Grand Balkan Tour 2027: 19 Days Across 9 Countries
Discover the Balkans on an unforgettable 19-day guided journey across 9 countries, from Romania’s medieval Transylvania to Slovenia’s Alpine landscapes. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, magnificent castles, historic cities, Adriatic coastlines, and hidden gems. Enjoy authentic local experiences, traditional cuisine, scenic boat excursions, and carefully curated sightseeing with Balkland’s expert local guides. Small-group departures available in 2027.
- Cluj-Napoca & Turda Salt Mine
- Sibiu & Sighișoara Medieval Towns
- Bran Castle & Peleș Royal Castle
- Bucharest Tour & Parliament
- Veliko Tarnovo & Tsarevets Fortress
Dates & Prices
Pick a date
November 2027
Itinerary (Day Wise)
Welcome to Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania’s largest city, whose international airport has direct flights from across Europe. On arrival at Cluj Airport, meet your Balkland tour leader and driver for the short transfer to your 4–5★ hotel.
For arrivals by 14:00, enjoy an afternoon walk through the old town: Union Square, St Michael’s Church, the statue of Matthias Corvinus and the lively streets of this university city. Later arrivals may have adjusted sightseeing arrangements.
In the evening, gather for a traditional Transylvanian welcome dinner as your 19-day Grand Balkan journey begins.
Overnight: Cluj-Napoca, Romania – 4–5★ hotel.
Included
Tour Information
Read this to prepare for your tour in the best way!
- Accommodation in highly rated 4–5★ hotels (double/twin)
- Meals as listed in the tour itinerary
- Private, air-conditioned transport throughout
- Bottled water on board during drives only
- English-speaking tour leader throughout
- Certified local guides at select sites (EN)
- Admissions/activities included as listed
Accommodation Details
Best facilities with no added cost.
| City - Country | Accommodation | Check In - Check Out |
|---|---|---|
| Cluj-Napoca – Romania | DoubleTree by Hilton Cluj City Centre 4★ (or similar, same level) | Oct 04 – Oct 05 |
| Sibiu – Romania | Continental Forum Sibiu 4★ (or similar, same level) | Oct 05 – Oct 06 |
| Brașov – Romania | Grand Hotel Belvedere (or similar) | Oct 06 – Oct 07 |
| Bucharest – Romania | Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town 4★ (or similar, same level) | Oct 07 – Oct 08 |
| Veliko Tarnovo – Bulgaria | Grand Hotel & Therme Veliko Tarnovo 4★ (or similar, same level) | Oct 08 – Oct 09 |
| Plovdiv – Bulgaria | DoubleTree by Hilton Plovdiv Center 4★ (or similar, same level) | Oct 09 – Oct 10 |
- DoubleTree by Hilton Cluj City Centre4★ (or similar, same level)Cluj-Napoca – Romania · Oct 04 – Oct 05
- Continental Forum Sibiu4★ (or similar, same level)Sibiu – Romania · Oct 05 – Oct 06
- Grand Hotel Belvedere (or similar)Brașov – Romania · Oct 06 – Oct 07
- Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town4★ (or similar, same level)Bucharest – Romania · Oct 07 – Oct 08
- Grand Hotel & Therme Veliko Tarnovo4★ (or similar, same level)Veliko Tarnovo – Bulgaria · Oct 08 – Oct 09
- DoubleTree by Hilton Plovdiv Center4★ (or similar, same level)Plovdiv – Bulgaria · Oct 09 – Oct 10
Need to Know
Things to consider before the trip!
Currency & Payments
The Grand Balkan Journey visits nine countries using several currencies. Euros are used in many destinations, while local currency is recommended for markets, cafés, and smaller towns. ATMs are widely available, and cards are accepted in most hotels and many restaurants.
- Romania: Romanian Leu (RON)
- Bulgaria: Euro (EUR)
- North Macedonia: Macedonian Denar (MKD)
- Albania: Albanian Lek (ALL)
- Montenegro: Euro (EUR)
- Croatia: Euro (EUR)
- Bosnia & Herzegovina: Convertible Mark (BAM / KM)
- Serbia: Serbian Dinar (RSD)
- Slovenia: Euro (EUR)
Exchange rates may change. We recommend checking current rates before departure.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. In restaurants and cafés, rounding up or leaving approximately 5–10% for good service is common. Gratuities for local guides and drivers are welcome and entirely at your discretion.
Electricity, Wi-Fi & Water
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. European plug types C and F are common; a universal adapter is recommended.
- Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels, cafés, and restaurants. Mobile roaming charges may vary between EU and non-EU countries.
- Water: Tap water is generally safe in many major cities, but local conditions vary. Bottled water is widely available.
Weather
May departure (3–21 May 2027): Expect generally mild spring temperatures, green landscapes, and occasional rain. Mountain destinations and evenings may be cooler.
October departure (4–22 October 2027): Autumn brings beautiful seasonal colors, cooler mornings and evenings, and shorter daylight hours. Coastal destinations are generally milder than inland and mountain areas.
Weather varies considerably across the nine countries. We recommend checking forecasts shortly before departure and packing comfortable layers.
Flexibility
Daily timings are approximate and may change due to traffic, border procedures, weather, attraction opening hours, or local conditions. Boat excursions at Matka Canyon, Lake Ohrid, Perast, and Lake Bled are subject to safe weather conditions and local operations. The order of visits may be adjusted to ensure a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable journey.
Photo & Video
Photos and videos may be taken during the tour for Balkland's promotional purposes, including our website, social media, and brochures. If you prefer not to appear in promotional content, please inform your tour leader at the beginning of the journey. We will respect your preferences.
Payment & Cancellation
Payment schedules and cancellation terms depend on the booking arrangements and group size. Your confirmed booking documents and Balkland Terms & Conditions provide the applicable details. Certain services, such as special attraction tickets or non-refundable reservations, may have separate cancellation restrictions.
Balkland tour reviews
Real guest stories from the Balkans.
Tour review
Grand Balkan Tour 2027: 19 Days Across 9 Countries
"Súper bien nos hubiera gustado tener guía en español y no deberían mezclar gente de diferentes idiomas esto nos llevó a sentirnos excluidos…"
Everything we did was fantastic
Grand Balkan Tour 2027: 19 Days Across 9 Countries
"Wow - what can I say!! Everything we did was fantastic. We achieved so much in such a short time - 21 days. The itinerary was broad and comp…"
A very special vacation!!
Grand Balkan Tour 2027: 19 Days Across 9 Countries
"I had a fabulous time as we went through 9 countries of the Balkans. The experience was extremely rewarding. The local guides of each countr…"
Perfect Balkan Tours
Grand Balkan Tour 2027: 19 Days Across 9 Countries
"This tour operator is known for delivering top-class, luxurious travel experiences. Guests consistently praise the seamless organization, fr…"
We were a group of nine friends
Grand Balkan Tour 2027: 19 Days Across 9 Countries, Balkan Discovery Tour 2027: 12 Days Across 6 Countries
"We were a group of nine friends on an inaugural 28-day tour through Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Mike and his team put…"