Tour · APT · 12 nights

Essence of the Balkans

VIP entry to iconic Bran Castle, skipping the lines
Boat ride to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks
Insider experiences like Orthodox choir performance and olive oil tasting

From

$10,095 pp twin share

$12,995 pp solo share

12 nights

Enquire

1/ 5

Essence of the Balkans

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Departs 23 April 2027 Returns 20 September 2028

Duration12 nights

OperatorAPT

StyleTour

HighlightTrace the rich cultural crossroads of Eastern Europe and the Balkans on a small group tour from Romania to Croatia

Explore medieval Transylvania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia with local guides. Discover Albania's vibrant capital Tirana and Montenegro's Adriatic coast. Experience Orthodox a cappella choir performance and olive oil tasting

Trace the rich cultural crossroads of Eastern Europe and the Balkans on a small group tour from Romania to Croatia. Begin in Bucharest and venture into Transylvania to medieval Bra?ov and Bran Castle, then continue through Bulgaria and North Macedonia, discovering Sofia and Skopje with local guides. In Albania, explore colourful Tirana before reaching Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, where Kotor’s walled Old Town and the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks reveal centuries of maritime history.

$10,095

pp twin share

$12,995

pp solo share

Enquire

Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

23 April 2027

Returns

20 September 2028

Duration

12 nights

From pp twin share

$10,095 pp

From pp solo cabin

$12,995 pp

23 Apr 2027 - 05 May 2027
from $10,095 pp twin share / $12,995 pp solo *
21 May 2027 - 02 Jun 2027
from $10,095 pp twin share / $12,995 pp solo *
18 Jun 2027 - 30 Jun 2027
from $10,095 pp twin share / $12,995 pp solo *
16 Jul 2027 - 28 Jul 2027
from $10,095 pp twin share / $12,995 pp solo *
10 Sep 2027 - 22 Sep 2027
from $10,095 pp twin share / $12,995 pp solo *
05 May 2028 - 17 May 2028
from $10,195 pp twin share / $13,095 pp solo *
16 Jun 2028 - 28 Jun 2028
from $10,195 pp twin share / $13,095 pp solo *
14 Jul 2028 - 26 Jul 2028
from $10,195 pp twin share / $13,095 pp solo *
11 Aug 2028 - 23 Aug 2028
from $10,195 pp twin share / $13,095 pp solo *
08 Sep 2028 - 20 Sep 2028
from $10,195 pp twin share / $13,095 pp solo *

* 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
Arrive Bucharest
Bine ați venit! Welcome to Bucharest. On arrival, transfer from the airport to your hotel and take time to relax. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
2
Bucharest, Brașov
This morning, take in the highlights of Bucharest before travelling towards Braşov. Relax as the scenery transforms from city streets to rolling hills and dense Transylvanian forests. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
3
Brașov
Begin the day with a guided walking tour through Brașov’s charming medieval streets, discovering key landmarks as your guide shares the city’s rich history and enduring legends. Later, travel to the iconic Bran Castle, famed for its Dracula lore. With VIP entry, skip the lines and explore the castle’s atmospheric rooms and intriguing stories. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
4
Brașov, Veliko Tarnovo
Today, travel to Veliko Tarnovo, pausing along the way for lunch at a local spot. On arrival, check in to your hotel before enjoying dinner this evening.
5
Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia
Explore Veliko Tarnovo on a guided tour, including a visit to the impressive Tsarevets, which served as the Second Bulgarian Empire's primary fortress. Enjoy a memorable Insider Experience before continuing to Sofia, where dinner awaits at your hotel, accompanied by a traditional folk show.
Insider Experience – Orthodox A Cappella Choir
Be welcomed into an intimate Orthodox a cappella performance inside one of Veliko Tarnovo’s historic churches. Surrounded by centuries-old harmonies, this rare experience offers a deeply moving connection to Bulgaria’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
6
Sofia
Discover Sofia on a guided walking tour this morning, or choose to join an optional excursion to the Rila Monastery.
Enhance Your Journey – Full-Day Visit to Rila Monastery with Lunch
Journey into the forested Rila Mountains to visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most revered spiritual site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 10th century by Saint Ivan of Rila, the monastery sits dramatically in a mountain valley and is renowned for its striped arcades, vivid frescoes and tranquil courtyard. Explore this remarkable complex before enjoying lunch amid the serene alpine surroundings.
7
Sofia, Skopje
Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling to Skopje. On arrival, join a local guide for a walking tour through the heart of the city. Visit the The Church of the Ascension of Jesus and the elegant Mustafa Pasha Mosque, two of Skopje’s most iconic landmarks. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
8
Skopje, Tirana
Relax and enjoy the changing scenery as you travel into Albania, stopping along the way for a local lunch. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
9
Tirana
Enjoy a relaxed morning before setting out to explore Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Stroll through the city’s colourful streets, uncover its layered history, and visit landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the lively Blloku district. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure.
10
Tirana, Budva, Kotor
Travel to Budva for lunch before continuing on to the beautiful town of Kotor. Step inside the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor on a guided walking tour, where narrow cobblestone streets and elegant Venetian architecture reveal centuries of history. Afterwards, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in this stunning coastal town.
11
Kotor
Begin the day with a memorable Insider Experience. This evening, come together with your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner, marking the conclusion of your Balkan journey.
Insider Experience – Perast and Olive Oil Tasting in Luštica Bay
Discover the coastal elegance of Perast, known for its Baroque architecture and sweeping views across the Bay of Kotor. Take a boat ride to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks to visit its historic church, before continuing to Luštica Bay for a visit to a traditional olive oil estate and a guided tasting of regional varieties.
12
Kotor, Dubrovnik
After breakfast, depart Kotor and travel to Dubrovnik for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
13
Depart Dubrovnik
Today, your adventure through the Balkans comes to an end. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.