🏰 BALKANS EXTREME

Meals: Meals on board

• Departure from Manila
• International flight to Bucharest, Romania

Meals: Meals on board, Dinner

• After arriving in Bucharest, you will be taken by a comfortable coach to the charming city of Brasov
• Upon the group’s arrival at the airport, they will be welcomed by their European Tour Manager
• Dinner at the hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Brasov City Tour:

• Piata Sfatului (Council Square) – Heart of the old town
• Biserica Neagra (Black Church) – Largest Gothic church in Romania
• Brasov’s Historic Streets – Stroll through medieval architecture

Visit Bran Castle:

Nestled in the scenic Carpathian Mountains near Bran, Romania, Bran Castle boasts a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. While it served as a historic fortress, its international fame is often linked to the Dracula legend, a connection that, despite limited historical evidence, adds to the castle’s allure.

Visit Peles Castle:

A visit to Peles Castle is like stepping into a fairytale. Wander through grand halls adorned with intricate woodwork, admire beautiful chandeliers, and take in breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains. This magnificent Neo-Renaissance palace, located near Sinaia, Romania, is renowned for its intricate architecture, stunning mountainous backdrop, and extensive collection of art and historical artifacts, serving as a former royal residence for Romanian monarchs.

Travel back to Bucharest (ESTIMATED 141 KM/2-3 HOURS DRIVE).

Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Bucharest City Tour:

Explore the highlights of Romania’s capital, with photo stops at iconic landmarks such as:

• Parliament Palace – One of the largest administrative buildings in the world
• Arc of Triumph – Symbol of Romanian independence
• Old Town – Vibrant streets and architecture
• Opera House – Historic cultural venue
• Village Museum – Open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian rural life
• Revolution Square – Rich with the history of the 1989 revolution
• Romanian Athenaeum – Stunning concert hall and architectural gem

After this enriching tour, transfer to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s historic medieval capital known for its picturesque setting and ancient fortress.

Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Veliko Tarnovo Guided Tour:

Enjoy a guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo, a charming mountain town in northern Bulgaria renowned for its distinctive architecture, with houses nestled on steep hillsides. The tour includes photo stops at:

• Tsarevets Fortress (from outside) – Medieval stronghold
• Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
• Church of St. Peter and Paul

After exploring Veliko Tarnovo, transfer to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city.

Upon arrival, dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast:

• Take the opportunity to capture stunning photos at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a magnificent structure built in honor of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Russo-Turkish War

Visit Rila Monastery:

Continue your journey to Rila, where you will visit the renowned Monastery, the largest and most significant Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, known for its beautiful frescoes and rich history.

Later, depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, where you will check in for an overnight stay.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Skopje City Tour:

• Kale Fortress – Historic fortress overlooking the city
• Stone Bridge – Iconic Ottoman-era bridge
• Macedonia Square – Central square of Skopje
• Alexander the Great Statue and Fountain
• Daut Pasha Hammam – Historic bathhouse
• Old Bazaar – One of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans
• Mother Teresa Memorial House
• Old Railway Station

Ohrid City Tour:

Your next destination is Ohrid, North Macedonia’s renowned tourist hub.

• Old Bazaar
• Old Chinar Tree
• Pearl Shop
• Ohrid Square
• Upper Gate
• Samoil’s Fortress
• Ancient Theatre
• Church of St. Sophia
• St. Jovan

📌 NOTE: Some of these landmarks can be viewed from the boat during an optional tour.

Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the Monastery of St. Naum:

The Monastery of St. Naum is a magnificently large complex located 29 kilometers south of Ohrid, on a plateau near the Albanian border. It is undoubtedly one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Macedonia.

• Surrounded by beautiful scenery on the shores of Lake Ohrid
• Popular day trip combining natural beauty and religious heritage
• Stunning Byzantine architecture and frescoes
• Peaceful springs and wildlife sanctuary nearby
• One of the most photogenic spots in the Balkans

Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart for Tirana (approximately 3-hour drive)
• Short Tour of Tirana – Explore Albania’s capital city, immersing yourself in its vibrant culture and history

Evening in Budva, Montenegro:

• Continue to the coastal gem of Budva
• Evening city tour of the charming old town
• Explore the beautiful seaside promenade
• Discover Budva’s Venetian walls and historic churches

Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Kotor Guided City Tour:

• Square of Arms – Historic main square
• Beskuca Palace
• Byzantine Palace
• Pima Palace
• St. Tryphon Cathedral – Iconic Romanesque church
• Maritime Museum
• North Gate
• City Walls – UNESCO World Heritage fortifications

Proceed to the Kotor checkpoint, then continue to Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Dubrovnik Guided City Tour:

Experience the enchanting city tour where you’ll capture stunning photographs at iconic locations:

• Dubrovnik Old Town – The “Pearl of the Adriatic”
• Dubrovnik City Walls (from outside) – UNESCO World Heritage site
• Onofrio Fountain – Historic 15th-century fountain
• Harbor – Picturesque old port
• Rector’s Palace – Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece
• Stradun (Placa) – Main pedestrian street

Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Mostar Guided City Tour (approximately 3-hour drive):

• Stari Most (Old Bridge) – UNESCO World Heritage 16th-century Ottoman bridge
• Old Bazaar – Traditional marketplace
• Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

Sarajevo Guided City Tour:

• Baščaršija – Historic old bazaar and heart of the city
• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque – 16th-century Ottoman mosque
• Latin Bridge – Site of the assassination that sparked WWI
• Sebilj Fountain – Iconic wooden fountain
• Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica) – Stunning Moorish Revival architecture

☕ Cultural Experience: Enjoy a relaxed and unforgettable day in Sarajevo, where diverse cultures come together harmoniously. Indulge in delectable traditional Bosnian coffee and cuisine, deepening your appreciation for a region that has triumphed over adversity.

Enjoy free time for shopping, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart from Bosnia and head to Bihac (approximately 5-hour drive)
• Scenic journey through Bosnia’s beautiful countryside
• Upon arrival, dinner at the hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, the group will head out for an unforgettable day.

Plitvice National Park Guided Tour:

Organized by Plitvice Harmony D.O.O.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site – Croatia’s most famous national park
• Cascading Lakes – 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls
• Crystal-clear turquoise waters
• Wooden walkways through stunning natural scenery
• Rich biodiversity including rare flora and fauna

Zagreb City Tour:

Following the park tour, explore Croatia’s capital with photo stops at:

• Ban Jelačić Square – Main city square
• Zagreb Cathedral – Gothic masterpiece
• St. Mark’s Church – Famous colorful tiled roof
• Upper and Lower Town
• Dolac Market – Vibrant farmers market
• Islamic Center and Mosque

Continue to Postojna, Slovenia.

Upon arrival, dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel.

Postojna Cave:

Visit the famous Postojna Cave, known for its impressive underground landscapes.

• One of the world’s largest karst cave systems
• Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formations
• Underground train ride through the caverns
• Home to the rare olm (human fish) salamander

Bled:

After exploring the cave, the journey continues to Bled, a charming town in Slovenia.

• Pletna Boat Ride across the picturesque Lake Bled
• Lake Bled – Alpine lake with emerald-green water
• Bled Island with the Church of the Assumption of Mary
• Bled Castle (sightseeing from outside) – Perched high above the lake with stunning views of the Julian Alps

Ljubljana City Tour:

The tour continues in Slovenia’s capital with photo stops at:

• Farmers Market – Vibrant open-air market
• Town Hall – Historic baroque building
• Ljubljana Cathedral – St. Nicholas Cathedral
• Three Bridges – Iconic architectural landmark
• National Library – Designed by famous architect Jože Plečnik
• Prešeren Square – Main square named after Slovenia’s greatest poet

Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Meals on board

• After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head to Ljubljana airport
• Catch your flight back to Manila, marking the end of your trip
• With memories of Slovenia’s natural beauty and cultural experiences, you’ll depart for home
• Concluding the 17-day Balkans adventure

Meals: Meals on board

• Arrival in Manila
• Welcome home with wonderful Balkans memories!

🎉 End of tour! Thank you for choosing Balkans Extreme! We hope you had an amazing adventure exploring 6 incredible countries: Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia! 🏰