Balkan Tour – Ending in Tirana

Welcome to Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

Important:

Check-in: Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.

Additional Nights: If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.

Optional Activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. If these activities are available on the Europamundo app or through your "My Trip" link, we strongly recommend booking them as early as possible to ensure availability. Waiting until the last minute may result in missed opportunities due to limited tickets, bus seats, or other factors.

Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

In the morning, we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Bucharest, a city that surprises visitors with its mix of styles: wide boulevards, neoclassical palaces, and traces of communism. We’ll see (exterior visit) the impressive Palace of the Parliament, the Arch of Triumph, the elegant Revolution Square, and the lively Lipscani Old Town, with its cafés and historic buildings.

We’ll also include entrance and a visit to the Romanian Village Museum, an open-air museum located in Herăstrău Park, which brings together authentic houses, churches, and mills from all regions of the country. This tour highlights the diversity and richness of Romanian rural life and traditions. Lunch included.

Free afternoon.

Total distance covered: 222 km
Scenery: We’ll cross the Carpathian Mountains, with their impressive peaks and dense forests, enjoying breathtaking panoramas that evoke medieval legends and the mystery of Transylvania.

Note: Due to high tourist demand, long waiting times may occasionally occur to enter Bran Castle.

08:00 a.m. Bucharest – Departure. We leave the Romanian capital and drive up the road that crosses the Carpathians, winding through valleys and mountains.

10:30 a.m. Sinaia – Arrival. We’ll stroll through the gardens of Peleș Castle, a 19th-century architectural gem surrounded by alpine forests. With its fairy-tale style and mountain setting, it is considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe.

12:00 p.m. Sinaia – Departure.

1:15 p.m. Bran – Arrival. Visit to Bran Castle (entrance included), a 14th-century fortress famed for the Dracula legend. Beyond the myth, its towers, walls, and medieval halls tell centuries of history, making it one of Romania’s most iconic landmarks. Free time for lunch.

3:45 p.m. Bran – Departure.

4:00 p.m. Râșnov – Arrival. We’ll take the funicular up to the Râșnov Fortress (entrance included), built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights on a strategic hilltop. Its ramparts offer splendid views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

5:15 p.m. Râșnov – Departure.

5:45 p.m. Brașov – Arrival. This Saxon-origin city preserves a lively medieval old town with defensive walls, spacious squares, and the famous Black Church. Free time to stroll and enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Total distance covered: 254 km
Scenery: This stage combines the medieval magic of Transylvania’s fortified churches with the natural grandeur of the Carpathians: dense forests, mountain lakes, and spectacular rocky gorges.

8:30 a.m. Brașov – Departure. We leave the Saxon city to discover some of Romania’s most unique architectural treasures: its fortified churches, declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their architecture and richly decorated medieval frescoes.

8:45 a.m. Hărman Fortified Church (entrance included) – Arrival. We’ll visit the first church on our route, built in the 13th century by the Saxons. Its defensive walls, towers, and medieval frescoes bring to life the communities that once sought refuge here during times of siege.

9:30 a.m. Hărman – Departure.

9:45 a.m. Prejmer Church (entrance included) – Arrival. Also built by the Saxons in the 13th century, this is the largest and best-preserved fortified church in Romania. Its massive walls, casemates, and passageways reflect the defensive role of these structures, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

10:30 a.m. Prejmer – Departure. We continue our journey through spectacular landscapes of forests and mountains toward the region of Romanian Moldavia. Lunch included en route.

2:30 p.m. Lacul Roșu (Red Lake) – Arrival. Time to stroll along this picturesque mountain lake, surrounded by forests and named for the reddish hue of its waters.

3:30 p.m. Lacul Roșu – Departure. Shortly after, we’ll make a brief stop at one of Romania’s most breathtaking natural sights, the Bicaz Gorges, where the road winds between sheer rock walls rising up to 300 meters.

5:30 p.m. Piatra Neamț – Arrival. Known as “the Pearl of Moldavia,” this city offers a charming historic center with lively streets and a welcoming atmosphere. Free time to explore.

Total distance covered: 242 km
Scenery: The route takes us through the green landscapes of Romanian Moldova and the Bucovina Mountains, an area of forested hills, traditional villages, and fertile valleys where spirituality and nature blend in perfect harmony.

Note: Appropriate clothing is recommended for monastery visits.

8:30 a.m. Piatra Neamț – Departure. We leave the “Pearl of Romanian Moldova” for a day full of spirituality, art, and age-old traditions.

9:30 a.m. Agapia Monastery – Arrival. Founded in the 17th century, this Orthodox convent is home to about 350 nuns who keep its religious and cultural life active. Its interior frescoes and serene atmosphere make Agapia a vibrant spiritual center filled with devotion.

10:15 a.m. Agapia Monastery – Departure. We enter the Bucovina region to visit three of the great monasteries declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their exterior frescoes and medieval art.

12:00 p.m. Voroneț Monastery (entrance included) – Arrival. Considered the “Sistine Chapel of the East,” this 15th-century monastery is renowned for its famous fresco of the Last Judgment, painted in an unmistakable shade of blue that has become a symbol of Bucovina. Lunch included.

2:00 p.m. Voroneț Monastery – Departure.

2:45 p.m. Moldovița Monastery (entrance included) – Arrival. Another of Bucovina’s great treasures, built in the 16th century. Its vividly colored exterior murals depict biblical episodes and medieval battles with unmatched expressive power. A true masterpiece of medieval Orthodox art.

3:30 p.m. Moldovița Monastery – Departure.

4:15 p.m. Sucevița Monastery (entrance included) – Arrival. Surrounded by defensive walls, this 16th-century monastery impresses with the grandeur of its frescoes, especially the famous “Ladder of Virtues,” which covers an entire exterior wall. Its blend of Moldavian and Byzantine architecture makes it a genuine emblem of Romanian spirituality.

5:00 p.m. Sucevița Monastery – Departure.

6:15 p.m. Gura Humorului – Arrival. A lively spa town surrounded by mountains, well known for its welcoming tourist atmosphere. Free time to stroll and enjoy its charm.

Total distance covered: 301 km
Scenery: Today we’ll cross the Carpathian range via the legendary Borgo Pass, shrouded in endless forests and the myths immortalized by the novel Dracula. The route through the Călimani National Park offers breathtaking panoramas of natural beauty and mountains steeped in mystery.

8:00 a.m. Gura Humorului – Departure. We leave this lively spa town and head once again toward Transylvania, the legendary heart of Romania.

11:15 a.m. Bistrița – Arrival. Founded by German settlers in the 12th century, this historic city welcomes us with its elegant pedestrian center filled with terraces, cafés, and buildings that recall its Saxon past. Free time to stroll through the main square, discover its Gothic church, enjoy lunch, and soak up the local atmosphere.

1:00 p.m. Bistrița – Departure. We continue our route through rolling hills, vineyards, and forests that feel as though they were taken from a medieval tale.

4:00 p.m. Sighișoara – Arrival. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this walled medieval town is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved in Europe. Its defensive towers, colorful houses, and cobblestone streets transport visitors straight back to the Middle Ages.

This evening, we’ll enjoy a very special dinner at Count Dracula’s restaurant, located in the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend. An unforgettable experience that blends history, myth, and gastronomy in a truly unique setting

Total distance covered: 395 km.

Scenery: Beautiful and varied landscapes, with little villages en route.

Note: From November to March, due to shorter days and monument opening hours, we won´t be able to visit the interior of the church in Biertan. However, we will make a brief stop to view it from the outside.

09:00 a.m. – Departure from Sighisoara. In Transylvania, there are many fortified churches in areas that were historically inhabited by people of German origin. Some of these churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we’ll visit one in Biertan.
09:45 a.m. - Biertan - Arrival to visit the fortified church (tickets included).

10:45 a.m. – Departure from Biertan.
12:15 a.m. - Sibiu - Arrival in this important economic and cultural center, which was once the capital of Transylvania. Take some time to stroll through its bustling narrow streets and squares and enjoy lunch.

02:30 p.m. – Departure from Sibiu. We’ll drive along the highway through picturesque agricultural regions.
04:15 p.m. - Hunedoara - We will visit the impressive Hunedoara Castle (tickets included), considered the most beautiful castle in Romania.

05:15 p.m. – Departure from Hunedoara.
07:45 p.m. - Timisoara. This city, with Roman origins, is home to diverse communities. Its beautifully restored classical and pedestrian center is perfect for an evening stroll.

Total distance covered: 170 km.

Note: Please have your passport handy, as it will be required at the Serbia border.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Timisoara. We’ll journey through pleasant landscapes as we head towards Serbia. The border crossing may occasionally cause some delays.
11:30 a.m. - Belgrade. We’ll take a city tour of this lively capital situated at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava. We’ll explore the bustling city center, the parliament, and enjoy a stroll through the Kalemegdan Fortress. The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, where Tito’s Mausoleum is located. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to further explore the city at your own pace.

Distance traveled: 295 km
Scenery: forests, mountains, rushing rivers, and small towns. Strong contrasts mark our journey through Bosnia.

Note: Keep your passport close to you, as we will cross the border into Bosnia.

08:00 a.m. – Belgrade. Departure. We begin our beautiful journey traveling to the region of Vojvodina.

09:15 a.m. – Sremska Mitrovica. Arrival in this city with a pleasant historic center on the banks of the Sava River. Once one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire, it served as the capital of the province of Pannonia. Entrance to the Imperial Palace of Sirmium is included, offering insights into this period.

10:30 a.m. – Departure from Sremska Mitrovica. We continue toward Bosnia, traveling through beautiful landscapes along the Drina River. Border crossing (delays are possible). Stop en route for lunch. The road continues across the Republic of Srpska—the Serbian Republic of Bosnia—passing through small villages, forests, and hills.

5:30 p.m. – Sarajevo. Arrival in the late afternoon. Time to explore the historic center, where you can stroll through the enchanting bazaar, the old Ottoman market known for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner included.

Total distance: 280 km

Scenery: Spectacular landscapes with mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik features stunning coastal views.

Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the “Jerusalem of Europe” for its coexistence of multiple religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich diversity. We’ll explore the old town’s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent 500-year-old mosque and a beautiful fountain.

11:15 a.m. – Sarajevo. Departure. We travel through breathtaking mountain and valley landscapes.

01:45 p.m. – Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that unites and separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.

4:30 p.m. – Mostar. Departure. We continue our journey across the rocky and mountainous landscapes of the historic region of Herzegovina toward Croatia.

7:30 p.m. – Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Arrival. Dinner included.

Note: Depending on the date, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or in Cavtat, a coastal town nearby.

09:00 a.m. - We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide in the morning. We will undoubtedly be in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, perched on a cliff, surrounded by walls and kissed by the Adriatic Sea. Its intact historic center is a jewel of world architectural heritage. We’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of the city from a scenic viewpoint along the road. The tour includes tickets to the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral. We’ll also take a boat trip to Lokrum, a small island just 15 minutes away that is home to the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, a popular setting for the series Game of Thrones. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be included.


Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.

Distance traveled: 295 km
Scenery: Stunning views along the Adriatic coast. The Bay of Kotor offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. Picturesque villages along the route. Later, Albania reveals a more rural character with its own strong identity.

Note: Keep your passport close to you. We will cross the borders into Montenegro and Albania.

7:30 a.m. – Dubrovnik. Departure. Early morning drive toward Montenegro. Border formalities (sometimes lengthy). We take a ferry across the stunning Bay of Kotor.

10:30 a.m. – Kotor. Arrival (time may vary depending on border procedures). Free time to stroll in this beautiful walled city with strong Venetian influence, set in a magnificent natural setting.

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Kotor. We continue along the scenic coastal route.

1:00 p.m. – Budva. A beautiful walled enclave surrounding the medieval city. Time to walk along its sandy beaches, take photos, and enjoy lunch.

2:30 p.m. – Departure from Budva. We continue along the coast toward Albania. Arrival at the border and border formalities (which may be lengthy). Time at the border for coffee and currency exchange. We then continue on smaller roads before reaching Albania’s capital.

8:00 p.m. – Tirana. Arrival. Dinner and accommodation.

Note: The road linking Montenegro with Tirana has very heavy traffic, especially during the tourist season, which can sometimes cause significant delays.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.