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Days
16
Price from
4300EUR
Map of Eastern Europe Experience including Bulgaria, Serbia and Turkey

Discover the beautiful Balkans, from metropolises to meadows and mountains

Embrace romance on this 16-day tour through Serbia and Bulgaria that finishes in Istanbul. Explore whimsical villages like Drvengrad, wander glorious Serbian meadows in Tara National Park, and learn about Serbian identity in Nis. In Bulgaria, be charmed by the hearty food and opulent buildings of Sofia, discover a 10th-century monastery in the Rila Mountains, and spend three nights on the Black Sea Coast. With local guides to illuminate the historic sights and cities along the way, this trip is a feast of ancient cultures, untouched wilderness and some of the best food and drink in Europe.

Start
Belgrade, Serbia
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Destinations
Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey
Style
Peregrine
Code
PEEE
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore cultural and architectural delights of Sofia on a tour with a local guide, stopping along the way to indulge in local delicacies like shopska (cucumber salad), ukanka (semi-dried salami) and wine.

  • Step back in time and onto cobbled streets in the open-air ethnographic museums in Plovdiv and Etar, where vintage machinery and traditional craftspeople contribute to living history.

  • Observe the architectural grand jewels of Turkey from the water during a cruise along the narrow Bosphorus strait that bisects the city and separates Europe and Asia.....

  • Nis, rich in a history of Serbian rebellion, demands to be explored with a local. Let a passionate guide tell you the stories of their city while they show you the sights.

  • Look for waterbirds and turtles on a cruise through the tranquil marshes of the Ropotamo Nature Reserve.

  • Enjoy a Serbian gastronomy cooking experience with a local food expert who specialises in Western Serbian cuisine. 

Is this trip right for you?

  • Summer temperatures can reach 40°C or higher in some areas, so it's important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. While this is a great opportunity to chat with like-minded travellers, you can purchase a single room supplement (where available) if you'd prefer not to share. Note that many hotels in Europe don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

  • Part of travelling with Peregrine means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. You will visit several religious buildings on this trip which require men and women to cover from shoulder to knee. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

  • While we have thoroughly researched this area of the world to put together this adventure, please be advised that this is a new trip for Intrepid. To be frank, things may not always go to plan. When we head to new destinations, we usually find there are more pleasant surprises in store than unpleasant ones, but the warning is sincere. If this concerns you, we recommend you wait a year until the trip has been ironed out.

Walk through Kalemegdan Park on a visit to Belgrade Fortress in Serbia
Explore the streets of Istanbul and enjoy al fresco dining
Visit the Ancient Roman theatre of old town Plovdiv, Bulgaria
The Bulgarian stronghold of Tsarevets in Veliko Tarnovo
Rila monastery ceiling fresco in Bulgaria
Visit the unique Drvengrad Ethno village in Serbia

Itinerary
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Welcome to Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Enjoy an included airport transfer to your hotel from Belgrade airport. Your adventure officially begins this evening at 6 pm at a welcome meeting, followed by an included dinner with your fellow travellers and tour leader. Get to know each other over some Serbian food and perhaps enjoy a glass of Slivovitz (Serbian brandy) later on.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Royal Inn Belgrade or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
  • Museum of Contemporary Art - RSD600
  • Belgrade - Tito’s Mausoleum (House of Flowers) - RSD400
  • Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD200
  • Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD500
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Please inform your travel agent or Peregrine representative of your flight details a least two weeks prior to departure in order to organise your airport transfer.

The morning is yours to do as you please. Perhaps take a wander through the historic, bohemian Skadarlija street and imagine life as an impoverished 20th-century poet. In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to Drvengrad (4 hours). This traditional-style Serbian village was constructed under the direction of filmmaker Emir Kusturica, inspired by the ancient city of Ephesus, his memories of pre-war Sarajevo and a utopian ideal of village life. Kusturica’s film Life is a Miracle (2004) was filmed in Drvengrad and the town has since hosted several festivals. Spend the evening at your feature stay in this whimsical village, where the streets are named for revolutionaries and artists.
Accommodation
  • Mecavnik Festival Village (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning you will further immerse yourself in antiquity with a ride on the Sargan Eight Railway. Board this old-fashioned train and travel along a narrow-gauge railway, which snakes (in the shape of a figure eight) around the mountain. Views of woodland and small villages greet you as you gaze out the window while the train slowly gains 300 metres in altitude. Your included lunch today is a real treat – a leisurely Serbian gastronomy experience with a cooking class hosted by a local villager, specialising in Western Serbian Cuisine. You can expect to prepare a range of typical dishes which may include some of the following, depending on seasonality: muckalica (barbequed meat and vegetable stew) or the vegetarian equivalent (duvec), burek (pastries, filled and baked), gibanica (cheese and egg pastry dish), cakes and preserves. All ingredients are locally grown and sourced. The experience is part of a locally developed sustainable tourism initiative, which is hoped to replace more impactful economical activities such as logging and hunting, and preserve local cultural heritage. The income the family receives from our visit stays within the community. After lunch, explore the serene Tara National Park on a 2-hour hike to the spongy meadows of Red Creek natural reserve. After your hike, return to Drvengrad for the evening and enjoy an included dinner in this unique village.
Accommodation
  • Mecavnik Festival Village (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Western Serbian Gastronomy Experience with Cooking Class & Lunch
  • Sargan Eight Heritage Railway
  • Hike in Tara National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Make the approximately 4.5-hour journey from Drvengrad to Nis by private vehicle, breaking up the drive with some stops along the way. On arrival in Nis, set out on a guided tour of the city with a passionate local. Nis has a rich history, occupied by the Romans, the Slavs and the Ottoman Turks, among others. The city was the staging ground for numerous Serbian rebellions and uprisings until it was absorbed by the Serbian state in 1878. Continue to Bubanj Memorial Park to observe the Three Fists monument, dedicated to the memory of local people executed in WWII. Enjoy a free evening to explore or relax in Nis. Perhaps ask your leader to point you in the direction of Tinkers Alley – a great place to grab a meal or sit and people watch.
Accommodation
  • New City Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bubanj Memorial Park
  • Nis Walking Tour with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Leave Nis behind to and make the 3-hour drive to Sofia, a city where Soviet, Ottoman, Russian and Bulgarian Renaissance influence is evident in the architecture. In the afternoon embark on an Urban Adventures tour of the city with a local guide, learning history while you sample local food and drinks. Wonder at icons like the National Theatre and King’s Palace and refuel with snacks such as shopska (cucumber salad) and a glass of ayran (yoghurt drink). This 3-hour tour offers a fantastic introduction to the cultural and culinary delights of Sofia, after which you are free to explore on your own.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Coop or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sofia - Food, Heritage, and Culture Urban Adventure
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Enjoy an entire day to explore Sofia at your leisure. Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and pleasant parks. There are a number of optional activities today that your leader can help you parse, so remember to ask them for advice. Maybe begin with a browse around the cured meats and cheese of the Central Market Hall, then take a walk through the city and see the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Church. You might want to sate your cultural curiosity at the National History Museum, discover artefacts from the many empires of old that have occupied the city at the National Archaeological Museum, or get cultural at the National Art Gallery. The Museum of Socialist Art is an interesting place to spend an hour or two observing propaganda and other works from Bulgaria’s time as a Communist state. Or perhaps head to Vitosha Boulevard to wander and sip coffee. In the evening why not meet up with your group for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Coop or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Sofia - Breakfast with Sofia Urban Adventure - EUR36
  • Sofia - National Art Gallery - BGN10
  • Sofia - National History Museum - BGN10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel into the Rila Mountains on a 2-hour drive through incredible scenery to the Rila Monastery. Founded in the 10th century by canonised hermit St John of Rila, the complex has architectural features that span from the 11th to the 19th century. Spend some time wandering under the curved arches and admiring colourful frescoes at the monastery, then continue driving to Plovdiv (approximately 4.5 hours) past lakes, farmland and scenic rural scenes. Arrive in Plovdiv and in the evening. If you have the energy, why not ask your leader where to grab a bite to eat. Plovdiv is a fairly relaxed city with a great casual dining scene.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Evmolpia or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rila - Monastery Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Spend the morning on a tour of Plovdiv with a local guide, getting a feel for the city’s history and culture. Visit the Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum, housed in a stately 19th-century home. Continue to Yustina Winery for lunch. There is a proud tradition of winemaking in the Balkans and you’ll have the opportunity to try a few local varieties during your meal. In the afternoon visit the Bachkovo Monastery, a handsome stone building set over a ledge atop a valley. The 17th-century Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa features frescoes painted by Bulgarian master Zahari Zograf, in addition to many other beautiful murals in the complex. Return to Plovdiv for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Evmolpia or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yustina Winery Visit with Wine Tasting & Lunch
  • Bachkovo Monastery Visit
  • Plovdiv Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Spend the day as you please in Plovdiv. Perhaps walk through the Old Town to Nebet Tepe, a hilltop lookout where the remains of a fortress can be found. From the hill the views of the city are spectacular, and the unassuming ruins offer a little slice of ancient life from one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Then maybe return to the Old Town and grab a coffee or a beer and watch the world go by. Plovdiv is perfect for you to aimlessly wander through its narrow alleyways to see traditional coppersmiths, farriers and potters at work, or browse through the myriads of antique shops lining the streets. Alternatively discover one of the many hot springs in the Plovdiv region. One of the most well-known spa towns is Hisarya, famous for its 22 mineral springs. Your leader will be on hand to help you organise transportation to get there. No matter what you do remember to embrace aylyak – roughly translated as a state of relaxation and openness – while you’re here.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Evmolpia or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Plovdiv - Hisarya Hot Springs - BGN50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a 3-hour journey to Veliko Tarnovo, stopping en route at Etar Ethnographic Village. Founded in the 1960s, this open-air museum recreates a typical Bulgarian town from the late 18th century. It features wooden bridges leading over streams, traditional craftspeople forging their wares, traditional shops and a tavern and a working water mill. Spend some time here in the past, then continue to Veliko Tarnovo, arriving in time for an optional lunch with the group. In the afternoon, explore Tsarevets Fortress – a medieval stronghold – with a local guide. The fortress, restored to its 14th-century glory, is home to the remains of a monastery, houses, workshops and churches from between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Concorde or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
  • Etar Ethnographic Village
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Spend the morning as you please in Veliko Tarnovo. Located seven kilometres north of the city is the Transfiguration Monastery, a small complex that nonetheless features some frescoes by Zahari Zograf in a peaceful environment. Ask your leader about how to organise a taxi if you wish to visit before you leave town. In the afternoon, take a 4-hour private transfer to Sozopol. Seaside Sozopol is your introduction to the glorious Bulgarian Coast. Enjoy an included dinner with your group and embrace the breezy lifestyle of the seaside.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Sea Sense or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Embark on a day trip to the coastal hinterland. Just a few kilometres from town, see the fantastical Castle of Ravadinovo, designed by Georgi Kostadinov Tumpalov in a whimsical fairy-tale style. Spend some time exploring inside and in the extravagant gardens, wandering over arched bridges and admiring the peacocks and swans that roam. Continue to the Ropotamo Nature Reserve and set off on a boat tour of the park’s eponymous river. Cruise through the peaceful marshes and observe forest flowers and (if you’re lucky) perhaps turtles and waterbirds. Return to Sozopol for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Sea Sense or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ropotamo Nature Reserve Boat Cruise
  • Visit to Castle of Ravadinovo
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a free day on the coast. You may wish to stay in Sozopol and enjoy a leisurely day exploring the Old Town. In addition to the restored ancient town walls, a few traditional churches and houses line the cobblestone streets, as do many restaurants. Unsurprisingly, seafood is on offer around every corner. Ask your leader for advice on where to spend your lev. Speak to your leader about the full range of optional activities on offer in and around Sozopol today.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Sea Sense or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is primarily a travel day as we make the approximately 6-hour journey to Istanbul. The drive will be broken up with an included lunch stop around the halfway point in either Luleburgaz or Ahmetbey. Upon arrival in Istanbul the evening is free for you to either rest after a long day of travel or perhaps explore at your leisure.
Accommodation
  • Legacy Ottoman Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Take a cruise through the narrow strait that separates Turkey and the continents of Europe and Asia, the Bosphorus. The strait is small enough that you will enjoy stunning views of the iconic buildings that line either side, including the opulent Dolmabahce Palace and the massive intercontinental bridge connecting both sides of Istanbul. After your cruise enjoy a free afternoon. Istanbul can be overwhelming for some travellers, so as always, remember your leader is on had to advise you on how best to use your time. Perhaps spend a few hours in the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. As night falls, gather with your group and leader for an included farewell dinner and toast to the journey that was.
Accommodation
  • Legacy Ottoman Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your Eastern European Experience comes to an end after breakfast. If other parts of Turkey also intrigue, consider talking to your Peregrine representative before you leave about combining this trip with 'Treasures of Turkey' (trip code PETT), which departs from Istanbul and covers Selcuk, Fethiye, Cappadocia and more.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

15 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Heritage railway, Boat

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (10 nights), Feature stay in Drvengrad and Sozopol (5 nights)

Included Activities

  • Western Serbian Gastronomy Experience with Cooking Class & Lunch
  • Sargan Eight Heritage Railway
  • Hike in Tara National Park
  • Bubanj Memorial Park
  • Nis Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Sofia - Food, Heritage, and Culture Urban Adventure
  • Rila - Monastery Visit
  • Yustina Winery Visit with Wine Tasting & Lunch
  • Bachkovo Monastery Visit
  • Plovdiv Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum
  • Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
  • Etar Ethnographic Village
  • Ropotamo Nature Reserve Boat Cruise
  • Visit to Castle of Ravadinovo
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise

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Important notes

LEVEL OF FITNESS
This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

ARRIVAL TRANSFER
An arrival transfer from Belgrade Airport to the start point hotel is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your flight times at the time of booking.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

NEW TRIP
While we have thoroughly researched this area of the world to put together this adventure, please be advised that this is a new trip for Peregrine. To be frank, things may not always go to plan. When we head to new destinations, we usually find there are more pleasant surprises in store than unpleasant ones, but the warning is sincere. If this concerns you, we recommend you wait a year until the trip has been ironed out.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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