Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Very organized. The time was well used to see major sites and to get a feel for the history and daily life. The tour was responsive to our request to include some outdoor, active activities in addition to sightseeing. The local guide was very good, knowledgeable and genial. Importantly, he was a good driver. The hotels were well selected, except for the one in Cluj which was a bit out of the center.
Enjoy a mix of culture, adventure and relaxing moments as you discover the Unesco-listed sites of Romania during this guided, 14-day tour.
Included in the itinerary is the famous Horezu Monastery, the fortified churches of Transylvania, the old wooden churches of Maramures and an ancient fortress in the Orastie Mountains. Discover the painted monasteries of Bucovina as well as Sighisoara, the only medieval citadel in Europe that is still inhabited.
This trip starts and ends in Bucharest, the capital city, which you will explore on the second day of this trip. Also included in the itinerary is a guided walking tour of Cluj Napoca. Scroll down to the itinerary section for more details.
This ten-day, private, guided tour takes you to some of the most beautiful castles of Transylvania and offers you a relaxing holiday in this enchanting land. Your journey starts from Bucharest, the capital city. From there you will head for Sibiu, the former cultural capital of Europe. See the magnificent Alba Carolina, a citadel decked in white, followed by a one-night-stay in Haller Castle. See the big fortified church in Biertan and visit Sighisoara, the only medieval citadel in Europe that is still inhabited, along with Peles and Bran castles
Learn more about the myths and legends surrounding these fairy tale castles and fortresses. Wander down the streets of medieval cities and take in the beautiful landscape of Romania along the way. For more details, scroll down to the itinerary section below.
Discover the treasures of the Balkans and Transylvania on this immersive 19 day adventure packed with the perfect mix of charm, culture, history, architecture and scenery. Go back in time to a world of Saxon villages and hilltop citadels in Transylvania as you delve into the myths and legends of Dracula. Bathe in the turquoise waters of the sun-drenched Adriatic coast. Witness the incredible ancient ruins of Athens. Experience the quirky and historical capital cities of Sofia, Skopje, Tirana and Belgrade. Uncover the hidden gems and wonders of Transylvania and the Balkans on this ultimate adventure!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Athens, Bucharest, Sarajevo, Tre
Athens, Bucharest, Sarajevo, Trebinje, Shkoder, Ohrid, Skopje, Thessaloniki, Delphi, Brasov, Cluj-napoca, Sibiu, Veliko Tarnavo, Sofia, Belgrade
40% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Regi
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Region, Kaliakra, Transylvania, Sibiu, Belgrade
Take in the highlights of Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria on this 12-day group tour travelling from Belgrade to Sofia. Explore the vibrant capitals of Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia, see Dracula's Castle in Transylvania and visit medieval Brasov. Uncover the rural roots of lesser-visited Bulgaria in Arbanasi, stroll the cobbled streets of Veliko Tarnovo and take in the historic highlights of Plovdiv.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Experience the highlights of the Balkans and Transylvania on this 16 day adventure. Explore the historic capital of Bucharest, delve into the legend of Dracula at Bran Castle, learn about the humbling history of Bosnia, be amazed by the coastlines and fjords of Montenegro and take a dip in Macedonia’s beautiful Lake Ohrid. You’ll experience it all with the perfect balance of history, culture, adventure, night-life and scenery.
Uncover the medieval heart of Transylvania, as you journey from Bucharest to Budapest. Walk in the footsteps of Vlad the Impaler, explore UNESCO-listed citadels and soak up the charm of Sibiu and Timișoara.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Budapest, Bucharest, Harman, Bra
Budapest, Bucharest, Harman, Brasov, Sibiu, Timioara
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Set off on an enchanting 14-day adventure through the core of the Balkans, discovering the lively cities of Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia. Experience the ancient ruins of Plovdiv and the breathtaking Corvin Castle. Venture into Romania to admire Bucharest’s impressive architecture, the iconic Bran Castle, and the charming towns of Brasov, Sighisoara, and Sibiu. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Belgrade, Sofia and Bucharest and discover the impressive Rila Monastery.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Sofia, Plovdiv, Belgrade, Nis, V
Sofia, Plovdiv, Belgrade, Nis, Veliko Tarnavo, Bucharest, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Timisoara, Novi Sad
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Take in the central belt of countries in the Balkan region, journeying from Belgrade in Serbia to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Uncover the highlights of Bulgaria and Romania including Bucharest, Sofia, Plovdiv and Dracula's Castle. In Bosnia, take in the highlights of Sarajevo and see the famous bridge of Mostar, and uncover the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. In Croatia, discover the highlights of Dubrovnik with guided sightseeing and free time.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Join us for our longest tour of the Balkans, exploring six magical countries: Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia. Tour the historic European capitals of Belgrade, Bucharest, Sofia, Sarajevo and Zagreb, see the historic bridges of Mostar and enjoy a 3-hour tour of Croatia's Plitvice Lakes. Take a catamaran trip to Hvar, see the sights in Dubrovnik and uncover Dracula's castle in Romania. Explore the fortified town of Kotor in Montenegro, ride the heritage railway in Zlatibor and enjoy a sundown cruise on the Danube, plus so much more!
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Zagreb, Belgrade, Plovdiv, Sofia
Zagreb, Belgrade, Plovdiv, Sofia, Zlatibor, Sarajevo, Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Split, Sibiu, Sinaia, Bucharest, Arbanasi
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Uncover a region where history and medieval castles meet rocky coastlines and mountainous terrain. Get a glimpse into the generations of culture and tradition throughout the Balkans and Transylvania. Experience the incredible Gothic architecture, legends and castles of Dracula, lush enchanting forests and fairy tale-like villages as you journey through Transylvania. Hit the beautiful Adriatic coastlines of Dubrovnik and Montenegro, the charming old towns and moving stories of Bosnia, the endearing quirkiness and colourful facades of capital cities Tirana and Skopje. With a mix of Greek, Slavic and Ottoman influences, the Balkans and Transylvania is nothing short of character! Discover the hidden gems for yourself as you journey through on this 17-day adventure.
Hop on an unforgettable journey through the lands of myths and legends that still continue to resonate today! Discover the timeless wonders and stories of Dracula as you explore Transylvania inside out, a most fascinating part of Romania. Starting off at the Romanian capital, Bucharest, soak in the unique culture reflected in the countless monuments of this magical city. Ride through the mystical forests, mountains and mists to reach the Dracula's Castle. Travel back in time through gorgeous samples of gothic and baroque architecture from various eras of Romanian history. Uncover the hidden beauty of Bulgaria while discovering Plovdiv and Sofia.
