Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania

Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania

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13 Days From

$2461

$2164

Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania

13 Days Starting and ending in Budapest, Hungary

Visiting: Arrive In Budapest, Hungary, Budapest, Novi Sad, Serbia, Belgrade, Sofia, Bulgaria, Sofia. Excursion To Rila Monastery, Plovdiv, Veliko Târnovo, Bucharest, Romania, Sinaia, Brasov, Sighisoara, Cluj-Napoca

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6710-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Special Events

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2461 $2164 Operator discount: -$189 Travel Club discount: -$108 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the treasures of the Balkans on this vacation through Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Visit the capitals—Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, Bucharest—as well as some of the fascinating towns and cities along the way. Discover Novi Sad, famous for its citadel; Plovdiv, with its picturesque old town centre; Veliko Târnovo, Bulgaria’s capital during the Middle Ages; and Sinaia, a lovely ski resort town. Explore Brasov, a charming Transylvanian town featuring Saxon walls and bastions and an expansive square. Sighisoara is one of Romania’s prettiest towns with 11 medieval towers within the city walls, cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches. Visit Sofia’s Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Plovdiv’s Roman Amphitheatre, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theatres, and Arbanassi’s Church of the Nativity, built in 1637 and housing an outstanding collection of frescoes. Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a history dating back 10 centuries. Marvel at Peles Castle, a masterpiece of German neo-renaissance architecture built in the 1880s and nestled at the foot of the mountains. It is considered one of the most stunning and romantic European castles. In Bucharest, visit the open-air Village Museum, showcasing traditional village life with a collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, wind and watermills, and artisans’ workshops from all parts of the country. Last, but not least, visit Bran Castle, built in 1377 with imposing towers and turrets, and once inhabited by Vlad the Impaler—the Count who gave Bran Stoker the inspiration for his novel’s character, the vampire known as Dracula. This Balkans and Transylvania tour is designed for value-minded, savvy travel lovers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime vacation!

Highlights

  • Explore the architectural wonders of Budapest, from Gothic to Art Nouveau styles.

  • Visit the Petrovaradin Citadel in Novi Sad, Serbia, featuring the iconic clock tower with the "reversed clock."

  • Discover the historic and cultural landmarks of Belgrade, Serbia, including a guided city tour.

  • Tour the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Boyana Church in Sofia, Bulgaria.

  • Experience the vibrant frescoes and rich history of Rila Monastery in Bulgaria.

  • Explore the charming Old Town and Roman amphitheatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

  • Visit the medieval town of Sighisoara, Romania, known for its cobblestone streets and ancient houses.

  • Tour the legendary Dracula Castle in Bran, Romania, and the Black Church in Brasov.

Places You'll See

Intercity Hotel Budapest

Kopernikus Hotel Prag

Ramada By Wyndham Sofia City Centre

Yantra Grand Hotel

Capitol

Aro Palace

Golden Tulip Ana Dome

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Budapest,Hungary

Location: Arrive In Budapest, Hungary

Check into your hotel. Take advantage of the CosmosGO app to visit Budapest at leisure. In the early evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Check into your hotel. Take advantage of the CosmosGO app to visit Budapest at leisure. In the early evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2: Budapest

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Location: Budapest

Meals Included: Breakfast

Budapest is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from Gothic to Baroque and Neoclassical to Art Nouveau, but also full of history and other surprises, such as delicious food and wines, as well as a multitude of spa establishments built on top of natural hot springs. The Danube River divides the old city in two, making it even more spectacular. Discover all of this and more during the guided city tour. See the best of both Buda and Pest with an optional cruise on the Danube River, with refreshments and refreshing views of the magnificent Parliament, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Castle Hill.BUDAPEST Budapest is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from Gothic to Baroque and Neoclassical to Art Nouveau, but also full of history and other surprises, such as delicious food and wines, as well as a multitude of spa establishments built on top of natural hot springs. The Danube River divides the old city in two, making it even more spectacular. Discover all of this and more during the guided city tour. See the best of both Buda and Pest with an optional cruise on the Danube River, with refreshments and refreshing views of the magnificent Parliament, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Castle Hill. (B)

Day 3: Budapest,Novi Sad,Serbia,Belgrade

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Сергей Филиппов
dejan sokolovic

Location: Budapest, Novi Sad, Serbia, Belgrade

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Serbia. Stop in Novi Sad, capital of the province, built on the banks of the Danube River and famous for its Petrovaradin Citadel, and stretch your legs in the town center. Continue to Belgrade and discover the capital of Serbia on a guided city sightseeing tour. Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 kmBUDAPEST–NOVI SAD, SERBIA–BELGRADE Travel to Serbia. Stop in Novi Sad, capital of the province, built on the banks of the Danube River and famous for its Petrovaradin Citadel, and stretch your legs in the town center. Continue to Belgrade and discover the capital of Serbia on a guided city sightseeing tour. Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km (B)

Day 4: Belgrade,Sofia,Bulgaria

Сергей Филиппов
dejan sokolovic

Location: Belgrade, Sofia, Bulgaria

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross the border into Bulgaria to arrive in the capital city of Sofia. Join a Local Guide for a city tour that includes the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Theater, and St. Sofia Church and Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 kmBELGRADE–SOFIA, BULGARIA Cross the border into Bulgaria to arrive in the capital city of Sofia. Join a Local Guide for a city tour that includes the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Theater, and St. Sofia Church and Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km (B,D)

Day 5: Sofia. Excursion To Rila Monastery

Location: Sofia. Excursion To Rila Monastery

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, discover Rila Monastery, located inside a nature park and featuring vibrant frescoes. Its checkered history goes back to Ivan Rilski, the hermit who founded it in 927. During the long Turkish rule over the country, the monastery became a beacon of Bulgarian culture, and it is now one of the most important sights in the country. Tonight, savor an optional Bulgarian dinner, featuring hearty regional cuisine served with a side of lively folklore music and dance. Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 kmSOFIA. EXCURSION TO RILA MONASTERY This morning, discover Rila Monastery, located inside a nature park and featuring vibrant frescoes. Its checkered history goes back to Ivan Rilski, the hermit who founded it in 927. During the long Turkish rule over the country, the monastery became a beacon of Bulgarian culture, and it is now one of the most important sights in the country. Tonight, savor an optional Bulgarian dinner, featuring hearty regional cuisine served with a side of lively folklore music and dance. Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 km (B)

Day 6: Sofia,Plovdiv,Veliko Târnovo

Location: Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Târnovo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Head eastwards to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, located along the banks of the Maritsa River. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman Amphitheatre. Journey northwards through fine scenery over the Stara Planina Mountains to Veliko Târnovo. Today’s Distance: 190 mi/ 305 kmSOFIA–PLOVDIV–VELIKO TÂRNOVO Head eastwards to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, located along the banks of the Maritsa River. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman Amphitheatre. Journey northwards through fine scenery over the Stara Planina Mountains to Veliko Târnovo. Today’s Distance: 190 mi/ 305 km (B,D)

Day 7: Veliko Târnovo,Bucharest,Romania

Location: Veliko Târnovo, Bucharest, Romania

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, time to see some of the highlights of Veliko Târnovo, located on the Yantra River. During the Middle Ages, it was Bulgaria’s capital, and still retains some of its most attractive medieval features. Visit nearby Arbanassi, world famous for its house design, a cross between a dwelling and a fortress. The village is known as an architectural and historic reserve and was at one time the summer residence of Bulgarian kings. One of the highlights of the visit is the Church of Nativity, built in 1637. Carry on north to Rousse and cross the Danube to reach Bucharest. Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 kmVELIKO TÂRNOVO–BUCHAREST, ROMANIA Today, time to see some of the highlights of Veliko Târnovo, located on the Yantra River. During the Middle Ages, it was Bulgaria’s capital, and still retains some of its most attractive medieval features. Visit nearby Arbanassi, world famous for its house design, a cross between a dwelling and a fortress. The village is known as an architectural and historic reserve and was at one time the summer residence of Bulgarian kings. One of the highlights of the visit is the Church of Nativity, built in 1637. Carry on north to Rousse and cross the Danube to reach Bucharest. Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 km (B,D)

Day 8: Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Meals Included: Breakfast

Flower-festooned parks, gardens, and wide boulevards shaded by century-old trees contribute to Bucharest’s beauty. The highlight of the included sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, windmills, watermills, and artisans’ workshops from all parts of the country. Your Local Guide will show you other places of interest, including the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Savings Palace. Take your experience today higher with an optional afternoon visit to the massive site of the Romanian Parliament, known today as “The Peoples' Palace,” once the the most extravagant symbol of Romania’s communist era under Ceausescu's dictatorship.BUCHAREST Flower-festooned parks, gardens, and wide boulevards shaded by century-old trees contribute to Bucharest’s beauty. The highlight of the included sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, windmills, watermills, and artisans’ workshops from all parts of the country. Your Local Guide will show you other places of interest, including the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Savings Palace. Take your experience today higher with an optional afternoon visit to the massive site of the Romanian Parliament, known today as “The Peoples' Palace,” once the the most extravagant symbol of Romania’s communist era under Ceausescu's dictatorship. (B)

Day 9: Bucharest,Sinaia,Brasov

Location: Bucharest, Sinaia, Brasov

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Sinaia in the Prahova Valley. This is a lovely ski resort, almost 3,300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia, there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered among the most romantic castles in the world. Only a few more miles to Brasov, a lovely medieval town famous for its town square filled with Baroque architecture and outdoor cafés.Today’s Distance: 106 mi/ 170 kmBUCHAREST–SINAIA–BRASOV Travel to Sinaia in the Prahova Valley. This is a lovely ski resort, almost 3,300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia, there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered among the most romantic castles in the world. Only a few more miles to Brasov, a lovely medieval town famous for its town square filled with Baroque architecture and outdoor cafés.Today’s Distance: 106 mi/ 170 km (B)

Day 10: Brasov

Location: Brasov

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transylvania is commonly associated with vampires due to the influence of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, and all the subsequent books and many films the tale has inspired. This morning, depart for Bran and visit the legendary Dracula castle. It was built in 1377 and inhabited by the Wallachian prince, Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula. In the afternoon, a walking orientation of the Old Town of Brasov includes a visit to the Black Church, followed by leisure time. Today’s Distance: 39 mi / 62 kmBRASOV Transylvania is commonly associated with vampires due to the influence of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, and all the subsequent books and many films the tale has inspired. This morning, depart for Bran and visit the legendary Dracula castle. It was built in 1377 and inhabited by the Wallachian prince, Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula. In the afternoon, a walking orientation of the Old Town of Brasov includes a visit to the Black Church, followed by leisure time. (B)Today’s Distance: 39 mi / 62 km (B)

Day 11: Brasov,Sighisoara,Cluj-Napoca

Location: Brasov, Sighisoara, Cluj-Napoca

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Stop in Sighisoara, a medieval town with 11 towers within the city walls surrounding cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches—one of Romania’s prettiest towns. Legend has it that it is also the birthplace of the notorious Vlad (Dracula). Continue to Cluj-Napoca, the film capital of Romania. Today’s Distance: 174 mi/ 280 kmBRASOV–SIGHISOARA–CLUJ-NAPOCA Stop in Sighisoara, a medieval town with 11 towers within the city walls surrounding cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches—one of Romania’s prettiest towns. Legend has it that it is also the birthplace of the notorious Vlad (Dracula). Continue to Cluj-Napoca, the film capital of Romania. Today’s Distance: 174 mi/ 280 km (B,D)

Day 12: Cluj-Napoca,Budapest,Hungary

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Location: Cluj-Napoca, Budapest, Hungary

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the border at Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest. Today’s Distance: 292mi/ 470 kmCLUJ-NAPOCA–BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Cross the border at Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest. Today’s Distance: 292mi/ 470 km (B)

Day 13: Budapest

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Location: Budapest

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.BUDAPEST Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at various hotels including Intercity Hotel Budapest, Kopernikus Hotel Prag, Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre, Yantra Grand Hotel, Pullman Bucharest, Capitol, Aro Palace, and Golden Tulip Ana Dome.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily and 4 dinners are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided city tours in Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, and Bucharest.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Boyana Church, Budapest (including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue), Historic Centre of Sighisoara, and Rila Monastery.

  • Transport

    Travel between cities and countries by coach.

  • CosmosGO App

    Access to the CosmosGO app for self-guided exploration.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional afternoon visit to the Romanian Parliament, known as the 'Peoples' Palace.

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  • Personal Expenses

    Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners

UNESCO Sites

Boyana Church|Budapest (including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andr?ssy Avenue)|Historic Centre of Sighisoara|Rila Monastery

Accommodation

Budapest:Intercity Hotel Budapest
Belgrade:Kopernikus Hotel Prag
Sofia:Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre
Veliko Tarnovo:Yantra Grand Hotel
Bucharest:Capitol
Brasov:Aro Palace
Cluj Napoca:Golden Tulip Ana Dome

Notes

The Bran Castle visit requires guests to navigate many steps which may pose a challenge for those with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at various hotels such as Intercity Hotel Budapest, Kopernikus Hotel Prag in Belgrade, Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre, Yantra Grand Hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, Pullman Bucharest, Capitol in Bucharest, Aro Palace in Brasov, and Golden Tulip Ana Dome in Cluj-Napoca. These hotels offer modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and on-site restaurants.

  • What are some of the key historical sites included in the tour?

    The tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boyana Church, the Historic Centre of Sighisoara, and Rila Monastery. Other historical sites include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Parliament building in Sofia, and the legendary Dracula Castle in Bran.

  • Will there be guided tours during the trip?

    Yes, the tour includes guided city tours in Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, and Bucharest. Local guides will provide insights into the history and culture of these cities.

  • Are there any special excursions included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a special excursion to Rila Monastery, located inside a nature park and known for its vibrant frescoes. Another highlight is the visit to the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle in Sinaia.

  • What kind of meals are provided during the tour?

    The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and four dinners. Specific meals are provided on certain days, such as breakfast and dinner on Day 4 in Sofia and Day 6 in Veliko Tarnovo.

  • What kind of activities are available in Bucharest?

    In Bucharest, the tour includes a visit to the open-air Village Museum, showcasing traditional farmhouses, cottages, windmills, and watermills from various parts of Romania. There is also an optional visit to the massive Romanian Parliament, known as the 'People's Palace.'

  • What can I expect to see in Brasov?

    In Brasov, you will visit the legendary Dracula Castle in Bran and take a walking orientation of the Old Town, including a visit to the Black Church. The town is known for its Baroque architecture and outdoor cafés.

  • Is there any leisure time during the tour?

    Yes, there is leisure time included in the itinerary, such as in Brasov after the walking orientation of the Old Town and in Budapest on the first day to explore the city at your own pace using the CosmosGO app.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.