Embark on an express journey from Romania to Bulgaria, finishing in Istanbul. Absorb Bucharest’s atmosphere on a guided walking tour, compare age-old places of worship in Sofia and breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains. Meander back in time in the Old Town of Plovdiv, see Veliko Tarnovo's imposing Tsarevets Fortress and learn about the distillation process and history of rose oil production at a family rose distillery in Sofia. This 10-day trip is a fascinating insight into just how much regions can change as you cross national borders!
This is the 10th Explore holiday, we have covered places like Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, India and this just covers 5 holidays.
These are not for everyone, as some are very full on, but the two Balkan trips were easy, although some of this group had not read the itinerary properly and this was a bit too much for them!
The Cuba and South America were what I call, sanitised back packing, as sleeping out in the open and you can have very early starts, around 4 am and late finishes.
However, you really see the place and interact with the local people. This is why we love Explore tours.
If you want total comfort and not really interact, then Saga or like is for you, as you do have to rough it on some trips.
One trip in particular was India, two days going up the Ganges on a wooded raft, inches from the water and sleeping on the bank at night with the snakes and wild dogs, just an amazing experience, and you know you are alive!
Another was in the jungle of Cuba, no tent, just under the stars, but I did get attacked by the smallest ants in the night, but still a fantastic experience, one I won’t forget!
Our tour guides have all been very good, but on this trip, Constantin went beyond the norm.
The only criticism on this trip was no local experts and Constantin had to do it all, which makes it very difficult for him to become an expert in every area, town etc.
Journey through Central Europe and Romania on this 24-day adventure. Travel to Austria and immerse yourself in its rich musical heritage, learn about Polish traditions as you explore Krakow’s Old Town and hike Slovakia's Tatra Mountains. Wander through the Baroque churches of Budapest, see the haunted castles of Transylvania and indulge in a wine cellar tour in the Valley of the Beautiful Women. Spend a night with a local family in Viscri and see Bucharest's 12-storey Palace of Parliament. From Vienna to Bucharest this trip showcases the best of Central Europe while giving you plenty of free time to experience its culture and people in your own way.
Explore the Baroque churches of Budapest and haunted castles of Transylvania on this 18-day journey across Eastern Europe. Learn about the failed Turkish invasion of Eger and take a guided wine cellar tour in the Valley of the Beautiful Women. Discover the medieval churches of Brasov, dine with a local family on an overnight homestay in Viscri and visit Bucharest's 12-storey Palace of Parliament. Compare age-old places of worship in Sofia, breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains and meander back in time in the Old Town of Plovdiv.
Discover the magic of Southeastern Europe on this 9-day adventure tour from Athens to Bucharest. Geared towards seniors, the easy pace allows you to enjoy landmark cities such as Sofia, Kalabaka, and Sandansky, with visits to Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Accommodations, meals, and transport are all arranged for a seamless experience. The highlight of this trip is the opportunity to traverse three countries in under two weeks, offering a compact yet thorough cultural journey.
Good introductory tour to the Balkans. Need a bus-seat rotation plan to prevent some passengers from hogging the good seats. Choose buses that provide USB charging ports. Avoid less organised hotels where coffee and food runs out, such as in Hotel Marinela in SOFIA and Hotel Panorama in Veliko Tarnovo. Choose hotels that serve breakfast early, at least at 7:00AM, e.g. Panorama in Veliko Tarnovo serves breakfast only at 7:30AM and tour leaves at 8AM, not enough time. Choose hotels that provide express-laundry services as we do not have time to look for laundromats elsewhere. When arriving too early at a city to check-in at hotel, do not waste time unloading bags first, directly go on city tour then come back at check-in time. Maybe reduce a day from Bulgaria or Croatia and add at least a day more in Serbia, which is rich in history. If possible design a new tour to cover all Balkan states and add Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Albania.
Athens, Zagreb, Timisoara, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Split, Opatija, Ljubljana, Kalabaka, Sandanski, Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Bucharest, Sighisoara
Set off on a 15-day adventure from Athens to Dubrovnik, traveling through Greece, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina. Perfect for senior explorers, this trip features an easy activity level and covers classic destinations such as Sofia and Dubrovnik, alongside hidden gems. With hotel stays, transportation, and meals included, you can focus on the journey’s enriching experiences. The unique selling point is the comprehensive cross-country route, allowing travelers to savor the Balkans’ diversity in comfort and style.
Picture yourself journeying from the cradle of Western civilization to the vibrant heart of Serbia. 'From Athens to Belgrade' is a 12-day adventure specifically designed for seniors seeking a relaxed yet enriching tour. With Athens and Belgrade as key highlights, this easy-paced group trip includes hotel accommodation, convenient transport, and delicious meals. Its unique appeal lies in connecting two historically significant cities, perfect for those who relish both comfort and cultural exploration.
Experience the essence of the Balkans on the 'Balkan Dreams' tour, a 13-day sightseeing trip from Zagreb to Bucharest. Designed for mature travelers, this guided group journey includes stays in Zagreb, Bucharest, and beyond, with all logistics handled for you. The USP is the tour’s expansive scope—offering seniors a thorough, easy-paced exploration of the region’s diverse cultures, historic cities, and scenic landscapes.
Unlock the cultural treasure chest of the Balkans on an in-depth Premium adventure from Split to Bucharest. Amazing beaches and sunshine give way to medieval towns and castles as lesser known National Parks provide an incredible mountianous backdrop. Get away from the modern world and in with the locals, soak up ancient riches of Transylvania, and discover Tara National Park’s spectacular scenery on foot and riding the rails on a historic steam train. Bursting with culinary delights and cultural wonders - the Balkans has it all.
Discover the beauty and history of the Balkans on this 18-day tour that travels from Dubrovnik in Croatia through Bosnia and Herzegovina and onto the lively nightlife of Belgrade in Serbia, through the heart of Transylvania and on to Bucharest. Along the way you’ll sample excellent wines, learn about the war years, stop by the famed Old Bridge of Mostar, discover Tara National Park’s spectacular scenery, and traverse medieval fortresses and fairytale castles. This tour combines battle zones, mountain scenery, bunkers and bars and melds the past with the present to create an adventure that ticks all the boxes.
Florin PredaTravel Expert in Bulgaria, Hungary & Romania
