 2026

Returns

28 September 2027

Duration

15 nights

From pp twin share

$7,736 pp

31 Aug 2026 - 15 Sep 2026
from $9,025 pp twin share *
07 Sep 2026 - 22 Sep 2026
from $9,950 pp twin share *
14 Sep 2026 - 29 Sep 2026
from $9,850 pp twin share *
19 Apr 2027 - 04 May 2027
from $8,495 pp twin share *
03 May 2027 - 18 May 2027
from $9,025 pp twin share *
10 May 2027 - 25 May 2027
from $9,025 pp twin share *
17 May 2027 - 01 Jun 2027
from $8,122.50 pp twin share *
31 May 2027 - 15 Jun 2027
from $9,095 pp twin share *
07 Jun 2027 - 22 Jun 2027
from $8,212.50 pp twin share *
28 Jun 2027 - 13 Jul 2027
from $9,295 pp twin share *
12 Jul 2027 - 27 Jul 2027
from $7,785 pp twin share *
09 Aug 2027 - 24 Aug 2027
from $8,650 pp twin share *
16 Aug 2027 - 31 Aug 2027
from $7,735.50 pp twin share *
30 Aug 2027 - 14 Sep 2027
from $8,650 pp twin share *
06 Sep 2027 - 21 Sep 2027
from $9,295 pp twin share *
13 Sep 2027 - 28 Sep 2027
from $8,365.50 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Welcome to Bucharest
Welcome to Bucharest! Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.
2
Bucharest and Castles of Transylvania
Join a Local Expert for sightseeing to view University Square and the former communist headquarters. Visit the immense Parliament Palace, one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Enjoy a delicious private dinner in the recently renovated Queen Marie’s Tea House. This evening after the crowds have left enjoy a private visit to the iconic Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Learn about Queen Marie of Romania, the last inhabitant of the castle, visit the torture rooms and relive the tales of the infamous Count Dracula.
3
BRAȘOV and Sinaia
Travel along the Prahova Valley to the elegant mountain resort of Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle. Admire the lavish rooms filled with art, armour and tapestries. Return through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming medieval city of Brașov, founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights. With your Local Expert, walk around Town Hall Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed houses and dominated by the Black Church.
4
Veliko Tarnovo
Cross the Danube into Bulgaria and continue to Veliko Tarnovo, the City of the Tsars, where houses cling to the cliffs of the River Yantra, making it one of the country's most beautiful towns. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
5
To Sofia
Meet your Local Expert to climb to the ruined Tsarevets Fortress, a reminder of the town’s former imperial status. Take in sweeping views over Bulgaria’s old capital and the Yantra Valley. Continue to Arbanasi, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful villages, where frescoed churches and fortified dwellings offer insight into the settlement’s former wealth and deep spiritual heritage. Visit a traditional 17th-century merchant’s house and the Church of the Holy Nativity before crossing the Balkan Mountains to modern-day Sofia. On arrival, join your Local Expert for sightseeing to see St. Sofia Church, the golden-domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archaeological complex, dominated by the Church of St. George Rotunda. This evening, perhaps choose an Optional Experience featuring dinner accompanied by a folklore dancing display.
6
Sofia at Your Pace
Enjoy the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Rila Monastery to enjoy a fascinating insight into the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria?
7
Skopje
Cross the border and continue to the North Macedonian capital of Skopje, an ultra-modern city juxtaposed by an ancient bazaar, where Turkish influences can still be seen and felt. Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Expert.
8
Lake Ohrid and Tirana
Making your way to the border, stop by the scenic Lake Ohrid for lunch. Cross into Albania and journey to Tirana, renowned for its friendly locals. Continue to the landmark Skanderbeg Square for an insider’s look at the Albanian capital with a Local Expert.
9
Journey to Montenegro’s Budva
Soak up Montenegro’s natural beauty as you drive towards Budva where you will have the day to explore 'Montenegro's Miami'. Head to Stari Grad (the Old Town) surrounded by 15th-century ramparts to explore its labyrinthine lanes and small squares where you could choose to sit back and watch the world go by.
10
Kotor and Dubrovnik
Journey through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the Old Town of Kotor, known as Stari Grad. Located beside a beautiful bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, its no surprise it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11
Dubrovnik Sightseeing
Join a Local Expert for a morning of exploring the stone-paved streets within the 16th-century bastions. See Onofrio's Fountain and the Rector's Palace, the city walls, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The rest of the day is free for you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. Perhaps enjoy an Optional Experience to a stunning town on the Adriatic coast, Cavtat, where you can wander along the pine-forest paths beside the crystal-clear sea and visit a local winery. This evening, choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around evening.
12
Mostar and Sarajevo
Journey to Mostar, where your Local Expert will guide you to the famed Stari Most, the Old Bridge, a 16th-century Ottoman landmark painstakingly reconstructed after near destruction in the 1990s conflict. Stroll the cobbled streets of the Old Town, lined with shops offering traditional handicrafts and artisanal treasures. Continue along a scenic route to Sarajevo for your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience: a warm welcome into a Sarajevan family home. Over authentic dishes, hear personal stories that illuminate the city’s resilience and cultural heritage, helping preserve its traditions for future generations.
13
Sarajevo, City of Culture
Explore Sarajevo with Insight Choice. Choose to meet an expert on the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo’s astonishing Tunnel of Hope. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a protected park just beyond the city, led by a conservation guide. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore as you wish.
14
The Serbian Capital of Belgrade
Trace your way along the Drina River, that lies on the border of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Take in beautiful landscapes of lush, green mountains that create magical forest canyons, winding your way through deep valleys as you make your way to Belgrade.
15
The Best of Belgrade
Join a Local Expert to see the best of Belgrade including Terazije Street, the national museum and national theatre in Republic Square, as well as a visit to the famous St. Sava Church. Finish your sightseeing at the Kalemegdan Fortress, situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before joining your fellow travellers for dinner this evening.
16
Farewell Belgrade
Your journey through the Balkans has come to an end. All that’s left is to say a fond doviđenja as you bid your new friends farewell.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards.
Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency.

Where you’ll stay