The Best of Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria

Arrive at “Nikola Tesla” International Airport.

Our guide will meet you in the arrivals hall with your name on the signboard. He will do the following: help you with your money exchange, give you essential information about Belgrade, help you with your check-in, explain to you the location of your accommodation and advise you how to reach the main sights, and give you an overview of current happenings in the city.

In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry. We will monitor your flight, and our guide will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays. After a short ride of 20 minutes, you’ll be in the city’s center. Check-in at the hotel, and take the rest of the day to get more familiar with Belgrade, walk around, or follow your guide’s recommendation for dinner. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are arriving in Belgrade a few days before the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of 55€ (Classic package) or 95€ (Upgraded package. Prices are per person and night in a double or twin room.

Overnight: Belgrade

Breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll start with our Belgrade sightseeing tour. Today we’re going to show you almost all the most important sights in the city.

We’ll start at the daunting Belgrade Fortress, dramatically perched above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Built between the 1^st and 18^th centuries, this fortress witnessed major defensive battles. We’ll check the Victor Monument, Monument of Gratitude to France, Zindan Gate, The Chapel of Saint Petka, Clock Gate, and The Clock Tower.

Once we finish with the fortress, we will start our panoramic ride through New Belgrade – Belgrade’s largest municipality, with impressive modern architecture. Here we will see some remarkable buildings such as the Ex-Central Committee of the Communist Party, Federal Executive Council, also known as the Palace of Federation, Genex Tower or Western Gate of Belgrade, Sava Center, Belgrade Arena, and many more.

After New Belgrade, we’ll reach Zemun, the northern area of Belgrade, characteristic of its Central European appearance, charming quarters, cobblestone streets, and fish restaurants on the Danube River banks. Its curvy cobblestone streets and small houses will give you the impression that Zemun is a melting pot of Mediterranean and Middle European cultures.

After Zemun, we’ll drive through Dedinje, Belgrade’s most luxurious residential area, before we reach the imposing Saint Sava Temple, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.

After the sightseeing tour, time this afternoon on your own. Maybe check out Nikola Tesla’s Museum and the National Museum, or wander around the central streets.

In the evening, visit the Old Bohemian Quarter of Skadarlija, frequently compared to Montmartre in Paris, both in appearance and its artistic atmosphere. It’s a perfect opportunity to get more familiar with traditional Serbian cuisine and the famous Belgrade nightlife. (Optional = 25€ per person)

Overnight: Belgrade

After breakfast, we shall make a trip to the City of Novi Sad. On our way to the second-largest city in Serbia, we shall stop at the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci, the center of Serbian culture in the 18th century. Strolling through this picturesque town’s cobbled streets will lead us to the first Serbian High School, which gave Serbian people several great writers and poets. Along the way, we shall pay a visit to the Old Patriarch’s Court and theological complex – Assembly Church and Theological lyceum. Being in the very heart of the famous wine region, why not visit one of the well-respected wine cellars? We’ll try Bermet wine, the most famous product in the area.

Our next stop is the second-largest fortress on the Danube river – Petrovaradin, one of the most important strategic points in the perpetual war between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. We shall be introduced to the legends of underground passages before we continue to “Serbian Athens”, as the City of Novi Sad is known.

As we stroll among great cultural institutions and historic buildings, we shall visit the oldest part of Novi Sad, the Zmaj Jovina pedestrian zone. Here we shall get introduced to the rich history of Novi Sad as we see the monument to Svetozar Miletic, the famous Novi Sad Cathedral, Episcopal Church… After our sightseeing, we will enjoy a traditional Serbian three-course lunch in one of the most famous restaurants in the area. (not included). Enjoy your free afternoon and discover Novi Sad independently. Return to Belgrade. Free time.

Overnight: Belgrade

Breakfast and check-out. Today we’ll leave Serbia behind us and head for Timisoara, Romania’s second-largest city, built on an ancient Roman fortress site. On our guided tour around the historical center, we’ll make sure that you don’t miss any of the most important sights: The Orthodox Catedral, Victory Square, Liberty Square with the City Hall, and the Union Square with the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral with the Bishop’s Palace. We will take a lunch break in one of Timisoara’s cozy restaurants.

After the break, we’ll continue towards the east, and after around three hours of pleasant ride, we’ll arrive in Sibiu, built by German settlers back in the 12th century. Maybe you’ve heard of it as “The City of Eyes” due to its unique architectural features on the roof of houses. We’ll check in at our hotel, take a short break to refresh, and then proceed to the walking tour. We will visit the Large Square with Brukenthal National Museum, the Small Square, the Council Tower, the Bridge of Lies, the Stairs Passage, and the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, modeled on the magnificent Agia Sofia. Use your free afternoon to explore the town independently.

Overnight: Sibiu

Today, we’ll continue exploring “The Transylvanian Triangle.” Our next stop will be Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. This town was also established in the 12th century, again by German craftsmen, the so-called Transylvanian Saxons.   Today, the city is known for its well-preserved historical center, colorful houses, and watch towers, but maybe more than anything else, as the birthplace of Vlad Cepes, aka Vlad The Impaler. We’ll check the Church of the Dominican Monastery, the Clock Tower, Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, the Tailors’ Tower, the Covered Stairway, and other significant sights.

Then we will proceed to Brasov, perhaps the most picturesque town on our trip. You’ll be charmed by its historical buildings, restored bastions, and fortified guard towers. The best way to explore this cute place is on foot, so that’s exactly what we will do.

You’ll see the narrowest street in the world, The Black Church, Catherine’s Gate, Beth Israel Synagogue, and many other interesting sights.

After a day filled with excitement, take the evening to relax and prepare yourself for the adventures that are awaiting us tomorrow.

Overnight: Brasov

Today we’ll spend a day immersing ourselves in the landscapes and landmarks of Transylvania. This unique region is packed with historic castles, rich scenery, and an evocative atmosphere.

Our first stop will be the famous Bran Castle, the former residence of the Romanian Royal family, widely-known as Dracula’s Castle. Here we will walk inside its majestic towers and down its winding narrow staircases and passages and learn about the infamous Vlad the Impaler.

Our next stop, Peles Castle, is the most impressive castle in Romania and a must-see attraction. King Carol the I-st built this Neo-Renaissance castle as a summer residence for the Royal family. This fairy-tale-like edifice is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. The castle is surrounded by splendid parklands – the work of several landscape architects, each of whom left his mark on the park and gardens of Peleş. In addition to the magnificent exterior with hand-painted stained glass windows and numerous sculptures surrounding the castle, the interior of over 160 rooms was decorated by more than 400 artisans and artists.

After this exceptional experience, we’ll continue toward Romania’s capital. Check-in at the hotel. Free time.

Overnight: Bucharest

Today, we’ll show you why Bucharest is nicknamed “Little Paris.”, known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings, and a reputation for the high life.

While exploring this magnificent city filled with parks, we will see a very interesting blend of French, Byzantine, and communist architecture in the many stylish building. We will visit all the major sights in the city: Piața Unirii with Parliament (the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon), Roman Square, The Arch of Triumph, Romanian Athenaeum, Lipscani Street, the Calea Victoriei Avenue, and finally, the Revolution Square.

Time this afternoon on your own, explore the city, enjoy the bars and terraces, and in the evening, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that Bucharest is famous for.

Overnight: Bucharest

Breakfast and check-out.

As soon as we enter the territory of Bulgaria close to the village of Ivanovo, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, a complex of rock-hewn churches, chapels, monasteries, and cells,  where the first hermits dug out their cells and churches in the rock during the 12th century.

Continuing our tour, we’ll make a short photo stop in the small village of Arbanasi, a picturesque open-air museum of cultural heritage that includes 80 houses. Arbanasi is a quiet and picturesque village which, even today, keeps the medieval touch through the old architecture.

Our last stop will be in Veliko Tarnovo, one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria, located on the banks of the Yantra River. Also known as the City of Tsars, Veliko Tarnovo boasts an impressive fortress with the ruins of the former Tsarevets Palace and the patriarchal church, nowadays with modern and intriguing paintings. The medieval atmosphere is well kept in the city thanks to the old architecture and the narrow streets where you can admire local artisans and their work.

Check in to the hotel and enjoy the evening in this charming town.

Overnight: Veliko Tarnovo

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.

We’ll drive to the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum Etar, which contains a collection of 50 objects, including water-powered installations and houses with artisans’ workshops.

The complex exhibits central Bulgaria’s architecture, way of life, and economy during the Bulgarian National Revival. Using original instruments and following old traditions, it presents the Bulgarian customs, culture, and characteristics of 20 regional crafts.

The next stop on our tour will be the beautiful and ancient city of Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Located on the banks of the Marica River and built around seven hills, the city has a cultural mix of different civilizations and a unique blend of architectural elements. It is a museum under the open sky. We’ll check out the most famous sights: The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, the Roman Stadium, the Church of Saint Constantine and Helena,  and we will finish in Kapana,  a real art center and a district dedicated to creative industries, a pedestrian area full of shops, restaurants, and galleries.

After that, we will continue to Sofia. Check-in and enjoy your free evening.

Overnight: Sofia

After breakfast, we will start with our Sofia sightseeing tour. On our walking tour, we will visit the ruins of Serdica-Roman fortress walls; St George Rotunda, the oldest building in Sofia; St Sofia Basilica, the oldest active church which gave the city its name; St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world; National Theatre and many more historical sites from ancient times alongside the modern areas of cosmopolitan city life.

Use your free afternoon, or perhaps book an optional trip to Rila Monastery, one of the holiest places in the country and another UNESCO World Heritage sight. Rila Monastery is the most important spiritual and literary center of the Bulgarian national revival, with an uninterrupted history from the Middle Ages until now.

Overnight: Sofia

It’s time to leave Bulgaria behind us and enter Serbia again.

Today we will visit the born city of the famous Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, the city of Niš, the third-largest city in the country.

First, we will visit the Niš Fortress, lying on the bank of the Nišava River. It assumed its final shape in 1723, when the Turks built it, facing the end of their reign in this area. We will continue our sightseeing of the most important sights in the city, including the Banovina Building, Niš Liberators Monument at King Milan Square, The Monument of well-known Serbian writer Stevan Sremac, Mediana Archeological Site, and the infamous Skull Tower – the monument unique in the world, erected by the Turks as an example to others of the folly of opposition to their rule.

We will conclude our sightseeing with a visit to Red Cross Nazi Concentration Camp, today a museum. The German Gestapo operated the camp and held captured Jews, Serbians, and Romas during the Second World War. We’ll enjoy some of the food that Niš is famous for before we continue our trip to Belgrade.

Use this afternoon to say farewell to Belgrade, walk around, or go for dinner following your guide’s recommendation.

Overnight: Belgrade

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. End of services.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you depart from Belgrade a few days after the tour ends, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of 45€ (Classic package) or 85€ (Upgraded package. Prices are per person and night in a double or twin room.

• 4 x BB in chosen hotel category in Belgrade 
• 1 x BB in chosen hotel category in Sibiu
• 1 x BB in chosen hotel category in Brasov 
• 2 x BB in chosen hotel category in Bucharest
• 1 x BB in chosen hotel category in Veliko Tarnovo
• 2 x BB in chosen hotel category in Sofia
• Arrival & departure airport transfers
• Transfers according to the itinerary
• Sightseeing per itinerary
• English-speaking tour manager from day 2 to day 11
• All fuel costs, parking fees, and road tolls
• Entrance fees: Skull Tower, Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, and Open Air Ethnographic Museum “Etar”
• Wine tasting during the Novi Sad trip
• City taxes
• VAT
• Tour organization and 24/7 assistance from a licensed incoming tour operator

• Arrival and departure flights
• Food & drinks
• Optional expenses

• Child from 0 to 2 years old – FREE of charge.
• Child from 2 to 12 years old, sharing the bed – 50% discount on the price of a twin room
• Child from 2 to 12 years old, extra bed – 30% discount on the price of a twin room.

• Up to 60 days before the departure date = 100% refund
• 59 days to 46 days before the departure date = 90% refund
• 45 days to 31 days before the departure date = 80% refund
• 30 days to 16 days before the departure date = 70% refund
• 15 days to 8 days before the departure date = 50% refund
• 7 days or less before the departure date = 0% refund

• You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to the booking. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
• Gratuities are not included in the price (not mandatory, but encouraged)
• The final choice of hotels will depend on the availability at the moment of your booking. We reserve the right to change the hotel due to availability, but we promise the same category, location, and level of quality
• Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee the entrance of the church/cathedral due to sudden closure (mass, wedding, etc)
• Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee the timing due to weather and traffic
• Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee entrance to any sight due to late arrival
• The minimum number of guests required is one
• Tour duration = 12 days