Overview
The “Escape Balkan Tour” is the ultimate 13-day grand expedition, a sweeping journey through nine distinct countries that captures the comprehensive history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes of the entire Balkan peninsula and beyond. This epic adventure begins in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and concludes in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, offering an unparalleled deep dive into the region. Starting in Sofia, the tour immediately explores the magnificent Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before crossing into North Macedonia to visit the capital, Skopje, the serene Matka Canyon, and the ancient lakeside city of Ohrid. The itinerary includes a comprehensive day trip to Kosovo to see the cities of Pristina and Prizren. The journey continues through Albania, with stops in Tirana and the historic town of Kruja, before reaching the stunning Adriatic coast.
You will travel through Montenegro, visiting the ancient town of Budva and the medieval marvel of Kotor, and then on to Croatia’s “pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik, and its second city, Split. The tour ventures deep into Bosnia and Herzegovina, with visits to the famous Catholic pilgrimage site of Medjugorje, the iconic city of Mostar with its celebrated stone bridge, and the capital, Sarajevo. After exploring Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia, the tour embarks on its unique final leg into Romania. Here, you will discover the historic region of Transylvania, visiting the massive Corvin Castle, the medieval cities of Sibiu, Sighisoara, and Brasov, and the legendary Bran (Dracula’s) Castle and magnificent Peles Castle, before concluding with a full city tour in Bucharest.
Highlights
- Bulgaria & Macedonia: Visit Sofia's Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. Explore Skopje, Matka Canyon, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ohrid.
- Kosovo & Albania: Take a full-day tour to Kosovo's capital, Pristina, and the historic city of Prizren. In Albania, visit the capital Tirana and the Castle of Kruja.
- Adriatic Coast: Explore Montenegro's Budva and Kotor, and Croatia's UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik and Split, home to Diocletian's Palace.
- Bosnia, Herzegovina & Serbia: Visit the Catholic pilgrimage site of Medjugorje, Mostar's UNESCO-listed Stone Bridge, and Sarajevo's Bascarsija. Tour Belgrade and its Kalemegdan Fortress.
- Transylvania, Romania: Discover the Gothic-Renaissance Corvin Castle, the historic centers of Sibiu and Sighisoara, and the city of Brasov.
- Legendary Romanian Castles: Explore Bran Castle, famously known as Count Dracula's castle, and the magnificent Neo-Renaissance Peles Castle.
- Bucharest: Conclude with a city tour of Romania's capital, seeing Revolution Square and the Palace of Parliament.