Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania

Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania

1,064 Views
13 Days From

$2375

$2248

Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania

13 Days Starting and ending in Budapest, Hungary

Visiting: Budapest, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Sofia, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Bucharest, Sinaia, Brașov, Sighișoara, Cluj-Napoca

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6710-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 43

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Art, Cultural, History

From:
$2375
$2248 (USD) Operator discount: -$126

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 surrounded by Baroque architecture and the Gothic Black Church. 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 Brasov, a charming Transylvanian town featuring Saxon walls and bastions and an expansive square surrounded by Baroque architecture and the Gothic Black Church

  • Visit Sofia’s Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Visit Plovdiv’s Roman Amphitheatre, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theatres

  • Visit Bran Castle, built in 1377 with imposing towers and turrets, and once inhabited by Vlad the Impaler

Places You'll See

Ramada By Wyndham Sofia City Centre

Yantra Grand Hotel

Pullman Bucharest

Kopernikus Hotel Prag

Aro Palace

Golden Tulip Ana Dome

Intercity Hotel Budapest

Capitol

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Budapest,Hungary

Location: Budapest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel Budapest

Meals Included: No Meals

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

Location: Budapest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel 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.

Day 3: Budapest,Novi Sad,Serbia,Belgrade

Location: Budapest, Novi Sad, Belgrade

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kopernikus Hotel Prag

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, the fortress featuring the iconic clock tower with the “reversed clock”. Continue to Belgrade and discover the capital of Serbia on a guided city sightseeing tour.
Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km

Day 4: Belgrade,Sofia,Bulgaria

Location: Belgrade, Sofia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ramada By Wyndham Sofia City Centre

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, Boyana Church, a medieval Bulgarian orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Theater, and St. Sofia Church.
Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km

Day 5: Sofia. Excursion To Rila Monastery

Location: Sofia, Rila Monastery, Sofia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ramada By Wyndham Sofia City Centre

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.
Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 km

Day 6: Sofia,Plovdiv,Veliko Târnovo

Location: Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Yantra Grand Hotel

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 km

Day 7: Veliko Târnovo,Bucharest,Romania

Location: Veliko Tarnovo, Bucharest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pullman Bucharest

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 km

Day 8: Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pullman 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. There is also an optional afternoon visit to the massive Romanian Parliament, known as the “Peoples 'Palace.”

Day 9: Bucharest,Sinaia,Brasov

Location: Bucharest, Sinaia, Brașov

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Aro Palace

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 and you reach Brasov, a lovely medieval town famous for its town square filled with Baroque architecture and outdoor cafés.
Today’s Distance: 106 mi/ 170 km

Day 10: Brasov

Location: Brașov

Accommodation: Hotel

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 km

Day 11: Brasov,Sighisoara,Cluj-Napoca

Location: Brașov, Sighișoara, Cluj-Napoca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Golden Tulip Ana Dome

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 km

Day 12: Cluj-Napoca,Budapest,Hungary

Location: Cluj-Napoca, Budapest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel Budapest

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the border at Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest.
Today’s Distance: 292mi/ 470 km

Day 13: Budapest

Location: Budapest

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Fully Guided

  • Transport

    Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

UNESCO Sites

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

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners

Accommodation

Intercity Hotel Budapest



Intercity Budapest is a modern hotel just steps away from the city center and everything it has to offer in terms of shopping and entertainment. The onsite restaurant has a modern, bright ambiance and offers a selection of regional specialties and international dishes. All tastefully furnished air-conditioned guestrooms promise homey comfort at the highest level and feature soundproofed windows, flat-screen TV with international channels, work desk, safe, and one free bottle of water. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel.





Kopernikus Hotel Prag



One of the oldest hotels in the city, the property is registered as a cultural monument and has a total of 82 well equipped guestrooms. The hotel features a bar and a classically furnished restaurant and offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. All air-conditioned rooms come with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, mini-bar, soundproof walls, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower or a bath, hairdryer, slippers and complimentary toiletries. The hotel is located in the very center of Belgrade, a few minutes away from the main tourist attractions including Republic Square, the Knez Mihailova Street and Kalemegdan.





Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre



Located in the heart of the Banishora district, within walking distance of the central Railway station which provides connections to the beautiful Alexander Nevskicity Cathedral and the city center in 15 minutes. The property offers 601 bright, spacious guest rooms, all decorated in a contemporary style are sound proofed with air conditioning and Free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a nice restaurant, serving Bulgarian cuisine and a relaxing bar for drinks. A fully equipped gym is also at guests' disposal.







Yantra Grand Hotel



The 4-star Yantra Grand Hotel is part of the Bulgarian Hotel Chain Sharlopov Hotels. Situated at Velchova zavera Square in Veliko Tarnovo - the old capital of Bulgaria, the hotel welcomes guests all year round and offers excellent conditions for recreation and amusement, business meetings, seminars and company celebrations. The hotel will charm you with magnificent view of the Tzarevets Fortress, the Architectural reserve village of Arbanassi and the University of Veliko Tarnovo.





Pullman Bucharest



Located in the commercial center of the city just a short drive away from downtown Bucharest and 15 minutes from the airport. This modern hotel offers 204 air-conditioned guestrooms with safes, mini-bar, coffee/tea making facilities, and LCD TV. Guests can also enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center and a spa. Other amenities include a restaurant and a bar, and free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.







Capitol



Hotel Capitol is a 4-star historic hotel in Bucharest. Built in 1901, it has been renovated to retain its charm while offering modern amenities. The hotel is close to many attractions, including the University of Bucharest, Cismigiu Gardens, and the Old Town. It also has its own restaurant and bar. The rooms are decorated in a classic style with elegant furniture and the walls are adorned with original artwork.





Aro Palace



Overlooking the Tampa Mountain and the medieval historic quarter of Brasov, the traditional Hotel Aro Palace faces the Central Park. It features spacious and luxurious accommodations and offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. Both Romanian and European cuisine can be savored at the hotel's restaurant and the top floor Belvedere Club offers views over Brasov's Citadel. The hotel also has a Spa & Wellness Center offering various treatments and beauty procedures, a swimming pool, sauna and a gym. bathrobes, All of the soundproofed guestrooms have a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, slippers and bathrobes, other amenities include a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a mini-bar. The hotel enjoys a privileged location, right in the heart of Brasov, in the historical downtown.





Golden Tulip Ana Dome



Located only a few minutes away from downtown Cluj-Napoca, the Golden Tulip Ana Dome hotel will impress you with its superb urban view. Close to shopping malls, business centers and recreation areas, Golden Tulip Ana Dome is the perfect choice for leisure or business travel. The newest Golden Tulip Hotel in Cluj-Napoca sets the highest standards of quality and elegance.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, 5 years or above

  • What is the maximum group size?

    Usually max 43 people

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • 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

Dates & Availability

Tuesday - Sunday

May 07, 2024 - May 19, 2024
$2463 $2337 (USD)

Operator discount: -$126 (USD)

Tuesday - Sunday

May 28, 2024 - Jun 09, 2024
$2564 $2438 (USD)

Operator discount: -$126 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 09, 2024 - Jul 21, 2024
$2564 $2438 (USD)

Operator discount: -$126 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 30, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
$2539 $2412 (USD)

Operator discount: -$126 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
$2539 $2412 (USD)

Operator discount: -$126 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024
$2564 $2438 (USD)

Operator discount: -$126 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 24, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
$2375 $2248 (USD)

Operator discount: -$126 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

May 06, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$2716 $2444 (USD)

Operator discount: -$272 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

May 13, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$2830 $2547 (USD)

Operator discount: -$283 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

May 27, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$2830 $2547 (USD)

Operator discount: -$283 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$2830 $2547 (USD)

Operator discount: -$283 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
$2792 $2512 (USD)

Operator discount: -$279 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$2792 $2512 (USD)

Operator discount: -$279 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025
$2792 $2512 (USD)

Operator discount: -$279 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$2792 $2512 (USD)

Operator discount: -$279 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$2792 $2512 (USD)

Operator discount: -$279 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$2830 $2547 (USD)

Operator discount: -$283 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$2830 $2547 (USD)

Operator discount: -$283 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$2716 $2444 (USD)

Operator discount: -$272 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 23, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$2615 $2353 (USD)

Operator discount: -$261 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.