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Cruise · APT · 18 nights

Essence of the Balkans with Adriatic Cruise

  • Discover Transylvania's Bran Castle and its Dracula lore with VIP entry
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor on a guided walking tour
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner marking the conclusion of your Balkan journey
From
$13,895 pp twin share
$20,945 pp solo share
18 nights
Enquire
Cruise Snapshot
18 Nights

Discover the Balkans' medieval towns, vibrant capitals and Adriatic coastlines on a seamless 18-night journey with a small group of no more than 24 guests

  • Explore Transylvania's historic cities, Bulgaria's cultural heart and the lively streets of the Balkans' capitals
  • Cruise the Dalmatian Coast, visiting Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split and Krka National Park
  • Enjoy exclusive experiences like an Orthodox a cappella choir performance and olive oil tasting in Lustica Bay

Trip Details

Departs
23 April 2027
Returns
26 September 2028
Operator
APT

Travel from Romania to Croatia on a richly varied journey through the Balkans, where medieval towns, vibrant capitals and Adriatic coastlines unfold in one seamless adventure. Travelling in a small group with no more than 24 guests, discover Transylvania’s historic cities, Bulgaria’s cultural heart and the lively streets of Sofia, Skopje and Tirana before reaching Montenegro’s spectacular Bay of Kotor. Then board your coastal cruise to explore the Dalmatian Coast, visiting Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split and Krka National Park as you sail between island ports and white-stone towns.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
23 April 2027
Returns 26 September 2028
Returns
26 September 2028
Duration
18 nights
From pp twin share
$13,895 pp
From pp solo cabin
$20,945 pp
  • 23 Apr 2027 - 11 May 2027
    from $15,295 pp twin share / $22,695 pp solo *
  • 21 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027
    from $15,295 pp twin share / $22,695 pp solo *
  • 16 Jul 2027 - 03 Aug 2027
    from $13,895 pp twin share / $20,945 pp solo *
  • 10 Sep 2027 - 28 Sep 2027
    from $15,195 pp twin share / $22,595 pp solo *
  • 05 May 2028 - 23 May 2028
    from $15,495 pp twin share / $19,945 pp solo *
  • 14 Jul 2028 - 01 Aug 2028
    from $14,095 pp twin share / $18,195 pp solo *
  • 11 Aug 2028 - 29 Aug 2028
    from $14,695 pp twin share / $18,945 pp solo *
  • 08 Sep 2028 - 26 Sep 2028
    from $15,395 pp twin share / $19,795 pp solo *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrive Bucharest

    Bine ați venit! Welcome to Bucharest. On arrival, transfer from the airport to your hotel and take time to relax. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

  2. 2

    Bucharest, Brașov

    This morning, take in the highlights of Bucharest before travelling towards Braşov. Relax as the scenery transforms from city streets to rolling hills and dense Transylvanian forests. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

  3. 3

    Brașov

    Begin the day with a guided walking tour through Brașov’s charming medieval streets, discovering key landmarks as your guide shares the city’s rich history and enduring legends. Later, travel to the iconic Bran Castle, famed for its Dracula lore. With VIP entry, skip the lines and explore the castle’s atmospheric rooms and intriguing stories. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

  4. 4

    Brașov, Veliko Tarnovo

    Today, travel to Veliko Tarnovo, pausing along the way for lunch at a local spot. On arrival, check in to your hotel before enjoying dinner this evening.

  5. 5

    Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia

    Explore Veliko Tarnovo on a guided tour, including a visit to the impressive Tsarevets, which served as the Second Bulgarian Empire's primary fortress. Enjoy a memorable Insider Experience before continuing to Sofia, where dinner awaits at your hotel, accompanied by a traditional folk show.

    Insider Experience – Orthodox A Cappella Choir

    Be welcomed into an intimate Orthodox a cappella performance inside one of Veliko Tarnovo’s historic churches. Surrounded by centuries-old harmonies, this rare experience offers a deeply moving connection to Bulgaria’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

  6. 6

    Sofia

    Discover Sofia on a guided walking tour this morning, or choose to join an optional excursion to the Rila Monastery.

    Enhance Your Journey – Full-Day Visit to Rila Monastery with Lunch

    Journey into the forested Rila Mountains to visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most revered spiritual site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 10th century by Saint Ivan of Rila, the monastery sits dramatically in a mountain valley and is renowned for its striped arcades, vivid frescoes and tranquil courtyard. Explore this remarkable complex before enjoying lunch amid the serene alpine surroundings.

  7. 7

    Sofia, Skopje

    Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling to Skopje. On arrival, join a local guide for a walking tour through the heart of the city. Visit the The Church of the Ascension of Jesus and the elegant Mustafa Pasha Mosque, two of Skopje’s most iconic landmarks. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

  8. 8

    Skopje, Tirana

    Relax and enjoy the changing scenery as you travel into Albania, stopping along the way for a local lunch. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

  9. 9

    Tirana

    Enjoy a relaxed morning before setting out to explore Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Stroll through the city’s colourful streets, uncover its layered history, and visit landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the lively Blloku district. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

  10. 10

    Tirana, Budva, Kotor

    Travel to Budva for lunch before continuing on to the beautiful town of Kotor. Step inside the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor on a guided walking tour, where narrow cobblestone streets and elegant Venetian architecture reveal centuries of history. Afterwards, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in this stunning coastal town.

  11. 11

    Kotor

    Begin the day with a memorable Insider Experience. This evening, come together with your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner, marking the conclusion of your Balkan journey.

    Insider Experience – Perast and Olive Oil Tasting in Luštica Bay

    Discover the coastal elegance of Perast, known for its Baroque architecture and sweeping views across the Bay of Kotor. Take a boat ride to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks to visit its historic church, before continuing to Luštica Bay for a visit to a traditional olive oil estate and a guided tasting of regional varieties.

  12. 12

    Kotor, Dubrovnik, Embark Ship

    Depart Kotor this morning and travel to Dubrovnik, where you will board your coastal cruising ship, the MV Princess Eleganza. Unpack and settle into your cabin, ready to begin exploring the Adriatic coast. Later, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Dinner and meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director.

  13. 13

    Dubrovnik, Korčula

    Spend the morning exploring Dubrovnik’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town on a guided walk. Begin at the impressive Pile Gate and wander through narrow limestone alleys, passing the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and the Dominican and Franciscan monasteries. After returning to your ship for lunch, set sail for Korčula. Here, enjoy a guided tour through its maze of cobblestone streets and elegant squares, lined with palaces once home to the island’s nobility. While less well known than Dubrovnik, Korčula offers an equally captivating experience. The evening is at leisure — perfect for dining along the scenic waterfront esplanade.

  14. 14

    Korčula, Vis, Split

    Cruise to the Croatian island of Vis, where you’ll disembark to explore its remote, unspoilt beauty on a scenic drive around the island. Then sail to Split, one of the Adriatic’s most vibrant port cities. Join your guide for a walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace, built by the Roman emperor as his retirement residence around AD 305. Today, the city’s historic centre lies within and around the palace walls, making it one of the best-preserved and still-inhabited Roman complexes in the world. Your ship remains docked overnight, giving you the opportunity to explore Split at leisure after dinner on board.

  15. 15

    Split, Šibenik, Krka National Park

    Set sail for Šibenik, stopping for a swim along the way. Often considered the gateway to Krka National Park, Šibenik provides access to one of Croatia’s most beautiful natural areas. Your ship remains in port overnight, giving you the flexibility to dine on board or head into town to a local restaurant.

    Insider Experience – Krka National Park

    Spend the afternoon exploring the dramatic waterfalls of Krka National Park. Wander along wooden boardwalks and bridges at Skradinski Buk, a series of turquoise cascades and pools set amid lush greenery.

  16. 16

    Šibenik, Zadar

    This morning, take a guided walk through Šibenik’s remarkably well-preserved old town. Return to your ship and set sail for Zadar, an ancient port city that once rivalled Venice as a major power on the Adriatic coast. Arrive in the early evening and join a guided tour of the historic centre. Enjoy dinner ashore tonight, with your ship moored near a lively waterfront lined with charming restaurants and bars serving freshly caught seafood.

  17. 17

    Zadar, Rab

    Wake this morning and enjoy a relaxing sail to the island of Rab. This afternoon, you are free to wander the white-walled harbour foreshore. Later, perhaps enjoy dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the lively marina.

  18. 18

    Rab, Krk, Opatija

    This morning, anchor off the island of Krk, where you may enjoy a refreshing swim in the inviting Adriatic. Continue cruising to Opatija and spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, join your newfound friends for a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board your ship.

  19. 19

    Opatija, Disembark Ship, Depart Zagreb

    Disembark your ship and transfer by coach to Zagreb Airport for your onward flight.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Krka National Park.
  • Orthodox A Cappella Choir Performance.
  • Perast and Olive Oil Tasting in Luštica Bay.
  • Visit Bran Castle.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town
  • Hotel Opera Tirana or similar
  • Seven Nights, MV Princess Eleganza
  • Skopje, Hotel Solun or similar
  • Two Nights, Brașov, Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel or similar
  • Two Nights, Kotor, Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro
  • Two Nights, Sofia Balkan Palace
  • Veliko Tarnovo, Grand Hotel Yantra
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 19 days and 18 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 23 Apr 2027 and 26 Sep 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this cruise
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