Balkan Explorer

This small-group tour from Just You takes its time crossing the Balkans, starting in Romania’s capital, Bucharest, with a look at the immense Parliament Palace and Revolution Square before crossing into Bulgaria. Veliko Tarnovo offers a glimpse of medieval sights like Tsarevets Fortress perched high above the Yantra River. Sofia brings neo-Byzantine cathedrals and an evening of traditional dance and song.

The journey continues through the Rila Mountains to the colourful Rila Monastery with its frescoed walls, then on to Skopje, where Ottoman bazaars share space with bold modern buildings. Serbia’s Belgrade adds lively riversides and mighty fortresses to the mix, with a brief detour to Niš and its Skull Tower. In Romania again, the Gothic Corvinilor Castle and the medieval heart of Sibiu lead to Brasov, gateway to the Carpathians and the Libearty Bear Sanctuary.

After a visit to Bran Castle and the neo-Renaissance Peles Castle, you return to Bucharest for a final shared meal. There’s no rush here, even if the borders cross quickly; the mix of capitals, mountains and quiet villages means varied rhythms and plenty of detail to notice on the way.