12 days in three Balkan countries, in a tour of Bosnia, Serbia and Romania; with a high diversity of sites and landscapes. We explore the 3 capital cities, go swimming in a panoramic waterfall, enjoy tasting a locally produced beer, take a journey through the mountains connecting Bosnia and Serbia with retro train, and visit some ethno villages with highly preserved culinary and lifestyles. We spend a relaxing night in the mountain resort in Zlatibor and visit the vivid capital city, Belgrade. Further we visit Gothic style castles in Romania, including the famous Dracula castle. We spend time in the old towns where we can notice the remaining from different historical periods and influences from Romans, Turks, Austrians, Germans and Serbs. We finish the tour exploring Bucharest, with its charming streets, palaces and churches.
Sarajevo – Bucharest
Sarajevo, War Tunnels, Beer Tasting, Travnik, Jajce Waterfalls, Visegrad, Retro Train in Zlatibor, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Petrovaradin Fortess, Sremski Karlovci, Timisoara, Corvin Castle, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bran Castle, Peles Castle, Sinaia, Bucharest
12 Days
All year
Arrival Sarajevo
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free evening and overnight in Sarajevo.
Sarajevo Tour – War Tunnels – Beer Tasting
In the morning we take the Sarajevo Walking Tour.We reach the old town of Sarajevo where our first stop is Baščaršija square and its most interesting symbol; the fountain Sebilj. We continue further to the Kazandžiluk street and learn about the story of origins of copper and tin industry in Sarajevo. Continuing further through the old town, we stop in Bravadžiluk street; an area where the main restaurants and food shops are located. We use this opportunity to try some local foods, like burek or pita. We visit one of the oldest mosques in Sarajevo, Imperial mosque. Then continue to Gazihusref-beys – a covered market-bazaar built in early 16th century for trading reasons still today serves the original purpose. Just bridge further down the Mijacka river, we shall arrive to Atmejdan park, Latin bridge and assassination point of Franz Ferdinand where we learn the origins of the WW1.We then continue to Sarajevo city center where we see the Cathedral of Sacred Jesus Hearth, The Eternal flame, Clock tower, and the farmers market. Time for lunch before our transfer to the War Tunnels. Tunnel of Hope, which in period of 1993-1995 was the major “blood line” for heavily besieged and destroyed city. At the Tunnel we will see a short movie about the War in Sarajevo and Tunnel, followed by going through the Tunnel itself. At the exhibition part of the museum we have the opportunity to see many interesting exhibits directly connected with Siege of Sarajevo. In the afternoon return to the city, and stop at Sarajevo Brewery which was founded on May 24th, 1864, and historians consider it the oldest industrial plant in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Relaxing evening with beer tasting. Overnight in Sarajevo.
Sarajevo – Travnik – Jajce Waterfalls – Sarajevo
Today we will visit the central part of Bosnia and its two most beautiful towns. First town is Jajce, the capital of the independent medieval Kingdom of Bosnia, a city of stone, light and water. On the banks of the rivers Pliva and Vrbas we see the royal castle. We then visit the 18-meter high waterfall, place where the river Pliva tumbles abruptly into the Vrbas river. The waterfall is the real trademark of the city. Further visit the medieval Catacombs, located inside the defensive city walls of Jajce are, a monument of particular value and importance. During lunch time we transfer to Travnik, one of the best-preserved cities from Ottoman times. There are 28 protected cultural and historical buildings in this area. The most important of them are: the medieval fortress, built in the 15th century, Jeni mosque, which is the oldest building from the Ottoman period, Sulejmanija or Šarena mosque, Jezuit Grammar School and Elči Ibrahim-Pasha madrassa – Muslim school that is still used today. There are also two clock towers built in the 18th century, as well as a sundial, built-in 1886. In addition, this charming town is known for its lovely small river that we call Plava Voda or Blue Water located right in the city center. In the afternoon return to Sarajevo for dinner and overnight.
Sarajevo – Visegrad – Retro Train – Zlatibor
This morning we transfer towards Serbia. Before we cross the border we visit the small town of Visegrad. Walking tour of Visegrad town, where we hear some details about Bosnia and Hercegnovi history and culture. After the visit we drive back to Serbia, and visit the villages of Drvengrad And Mokra Gora, picturesque mountainous villages hidden between Zlatibor and Tara. The ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), was built by prominent movie director Emir Kusturica. The village, which includes the Mećavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema and a church, is made of natural materials, mostly wood. Since 2008, the village plays host to the annual Küstendorf Film and Music Festival and Drvengrad has been visited by the likes of Johnny Depp, Monica Belucci, Jim Jarmusch and many others.
After arrival in Mokra Gora we start a unique trip in an old retro train called Šargan Eight. The train travels on the bottom of Šargan Mountain, on a way shaped in the form of number eight; this is why it is called “Šargan eight”. This Journey will take us back in time, while we enjoy the unspoiled mountain sceneries. The train journey lasts 1 hour and stops us in Sargan village. From there, the bus takes us back to the hotel in Zlatibor. Relaxing evening in the wellness center of the hotel, Overnight in Zlatibor.
Zlatibor – Belgrade
Morning transfer to Belgrade, where we arrive during lunch time. We take a city tour to explore the capital of Serbia – one of the oldest cities in Europe, where we’ll see one of the most important sights of Belgrade – Saint Sava Temple, one of the biggest orthodox temples on the Balkans, the National Serbian Library, city center and Slavija Square, St. Mark Church and the Serbian Parliament Building, Republic Square, the National Theatre and National Museum. A walk through the always lively Knez Mihailo Street, main walking and shopping zone. The tour will end at Kalemegdan, the most important cultural-historic complex of the city. In the Kalemegdan Park, on the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube, the Belgrade Fortress raises proudly, and is the witness of the tumultuous history of this ancient city. Overnight in Belgrade.
Belgrade – 2021 European Capital of Culture Novi Sad – Petrovaradin Fortess – Rural Lunch in an ethno village – Wine Tasting in Sremski Karlovci – Belgrade
This morning we transfer towards Vojvodina region, one of the most panoramic sites of Serbia, to visit 2 of the most beautiful cities of the region: Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci. Along the way we stop in the Krušedol Monastery. Further we reach Novi Sad, the 2021 European Capital of Culture, where we enjoy the walking tour in the city center, passing through The City Hall, The Cathedral, Assembly of Vojvodina, shopping zone with restaurants and coffee-shops.We continue to visit the Fortress of Petrovaradin, the so-called ‘Danube’s Gibraltar’, where the fortress is located. At the fortress, we will see the clock tower, old fortress walls, and have great views over the Danube, including the many bridges spanning the river. We stop for lunch in an ethno village, with authentic farm houses still in use today, who offer traditional menus in a traditional setting. In the afternoon we start our return transfer towards Belgrade. Along the way we stop for a visit of Sremski Karlovci, a city of vineyards, rich in culture and history. Sremski Karlovci feels like a ‘museum town’ with its Baroque centre, the Patriarchal Court, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas and the first Serbian secondary school (gymnasium). It is also famous for wine production and the town’s annual Wineball festival. We visit a local winery and enjoy degustation of wines. Dinner and overnight in Belgrade.
Belgrade – Timisoara
Morning transfer towards Romania, where we visit and spend the night in the city of Timisoara, the largest city in western Romania. Timisoara has been influenced by many cultures: Romans, Turks, Austrians, Germans and Serbs have all left their mark and their influence which can be seen in neighborhoods throughout the city even today. The charm of this city, settled on the northern bank of the Bega River, lies in its distinct architectural character and vibrant cultural life. Frequently referred to as “Little Vienna,” Timisoara is home to year-round musical and theatrical performances, art galleries, museums and a buzzing nightlife.
We enjoy a guided tour of Timisoara, where we will see the main attractions of the city; such as:
The Victory Square which stretches from Opera Square to Loga Boulevard, and is surrounded by elegant baroque buildings. The Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral built between 1936 and 1946, The baroque Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, the impressive 18th century Baroque Palace which now houses the Museum of Fine Arts with works by German, Flemish and Italian artists, the 14th century Huniade Castle and the Banat region which dates back to the 2nd century AD and is the location of the Timisoara’s Jewish community. Here are located also 3 synagogues. Dinner and overnight in Timisoara.
Timisoara – Corvin Castle – Sibiu
This morning we transfer to the historical city of Sibiu. Along the way we visit an impressive Castle, the Corvin Castle, also known as Castle in Hunedoara; and it the most spectacular Gothic-style castle in Romania. The beautifully preserved structure features a sumptuous Knights’ Hall, an impressive drawbridge, high buttresses, inner courtyards, a chapel and some 50 rooms resplendent with medieval art.
Continue further to Sibiu, where we enjoy a guided tour of the city, including the Highlights: Craftsmen’s Square, Huet Square and Evangelical Church, Bridge of Lies, Goldsmith Square, Great Square, Orthodox Cathedral, Roman Catholic Church, City Hall Tower. Sibiu was the largest and wealthiest of the seven walled citadels* built in the 12th century by German settlers known as Transylvanian Saxons. The city is divided in two sections, the Upper town, home to most of Sibiu’s historic sights, and the Lower town, lined with colorful houses on cobblestone streets and bounded by imposing city walls and defense towers overlooking the river Cibin. Traditional dinner in Sibiu and overnight.
Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov
This morning we visit Sighisoara, an old town whose origin goes back to the Roman times
Sighisoara is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this perfectly intact 16th century gem with nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches rivals the historic streets of Old Prague or Vienna.
During the city tour of Sighisoara we will see the Church on the Hill with its 500-year-old frescoes, the 13th century Venetian House and the Church of the Dominican Monastery, the 14th century Clock Tower and the Sighisoara’s citadel built in the 12th century.
An interesting visit is also The Vlad Dracul House, located in the Citadel Square, close to the Clock Tower. This ocher-colored house is the place where Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s famous Dracula, was born in 1431 and lived with his father, Vlad Dracul.
Leaving Sighisoara, we drive further to Brasov, one of the most visited places in Romania.
We stroll around the old Town Hall Square where we admire colorfully painted and ornately trimmed baroque structures. Visit the Black Church, the largest gothic church in Romania. Its interior is impressive and well-kept, and it houses one of the largest organs in Eastern Europe. We will walk in one of the narrowest streets in Europe – The Rope Street, which is approximately 120 cm (4 feet) wide; Dinner and overnight in Brasov.
Brasov – Bran Castle – Peles Castle – Sinaia – Bucharest
This morning we visit Bran Castle, one of the most important touristic attraction in Romania, due to its links with the legend of Dracula. The landscape in this area is a harmonious mixture of different landforms. high mountains, plateaus, the curvy shapes carved by the rivers along their banks and the valleys that cross the land. The castle was built between 1377 and 1388. We will visit the castle and pass through its narrow winding stairways that lead through some 60 timbered rooms, many connected by underground passages, which house collections of furniture, weapons and armor dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The castle overlooks the picturesque village of Bran, which offers an open-air Ethnographic Museum consisting of old local-style village houses complete with furniture, household objects and costumes.
Later on, we reach another castle, the Peles Castle located in Sinaia. Peles Castle is a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Its 160 rooms are adorned with the finest examples of European art, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows and Cordoba leather-covered walls. Until 1947 it was a summer residence for the royal family. Peles Castle was the first European castle to have electricity, it even has its own power plant. It has 160 rooms and each room is decorated in a different style or theme. There is a Concert Hall, Music Room (India), Turkish Salon, Great Salon (Italy),Council Room (Switzerland), Moor Hall, and so much more. The Royal Library has a secret door and the castle’s 60-seat Theater, with royal box, showed the first movie projection in Romania in 1906. After the visits we stop in Sinaia, a picturesque mountain resort in Prahova River valley.
In the afternoon we reach the capital city of Romania, Bucharest where we will spend the overnight.
Bucharest City Tour
Full day in Bucharest to explore the city. Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of “Little Paris”), Bucharest, Romania’s largest city and capital, is today a bustling metropolis.
In the morning we take a guided tour, where we will see the Arch of Triumph, pass through Calea Victoriei which is Bucharest’s oldest most charming street, discover some of the most stunning buildings in the city, including the Cantacuzino Palace, the Revolution Square, the Military Club, National Savings Bank Palace and the National History Museum. We visit the old town, where at the beginning of 1400s, most merchants and craftsmen – Romanian, Austrian, Greek, Armenian and Jewish – established their stores and shops in this section of the city; Today, the area is home to art galleries, antique shops, coffeehouses, restaurants and night-clubs. At the centre of the historic area are the remains of the Old Princely Court, built in the 15th century by Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad Dracula
Later we enter to the Bucharest Parliament Palace.
Built at the special request of Nicolae Ceausescu, leader of Romania’s Communist Party, the colossal Parliament Palace – formerly known as “People’s House” is the world’s second largest administrative building after the U. S. Pentagon. It took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build this masive structure that boasts 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, a 350-ft.-long lobby and eight underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker.
We visit also one of the oldest churches in Bucharest (with parts dating back to the 16th century and a steeple built in 1715), the Apostles’ Church. Dinner and overnight in Bucharest.
Bucharest – Return flight
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for the return flight.