Treasures of the Balkans
with Insight Vacations
- See the sights of this untouched region
- Luxury hotels throughout
- Includes flights with Qatar Airways from Perth
This is where the sway of the Mediterranean meets Central Europe and blends with the exotic East. From the Danube to Dracula's castle, there is history at every turn.
- Dubrovnik: Your Local Expert will guide you through this ancient city, surrounded by well-preserved walls built in the Middle Ages. See Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
- Sarajevo: A Local Expert will show you the cobbled old town market where Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans, known as Baščaršija. You will also see the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.
- Belgrade: A Local Expert will show you St. Sava Church, Terazije Street, the national museum, national theatre, Republic Square and the Kalemegdan Fortress.
- Budapest: Visit the colourful Matthias Church and gaze out over the Danube and giant domed Hungarian Parliament Building from the heights of the Fisherman’s Bastion.
- Bucharest: Walk the cavernous halls of the vast Palace of Parliament, learn about the history and listen to amusing tales from your Local Expert.
- Sinaia: Led by a local historian, witness the opulent and sumptuous décor in Peleș Castle, the fairy-tale Royal summer residence, at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains.
- Bran: Visit the imposing medieval castle guarding the old Transylvanian border and embrace its stories, myths and legends from Count Dracula to romantic Queen Marie.
- Brasov: Explore Town Hall Square with your Local Expert and see the Black Church.
- Arbanassi: This is one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The frescoed churches and fortified dwellings offer a unique insight into the former wealth and spiritual commitment of the settlement.
- Veliko Tarnovo: With you Local Expert, ascend Tsarevets, the King’s Hill, crowned by a ruined medieval citadel. Enjoy the views and imagine yourself back in the days of the Crusades when this was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
- Ohrid: Walk the cobbled, narrow streets of the Old Town with your Local Expert.
- Dubrovnik: Inside the mighty defensive walls of the Old Town, you will be offered a varied selection of charming restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
- Sarajevo: You are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner with drinks. Savour the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture and recent struggles.
- Sarajevo: Experience authentic Bosnian coffee and learn about the traditional ritual of coffee preparation.
- Budapest: Dine in elegance and savour Hungarian delicacies accompanied with specially-selected Hungarian wine during your Celebration Dinner at Gundel.
- Veliko Tarnovo: Enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local specialties with wine and witness a folklore show.
- Dining Summary: 18 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 10 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
| Flight departs from Perth | Tour starts | Price per person* | Single supplement |
| 3 August 2019 | 5 August 2019 | $7,299 | $1,665 |
*One night pre tour accommodation included, includes 10% early bird saving for payment before 31 January 2019
Day 1 - Arrival in Bucharest - 4 August 2019
Arriving into Bucharest, enjoy a day at leisure to get over your travel from Perth
Hotel: Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest
Day 2 - Welcome to Bucharest - 5 August 2019
Enjoy a free day before at 18:00, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your Welcome Dinner served with wine.
Hotel: Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3 - From Bucharest to Brașov - 6 August 2019
Join a Local Expert for a sightseeing to view University Square and the former Communist Headquarters. Visit the immense Parliament Palace, one of the largest buildings in the world. Travel along the Prahova Valley to the elegant Alpine resort of Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of Romania's first royal family. Led by a local historian, admire the lavish rooms filled with art, armour and tapestries. Continue through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming medieval city of Brașov, founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights.
Hotel: Aro Palace
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4 - Transylvania: Castles, myths and legends - 7 August 2019
With your Local Expert, take a walk around Town Hall Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed houses and dominated by the Black Church. Then, picture a horse and carriage careering up a wet mountainous road, thunder booming and lightning illuminating the medieval fortress guarding the Transylvanian border. Visit Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's novel and discover if this popular image of Dracula's castle is true or like the vampire story itself, only a myth.
Hotel: Aro Palace
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 5 - Veliko Tarnovo, the city of the Tsars - 8 August 2019
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 a Highlight Dinner of local specialties and wine, followed by an authentic folklore show.
Hotel: Yantra Grand Hotel
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6 - From the old Bulgarian capital to the new - 9 August 2019
In the morning, see the Monument of the Assens, before meeting your Local Expert to climb up to the ruined Tsarevets Fortress, a reminder of the town's former imperial status. Enjoy the stunning views over the old Bulgarian capital and the Yantra Valley. Arbanasi is one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The frescoed churches and fortified dwellings offer a unique insight into the former wealth and spiritual commitment of the settlement. Visit a traditional 17th century merchant's house and the Church of the Holy Nativity. Cross the Balkan Mountains to Bulgaria's modern day capital of Sofia. On arrival, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you to St. Sofia Church, across the square from the golden domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archaeological complex, dominated by the church of St. George Rotonda.
Hotel: Hilton Sofia.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7 - Relaxed start - Sofia at your pace - 10 August 2019
(Relaxed Start) Enjoy the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Rila Monastery or enjoy a fascinating insight into the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria?
Hotel: Hilton Sofia.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 8 - Skopje and Ohrid - 11 August 2019
Cross the border and continue to the Macedonian capital of Skopje, an ultra-modern city juxtaposed by an ancient bazaar, where Turkish influences can still be seen and felt. Then head for mountain-ringed Lake Ohrid, its shores dotted with monasteries and villages.
Hotel: Hotel Belvedere
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9 - Relaxed start - Tirana on the move - 12 August 2019
(Relaxed Start) In the morning, sightseeing with a Local Expert will show you the narrow streets of Ohrid's Old Town. Cross into Albania and journey to Tirana, renowned for its friendly locals. Meet a resident expert at the landmark Skanderbeg Square for an insider’s look at the Albanian capital.
Hotel: Sheraton Tirana Hotel.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10 - Kotor and Dubrovnik, pearl of the Adriatic - 13 August 2019
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, it’s no surprise it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue over the Croatian border to the fortified port of Dubrovnik where you are at leisure to explore the Old Town, bustling with street artists, cafes and restaurants.
Hotel: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 11 - Relaxed start - Dubrovnik sightseeing and time at leisure - 14 August 2019
(Relaxed Start) 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. At night, within the city's mighty ramparts, choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Hotel: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12 - Relaxed start - Dubrovnik, paradise on earth - 15 August 2019
(Relaxed Start) Spend another day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Sunbathe by the pool or stroll with friends along the ancient city walls. Perhaps explore some of the film locations of the award-winning series 'Game of Thrones' and appreciate the enterprising spirit of the Old Harbour? As the sun starts to set, maybe take a relaxing cruise to admire the city and its incredible walls from the water.
Hotel: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 13 - Mostar and Sarajevo - 16 August 2019
Journey to Mostar. With your Local Expert, see the famous Stari Most, the Old Bridge, reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the war. Explore the cobbled Old Town stretching on both sides of the bridge and filled with shops selling souvenirs. Continue your travels following the scenic route to Sarajevo for a unique and rewarding insight into the local way of life as you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner with drinks. Savour the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture and recent struggles.
Hotel: Hotel Bristol Sarajevo.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 14 - Sarajevo, city of culture - 17 August 2019
Start the morning with sightseeing. Visit the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum and talk to one of the survivors, for whom the Siege of Sarajevo remains a defining moment in his life. With a Local Expert, see the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated sparking World War 1. Experience authentic Bosnian coffee and learn about the traditional ritual of Bosnian coffee preparation. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore as you wish.
Hotel: Hotel Bristol Sarajevo.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 15 - Relaxed start - The Serbian capital of Belgrade - 18 August 2019
(Relaxed Start) Journey through the remote villages and spa resorts of the forested Bosnian mountains to Belgrade.
Hotel: Metropol Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Belgrade.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 16 - Relaxed start - The best of Belgrade - 19 August 2019
(Relaxed Start) Join a Local Expert to see the best of Belgrade. Visit St. Sava Church, Terazije Street, the national museum and national theatre in Republic Square. Finish your sightseeing at the Kalemegdan Fortress, situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or continue exploring on your own.
Hotel: Metropol Palace
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 17 - Across the wild Puszta to Budapest - 20 August 2019
As you journey north, pass the riverside fortress at Novi Sad and cross the Province of Vojvodina to reach Palić on the Hungarian border. See the unusual water tower, and wander down to the lake where you can admire the art nouveau buildings. Continue on through the vast wilderness of the Puszta, where cowboys rustle up goulash under the stars. Your destination will be Budapest on the Danube.Hotel: Corinthia Hotel Budapest.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 18 - Budapest, Queen of the Danube - 21 August 2019
Venture into the heart of Buda's medieval Castle District with a Local Expert to visit Matthias Church and take in the view of the immense Hungarian Parliament Building from the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes' Square and travel down elegant Andrássy Boulevard. Enjoy time to wander through the Central Market Hall. Spread over three levels, the market is a foodie's paradise, brimming with aromatic food stalls offering delicious salamis, spicy paprika, delicious Tokaji wines and an array of flavoured Pálinkas, a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy. Tonight you are in for a treat with your Celebration Dinner at Gundel, one of Budapest's most renowned restaurants for over a hundred years. Dine in elegance as you savour hearty, Hungarian delicacies accompanied with specially-selected Hungarian wine.Hotel: Corinthia Hotel Budapest.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 19 - Goodbye - 22 August 2019
Say goodbye to the group for one final free day in this magnificent city
Hotel: Corinthia Hotel Budapest
Meals:Breakfast
Day 20 - Depart Budapest - 23 August 2019
Your final day in Budapest before leaving
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
- Price advertised is per person, twin share
- Single supplement applies to solo travellers
- Tours subject to minimum numbers to run, please ask your consultant for more information on guaranteed departure dates
- Itinerary subject to change without notice
- Insight Vacations terms and conditions apply.
- Credit card fees of up to 1.2% may apply.
- Airfare included based on O class with Qatar Airways return from Perth.
- Subject to availability
- Subject to change in tax
- *Tour prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- Advertised price includes 10% early bird discount if paid in full by 31 January 2018
*Terms and conditions apply: see RAC Travel general terms and conditions
