17D15N BALKANS EXTREME

DEPARTURE FROM MANILA

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.
ESTIMATED TIME OF DEPARTURE FOR BRASOV: 03:45 PM
ESTIMATED TRAVEL DISTANCE FROM BUCHAREST TO BRASOV: 185 KM
(3-4 HOURS DRIVE)
ESTIMATED ARRIVAL AT THE HOTEL: 07:45 PM
Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a Brasov City Tour with photo stops at Piata Sfatului (Council Square) and Biserica Neagra (Black Church), followed by a stroll along Brasov’s Historic
Streets.

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.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy Bucharest City Tour. Explore the highlights of Romania's capital, with photo
stops at iconic landmarks such as the grand Parliament Palace, one of the largest
administrative buildings in the world; the Arc of Triumph, which stands as a symbol of
Romanian independence; and the charming Old Town, renowned for its vibrant
streets and architecture.

Pass by the historic Opera House and the Village Museum, an open-air museum
showcasing traditional Romanian rural life.

Then photo stop at Revolution Square, rich with the history of the 1989 revolution,
and the stunning Romanian Athenaeum, a 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.

Breakfast at the hotel. 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 a photo stop outside some of the city's
most iconic landmarks, such as the Tsarevets Fortress (from outside), Saint Nicholas
Russian Orthodox Church, and the Church of St. Peter and Paul.

After exploring Veliko Tarnovo, transfer to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city. Upon arrival,
dinner at the hotel.

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

Next, 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.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a City Tour of Skopje, with photo stops at the Kale
Fortress, Stone Bridge, Macedonia Square, the Alexander the Great Statue and
Fountain, Daut Pasha Hammam, the Old Bazaar, Mother Teresa Memorial House,
and the Old Railway Station.

Your next destination is Ohrid, North Macedonia's renowned tourist hub. Enjoy a
City Tour of Ohrid, including a walk through the city with photo stops at the Old
Bazaar, the Old Chinar Tree, a Pearl Shop, Ohrid Square, the Upper Gate, Samoil's
Fortress, the Ancient Theatre, the Church of St. Sophia, and St. Jovan.
NOTE: SOME OF THESE LANDMARKS CAN BE VIEWED FROM THE BOAT
DURING AN OPTIONAL TOUR.

Dinner at the hotel.

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,
the St. Naum Monastery is a popular day trip where you can enjoy both nature and
religious heritage.

Dinner at the hotel.

Depart from Ohrid in the morning and travel to Tirana. Explore the city's highlights
during a short tour, immersing yourself in its vibrant culture and history.

Continue to the Coastal Gem of Budva, Montenegro, where you can enjoy an
evening city tour of the charming old town and beautiful seaside.

Dinner at the hotel.

BUDVA - KOTOR - DUBROVNIK (B/-/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the Kotor Guided City Tour, with photo stops at the
Square of Arms, Beskuca Palace, Byzantine Palace, Pima Palace, St. Tryphon
Palace, Maritime Museum, North Gate, and the city walls.

Proceed to the Kotor checkpoint, then continue to Dubrovnik. Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Experience the enchanting Dubrovnik Guided City Tour, where you’ll have the
opportunity to capture stunning photographs at iconic locations such as the historic
Dubrovnik Old Town, the magnificent Dubrovnik City Walls (from outside), the
picturesque Onofrio Fountain, the bustling Harbor, and the impressive Rector's
Palace.

Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to Mostar (APPROXIMATELY A 3-HOUR DRIVE)
for the Mostar Guided City Tour.

Enjoy photo stops at Stari Most (Old Bridge), the Old Bazaar, and Koski Mehmed
Pasha Mosque.

Transfer to Sarajevo for the Sarajevo Guided City Tour, with photo stops at
Baščaršija (the old bazaar), Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Latin Bridge, Sebilj Fountain,
and Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica).

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 war.

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

Breakfast at the hotel. We will be departing from Bosnia and making our way to
Bihac, which is approximately a five-hour drive.
Upon arrival, dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, the group will head out for a guided tour of Plitvice National Park,
organized by Plitvice Harmony D.O.O. The park is a renowned UNESCO site famous
for its cascading lakes and stunning natural beauty.

Following the tour, the group will explore Zagreb with photo stops at key landmarks,
including Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, Upper and Lower
Town, Dolac Market, and the Islamic Center and Mosque, allowing for photo
opportunities at each location.

Upon arrival, dinner at the hotel.

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the famous
Postojna Cave, known for its impressive underground landscapes.

After exploring the cave, the journey continues to Bled, a charming town in
Slovenia, where you'll enjoy a boat ride on the Pletna across the picturesque Lake
Bled.

Enjoy the Bled City Tour. Photo stops at the town's highlights, including the scenic
Lake Bled, its island with the Church of the Assumption of Mary, and sightsee Bled
Castle perched high above the lake with stunning views of the Julian Alps.

The tour continues in Ljubljana with photo stops at key attractions like the Farmers
Market, Town Hall, Ljubljana Cathedral, Three Bridges, National Library, and
Preseren Square. Dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll head to Ljubljana airport to 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 adventure.

Arrival in Manila