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Highlights of the Balkans
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Length
14 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Belgrade (Serbia)
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Ends in
Tirana (Albania)
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Available Tour Start Dates
MAY 4, 2026 to SEP 13, 2027
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
Off The Beaten Path
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$3,172.05
Overview
For the travel lover who wishes to see it all, this tour of the beauty of Balkan countries delivers! Visit the must-see sites and hear about the long and fascinating histories as you journey through Serbia, Romania, North Macedonia, and Albania. Explore Serbia’s capital city of Belgrade, along with the Romanian cities of Timisoara, Sibiu, and Bucharest. Visit Brasov’s impressive Black Church; Ruse, Bulgaria’s “Little Vienna;” the byzantine Holy Sofia Church, built in the 6th century and today a symbol of Sofia; plus, Staro Nagorichane Monastery near Kumanovo, and Tirana’s Bunk’Art, in Albania. Revel in remarkable experiences along the way, including a visit to Romania’s 14th-century Bran Castle of Dracula lore. See its torture chambers and enjoy dinner on the castle grounds. Embark on a boat cruise on Lake Ohrid and see the monastery of Saint Naum. This Eastern Europe tour is sure to thrill!
Visited During Tour
Belgrade (Serbia) | Brasov (Romania) | Bucharest (Romania) | Kumanovo (North Macedonia) | Ohrid (North Macedonia) | Ruse (Bulgaria) | Sibiu (Romania) | Sinaia (Romania) | Skopje (North Macedonia) | Sofia (Bulgaria) | Timisoara (Romania) | Tirana (Albania)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Private Touring
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Highlights of the Balkans tour dates available from Globus. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
Globus Tour Code RE
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Day
1ARRIVE IN BELGRADE, SERBIA
Welcome to Belgrade! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
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Day
2BELGRADE
A Strong Faith Start your Balkan adventure in cosmopolitan Belgrade, capital of Serbia located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour that features the main highlights; see Tito’s Memorial, Saint Sava Church, Slavija, Parliament House and views of the fascinating Kalemegdan Fortress. Spend free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT The Church of Saint Sava is one of the largest churches in the world and the largest church building in the Balkans. The church is built on the site where the Ottomans burned the remains of Saint Sava in 1595, and it represents the resilience and continuity of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbian culture through centuries of foreign domination. A visit to Belgrade is not complete without a stop here.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
3BELGRADE–TIMISOARA, ROMANIA–SIBIU
Capital Cities Today, cross the border into Romania and reach the town of Timisoara. Join an orientation walk, admire the Romanian Orthodox Church, and enjoy free time to explore more. Continue to Sibiu for an orientation tour that reveals towers, churches, and buildings dating back to the 14th century. 267mi / 430kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTA CITY OF FIRSTS Situated in Transylvania, Sibiu is a real gem with a local vibe which recorded many premieres in this part of Europe. It was here where the first hospital, the first library, the first school, the first pharmacy, the first Zoo garden, the first open-air cinema in Romania opened.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
4SIBIU–BRASOV
Fact or Fiction A scenic drive, providing views of the Carpathian Mountains, brings you to Transylvania and the charming city of Brasov. Walk with your Local Guide through the medieval town center, then visit the Schei Old District and Black Church. Later, a special treat has been arranged with a This Globus tour includes their exclusive Local Favorites, specially included to share the authentic experiences that make each destination unique. Get to know the locals and local flavors you might just miss on your own! private after-hours visit of Bran Castle, aka “Dracula’s Castle,” followed by dinner in the castle grounds at the Queen Mary Tea House. 93mi / 150kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE Legend has it that King Solomon, while escaping enemies in pursuit, fled into the Brasov forest, exchanged his clothes with a local peasant, and cast his crown on a tree trunk to evade being recognized, resulting in the city of Brasov to be dubbed Brasov, Kronstadt (Crown City). The fortress-castle was built in 1377 by master masons of Brasov, on a cliff, dominating the whole region. The most famous feature of the town is the castle associated with Vlad the Impaler, a true-life prince who stayed at the castle in the 15th century. His cruel habit of impaling his enemies on stakes inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional tale of Dracula.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
5BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST
Romanian Royalty Take a scenic drive to Sinaia in the Prahova Valley and visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of Romania’s royal family, and considered among the most romantic castles in the world. After some free time for lunch continue to beautiful Bucharest with its flower-festooned parks, gardens, and wide boulevards shaded by century-old trees. 118mi / 190kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM From the very beginning, Peles Castle was one of the most modern in Europe. It was the first castle on the continent fully supplied by electrical power – it had its own electrical unit – and one of the few with a central heating system, an elevator, and the best comfort of the time. The castle was a museum from its first years, and the ticket sales were used to finance Romania’s Queen Elisabeth’s charity works. After the castle was confiscated by the communists, it was used only as a museum from 1953 to 1975, escaping the destructive whims of ruling dictator, Ceausescu.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
6BUCHAREST
Parisian Style and Palace Squares Meet your Local Guide and see Bucharest’s highlights during a sightseeing tour. Visit the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional buildings. Admire views of the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace, the Savings Palace, and the People’s Palace, where former Romanian dictator Ceausescu lived. Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT In the early 20th century, Bucharest was known as "Little Paris" due to its elegant architecture and vibrant cultural scene, reminiscent of the French capital. See the imposing Palace of the Parliament, former home of communist dictator, Ceausescu. Noted as the world's heaviest building and largest administrative building after the Pentagon.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
7BUCHAREST–RUSE–SOFIA, BULGARIA
Little Vienna Depart Romania and cross the border into Bulgaria! Your first experience of this historic country is a visit to Ruse, its most important river port. Enjoy an orientation plus free time to admire the beautiful neo-baroque and neo-rococo architecture that give it the nickname “Little Vienna.” Continue to Sofia, the vibrant capital city. 242 mi / 390 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTARTISTRY & ARCHITECTURE Unique to the country of Romania is the architectural jewel of Ruse. Its leafy avenues and squares are reminiscent of Vienna, with a Central European feel found in its baroque and belle epoque architectural style.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
8SOFIA
A City of Centuries This morning, follow your Local Guide for a city tour that includes views of the Largo Square Roman Ruins, Banya Bashi Mosque, Sofia Synagogue, Parliament building, the Rotunda “St. George, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, plus a visit to the Byzantine Holy Sofia Church. Spend an afternoon at leisure discovering more of this impressive city. TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia is poised as it has been for centuries below Vitosha Mountain, with its landmarks reflecting more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century. Sofia was known as Serdica centuries before Christ and was ruled at one time by Alexander the Great’s father, Philip of Macedonia.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
9SOFIA–KUMANOVO, NORTH MACEDONIA–SKOPJE
Prophecies, Prayers, and Promises This morning, continue to North Macedonia and stop at the town of Kumanovo to visit the noteworthy Nagorichane Monastery. Continue to Skopje, the capital city, divided by the Vardar River that runs through it. This evening, get acquainted with the regional specialties during a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. 155mi / 250kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE Visit the 11th-century church of Staro Nagorichane. Built by Byzantine emperor Roman IV Diogen in gratitude to the hermit and saint Prohor Pcinski. According to legend, the emperor wounded a deer while hunting in the surrounding forests and followed its bloody trail to a cave in which it found refuge with the hermit Pcinski. The old man beseeched the emperor to spare the deer and prophesized he would become the future king upon his return to Constantinople. With the prophecy ultimately fulfilled. Diogen built the church in honor of the beatified Saint Pcinski.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
10SKOPJE
City of Statues and Saint Theresa Skopje is a city rich in culture and history, where the ancient and contemporary meet. Follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour that highlights the Old Town. See the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa. and the beautiful quay of the Vardar River. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon and evening. TOUR HIGHLIGHTSHISTORY & MONUMENTS The city of Skopje is located on the Vardar River and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Hear how it is often referred to as the “City of Statues,” with over 190 statues scattered throughout the city, it truly lives up to its nickname. But it is also famous as Mother Theresa was born here.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
11SKOPJE–OHRID
Wetland Watercolors Reach Ohrid, known for its cultural heritage and nature. This afternoon, take a guided sightseeing tour featuring a visit to the Church of St. Sophia and views of St. Perivlepta, the Old Bazaar and Antique Theatre. Continue with a boat trip on Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO-listed natural and cultural site with protected wetlands. Later, enjoy free time to explore more of the beautiful Old Town. 124mi / 200kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTSNATURAL WONDERS Lake Ohrid is the oldest natural lake in Europe and one of the oldest lakes in the whole world and home to a high number of endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Don’t miss the chance to witness one of the lake’s most enchanting spectacles at sunset as the golden hues reflect upon the tranquil waters for a mesmerizing sight.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
12OHRID–TIRANA, ALBANIA
Macedonian Marvels Before departing from Ohrid, take a guided visit of the Monastery of Saint Naum, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia, built on a high rocky cliff over the shore of the most southern point of Lake Ohrid. After some free time for lunch continue to Tirana, Albania’s capital city and allegedly one of the sunniest cities in Europe! Enjoy an evening at leisure to get acquainted with the city. 81mi / 130kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTSHISTORIC SPOT The Monastery of St. Naum is represents one of the first monuments of Slavic church architecture and art in the Ohrid region – this is. The founder of the monastery is the medieval writer and teacher Naum, who is one of the founders of the Slavic and Macedonian literacy and education tradition. Take in the heavenly views surrounding this clifftop marvel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
13TIRANA
Underground Art This morning, join your Local Guide for a walking tour to discover Tirana’s intriguing culture and history. See many of the main landmarks and visit the Bunk’Art Museum, once a top-secret nuclear bunker, now a historical and art center. Spend an afternoon at leisure exploring more. This evening, enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant. TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Discover a vibrant story of history, architecture, and art in Tirana – from the Tirana mosaic (Ancient Roman) to the Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit), a symbol of ottoman architecture, Italian buildings, and the construction style of the dictatorship. Visit the former Cold War bunker-turned-art-museum of Bunk’Art.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
14TIRANA
Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by Globus in their Highlights of the Balkans tour:
Belgrade
Mercure Belgrade Excelsior
This elegant hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort and style for your Serbian adventure, just steps from the City Hall and Parliament Building. The hotel's smartly furnished guest rooms feature ample natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is included to stay connected, a desk, and a minibar for refreshing drinks. All rooms come equipped with a laptop-sized safe and an LED TV for entertainment.
Location
Kneza Milosa 5
Belgrade, Serbia
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Globus may replace it with a similar property)
Brasov
Qosmo Brasov Hotel
Hotel rating (by Globus): Superior First-Class
Perfect for travelers seeking a modern and comfortable stay in Brasov, Qosmo Brasov Hotel offers an informal atmosphere with understated elegance in its rooms. Each space features a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the contemporary hospitality services to take center stage. An ideal location for exploring Transylvania, Qosmo Brasov caters to your needs with amenities such as Free Wi-Fi and in-room TVs. For a relaxing evening, unwind at the hotel's restaurant, or socialize with a handcrafted cocktail at the on-site bar.
Location
5 Turnului Street
Brasov, Romania
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Globus may replace it with a similar Superior First-Class property)
Bucharest
Novotel Bucharest City
Located directly on the Victoriei Boulevard close to the University of Bucharest and Cismigiu Par, Novotel Bucharest City Centre is a great choice for travelers interested in museums, parks, and history. This modern hotel features air-conditioned rooms with LCD-screen TVs, minibars, and coffee and tea making facilities. Other amenities include a bar, a restaurant serving international cuisine, a heated indoor pool, as well as a fitness center, and a spa. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
Location
37B Calea Victorei, Sector 1
Bucharest, Romania
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Globus may replace it with a similar property)
Ohrid
Metropol Lake Resort
Hotel rating (by Globus): First-Class
This relaxed hotel is located directly by the lake and offers incredible lake views and elegant, air-conditioned guest rooms¿perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Guests can enjoy well-equipped rooms designed with comfort in mind. Whether you prefer relaxing by the lake or embarking on a discovery adventure, Metropol Lake Resort has the perfect space for your Macedonian getaway.
Location
Naselba Dolno Konjsko bb
Ohrid, Macedonia
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Globus may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Sibiu
Mercure Sibui Arsenal
Hotel rating (by Globus): First-Class
Ideally located for exploring Sibiu, the Mercure Sibiu Arsenal is a perfect hotel for travelers. This cozy modern hotel offers a taste of local culture with its Media¿ tiles and Cisn¿die rugs. Guests can relax in comfort in spacious guest rooms and enjoy complimentary access to the indoor pool and fitness center. The hotel also features a bar and restaurant for added convenience.
Location
48 Bulevardul Victoriei
Sibiu, Romania
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Globus may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Skopje
Skopje Marriott
Hotel rating (by Globus): Superior First-Class
Ideally situated in the heart of Skopje, a mere 100 meters from Macedonia Square, this luxurious hotel offers the perfect blend of relaxation and productivity for the modern traveler.
After a day exploring Skopje's vibrant energy, guests can retreat to their haven of tranquility. The hotel's well-designed guest rooms feature plush bedding, soundproof windows for a peaceful night's sleep, and dedicated workspaces to ensure guests stay connected.
Location
Plostad Makedonija 7
Skopje, Macedonia
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Globus may replace it with a similar Superior First-Class property)
Sofia
Hilton Sofia
Hotel rating (by Globus): Superior First-Class
State of the art facility exceptionally located in the heart of Sofia, in the south park, overlooking Vitosha Mtn - City Center.
Location
1,Bulgaria Blvd.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Globus may replace it with a similar Superior First-Class property)
Tirana
Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
Hotel rating (by Globus): First-Class
This trendy 143-room hotel is perfectly positioned for discovering the secrets of Albania's capital city. The spacious guest rooms are equipped with amenities to maximise comfort, including air conditioning, toiletries and cable TV. Guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at the on-site restaurant that serves high-quality international cuisine, There is also a fitness center and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Location
146 Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta
Tirana, Albania
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Globus may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
More Details
Globus is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Highlights of the Balkans tour:
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Belgrade features the main sights and views of Kalemegdan Fortress• Guided sightseeing in Brasov with a visit to the Black Church • Visit Bran Castle and [LF] dine in the castle grounds at Queen Mary Tea House• Visit Peles Castle• Guided sightseeing in Bucharest includes views of the People’s Palace • Guided sightseeing tour in Sofia with visit to the Byzantine Holy Sofia Church• Visit to the Staro Nagorichane Monastery • Guided sightseeing of Skopje to see the landmarks• Boat cruise on Lake Ohrid and Ohrid guided sightseeing with visit to the monastery of Saint Naum • Guided walking tour of Tirana includes a visit to Bunk’Art• Visit Ruse, Sibiu, and Timisoara
Meals Included
13 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
Private Touring
Globus offers an optional paid upgrade if you would like to arrange for Highlights of the Balkans tour as a Private Tour. Here's a sample of the additional cost:
6 guests in a party: $4,359*18 guests in a party: $1,075*
Note: Private Tours must be booked with one of our travel advisors over the phone. Please contact us for additional details.
* Supplement pricing is per person (USD), will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date, and is based on availability. Pricing is valid for select travel dates only. Some vendors reserve the right to operate optional activities and excursions with other guests, despite you being on a private tour. Additional restrictions may apply. This pricing may not be applicable to custom groups. Group allowances and promotions may not be available for private tours. Private touring may only be available on published itineraries. Blackout dates may exist, in which case private touring would not be available.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Globus. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Globus (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.