Balkan Jewels with Bucharest and Translyvania
Discover the hidden gems and iconic sites of the Balkans on this spectacular 12-day tour. Explore Bucharest’s Old City and visit Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. Journey along the Danube on a seven-night cruise aboard the luxurious APT Ostara, discovering medieval fortresses and fascinating cities like Novi Sad and Budapest.
- 10 Apr 2027 – 21 Apr 2027
from $7,645 pp twin share / $12,995 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive Bucharest:
Arrive in Bucharest and be transferred to your hotel, where you will join us for a welcome dinner.
- Day 2 – Bucharest:
Set out on a guided exploration of Bucharest’s Old Town this morning. The area has recently undergone a decade of refurbishments, transforming the city’s historic core into a vibrant, walkable quarter. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before a visit to the Palace of the Parliament. Started in 1984, and still unfinished, this enormous building was constructed under the command of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and has over 3,000 rooms.
- Day 3 – Bucharest, Brașov:
Travel to Salina Slănic Prahova, Europe’s largest salt mine. Descend 208 metres underground to discover some of the 14 chambers, as well as the museum. The pure air inside the mine is known for its respiratory healing effects. Later, enjoy dinner before continuing to your hotel in Brașov.
- Day 4 – Brașov, Bran:
This morning will be spent exploring Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the town of Bran, the castle’s striking orange turrets tower above a thick forest of trees in the Carpathian Mountains. Wander through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques before returning back to Brașov for lunch. This afternoon, delve deeper into Brașov’s history on a walking tour.
- Day 5 – Brașov, Sinaia, Giurgiu, Embark Ship:
Today, you’ll visit picturesque Peleș Castle, nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the town of Sinaia. This neo-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by Romania’s first king, Carol I, and took 40 years to build. Enjoy free time for lunch in Sinaia, then travel to your ship in Giurgiu.
- Day 6 – Ruse, Veliko Târnovo:
Discover the wonders of Veliko Târnovo with an expert local guide. Uncover this charming Bulgarian city’s rich history as you wander through its cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, a medieval citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the ship.
- Day 7 – Vidin, Belogradchik:
Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Raised upon the remains of the ancient town of Bononia, the medieval castle dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, venture to Belogradchik and visit its ancient fortress, perched on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.
- Day 8 – Scenic Cruising:
The day is yours to relax on board, sleep in and take it easy, or awake early and take in stunning views from the Daystar Deck.
- Day 9 – Novi Sad:
Choose how you’d like to spend the day in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city.
Freedom of Choice – Guided City Discovery
Enjoy a guided tour of Novi Sad, situated on the banks of the Danube River. Discover the city’s iconic sights found along the main walkway of Zmaj Jovina.
Freedom of Choice – Local Farmstead
Visit a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture, featuring a traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts.
- Day 10 – Kalocsa, Puszta:
Enjoy a Signature Experience today.
Signature Experience – Folk Art House and Horse Show
Visit the Folk Art House, where local handicrafts are on show. Then, visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch.
- Day 11 – Budapest:
Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity.
Freedom of Choice – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
Embark on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.
Freedom of Choice – Hike to Gellért Hill
Take a guided hike up Gellért Hill and admire the panoramic views over the Danube River. You’ll also see the St Gellért Monument, honouring the Italian bishop and martyr who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Hungary in the 11th century.
- Day 12 – Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest:
Say your farewells, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport.
Highlights
- Discover medieval fortresses and fascinating cities like Novi Sad and Budapest.
- Journey along the Danube on a 7-night cruise aboard the luxurious APT Ostara.
- Explore Bucharest’s Old City and visit Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’.
Discover the hidden gems and iconic sites of the Balkans on this spectacular 12-day tour. Explore Bucharest’s Old City and visit Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. Journey along the Danube on a seven-night cruise aboard the luxurious APT Ostara, discovering medieval fortresses and fascinating cities like Novi Sad and Budapest.
Inclusions
- Folk Art House and Horse Show.
- Day 1 highlights Arrive Bucharest:
Arrive in Bucharest and be transferred to your hotel, where you will join us for a welcome dinner.
.
- Day 2 highlights Bucharest:
Set out on a guided exploration of Bucharest’s Old Town this morning. The area has recently undergone a decade of refurbishments, transforming the city’s historic core into a vibrant, walkable quarter. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before a visit to the Palace of the Parliament. Started in 1984, and still unfinished, this enormous building was constructed under the command of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and has over 3,000 rooms.
.
FAQs
- Seven Nights, APT Ostara
- Two Nights, Bucharest, Radisson Blu Hotel
- Two Nights, Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel, Brașov or similar
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 12 days and 11 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 10 Apr 2027 and 21 Apr 2027, subject to live availability.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: APTFine Print
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