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Balkan Explorer

From A$5,449
Duration 13 Days
Departures from: Oct 2026 - Oct 2027
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From A$5,449
Duration 13 Days
Departures from: Oct 2026 - Oct 2027

Tour Overview

An in-depth exploration of four countries in an undiscovered corner of Europe. Visit cosmopolitan cities and travel through stunning natural landscapes. You will spend time in some of the most famous cities in Eastern Europe, all of them having lots of historical sites and buzzing restaurants for you to explore. 

Pace of trip: Active
For travellers who love to explore and discover multiple destinations - can include moderate walking and longer days

Just You - Balkan Explorer - Tour Map Enlarge map

Your Tour Includes

 
  • 12 nights in 4-star hotels 
  • 20 meals: 12 breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 6 dinners, with a welcome drink 
  • Just You Holiday Director
  • Transportation excluding overseas transfers to and from the airport

Included Tour Highlights

  • Guided tours of Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Belgrade, Timisoara and Brasov. 
  • Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery and Hunedoara Castle – Gothic masterpieces
  • Typical lunch in the Mountains of Southern Bulgaria
  • A visit to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania – a Just You Cares project
  • Magical evening meal at the legendary Bran Castle
  • Plenty of time for shopping or trying the individual local cuisine in each country

Tour Itinerary

Bucharest

Day 1 Bucharest

Meet your fellow travelers at the Hotel in Bucharest. Enjoy a typical Romanian meal with your traveling companions this evening. Meals included: D
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Bucharest parliment

Day 2 Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo

The day begins with a guided tour of Bucharest, a city where history and modernity converge beautifully. Highlights include the monumental Parliament Palace, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, and Revolution Square, where Romania’s path to democracy was paved. Discover architectural marvels, art galleries, and bustling squares that paint a picture of Bucharest’s storied past. In the afternoon you’ll cross into Bulgaria, journeying to Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital nestled in the Yantra River valley. Upon arrival, take in the scenic surroundings and unwind before spending the night in this charming hillside city. Meals included: B
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Tsarevets Fortress

Day 3 Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia

In the morning, a guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo reveals the historical grandeur of Bulgaria’s medieval capital. Explore the legendary Tsarevets Fortress, perched on a hill and surrounded by ancient stone walls that once protected Bulgarian royalty. The fortress offers stunning views and a captivating journey into Bulgaria’s medieval period. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a scenic drive that will take us to Sofia, where the evening is yours to relax or explore the charming streets of Bulgaria’s vibrant capital. Meals included: B
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st. alexander nevsky cathedral

Day 4 Sofia

We’ll start our day with a morning tour of Sofia, which takes you through Sofia's most captivating sights, including the magnificent St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, many people are particularly struck by its neo-Byzantine architecture and glittering gold domes. We’ll see the elegant National Theatre, with its striking classical façade reminiscent of the grand theatres of Vienna and Paris. Built in 1907, this cultural landmark still hosts some of Bulgaria's finest performances. The afternoon is yours to explore more of the Bulgarian capital. Dinner this evening will be accompanied by a folklore show of Bulgarian dancing and song. Meals included: B,D
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Rila mountain Bulgaria

Day 5 Sofia - Skopje

A real highlight of the region awaits today. Leaving Sofia behind, we’ll wind our way through the Rila Mountains to one of Eastern Europe's most remarkable treasures – the magnificent Rila Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is described as Bulgaria's 'jewel in the crown'. As you step through the fortress-like entrance, you'll be amazed by the vibrant frescoes, telling biblical stories through intricate paintings and the monastery's striped archways and peaceful cloisters. After a relaxing lunch near the monastery, we’ll continue to Skopje, North Macedonia’s bustling capital. As we arrive, you'll notice the city's fascinating mix of architectural styles – Ottoman-era buildings sit alongside modern structures and grand neoclassical facades. The evening is yours to explore at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll across the iconic Stone Bridge to the Old Bazaar, or enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants along the Vardar River. Meals included: B,L
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Mother & child statue

Day 6 Skopje

A morning tour of Skopje showcases the city’s landmarks. You'll visit the striking Mother Teresa Memorial House, dedicated to the city's most celebrated daughter, where you’ll learn about the early life of this remarkable woman. The historic Old Bazaar is a particular highlight - one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans. As you wander its cobbled lanes, you'll be immersed in a world where traditional craftsmen still work copper and silver, and the aroma of Turkish coffee mingles with the scent of grilled kebabs. The afternoon offers a choice: explore more of Skopje at your own pace, or join our optional excursion to Kosovo's dynamic capital, Prishtina. Here, you'll discover a youthful city embracing change while honouring its heritage, with Ottoman-era mosques alongside modern cafes and galleries. Return to Skopje in time for dinner. Meals included: B,D
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City niš serbia

Day 7 Skopje - Belgrade

Today, we travel on to Serbia, discovering the captivating city of Niš. With roots dating back to Roman times and a pivotal role in WWII, Niš offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. We’ll visit the haunting Skull Tower, before enjoying a delicious traditional Serbian lunch. In the afternoon, we continue to Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital where history and modern culture meet. Spend the evening exploring or relaxing in the city known for its dynamic food scene and historic riverside charm. Meals included: B,L
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Saint Sava Monastery

Day 8 Belgrade

This morning, a guided tour introduces you to Belgrade’s iconic sights, from the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers to St. Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. With the afternoon free, you can stroll along the pedestrian streets of Knez Mihailova, enjoy the riverside restaurants, or delve deeper into the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy dinner later after a day exploring this brilliant city. Meals included: B,D
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Petrovaradin Fortress

Day 9 Belgrade - Timisoara

After a short morning drive to Novi Sad, Serbia’s picturesque city on the Danube, we’ll enjoy a walking tour that takes us through the Petrovaradin Fortress and the colourful streets of the Old Town. In the afternoon, we cross back into Romania, arriving in Timisoara, a city known for its floral beauty and historical significance as the birthplace of the Romanian Revolution. A guided tour highlights the city’s blend of Austro-Hungarian architecture and lively squares before you settle in for the night. Meals included: B
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hunedoara castle

Day 10 Timisoara - Brasov

Our day begins with a visit to the grand Corvinilor Castle, a stunning Gothic masterpiece steeped in legend and history. Wander through its grand halls and imposing towers, uncovering tales of medieval life. Next, we travel to Sibiu and we’ll tour this beautifully preserved medieval town, where every square and cobbled street tells a story. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Brasov, nestled at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. With its fairy-tale charm and picturesque streets, Brasov is the perfect place to unwind. Spend your evening at leisure – whether you choose to stroll through the medieval squares or simply relax and soak up the town’s peaceful atmosphere. Meals included: B
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bear sanctuary

Day 11 Brasov

Today we’ll experience a number of highlights of the whole Balkan region. Starting with a tour of Brasov’s old town, we’ll explore the Black Church, medieval fortifications, and vibrant Pia?a Sfatului square. Next, we travel to a small village called Zarnesti where we’ll visit our Just You Care project, the Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Here, you’ll meet rescued bears in a natural forest setting, which has very stringent animal welfare priorities. This sanctuary is certainly not a zoo - it is a haven for bears that have been treated badly in captivity previously and have now been given a second chance. In the afternoon, we delve into the mysterious lore of Bran Castle, often associated with Dracula’s legend, and enjoy a magical evening meal at the restaurant in the castle grounds, an experience that transports you to another era. Meals included: B,D
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Peles Castle in Sinaia

Day 12 Brasov - Bucharest

As our journey nears its end, we’ll first travel through some spectacular scenery in the Romanian Carpathian mountains. We’ll visit the splendid Peles Castle in Sinaia, a neo-Renaissance masterpiece surrounded by breath-taking mountain scenery. From there, we travel back to Bucharest for a farewell dinner at a historic restaurant in Bucharest renowned for its traditional Romanian dishes and ornate interior. Here we’ll reflect on our incredible journey through the Balkans, shared with new-found friends. Meals included: B,D
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Bucharest

Day 13 Bucharest departure

Say farewell to your fellow travelers as you depart the hotel this morning. Meals included: B

Accommodation

Park Inn Bucharest

Enjoying a central location in Bucharest Park Inn by Radisson is close to beautiful Cismigiu Park, the Old City Centre and close to numerous landmarks and cultural attractions. Park Inn offers large rooms with modern design, making it an ideal destination. All rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with a flat-screen TV, ironing, coffee and tea making facilities, high speed Wi-Fi.

Enjoying a central location in Bucharest Park Inn by Radisson is close to beautiful Cismigiu Park, the Old City Centre and close to numerous landmarks and cultural attractions. Park Inn offers large rooms with modern design, making it an ideal destination. All rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with a flat-screen TV, ironing, coffee and tea making facilities, high speed Wi-Fi.
Next accommodation

Yantra Grand Hotel

Stay in the heart of Veliko Túrnovo at the 4-star Yantra Grand Hotel. Offering views of the Tzarevets Fortress it offers an indoor pool, fitness centre, restaurant, lobby bar, café and free Wi-Fi access. All rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite, TV, minibar and hairdryer.

Stay in the heart of Veliko Túrnovo at the 4-star Yantra Grand Hotel. Offering views of the Tzarevets Fortress it offers an indoor pool, fitness centre, restaurant, lobby bar, café and free Wi-Fi access. All rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite, TV, minibar and hairdryer.
Next accommodation

COOP Hotel Sofia

COOP Hotel Sofia is a stylish four-star hotel located in the centre of Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. Opened in 2017, the hotel boasts 3 restaurants, lobby bar, a fitness centre, sauna, solarium, and massage services for relaxation. Situated just a short walk from Serdika Metro Station, COOP Hotel Sofia is within easy reach of major sights like the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and National Art Gallery. With its central location and exceptional services, the hotel is the perfect choice for exploring Sofia’s cultural offerings. Every room has a city view, TV, hair dryer, safe, iron, mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities.

COOP Hotel Sofia is a stylish four-star hotel located in the centre of Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. Opened in 2017, the hotel boasts 3 restaurants, lobby bar, a fitness centre, sauna, solarium, and massage services for relaxation. Situated just a short walk from Serdika Metro Station, COOP Hotel Sofia is within easy reach of major sights like the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and National Art Gallery. With its central location and exceptional services, the hotel is the perfect choice for exploring Sofia’s cultural offerings. Every room has a city view, TV, hair dryer, safe, iron, mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities.
Next accommodation

Solun Hotel Skopje

Hotel Solun is a 4-star hotel located in Skopje. Situated near the main square, the hotel is perfect for exploring and shopping. The hotel are extremely environmentally friendly, and pride themselves on being the first ECO hotel in the Balkans. You can expect ECO friendly facilities throughout, including; Organic soaps, local and organic foods. Rooms offer a comfortable and peaceful stay with facilities including; fresh air heating and cooling system, wifi, noise protection windows, terrace, and TV.

Hotel Solun is a 4-star hotel located in Skopje. Situated near the main square, the hotel is perfect for exploring and shopping. The hotel are extremely environmentally friendly, and pride themselves on being the first ECO hotel in the Balkans. You can expect ECO friendly facilities throughout, including; Organic soaps, local and organic foods. Rooms offer a comfortable and peaceful stay with facilities including; fresh air heating and cooling system, wifi, noise protection windows, terrace, and TV.
Next accommodation

Belgrade City Hotel

Belgrade City Hotel is perfectly positioned at Savski Square. The hotel is located at the center of culture, history, and modern city life. Within walking distance is Belgrade Waterfront, the city’s most prestigious new urban district along the sparkling Sava River. Warmly decorated guest rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges.

Belgrade City Hotel is perfectly positioned at Savski Square. The hotel is located at the center of culture, history, and modern city life. Within walking distance is Belgrade Waterfront, the city’s most prestigious new urban district along the sparkling Sava River. Warmly decorated guest rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges.
Next accommodation

Hotel Timisoara

Hotel Timisoara is a four-star hotel located in the heart of Timisoara, Romania, offering a perfect mix of historical charm and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the Upside Restaurant or unwind at the Sidebar with a variety of beverages. For relaxation, the hotel offers a Wellness and Spa area with a gym. With its central location near key attractions like the National Theatre, Opera House, Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, and Victory Square, the hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the city. All rooms feature a hairdryer, safe, air conditioning, TV, mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities.

Hotel Timisoara is a four-star hotel located in the heart of Timisoara, Romania, offering a perfect mix of historical charm and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the Upside Restaurant or unwind at the Sidebar with a variety of beverages. For relaxation, the hotel offers a Wellness and Spa area with a gym. With its central location near key attractions like the National Theatre, Opera House, Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, and Victory Square, the hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the city. All rooms feature a hairdryer, safe, air conditioning, TV, mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities.
Next accommodation

Hotel Belvedere Brasov

The Hotel Belvedere in Brasov is a superbly located accommodation which has stunning views of it's surroundings. Located less than a mile from Brasov centre, amenities include restaurant, bar/lounge, heated pool, fitness centre and spa. Rooms feature Air conditioning, TV, complimentary toiletries, minibar, hairdryer and free WIFI throughout the hotel.

The Hotel Belvedere in Brasov is a superbly located accommodation which has stunning views of it's surroundings. Located less than a mile from Brasov centre, amenities include restaurant, bar/lounge, heated pool, fitness centre and spa. Rooms feature Air conditioning, TV, complimentary toiletries, minibar, hairdryer and free WIFI throughout the hotel.
Next accommodation

Park Inn Bucharest

Enjoying a central location in Bucharest Park Inn by Radisson is close to beautiful Cismigiu Park, the Old City Centre and close to numerous landmarks and cultural attractions. Park Inn offers large rooms with modern design, making it an ideal destination. All rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with a flat-screen TV, ironing, coffee and tea making facilities, high speed Wi-Fi.

Enjoying a central location in Bucharest Park Inn by Radisson is close to beautiful Cismigiu Park, the Old City Centre and close to numerous landmarks and cultural attractions. Park Inn offers large rooms with modern design, making it an ideal destination. All rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with a flat-screen TV, ironing, coffee and tea making facilities, high speed Wi-Fi.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional excursions to your trip before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

Explore the city of Pristina in Kosovo

Explore the city of Pristina in Kosovo

Join our optional excursion to Kosovo's dynamic capital, Prishtina. Here, you'll discover a youthful city embracing change while honouring its heritage, with Ottoman-era mosques alongside modern cafes and galleries.
From
A$89
Add at checkout
Arrival Transfer OTP to Hotel (Balkan Explorer)

Arrival Transfer OTP to Hotel (Balkan Explorer)

Start your holiday with total peace of mind by booking our exclusive arrival transfer service, designed specifically for our Make Your Own Way travellers. Upon landing, you’ll be greeted by your Holiday Director or local representative and whisked away to your first hotel, ensuring a seamless and stress-free start to your adventure. Please note, this convenient transfer service is available exclusively on the first day of your holiday, allowing you to settle in comfortably and meet your fellow travellers for your welcome meeting.
From
A$99
Add at checkout
Departure Transfer Hotel to OTP (Balkan Explorer)

Departure Transfer Hotel to OTP (Balkan Explorer)

Enjoy a relaxed and effortless conclusion to your journey with our departure transfer service, exclusively available for our Make Your Own Way travellers. When it’s time to head home, we’ll take care of the details, ensuring you reach the airport comfortably and on time. Please note, this service is available only on the final day of your holiday, providing a smooth and worry-free end to your experience with us.
From
A$99
Add at checkout