Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
$2595
Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania
13 Days Starting and ending in Budapest, Hungary
Visiting: Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv, Bucharest, Sinaia, Brașov, Sighisoara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6710-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania" tour, exploring the rich cultural tapestry and historical wonders of Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. Begin your adventure in Budapest, Hungary, where you can marvel at the city's architectural splendor and indulge in its vibrant spa culture. Travel through the picturesque landscapes of Serbia, stopping in Novi Sad and Belgrade, before crossing into Bulgaria to discover Sofia's medieval treasures and the stunning Rila Monastery. Continue to Romania, where you'll visit the charming towns of Veliko Târnovo, Bucharest, and Brasov, and explore the legendary Dracula's Castle in Bran. Conclude your journey in Cluj-Napoca, Romania's film capital, before returning to Budapest. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided city tours, and a blend of regional and international cuisine throughout this culturally enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Budapest,Hungary
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel Budapest
Check into your hotel. Take advantage of the CosmosGO app to visit Budapest at leisure. In the early evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Budapest is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from Gothic to Baroque and Neoclassical to Art Nouveau, but also full of history and other surprises, such as delicious food and wines, as well as a multitude of spa establishments built on top of natural hot springs. The Danube River divides the old city in two, making it even more spectacular. Discover all of this and more during the guided city tour.
Day 3: Budapest,Novi Sad,Serbia,Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation Name: Kopernikus Hotel Prag
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Serbia. Stop in Novi Sad, capital of the province, built on the banks of the Danube River and famous for its Petrovaradin Citadel, the fortress featuring the iconic clock tower with the “reversed clock”. Continue to Belgrade and discover the capital of Serbia on a guided city sightseeing tour. Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km
Day 4: Belgrade,Sofia,Bulgaria
Location: Sofia
Accommodation Name: Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the border into Bulgaria to arrive in the capital city of Sofia. Join a Local Guide for a city tour that includes the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Theater, and St. Sofia Church.Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km
Day 5: Sofia. Excursion To Rila Monastery
Location: Rila Monastery
Accommodation Name: Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, discover Rila Monastery, located inside a nature park and featuring vibrant frescoes. Its checkered history goes back to Ivan Rilski, the hermit who founded it in 927. During the long Turkish rule over the country, the monastery became a beacon of Bulgarian culture. Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 km
Day 6: Sofia,Plovdiv,Veliko Târnovo
Location: Plovdiv
Accommodation Name: Yantra Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head eastwards to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, located along the banks of the Maritsa River. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman amphitheatre. Journey northwards through fine scenery over the Stara Planina Mountains to Veliko Târnovo. Today’s Distance: 190 mi/ 305 km
Day 7: Veliko Târnovo,Bucharest,Romania
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation Name: Pullman Bucharest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, time to see some of the highlights of Veliko Târnovo, located on the Yantra River. During the Middle Ages, it was Bulgaria’s capital, and still retains some of its most attractive medieval features. Visit nearby Arbanassi, world famous for its house design, a cross between a dwelling and a fortress. The village is known as an architectural and historic reserve and was at one time the summer residence of Bulgarian kings. One of the highlights of the visit is the Church of Nativity, built in 1637. Carry on north to Rousse and cross the Danube to reach Bucharest. Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 km
Day 8: Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation Name: Pullman Bucharest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Flower-festooned parks, gardens, and wide boulevards shaded by century-old trees contribute to Bucharest’s beauty. The highlight of the included sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, windmills, watermills, and artisans’ workshops from all parts of the country. Your Local Guide will show you other places of interest, including the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Savings Palace. There is also an optional afternoon visit to the massive Romanian Parliament, known as the “Peoples 'Palace.”
Day 9: Bucharest,Sinaia,Brasov
Location: Sinaia
Accommodation Name: Aro Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Sinaia in the Prahova Valley. This is a lovely ski resort, almost 3,300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia, there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered among the most romantic castles in the world. Only a few more miles and you reach Brasov, a lovely medieval town famous for its town square filled with Baroque architecture and outdoor cafés.Today’s Distance: 106 mi/ 170 km
Day 10: Brasov
Location: Brașov
Accommodation Name: Aro Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transylvania is commonly associated with vampires due to the influence of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, and all the subsequent books and many films the tale has inspired. This morning, depart for Bran and visit the legendary Dracula castle. It was built in 1377 and inhabited by the Wallachian prince, Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula. In the afternoon, a walking orientation of the Old Town of Brasov includes a visit to the Black Church, followed by leisure time. Today’s Distance: 39 mi / 62 km
Day 11: Brasov,Sighisoara,Cluj-Napoca
Location: Sighisoara
Accommodation Name: Golden Tulip Ana Dome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop in Sighisoara, a medieval town with 11 towers within the city walls surrounding cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches—one of Romania’s prettiest towns. Legend has it that it is also the birthplace of the notorious Vlad (Dracula). Continue to Cluj-Napoca, the film capital of Romania. Today’s Distance: 174 mi/ 280 km
Day 12: Cluj-Napoca,Budapest,Hungary
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the border at Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest. Today’s Distance: 292mi/ 470 km
Day 13: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Intercity Hotel Budapest, Kopernikus Hotel Prag, Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre, Yantra Grand Hotel, Pullman Bucharest, Capitol, Aro Palace, and Golden Tulip Ana Dome.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily and 4 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided city tours in Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, and Bucharest.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Boyana Church, Budapest (including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue), Historic Centre of Sighisoara, and Rila Monastery.
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Transport
Travel between cities and countries by coach.
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CosmosGO App
Access to the CosmosGO app for self-guided exploration.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional afternoon visit to the Romanian Parliament, known as the 'Peoples' Palace.
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners
UNESCO Sites
Boyana Church|Budapest (including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue)|Historic Centre of Sighisoara|Rila Monastery
Accommodation
Intercity Budapest is a modern hotel just steps away from the city center, offering tastefully furnished air-conditioned guestrooms with soundproofed windows, flat-screen TV, and complimentary high-speed wireless internet. Kopernikus Hotel Prag in Belgrade features a bar, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a gym. Yantra Grand Hotel in Veliko Tarnovo provides excellent conditions for business and leisure. Pullman Bucharest offers modern amenities and a fitness center. Hotel Capitol in Bucharest retains its historic charm with modern amenities. Aro Palace in Brasov offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and a wellness center. Golden Tulip Ana Dome in Cluj-Napoca sets high standards of quality and elegance.
Mode of Transport
Travel between destinations is primarily by coach, covering significant distances such as 267 miles from Budapest to Belgrade and 273 miles from Belgrade to Sofia. The tour includes stops at key locations, with guided city tours and excursions to notable sites like Rila Monastery and Peles Castle.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as Intercity Hotel Budapest, Kopernikus Hotel Prag in Belgrade, Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre, Yantra Grand Hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, Pullman Bucharest, Capitol in Bucharest, Aro Palace in Brasov, and Golden Tulip Ana Dome in Cluj-Napoca. These hotels offer modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and on-site restaurants.
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What are some of the key historical sites included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boyana Church, the Historic Centre of Sighisoara, and Rila Monastery. Other historical sites include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Parliament building in Sofia, and the legendary Dracula Castle in Bran.
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Will there be guided tours during the trip?
Yes, the tour includes guided city tours in Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, and Bucharest. Local guides will provide insights into the history and culture of these cities.
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Are there any special excursions included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a special excursion to Rila Monastery, located inside a nature park and known for its vibrant frescoes. Another highlight is the visit to the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle in Sinaia.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and four dinners. Specific meals are provided on certain days, such as breakfast and dinner on Day 4 in Sofia and Day 6 in Veliko Tarnovo.
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What kind of activities are available in Bucharest?
In Bucharest, the tour includes a visit to the open-air Village Museum, showcasing traditional farmhouses, cottages, windmills, and watermills from various parts of Romania. There is also an optional visit to the massive Romanian Parliament, known as the 'People's Palace.'
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What can I expect to see in Brasov?
In Brasov, you will visit the legendary Dracula Castle in Bran and take a walking orientation of the Old Town, including a visit to the Black Church. The town is known for its Baroque architecture and outdoor cafés.
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Is there any leisure time during the tour?
Yes, there is leisure time included in the itinerary, such as in Brasov after the walking orientation of the Old Town and in Budapest on the first day to explore the city at your own pace using the CosmosGO app.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.