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Highlights of the Balkans

Highlights of the Balkans

14 day tour from Belgrade to Tirana
Tour Operator
Globus
Departures
May 4, 2026 – Sep 13, 2027
Prices From
$3,339
Dates & Prices
For the travel lover who wishes to see it all, this tour of the beauty of Balkan countries delivers! Visit the must-see sites and hear about the long and fascinating histories as you journey through Serbia, Romania, North Macedonia, and Albania. Explore Serbia’s capital city of Belgrade, along with the Romanian cities of Timisoara, Sibiu andBucharest. Visit Brasov’s impressive Black Church; Ruse, Bulgaria’s “Little Vienna;” the byzantine Holy Sofia Church, built in the 6th century and today a symbol of Sofia; plus, Staro Nagorichane Monastery near Kumanovo, and Tirana’s Bunk’Art, in Albania. Revel in remarkable experiences along the way, including a visit to Romania’s 14th-century Bran Castle of Dracula lore. See its torture chambers and enjoy dinner on the castle grounds. Embark on a boat cruise on Lake Ohrid and see the monastery of Saint Naum. This Eastern Europe tour is sure to thrill!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
ARRIVE IN BELGRADE, SERBIA
Welcome to Belgrade! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 2
BELGRADE
A Strong Faith Follow a guided sightseeing featuring main sights like the Santa Sava Church and views of the fascinating Kalemegdan Fortress. Free afternoon and evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT The Church of Saint Sava is one of the largest churches in the world and the largest church building in the Balkans. The church is built on the site where the Ottomans burned the remains of Saint Sava in 1595 and it represents the resilience and continuity of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbian culture through centuries of foreign domination. A visit to Belgrade is not complete without a stop here.
Day 3
BELGRADE–TIMISOARA, ROMANIA–SIBIU
Capital Cities TIMISOARA Admire the Romanian Orthodox Church, seat of the archbishop. SIBIU An orientation tour reveals Sibiu’s towers, churches, and buildings dating back to the 14th century (B,D) 267mi / 430km TOUR HIGHLIGHT A CITY OF FIRSTS Situated in Transylvania, Sibiu is a real gem with a local vibe which recorded many premieres in this part of Europe. It was here where the first hospital, the first library, the first school, the first pharmacy, the first Zoo garden, the first open-air cinema in Romania opened.
Day 4
SIBIU–BRASOV
Fact or Fiction BRASOV Follow your guide for a tour of the city and visit the Black Church. Later visit Bran Castle and enjoy [LOCAL FAVORITE] dinner on the castle grounds at Queen Mary Tea House. (B,D) 93mi / 150km TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE Legend has it that King Solomon, while escaping enemies in pursuit, fled into the Brasov forest, exchanged his clothes with a local peasant, and cast his crown on a tree trunk to evade being recognized. So the city of Brasov was dubbed Brasov, Kronstadt (Crown City). The fortress-castle was built in 1377 by master masons of Brasov, on a cliff, dominating the whole region. The most famous feature of the town is the castle associated with Vlad the Impaler, a true-life prince who stayed at the castle in the 15th century. His cruel habit of impaling his enemies on stakes inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional tale of Dracula.
Day 5
BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST
Romanian Royalty SINAIA Visit Peles castle (B) 118mi / 190km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM From the very beginning, Peles Castle was one of the most modern in Europe. It was the first castle on the continent fully supplied by electrical power – it had its own electrical unit – and one of the few with a central heating system, an elevator, and the best comfort of the time. The castle was a museum from its first years, and the ticket sales were used to finance Romania’s Queen Elisabeth’s charity works. After the castle was confiscatedby the communists, it was used only as a museum from 1953 to 1975, escaping the destructive whims of ruling dictator, Ceausescu.
Day 6
BUCHAREST
Parisian Style and Palace Squares BUCHAREST Follow your guide for a sightseeing that includes views of the palace where former Romanian dictator Ceausescu lived. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT In the early 20th century, Bucharest was known as "Little Paris" due to its elegant architecture and vibrant cultural scene, reminiscent of the French capital. See the imposing Palace of the Parliament, former home of communist dictator, Ceausescu. Noted as the world's heaviest building and largest administrative building after the Pentagon.
Day 7
BUCHAREST–RUSE–SOFIA, BULGARIA
Little Vienna RUSE Stop in Bulgaria’s most important river port nicknamed “Little Vienna” due to its beautiful neo-baroque and neo-rococo architecture. (B,D) 242 mi / 390 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ARTISTRY & ARCHITECTURE Unique to the country of Romania is the architectural jewel of Ruse. Its leafy avenues and squares are reminiscent of Vienna, with a Central European feel found in its baroque and belle epoque architectural style.
Day 8
SOFIA
A City of Centuries SOFIA Hear the history of this fascinating capital city during your guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Byzantine Holy Sofia Church. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia is poised as it has been for centuries below Vitosha Mountain, with its landmarks reflecting more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century. Sofia was known as Serdica centuries before Christ and was ruled at one time by Alexander the Great’s father, Philip of Macedonia.
Day 9
SOFIA–KUMANOVO, NORTH MACEDONIA–SKOPJE
Prophecies, Prayers, and Promises KUMANOVO Visit the Staro Nagorichane Monastery. SKOPJE Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (B,D) 155mi / 250km TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE Visit the 11th-century church of Staro Nagorichane. Built by Byzantine emperor Roman IV Diogen in gratitude to the hermit and saint Prohor Pcinski. According to the legend, the emperor wounded a deer while hunting in the surrounding forests and followed its bloody trail to a cave in which it found refuge with the hermit Pcinski. The old man beseeched the emperor to spare the deer and prophesized he would become the future king upon his return to Constantinople. With the prophecy ultimately fulfilled. Diogen built the church in honor of the beatified Saint Pcinski.
Day 10
SKOPJE
City of Statues and Saint Theresa SKOPJE Guided sightseeing includes views of the city’s landmarks. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & MONUMENTS The city of Skopje is located on the Vardar River and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Hear how it is often referred to as the “City of Statues,” with over 190 statues scattered throughout the city, it truly lives up to its nickname. But it is also famous as Mother Theresa was born here.
Day 11
SKOPJE–OHRID
Water Colors OHRID Guided sightseeing includes a boat cruise. (B) 112mi / 180km TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Lake Ohrid is the oldest natural lake in Europe and one of the oldest lakes in the whole world and home to a high number of endemic species, found nowhere else in the world. Don’t miss the chance to witness one of the lake’s most enchanting spectacle at sunset when the golden hues reflect upon the tranquil waters for a mesmerizing sight.
Day 12
OHRID–TIRANA, ALBANIA
Macedonian Marvels OHRID Visit the monastery of Saint Naum (B) 81mi / 130km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT The Monastery of St. Naum is built on a high rocky cliff over the shore of the most southern point of Ohrid Lake and is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia, which also represents one of the first monuments of Slavic church architecture and art in the Ohrid region – this is. The founder of the monastery is the medieval writer and teacher Naum, who is one of the founders of the Slavic and Macedonian literacy and education tradition. Take in the heavenly views surrounding this clifftop marvel.
Day 13
TIRANA
Underground Art TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art and the main square. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Discover a vibrant story of history, architecture, and art in Tirana – from the Tirana mosaic (Ancient Roman) to the Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit), a symbol of ottoman architecture, Italian buildings, and the construction style of the dictatorship. Visit the former Cold War bunker-turned-art-museum of Bunk’Art.
Day 14
TIRANA
Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

Meals
13 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

Hotels

Belgrade | Mercure Belgrade Excelsior
Belgrade, Serbia
Kneza Milosa 5
Free WiFi
This elegant hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort and style for your Serbian adventure, just steps from the City Hall and Parliament Building. The hotel's smartly furnished guest rooms feature ample natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is included to stay connected, a desk, and a minibar for refreshing drinks. All rooms come equipped with a laptop-sized safe and an LED TV for entertainment.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Sibiu | Mercure Sibui Arsenal
First-Class
Sibiu, Romania
48 Bulevardul Victoriei
Free WiFi
Ideally located for exploring Sibiu, the Mercure Sibiu Arsenal is a perfect hotel for travelers. This cozy modern hotel offers a taste of local culture with its Media¿ tiles and Cisn¿die rugs. Guests can relax in comfort in spacious guest rooms and enjoy complimentary access to the indoor pool and fitness center. The hotel also features a bar and restaurant for added convenience.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Brasov | Radisson Blu Aurum
Superior First-Class
Brasov, Romania
Bulevardul Eroilor 23
Free WiFi
Nestled in the heart of Brasov, Transylvania, the Radisson Blu Aurum offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern elegance. This upscale hotel boasts 110 stylish guest rooms, all designed to provide guests with a comfortable and memorable stay. Each room features air-conditioning, perfect for warm summer days, and free Wi-Fi to keep you connected. Four dining venues offer a world of options from European to Asian cuisine from vegan specialties to sushi. Enjoy the outdoor rooftop pool with a pool bar while taking in scenic views of the city and mountains. A fitness center with resistance and cardiovascular equipment is available 24/7.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Bucharest | Radisson Blu
Deluxe
Bucharest, Romania
Calea Victoriei 63 - 81 Sector 1
Free WiFi
Overlooking the former Royal Palace and near the Romanian Athenaeum Concert Hall and Cismigiu Park, the Radisson Blu provides modern accommodation in the heart of Romania's capital. Guests can choose from the exclusive selection of five on site restaurants and three bars. The hotel also hosts the World Class Health Academy including indoor 22-meter swimming, outdoor Jacuzzi and pool, gym and fitness facilities. When you feel like relaxing, visit our Bali Spa, offering a nice menu of massages and body treatments (against a fee). Within the same complex as the Radisson Blu Hotel you can enjoy Romania's biggest casino.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Sofia | Hilton Sofia
Superior First-Class
Sofia, Bulgaria
1,Bulgaria Blvd.
Free WiFi
State of the art facility exceptionally located in the heart of Sofia, in the south park, overlooking Vitosha Mtn - City Center.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Skopje | Skopje Marriott
Superior First-Class
Skopje, Macedonia
Plostad Makedonija 7
Free WiFi
Ideally situated in the heart of Skopje, a mere 100 meters from Macedonia Square, this luxurious hotel offers the perfect blend of relaxation and productivity for the modern traveler. After a day exploring Skopje's vibrant energy, guests can retreat to their haven of tranquility. The hotel's well-designed guest rooms feature plush bedding, soundproof windows for a peaceful night's sleep, and dedicated workspaces to ensure guests stay connected.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Ohrid | Metropol Lake Resort
First-Class
Ohrid, Macedonia
Naselba Dolno Konjsko bb
Free WiFi
This relaxed hotel is located directly by the lake and offers incredible lake views and elegant, air-conditioned guest rooms¿perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Guests can enjoy well-equipped rooms designed with comfort in mind. Whether you prefer relaxing by the lake or embarking on a discovery adventure, Metropol Lake Resort has the perfect space for your Macedonian getaway.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Tirana | Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
First-Class
Tirana, Albania
146 Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta
Free WiFi
This trendy 143-room hotel is perfectly positioned for discovering the secrets of Albania's capital city. The spacious guest rooms are equipped with amenities to maximise comfort, including air conditioning, toiletries and cable TV. Guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at the on-site restaurant that serves high-quality international cuisine, There is also a fitness center and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
* Hotel as shown or similar

Itinerary Dates & Prices

Start Date
May 04, 2026
End Date
May 17, 2026
Our Price
$3,899
Guaranteed
Start Date
May 18, 2026
End Date
May 31, 2026
Our Price
$5,399
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jun 01, 2026
End Date
Jun 14, 2026
Our Price
$4,499
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jun 15, 2026
End Date
Jun 28, 2026
Our Price
$4,499
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jun 29, 2026
End Date
Jul 12, 2026
Our Price
$4,299
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jul 13, 2026
End Date
Jul 26, 2026
Our Price
$5,399
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jul 27, 2026
End Date
Aug 09, 2026
Our Price
$3,339
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 10, 2026
End Date
Aug 23, 2026
Our Price
$5,399
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 31, 2026
End Date
Sep 13, 2026
Our Price
$4,499
Guaranteed
Start Date
Sep 07, 2026
End Date
Sep 20, 2026
Our Price
$4,499
Guaranteed
Start Date
Sep 14, 2026
End Date
Sep 27, 2026
Our Price
$4,499
Guaranteed
Start Date
May 03, 2027
End Date
May 16, 2027
Our Price
$4,619
Guaranteed
Start Date
May 17, 2027
End Date
May 30, 2027
Our Price
$5,669
Guaranteed
Start Date
May 31, 2027
End Date
Jun 13, 2027
Our Price
$4,729
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jun 14, 2027
End Date
Jun 27, 2027
Our Price
$4,729
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jun 28, 2027
End Date
Jul 11, 2027
Our Price
$4,519
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jul 12, 2027
End Date
Jul 25, 2027
Our Price
$5,669
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jul 26, 2027
End Date
Aug 08, 2027
Our Price
$3,669
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 09, 2027
End Date
Aug 22, 2027
Our Price
$5,669
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 30, 2027
End Date
Sep 12, 2027
Our Price
$4,729
Guaranteed
Start Date
Sep 06, 2027
End Date
Sep 19, 2027
Our Price
$4,729
Guaranteed
Start Date
Sep 13, 2027
End Date
Sep 26, 2027
Our Price
$4,729
Guaranteed

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