Premium Dubrovnik to Bucharest

Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover the beauty and history of the Balkans on this 18-day tour that travels from Dubrovnik in Croatia through Bosnia and Herzegovina and onto the lively nightlife of Belgrade in Serbia, through the heart of Transylvania and on to Bucharest.

Highlights

Take a scenic steam train ride through Tara National Park’s forests and mountains on a historic railway that forms part of the famous Ciro trail connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea, a Premium Exclusive Experience.
Explore Balkan history, discovering Saxon villages with fairytale scenery, medieval Old Towns with pretty market squares, and Orthodox monasteries where you'll taste the famous Tvrdos wine made by its monks.
Step into another world as you walk through ancient halls and hear the myths and legends surrounding some of the most impressive castles in Eastern Europe – Bran and Peles.
Dive deep into one of the oldest salt mines in Europe, in use for about 2,000 years. Spanning more than 43 kilometers (27 miles), Turda Salt Mine contains a huge array of attractions – from an amusement park to a contemporary art museum to an underground lake.
Tour one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia, Tito's nuclear bunker, which was built to protect Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and his top military advisors.

Trip Details

Duration

18 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Dubrovnik, Bosnia And Herzegovina

Finishes

Bucharest, Bosnia And Herzegovina

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and a transfer will bring you to your hotel. Your adventure begins at 6 pm for a welcome meeting with your leader and group. If you arrive early, you might like to head out and explore Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town, which is surrounded entirely by city walls and easily covered on foot. Although Dubrovnik experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, the restored Old Town remains one of the most picturesque places, surrounded by ramparts and the Adriatic Sea. Maybe take a self-paced stroll through town to discover the 15th century Rector's Palace and the stunning baroque churches. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant showcasing Croatia’s traditional cuisine.

Included Activities:

Dubrovnik - Welcome Dinner

Optional Activities:

Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace (13 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence (4 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum (10 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car (27 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure (69 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip (27 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites) (35 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel Lero (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Mostar

Today, you’ll cross the border and travel into Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping at several scenic destinations along the way. Your first stop is Trebinje, where you’ll join your leader for a walking tour of the compact Old Town and its market square, followed by a stop at an Orthodox monastery to taste the renowned Tvrdos wine. After, head to Mostar, a picturesque old town home to numerous stone millhouses and quaint cobbled streets. But the star attraction is the world famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) which spans the Neretva River connecting the two sides of the city. Find a spot for lunch and then get to know the town in the company of an expert local guide – including why the locals have such a strong connection to coffee.

Included Activities:

Trebinje - Tvrdos Monastery Wine Tasting
Mostar - Guided Tour with Coffee Experience
Trebinje - Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

Mostar - Old Bridge Museum (5 EUR)

Accommodation:

Eden Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Sarajevo

Leave Mostar this morning and make your way toward Sarajevo, stopping in Konjic along the way. Here, you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets of former Yugoslavia – Tito's nuclear bunker. Built to protect Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and his top military personnel, this military bunker has only recently opened to the public. Step back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and what life was like in the not-so-distant past. After exploring the bunker, continue to Sarajevo and settle into your hotel. Then, head out to explore the city with an expert local guide.

Included Activities:

Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
Konjic - Orientaton Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel President (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Sarajevo

Head out on an orientation walk through Sarajevo this morning to get to know your surroundings and learn more about this historical city. With some free time to explore at your own pace after, you might taste your way through the market stalls of Bascarsija, visit one of the museums dedicated to the Yugoslav War or take a cable car up Trebevic Mountain for views of the city. Wrap up the day with a home-cooked meal shared with your hosts, Mustafa and Mersiha, who proudly claim their kitchen offers the best views over Sarajevo. Your evening begins with a lesson on making Bosnian pita, followed by a hearty meal of sogan dolma (stuffed onions) and dolam (stuffed paprika). Of course, you’ll get to try your freshly made pita, too!

Included Activities:

Sarajevo – Guided City Tour
Sarajevo - Cooking Demo and Home-made Dinner

Optional Activities:

Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum (5 BAM)
Sarajevo - Trebević Mountain Cable Car (20 BAM)
Sarajevo - War Tunnel (10 BAM)
Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (8 BAM)

Accommodation:

Hotel President (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Tara National Park

Today, travel to Serbia, with a stop in the small town of Visegrad. Here, a 16th-century bridge that inspired the Nobel Prize winning literary work ‘The Bridge on the Drina’ dominates the horizon. From Visegrad, you’ll head to Drina Canyon for a warm welcome to Serbia – a boat tour with local food tasting. After your scenic lunch, you’ll explore Tara National Park, boarding a steam train in Mokra Gora for a ride through forests and mountains. This stretch of railway is part of the renowned Ciro trail, connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea. Tonight, you’ll stay near the town of Zlatibor in your Feature Stay accommodation – a group of wooden chalets with their own private swimming pools and views of the surrounding countryside.

Included Activities:

Visegrad - Walking Tour
Drina Canyon - Boat Tour
Tara National Park - Steam Train

Accommodation:

Golden Chalets (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Tara National Park

Hop on board the longest gondola ride in the world today – the Gold Gondola, spanning 9000 m (29,530 ft) in length. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes before exploring the area on foot. After your ride, set off on a hike through the nature of Tornik mountain – the highest point of the Zlatibor Mountains – then drive through the winding roads toward Sirogojno village, known as one of the most beautiful villages in the country and declared as a Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance in Serbia. Recharge with a lunch break before a special experience in the village meeting local artisans. Check out their pottery, blacksmiths and cooper’s workshops, and basket weaving, then visit the Knitters Museum, where all products are still traditionally handmade. This is your opportunity to buy meaningful souvenirs and support the locals in the community.

Included Activities:

Sirogojno - Village Visit and Artisan Demonstrations.
Zlatibor - Panoramic Gondola Ride

Accommodation:

Golden Chalets (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Belgrade

Leave Zlatibor behind today and head to Belgrade. When you get to arrive, kick off your visit with a walking tour to discover the best of the city, from Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street to Kalemegam Park and the Belgrade Fortress, where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. This afternoon is free, so you might like to visit the city market or catch a trolleybus to Zemun – a Bohemian neighbourhood known for its cafes along the riverside promenade. Tonight, you’ll join your group for a farewell dinner as you toast to the end of your trip together.

Included Activities:

Belgrade - Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

Belgrade - Saint Sava Temple - Free
Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum (800 RSD)
Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum (300 RSD)
Belgrade - Military Museum (350 RSD)
Belgrade - National Museum (300 RSD)
Belgrade - Danube River Cruise (800 RSD)
Belgrade - Belgrade Fortress - Free
Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History (400 RSD)
Belgrade - House of Flowers (400 RSD)

Accommodation:

Hotel Royal Inn (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Belgrade

The day is yours to enjoy Belgrade and all it has to offer, including incredible Turkish coffee at a kafana – these traditional coffee houses date back to the Ottoman era. Since this adventure is a combination of trips, you will have a meeting at your hotel at 6pm this evening to meet your new leader and any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure. Then step out into Belgrade for dinner at a local restaurant.

Optional Activities:

Belgrade - Military Museum (350 RSD)
Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum (300 RSD)
Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum (800 RSD)
Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History (400 RSD)
Belgrade - House of Flowers (400 RSD)
Belgrade - Danube River Cruise (800 RSD)
Belgrade - National Museum (300 RSD)

Accommodation:

Mona Plaza Hotel Belgrade or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Timisoara

This morning, travel by private vehicle to Timisoara, crossing the Serbia-Romania border. Timisoara is a park-filled city where an uprising of local people sparked the Romanian Revolution in 1989. This saw the fall of the country’s Communist regime – reflecting the broader political change seen across Eastern Europe at the time. On a guided walking tour, you’ll take in some of Timisoara’s most significant sights – including the grand and aptly named Victory, Liberty and Union Squares – and learn more about the city’s history.

Included Activities:

Timisoara - City Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel Savoy Timisoara (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Sibiu

Head to Sibiu after breakfast, stopping on the way to visit Sarmizegetusa Regia – the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dacia. Romania’s answer to Stonehenge, Sarmizegetusa Regia was a centre of religious, military and political significance until it was invaded by the Romans in 102 AD. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest and most mysterious historical sites in Romania. After touring the site with a local guide, continue to Sibiu, where you’ll get acquainted with the cobbled streets and squares on a guided walking tour. Sibiu is known for its creative, bohemian atmosphere, rich history and architecture. Explore what remains of the city’s medieval walls and towers, cross the legend-shrouded Bridge of Lies and take in the grandeur of Brukenthal National Museum before a free evening.

Included Activities:

Sibiu - Evening Walking Tour
Sarmizegetusa Regia - Guided Tour

Accommodation:

Continental Forum Sibiu or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Sibiu

This morning head to the outskirts of the city to explore ASTRA Village Museum. Set across 96 acres surrounding a sparkling lake, this open-air living museum seeks to preserve, showcase and celebrate Romanian folk culture and traditional ways of life. Wander the grounds to discover reconstructed old dwellings, windmills and workshops and learn how Romanian people of centuries past grew food, raised families and made a living. The afternoon is free to visit the Orthodox Cathedral or admire the slightly less imposing (but equally magnificent) Gothic Lutheran church. Alternatively, grab a covrigi (a tasty Romanian pretzel), wander the old town and snap photos of the colourful, Wes Anderson-style architecture.

Included Activities:

Sibiu - ASTRA Village Museum

Optional Activities:

Sibiu - Brukenthal Palace National Museum (50 RON)
Sibiu Museum of Contemporary Art (15 RON)
Sibiu - Holy Trinity Cathedral - Free

Accommodation:

Continental Forum Sibiu or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Coltesti Village

Depart Sibiu and head to Alba Lulia – one of the oldest cities in Romania. It is home to an 18th-century citadel with a history that dates to Roman times. Shaped like a seven-point star, the fortress features a collection of ornate gates and vantage points, as well as numerous museums and cafes. Wander the cobbled streets with an expert guide to hear more about what went on within these ancient walls over the last two millennia. Next, drive to the Trascau Mountains to reach Coltesti and check in to Szekler Mansion – your exclusive Feature Stay. This evening, sit down for a traditional meal which might feature hearty bowls of borsch or goulash, locally made cheese and sarmale (smoky, meat-filled cabbage rolls).

Included Activities:

Alba Lulia - Citadel Tour

Accommodation:

Szekler Mansion (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Sighisoara

On your way to Sighisoara today, stop off at the Turda Salt Mine. This huge subterranean space was renovated and opened to the public in the early 1990s and resembles an alien planet or a Bond villain’s lair. Don’t forget to pack a sweatshirt – it gets chilly 119 m down! When you resurface, head to the nearby town Medias, where you can catch a glimpse of the Trumpeter Tower, a medieval structure with a distinctive tilt. Finish your journey in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sighisoara – your home for the next two nights and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure and inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Explore the colourful streets of Sighisoara’s old town on a guided walk and then enjoy a free evening.

Included Activities:

Turda - Salt Mines Tour
Sighisoara - Walking Tour

Accommodation:

Fronius Residence or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Sighisoara

Start your day by visiting the UNESCO World Hertiage site Biertan, home to a 15th century fortified church perched high on a hill in the centre of town. Then, drive to Malancrav for lunch in a bucolic setting – the Saxon village was once owned by one family, the Apafis, and populated with German farmers. Maybe see the Apafi Mansion and the 14th-century church that features the oldest wall paintings in Transylvania. Head back to Sighisoara after your sightseeing and spend the rest of the day exploring as you wish.

Included Activities:

Malancrav - Village Stop
Medias - Town Stop
Biertan - Town Stop

Accommodation:

Fronius Residence or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Brasov

After breakfast, set off for Brasov, making a pit stop at hilltop Rupea Fortress along the way. The restored citadel’s steep and rocky pathways spiral up to the highest point, offering sweeping views over the surrounding fields. Next, you'll visit Bran Castle – perhaps Romania’s most famous attraction, given its associations with the tale of Count Dracula. Vampire myths aside (it was never actually home to Vlad the Impaler or Bram Stoker), the forested surroundings and lofty location of this 14th-century castle is a great setting. This evening you’ll reach Brasov and have dinner together at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:

Rupea - Fortress Stop
Bran Castle - Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel Ambient or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Brasov

Your tour of Romanian castles continues with Peles. Built in the late 19th century, the neo-Renaissance creation is even more extravagant on the inside than it is on the outside. Return to Brasov and, in the afternoon, join your leader for a walk, learning about the city’s most notable sights. You’ll see the remnants of the old medieval fortifications, the Black Church – damaged in the 1689 Great Fire but now restored – and the wedge-shaped Council Square, lined with historic buildings. Round the day off with the Romanian sweet treat of chimney cake (or kurtoskolacs as the locals call it).

Included Activities:

Brasov - Walking Tour
Peles - Castle Visit
Brasov - Chimney Cake Tasting

Accommodation:

Hotel Ambient or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Bucharest

Today, you have a free morning in Brasov. Maybe seek out tiny String Street, which is 44 inches at its narrowest point or indulge in some Romanian sweet treats like papanasi (a sweet cream doughnut topped with blueberry jam). Depart the city and head for lunch in the Prahova Valley, where you’ll tour a local winery known for its sparkling rose in the mountain town of Azuga. Hit the road one last time, reaching Bucharest in the late afternoon.

Included Activities:

Azuga - Winery Tour and Tasting with Lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel Continental Forum Bucuresti or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Bucharest

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to spend some more time in Bucharest, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Optional Activities:

Bucharest - Village Museum (30 RON)
Bucharest - Bike Tour (25 EUR)
Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence (65 RON)
Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum (10 RON)
Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour (60 RON)
Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Tour (75 EUR)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $10,780

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 18 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 05 Jun 2026

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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