Fourteen Glorious Day in the BALKANS 2026
Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania & The Black Sea
Home departure September 29th October 13th, 2026
This Tour is totally spiritually inspiring sightseeing - with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
See four of the largest Orthodox Cathedrals in the world - stunning and historic Monasteries too!
You will be astonished with the structure and design of all of the Holy Places we visit along with the iconography, and relics of Holy Martyrs and Saints to venerate. Attend Liturgies and uplift your soul while partaking in a spiritual vacation.
The Balkans: Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania (and the seaside towns of the Black Sea) are on the HOT LIST for travel and you’ll be a trend-setter by visiting NOW.
You’ll take in the natural beauty of these regions and the landscapes themselves will fill your soul with awe and wonder.
Join us on a journey of discovering the lovely people who have overcome a troubling history while immersing yourself in the culture (and food!) thousands of years in the making.
BALKANS & THE BLACK SEA TOUR, 2026
Daily Itinerary
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Home departure
Wednesday - Day 1 – Arrival in Belgrade - September 30th - Airport transfer (around midday)
Welcome to the vibrant capital of Serbia, where East and West have met for centuries. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey or begin exploring the city at your own pace. You may wish to take a stroll through the lively city center and soak up the atmosphere of one of the Balkans’ most dynamic capitals. Group Welcome Dinner. (D) Overnight: Belgrade
Thursday, October 1st, 2026 - Day 2 – Belgrade City Tour & Free Time
After breakfast, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Belgrade, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Visit the monumental Saint Sava Temple (Saint Sava is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Although his original relics were tragically burned by the Ottomans on the Vračar plateau in 1594, his memory and surviving fragments are the spiritual centerpiece at the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world). Visit Church of St Mark (a place of peace, inspiration, and the opportunity to connect with rich Serbian tradition and faith. Built between 1931 and 1940, it is celebrated for its monumental Serbo-Byzantine architecture inspired by the medieval Gračanica Monastery, housing massive Venetian glass mosaics and historic royal tombs deeply sacred for enshrining the relics of Emperor Stefan Dušan, “The Mighty” one of medieval Serbia’s most powerful rulers. It remains one of the largest church structures in the country. The interior Mosaics featuring the "Mother of God, larger than Heaven", one of the largest of its kind.)
Other churches to visit include: The Holy Archangel Michael Cathedral, (home to the incorrupt relics of Holy Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović) Saint Petka Church, (home to the Holy relics of St Paraskeva, she is one of the most beloved saints in the Balkans, her relics were brought to Belgrade in the 15th century) We will stroll through Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street. See the historic Belgrade Fortress overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and continue with a panoramic drive through New Belgrade and a visit to Zemun, the city’s charming riverside district with its distinct Central European character. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore independently. Visit museums, enjoy Serbian cuisine, or relax at one of the many cafés or along the riverside promenades. Overnight: Belgrade
Friday, October 2, 2026 - Day 3 – Sremski Karlovci, Petrovaradin Fortress & Novi Sad
After breakfast, depart Belgrade and travel north into the fertile region of Vojvodina. Your first stop is Sremski Karlovci, a picturesque baroque town renowned for its cultural heritage and centuries-old wine tradition. Sremeski Karlovic is considered the spiritual and cultural heart of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Saint Nicholas Cathedral in the Town Center, houses a portion of the relics of the second Serbian Archbishop, St. Arsenije Sremac, alongside a highly revered miraculous icon of the Holy Virgin dating to 1748. Enjoy a guided walk through the historic center followed by a tasting of local wines, including the famous Bermet dessert wine. Continue to the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress, dramatically perched above the Danube River and offering spectacular views over Novi Sad. Afterward, proceed to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the elegant Old Town including the Cathedral of Saint George, home to the Holy relics of Saint Ireneus (Irinej), the Bishop of Bačka, which rest in a special reliquary in the Cathedral. Admire the very impressive walls covered iconography by Stevan Aleksić and a magnificent iconostasis with works by Paja Jovanović. We are also visiting ruška Gora Monasteries, just a short drive from Novi Sad, this mountainous area features 16 active monasteries. Several house significant relics, such as those of the sainted Branković family at Krušedol Monastery and Novo Hopovo Monastery.
After some free time for lunch and independent exploration, return to Belgrade in the afternoon. Overnight: Belgrade
Saturday October 3, 2026 - Day 4 – Belgrade, Niš & Sofia
After breakfast, depart Belgrade and travel south through central Serbia toward Niš, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and the birthplace of Emperor Constantine the Great. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the city, discovering its historic center and learning about its rich Roman, Ottoman, and Serbian heritage. In Niš, The Holy Trinity Cathedral is home to the Holy relics of Saint Artemius of Antioch (a 4th-century Christian martyr and military commander executed under Emperor Julian the Apostate). It is one of the most spiritually revered items in the diocese which is carefully preserved as a special spiritual treasure for the faithful to venerate. Will also visit the Ancient Church of St. Procopius (home to the relics of the Palestinian martyr, St Procopius.) During the Ottoman conquests in the 14th century, the relics were safely moved to the neighboring town of Prokuplje, which was later named after the saint, where they remain a massive pilgrimage destination. You will also have some free time to enjoy lunch or explore independently. In the afternoon, continue across the border into Bulgaria and proceed to Sofia, the country’s capital. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and get ready for our lovely Group Dinner. (D) Overnight: Sofia
Sunday, October 4, 2026 - Day 5 – Sofia City Tour & Rila Monastery -
LITURGY - enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Sofia, a city where ancient history and modern life blend seamlessly. Visit landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built in the Neo-Byzantine style, it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and it is one of the largest Christian church buildings by volume in the world! We will also visit the Cathedral of Saint Nedelya, it is the most famous site for relics in Sofia. It houses the remarkably preserved, incorruptible relics of the Serbian King Stefan Milutin, which date back to the 14th century and rest in a glass case. St. George Rotunda, the National Theater, and the remains of ancient Serdica. Learn about Sofia’s long history while exploring its elegant boulevards and vibrant city center.
We’ll also see The Church of the Seven Saints (constructed between 1901 and 1902, work on the interior was declared finished in 1996) and despite being called the Seven Saints, the name refers to two prominent Saints and their five disciples, who are honored together as a group. The two real big Saints in this septet are Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are noted for evangelizing the Slavs - Cyril devised the ‘Glagolitic Alphabet’ in order to translate liturgical works into the Slavic languages. A magnificent iconography is here on display as well, the frescoes that cover every curve and cornice are an absolute wonder. We may also (time permitting) see The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with its arresting Russian Revival architecture, glistening golden domes and vivid green majolica tiles. Following the city tour, depart for the famous Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most important spiritual and cultural landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled in the forested slopes of the Rila Mountains, the monastery is renowned for its colorful frescoes, ornate architecture, and centuries of religious significance. Enjoy time to explore the monastery complex and admire its remarkable setting before returning to Sofia in the evening. Overnight: Sofia
Monday, October 5, 2026 - Day 6 – Church — Sofia to Plovdiv
After Church Liturgy in one of Sofia’s Churches, we travel to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour through the beautifully preserved Old Town, known for its colorful Revival-era houses, cobbled streets, and artistic atmosphere. Highlights include the Ancient Roman Theater, the Roman Stadium, and the lively Kapana district.
Plovdiv’s Orthodox churches house several significant holy relics and historically rich artifacts, serving as vital spiritual sites for the region. The most notable relics and related treasures in the city includes: The Church of St. Constantine and Helena, located in the Old Town, this 4th-century site was originally a martyrium built to honor the beheading of Saints Severian, Memnon the Centurion, and 36 other martyrs of Plovdiv. At the Metropolis of Plovdiv chapel, you will find The Golden Apple Icon wonderworking of the Mother of God (Hodegetria), which is drawing huge waves of pilgrims for its miraculous healing. The Metropolitan Church of the Holy Martyr Marina stores a revered fraction of her holy relics. The church is also famous for its wooden steeple, 18th-century chorister stalls, and the largest number of bells in Plovdiv.
Following the tour, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, browse local boutiques, or relax in one of the city’s many cafés before settling in for the evening. Overnight: Plovdiv
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Day 7 – Plovdiv, Kazanlak, Etar & Veliko Tarnovo
After breakfast, depart Plovdiv and travel through the scenic Rose Valley toward Kazanlak, a town famous for its rose oil production and Thracian heritage. Visit the region’s key attractions and learn about the centuries-old traditions associated with the famous Bulgarian rose industry. In Kazanlak, the Church of Prophet Elijah, also known as the "Kulenska Church,” is the oldest Orthodox church in the city. It dates back to the Ottoman era when it had to be built semi-subterranean. It is a vibrant center for the community, though it generally features highly revered icons rather than physical saintly relics. Continue across the Balkan Mountains to the charming Etar Ethnographic Village, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Bulgarian crafts and architecture. The Orthodox church located at the Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex (often called Etara) is the Holy Epiphany Church (also known as the St. Epiphany Church.) Later, we proceed to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital, beautifully situated on the hills above the Yantra River. Arrive in the evening and check in at your hotel. Overnight: Veliko Tarnovo
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - Day 8 – Veliko Tarnovo to Varna
After breakfast, enjoy a short introduction to Veliko Tarnovo, known for its dramatic setting and rich medieval history. Veliko Tarnovo, was the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Its historic churches, such as the Holy Forty Martyrs Church is home to some of the most sacred relics in Bulgarian history, including those of Tsar Kaloyan, St. Sava, and St. Ivan Rilski, alongside monumental royal artifacts. The Ascension Cathedral situated at the heart of the royal fortress, holds the relics of Saint Michael the Warrior and canonized Bulgarian patriarchs. Afterward, depart eastward toward Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. Arrive in Varna, often referred to as the “Sea Capital of Bulgaria.” After check-in, enjoy free time to stroll along the seafront promenade, explore the city center, or relax by the sea. Overnight: Varna
Thursday, October 8, 2026 - Day 9 – Varna Leisure Day
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Varna. Relax on the sandy beaches of the Black Sea, take a swim, or enjoy the city’s cafés, parks, and seaside atmosphere. Whether you prefer a relaxing day by the coast or independent sightseeing, Varna offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy Bulgaria’s most popular seaside destination.You’ll notice the French influence in Varna spanning its architecture, viticulture, and diplomacy. It stems largely from the influx of French troops during the 1854 Crimean War. Today, this legacy is visible through a unique mix of 19th-century architecture, city planning, and a local appreciation for French culture and wine. You may wish to visit a few churches. Varna’s churches are home to a significant Orthodox Holy relics and ancient reliquaries. The Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral is the defining symbol of Varna, this striking Byzantine-style cathedral serves as the seat of the bishopric, it is home to the relics of St Andrew, the first called. Its interior is famous for glorious, magnificent woodcarvings, expansive stained-glass windows, and beautiful frescoes. The Monastery of St. Constantine and Elena located just outside the city center, preserves the relics of Saint Valentine. The Church of St. Procopius of Varna, recently consecrated is home to the relics of Saint Tryphon the Martyr. Group Dinner. (D) Overnight: Varna
Friday, October 9, 2026 - Day 10 – Varna Leisure Day
After breakfast, today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Spend another relaxing day on the beach, exploring the city’s attractions. With it’s seaside atmosphere and laid-back rhythm, Varna provides the perfect opportunity to unwind before the next stage of the journey. We also offer an optional excursion to discover more of the Black Sea coast and the surrounding region to visit Nessebar (UNESCO listed Old Town) which is essentially an open-air museum filled with surviving Byzantine-era fortifications. This tiny historic town has 40 historical and medieval churches, making it the place with the highest density of churches per capita anywhere. Overnight: Varna
Saturday, October 10, 2026 - Day 11 – Varna to Bucharest
After breakfast, depart Bulgaria and travel north toward Romania visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ivanovo Rock Churches and the city of Ruse on the way. The Ivanono Rock Churches consists of medieval churches, chapels, and monastic cells entirely hewn into limestone cliffs. The complex is highly revered in Orthodox tradition for its preserved 13th and 14th-century frescoes and its historical role as a spiritual center. Cross the Danube and continue through the Romanian countryside before arriving in Bucharest, the country’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or begin exploring the city independently. See why Bucharest has been called the “Paris of the East” with numerous cafés that provide plenty of options for a pleasant evening. Overnight: Bucharest
Sunday, October 11, 2026 - Day 12 – Bucharest City Tour & Free Time
LITURGY - enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Bucharest. Discover the city’s most important landmarks, including the World’s Largest Orthodox Cathedral - People’s Salvation Cathedral - Revolution Square, the Romanian Athenaeum, the Arch of Triumph, and the Old Town district where the Stavropoleos Monastery is located.
Bucharest is a major hub for Orthodox pilgrimages. We will visit the Patriarchal Cathedral, home to several highly venerated holy relics. The most famous relics are the incorrupt remains of Saint Demetrios the New (the city’s Patron Saint). Don’t forget to admire the amazing belfry, built in 1698, which received its new 4 new bells, molded at the Grass Mayr factory in Austria. We will visit the amazing Zlătari Church, mid-17th Century, dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos. The church known as “a church of miracles” due to the powers of St. Cyprian’s arm and is housing a portion of the right hand of St. Cyprian (the patron saint of protection against black magic and sorcery.) St. Antim Monastery (just a few streets away from the Palace of the Parliament and Unirii Boulevard, hidden behind communist-era apartment blocks) houses the relics of the 40 Martyrs of Sevastia, as well as parts of the relics of Saints Neofit, Acachie, and Paraschevi. Additionally, the monastery is home to the sacred remains of Saint Sofian Boghiu. The Monastery is dedicated to Sts Athanasius the Great, Charalambos, and Bessarion of Larissa, and was also restored in modern times. In 1860, the renowned Romanian painter Gheorghe Tătărăscu (1886–1957) painted the iconostasis.
Learn about Bucharest’s fascinating transformation from royal capital to modern European metropolis. The remainder of the day is free for you to continue sightseeing - recommending Carturesti Carusel bookstore and see if the beautiful Palatul Bursei (old stock exchange) has a flea market on for unique souvenirs - as this may be your fun shopping afternoon. Overnight: Bucharest
Monday, October 12, 2026 - Day 13 – Church & Prahova Salt Mine Excursion
Following the Church Liturgy at one of Bucharest’s Churches, and a quick bite to eat, we depart Bucharest for a half-day excursion to the impressive Prahova Salt Mine (Slănic Prahova), one of the largest salt mines in Europe. Descend deep underground to discover vast chambers carved entirely from salt, where the constant temperature and unique microclimate create a fascinating environment. Explore the enormous galleries, admire the mine's impressive scale, and learn about its history and transformation into one of Romania’s most unusual attractions. After the visit, return to Bucharest and enjoy the remainder of the late afternoon at your leisure. Take the opportunity to revisit your favorite parts of the city and get ready for our Group Dinner. (D) Overnight: Bucharest
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 - Day 14 – Departure from Bucharest
After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest Airport for your departure flight.
Note: The local Tour Guide may change, alter or modify an itinerary to accommodate local conditions such as; opening/ closing or changed hours of a specific site, feast of the day, public holidays, weather or traffic conditions.
Included in the Land Package
Accommodation in 4&5* Hotels - Daily Breakfast - Four Dinners - Three Lunches - Accredited local Guide in every city - Wine tasting experience in one of the wineries - All sites entry fees as per itinerary - All cities tax and VAT -Airport transfers - Tour Leader's presence for the duration of the Tour - Two bottles of water per day per person.
Not included:
Airfares - Your travel insurance - Alcoholic drinks - Tips. Own activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.