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Discover the traditions, culture and folklore of the Balkans, plus the legend of Count Dracula and his home, Bran Castle in Transylvania, on this fascinating Grand Explorer coach holiday. This carefully planned itinerary covers the charming towns and cities of Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade and Plovdiv. What’s more, you’ll also have the opportunity to see the best of Sofia in Bulgaria, Sinaia and Bucharest in Romania, and the capital of Hungary, Budapest, on our optional guided sightseeing tours. This holiday is part of our GRAND EXPLORER range.
19 days from £2,099 pp
We offer flexible payment options
Once you have booked your tour either online, or by telephone ( 01709 787 463 ), you have the flexibility of how you pay off the remainder of your balance. You can:
Our contact and online banking payment details will be on your confirmation invoice to remind you of your choices.
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to northern France for an overnight stay.
Continue to the northern Italy area for an overnight stay.
Today we make our way across Italy past the cities of Parma and Bologna and onto the port at Ancona. Here we board our overnight ferry for the sailing to Split in Croatia. Our evening meal will be served on board. Please note: your driver will be required to collect your passport in order for you to be checked-in before boarding the ferry. Please ensure you have your passport to hand. It is advisable to pack a small overnight bag for this evening.
We arrive in Split this morning and disembark the ferry. We commence our journey south crossing the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina and pausing at the city of Mostar situated on the Neretva River. During Turkish occupation a bridge, known as the Stari Most, was built across the river. Only 20 years ago, 90% of the city was destroyed. The Stari Most itself became the symbol of the city when it was totally destroyed during the Croatia-Bosnia conflict in the early 1990’s. Since the end of the war the bridge has been painstakingly rebuilt. There will be free time in Mostar for you to explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the bazaar. Perhaps visit the well-preserved 350-year-old Turkish House furnished for a Bosnian family of some stature, (entrance extra, approximately €2). After free time we continue to the capital, Sarajevo where we stay overnight.
Included highlights
Sarajevo is one of the most historically interesting and varied cities in Europe. It has been both an example of historical turbulence and the clash of civilizations, as well as a beacon of hope for peace and tolerance through multi-cultural integration. Today the city has physically recovered from most of the war damage caused by Yugoslav Wars of 1992-1995. It is now a cosmopolitan European capital with a unique Eastern twist. Sarajevo became the only city outside of the European Union to be nominated for the European Capital of culture in 2014. To get the most from your visit, join our included guided sightseeing tour before we head north into Serbia and to Belgrade for a two-night stay.
Included highlights
Belgrade lies on the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It has a long history dating back to the 4th century BC when the area was first settled by Celtic tribes. Later it became the Roman city of Singidunum and relics of that era can still be seen in the city, particularly the Kalemegdan Fortress. During the Middle Ages the town became a Serbian stronghold until the Ottoman invasion. Then, in 1878, when Serbia received its independence, Belgrade became the capital. Join our included sightseeing tour of Belgrade’s main attractions including the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, Republic square, Saint Sava Temple and of course Tito’s Memorial. (Entrances not included)
Included highlights
Our journey today takes us south through Serbia and over the border into Bulgaria. We continue to the capital city of Sofia where we stay for the next two nights.
Today is free for you to relax and explore this wonderful capital city at your own pace. Alternatively, why not join our optional guided sightseeing tour to introduce you to the main sights. Accompany our local English-speaking Guide on an informative sightseeing tour of this fantastic capital city. We start by coach passing the Levski Monument, which commemorates the hanging of the Bulgarian national hero and major revolutionary figure, Vasil Levski. We then leave the coach and continue on foot along the ‘Yellow Brick Road’. We pass the Monument to the Tsar Liberator, an equestrian monument erected in honour of the Russian Emperor Alexander II who liberated Bulgaria of Ottoman Rule. We continue past the Russian Church, a magnificent example of a Byzantine style Cathedral surrounded by picturesque gardens and then onto the Presidency Building, home to the Bulgarian Presidents official chambers. Sofia is the largest city in the country and is a dynamic Eastern European capital. It is distinguished by its unique combination of European and Communist style architecture and is also home to many beautiful orthodox churches. In the administrative centre of Sofia, the streets are yellow. The pavement was laid at the beginning of the 20th century and was a present to the Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand for his wedding from the Austrian-Hungarian Royal family.
Included highlights
Optional highlights
This morning we leave Sofia after breakfast and head east to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second largest city. Located on the banks of the Maritsa River Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, incorporating into its history a Neolithic settlement, a Thracian hub and a Roman cultural and economic centre. Nearly all of the historical attractions are situated in and around the Old Town, a tree lined maze of cobblestone streets, shops, museums and Roman ruins. The city’s main draw however is the impressive amphitheatre. Discovered by chance after a mudslide in the 1970s and restored by the Bulgarian Conservation School. The theatre dates from A.D 98, and now stands on a hill overlooking the city, set against the green backdrop of the Rodopi Mountains. We continue our journey, which takes us north through the beautiful Stara Planina Mountain scenery and continue to our overnight hotel in Veliko Tarnovo.
Included highlights
We spend the morning at leisure in the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo. Located in the heart of Bulgaria, the town clings to a hill high above the Yantra River on the edge of the Stara Planina mountain range. This was Bulgaria’s capital during the Middle Ages and the city retains many of its medieval features. To make the most of your visit, why not join our optional sightseeing tour with local English speaking guide? The old part of the city is situated on three hills Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora. Although the town is fairly large, walking is the best way to see Veliko Turnovo, as the main attractions are within easy reach. Later, we travel the short distance to Arbanassi, once a favourite summer residence of the Bulgarian kings and home to the Church of the Nativity, built in 1637. Arbanassi is located on a high plateau, sandwiched between the larger towns of Veliko Tarnovo and Gorna Oryahovitsa. After free time we continue across the Danube, which forms the border with Romania, and onto Bucharest for a two-night stay.
Included highlights
Optional highlights
The Romanian capital has a long and turbulent history, but in recent years has transformed itself to former glories. Once known as ‘Little Paris’ tranquil parks and gardens sit alongside wide, tree-lined boulevards, which all help to contribute to Bucharest’s beauty. To make the most of your visit, why not join our optional city tour, which will give you an insight into the history of this fine capital. Our local English-speaking guide will take you on a fascinating sightseeing tour by coach. We start by passing the Parliament Palace the world’s second largest building (after the US Pentagon) and certainly Europe’s largest building. Formerly named ‘Casa Poporului’ (People’s House), the Parliament Palace spans 12 stories, 3100 rooms and covers 330,000 sq m. We continue past Piata Universitatii where some of the fiercest fighting during the 1989 Revolution took place. We also see the 27 metre high Triumphal Arch, based on Paris' namesake monument. It was built in 1935 to commemorate the reunification of Romania in 1918. Sites of WWI battles are inscribed inside the arch, while King Ferdinand and Queen Marie feature on its southern façade.
Included highlights
Optional highlights
We leave Bucharest and head to Sinaia, often referred to as ‘the Pearl of the Carpathians’. It is located in a beautiful mountain region in the foothills of the Bucegi Mountins. Whilst in Sinaia we include a visit to the Monastery and also Peles Castle (entrances included). Peles Castle is considered to be one of the most romantic in the world. After spending time here we continue to the village of Bran and to the ‘spine chilling’ Bran Castle (entrance included). According to legend, this was once the home of Count Dracula. Later we travel to nearby Brasov where we stay for two nights.
Included highlights
Fringed by the peaks of the southern Carpathian Mountains, Brasov contains some fine examples of gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture. The city is also home to the Rope Street, possibly the narrowest street in Europe. The Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is approximately four feet wide and links Cerbului Street with Poarta Schei Street. We start the morning with an included orientation tour of Brasov Old Town. See the famous Black Church, (Biserica Neagra), the largest gothic church in Romania. Its name derives from damage caused by the Great Fire of 1689, when flames and smoke blackened its walls. The interior is impressive and well-kept and houses one of the largest organs in Eastern Europe. This afternoon is spent at leisure allowing you to explore the Old Town Square (Piata Sfatului) where you can admire the colourfully painted and ornately trimmed baroque architecture.
Included highlights
We visit the pretty medieval town of Sighisoara, a tranquil village nestled within stone city walls. Meander around the cobblestone streets and admire the ancient houses and churches. Behind the charming exterior however, Sighisoara holds a dark secret. According to legend, it was the birthplace of the notorious Vlad the Impaler (Dracula). Later we continue by way of Tirgu Mures to Cluj Napoca, the historic capital of Transylvania for an overnight stay.
Included highlights
We leave our hotel after breakfast and commence our journey west, crossing the border into Hungary. We continue to the capital, Budapest for a two-night stay.
Today you will have the full day to discover the Hungarian capital of Budapest. The city is composed of two historically independent communities, Buda and Pest, separated by the majestic River Danube. Our optional guided sightseeing tour will introduce you to the city’s array of spectacular sights. This afternoon why not take to the water for an optional cruise on the famous Danube River with lunch included. The Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga, which flows through central Russia. Classified as an international waterway, the Danube originates in the town of Donaueschingen in the Black Forest of Germany. It then flows southeast for almost 3,000 km passing through four Central European capitals before emptying into the Black Sea. Our cruise, during which a commentary will be provided, will take you along the majestic Danube River allowing you to take in the spectacular views of Budapest. A sumptuous lunch of traditional Hungarian dishes is provided, alongside a complimentary drink from the bar. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore the city on your own, maybe take a stroll by the river or visit the tempting stores of the Vaci Utca street, ensuring that your time in this wonderful city is certainly something to remember.
Included highlights
Optional highlights
We leave Budapest today and head towards Austria and the Imperial City of Vienna, which is without question, one of Europe’s great cities. After a brief visit we continue to the Vocklabruck or Salzburg area for an overnight stay.
Included highlights
We have an early start this morning as we continue our journey north through the heart of the German countryside and into Belgium and our overnight hotel.
Return home.
Travel Insurance from £42.00 (19 days) (includes insurance premium tax, prices per person). Single Room Supplement from £399.00 (19 days).
Book online OR call our friendly travel advisers on:
01709 787 463
If you prefer, then you can join the tour at the hotel. To do this, we will require a copy of your passport for identification purposes and you must advise us at the time of booking.
No reduction will be given if you should choose to do this.
We are unable to guarantee that the hotel will be able to meet your dietary requirements. We find that the majority of European countries do not generally cater for vegetarians and that the meal supplied may well be what everyone else is having minus the meat.
We will of course endeavour to arrange for a vegetarian meal at the hotel. We do however suggest that you advise us of your dietary requests at the time of booking and recommend that you speak to the receptionist on arrival with regard to your request.
Throughout the tour, you will stay in minimum 3-star hotels. All hotels will have a restaurant and bar and all bedrooms have en suite facilities and modern amenities.
On your overnight ferry sailing, accommodation will be in two-berth en suite cabins.
Front row seats can be reserved for £14pp (up to 6 days' duration), £22pp (7 & 8 days' duration) and £25pp (9 days' duration and over) on all European tours. This offer is only available for bookings of two or four persons on the front row and is subject to availability. In addition to this, seats on the second row can be reserved for £7pp (up to 6 days duration), £14pp (7 & 8 days duration) and £17pp (9 days duration and over). Guaranteed front/second row seats cannot be reserved on transfer journeys to/from the interchange. Children under 15 years cannot occupy a front row seat due to French Law. Central view seats are free.
Please note: On some coaches the legroom on front seats may be slightly less than that available on other seats due to the presence of a modesty board in front.
If your tour is cancelled for any reason and front/second row seats are not available on your new tour, you will be refunded the supplement. No other compensation will be payable.
Alternatively, we can take seating requests on your booking. However, requests are not guaranteed. All seat numbers are confirmed on travel documents approximately 7-10 days prior to departure.
Transfer coaches are routed approximately 2-3 weeks before departure. The route taken depends on where paassengers are booked to travel from on any particular date as to which route is taken. If you require further detailed information regarding the route to the port you can contact our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333 two weeks before you are due to travel.
With regard to the route taken by the main tour coach, this is determined by the driver.
When it comes to getting you to your destination, Leger Holidays make it easy, with a selection of travel options for you to choose from.
You can join your coach at your nearest joining point – we’ve hundreds to choose from throughout England, Scotland and Wales. To find your nearest pick up, search using your postcode below.
*Please note pickups are subject to availability.
Why not go the night before your tour for a relaxing start?
You can park for FREE for up to seven days at the Holiday Inn Ashford North and enjoy an overnight stay with English breakfast from just £39.50 per person (Based on 2 sharing a twin/double room on a B&B basis, subject to availability. Single supplements and terms and conditions apply.) We’ll then collect you from the hotel on the day of departure and return you there at the end of your holiday.
To book this package, please call the hotel on 01233 713333, quoting ‘Leger Holidays’ and your booking reference. If your holiday is longer than seven days you can pay for additional days’ parking. Ask one of our friendly reservations team for more details when you book your holiday
On most holidays if you’d prefer to join your tour coach at Stop 24 services, you can park your car in the car park which is accredited by the Park Mark safer parking scheme and is monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV. Payment for the parking is made on arrival using the self-service machines. Excludes holidays to Ireland and the U.K. and tours travelling via Brittany Ferries.
On Single Traveller holidays and coach holidays of 7 days’ duration or more, you don’t even have to think about getting to your local joining point. If you live within 20 miles of one of our free joining points we’ll pick you up from your home and take you to meet your transfer vehicle, then return you back home at the end of your holiday. The cost is from £35 per booking each way for up to four people per booking.
If you live a little further afield, you can also take advantage of this convenient option for an additional charge – please enquire at the time of booking.
Travelled on this tour? You can submit your review to: feedback@leger.co.uk
To book this tour, just give our friendly team a call on 01709 787 463 or book online at www.leger.co.uk
