There have been a couple of tour itinerary suggestions related to the Balkans and I thought I would have a go, utilising existing Insight tour routes as far as possible.

In planning the itinerary, I have stayed away from Austria (Vienna), Hungary (Budapest), Slovenia (Ljubljana) and the northwestern parts of Croatia (Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Trogir, Salona and Split) because these are all well covered by the popular Country Roads of Dalmatia and the Adriatic Riviera tour, as well as the Golden Explorer/Eastern Discovery and Treasures of the Balkans Dalmatia and the Islands tours.

My proposal is an amalgam of elements of the Aegean Danube and Black Sea Explorer, the Golden Explorer and the Treasures of the Balkans Dalmatia and the Islands tours, visiting Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia. My suggested approach means that all of the hotels, driving routes, included and optional activities have already been researched, developed, negotiated, priced and proven by Insight.

ISTANBUL - SOFIA [Aegean Danube and Black Sea Explorer tour]
...click to enlarge

SOFIA - DUBROVNIK [The Golden Explorer tour]
...click to enlarge

DUBROVNIK - KORCULA - BELGRADE [Treasures of the Balkans Dalmatia and the Islands tour]
...click to enlarge

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The tour pace is reasonable with:

• Istanbul (Turkey): 3 nights [Dedeman]
  
• Sunny Beach (Bulgaria): 2 nights [Meridian]
  
• Bucharest (Romania): 2 nights [Intercontinental]
  
• Sofia (Bulgaria): 2 nights [Hilton]
  
• Ohrid (Macedonia): 1 night [Flamenco Donco]
  
• Tirana (Albania): 1 night [Sheraton Hotel & Towers]
  
• Dubrovnik (Croatia): 2 nights [Grand Hotel Park]
  
• Korcula (Croatia): 2 nights [Marco Polo]
  
• Sarajevo (Bosnia): 2 nights [Radon Plaza]
  
• Belgrade (Serbia): 2 nights [Best Western Sumadija]

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DAY 1 – ISTANBUL
Welcome to Istanbul - a fascinating city spanning the continents of Europe and Asia! On arrival at Istanbul Airport, there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel. Settle in and relax, or start exploring the wonders of this glorious city. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Dedeman.

DAY 2 – ISTANBUL SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing day reveals the glory of the city, both ancient and modern. Visit the Blue Mosque to see its six soaring minarets and vibrant blue and green tiled interior. Continue to Topkapi Palace, where the private palaces of the Sultans have been transformed into a series of glorious museums. Conclude the tour at the Grand Bazaar, a bustling trading centre since the 15th century where there are more than 4,000 shops, cafés and tea houses. How much do you pay? Don’t worry, your guide will give you a full explanation of the time-honoured ritual of bargaining! This evening enjoy a Highlight Dinner with traditional entertainment. (BB,HD)

DAY 3 – ISTANBUL AT LEISURE
This morning enjoy a visit to the Cathedral of St Sophia, at one time a Cathedral and a mosque, and now a magnificent museum. The rest of the day is free to explore this exotic city! Perhaps cross the Bosphorus Bridge to visit Beylerbeyi Palace? (BB)

DAY 4 – ISTANBUL – SUNNY BEACH
Head west towards Bulgaria, travelling through rich farmland, where the horse and cart is still widely used. Follow the shores of the Black Sea through the resort towns of Burgas and delightful Nesebar, a delightful cluster of wooden fishing cottages and ancient churches separated from the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Stay in the nearby modern resort of Sunny Beach for the next two nights.
Hotel: Meridian. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – BLACK SEA AT LEISURE
A day to relax on the beach and perhaps enjoy lunch in one of the many seafront restaurants. Don’t miss the option of an excursion to the pretty seaside town of Balchik to visit the ‘Quiet Nest’, the summer palace of Queen Marie of Romania. (BB)

DAY 6 – SUNNY BEACH – BUCHAREST
Cross the Danube and head towards the Romanian capital, Bucharest. On arrival, a sightseeing tour takes in the immense Parliament Palace, University Square and former Communist headquarters.
Hotel: Intercontinental. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – BRAN CASTLE EXCURSION
Head north from Bucharest and follow the Prahova Valley to the elegant alpine resort of Sinaia, former summer retreat for Romania's aristocracy. As you continue into the Transylvanian Alps, imagine a horse and carriage careering up a wet mountainous road – thunder and lightning illuminating the imposing medieval castle guarding the Transylvanian border. Discover if this popular image of Dracula’s castle is true or, like the vampire story itself, only a myth, as you visit Bran Castle – said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s book. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – BUCHAREST – SOFIA
Cross the Danube at Ruse and continue to the one-time capital of Bulgaria, Velika Turnovo, whose houses cling to the cliffs of the river Yantra. Cross the Balkan Mountains and drive over the plains to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, for the next two nights.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – SOFIA
Sightseeing takes in the St Sofia Church across the square from the golden domed St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archeological complex, dominated by St George’s Church. The afternoon is at leisure. Why not visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, the most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church? (BB)

DAY 10 – SOFIA - OHRID
We head south to cross the Macedonian border and our first stop is in the Macedonian capital city of Skopje to see the main square, the mosques and old Turkish buildings. We continue south to Lake Ohrid to stay in the pretty resort town of the same name.
Hotel: Flamenco Donco. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – OHRID – TIRANA
We cross into Albania and drive to the Albanian capital, Tirana, where we take a guided sightseeing tour before heading to our hotel.
Hotel: Sheraton Hotel & Towers. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – TIRANA – DUBROVNIK
Leaving Tirana, we stop in the town of Shkodra before continuing over the border to Montenegro where we visit the Old Town of Kotor, perched beside the only European fjord outside Norway. We continue on to Croatia and Dubrovnik. On arrival, a guided sightseeing tour in the Old Town explores the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio’s fountain and the Rector’s Palace, the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Your resort hotel, is beautifully situated, surrounded by park, by the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Park. (BB,D)

DAY 13 – DUBROVNIK AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure. Perhaps relax in one of Dubrovnik’s cafés or take a lovely walk around the Lapad peninsula. Why not join a sunset cruise tonight? (BB)

DAY 14 – DUBROVNIK – KORCULA
After breakfast drive along the beautiful southern slopes of the Peljesac peninsula. Stop amid the age-old vines to see how wine is produced and enjoy a taste. Now take the short ferry crossing to Korcula, an island of exceptional grace, history and culture. Upon arrival, explore Korcula town with its ramparts and well known legends. Your walking tour takes you to the Cathedral, the town museum and the Bishop’s Palace. The locals also claim Marco Polo was born here and you see his ruined house next.
Hotel: Marco Polo. (BB,D)

DAY 15 – KORCULA EXCURSION
Enjoy a panoramic tour of the island, stopping to see (and taste) some of the local produce. On your return to the capital you are free to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town. Tonight join your Tour Director for a highlight seafood dinner at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

DAY 16 – KORCULA – SARAJEVO
Today’s journey takes you through the marvellous gorge of the River Neretva to Mostar where you can walk across the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), recently reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the war. The cobbled old town stretches on both sides of the bridge and is filled with shops selling Turkish style souvenirs. Sarajevo is a city that has attracted its fair share of international attention over the years. In 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked WWI and more recently, it endured the longest siege in modern military history. Now on to your hotel and relax before dinner.
Hotel: Radon Plaza. (BB,D)

DAY 17 – SARAJEVO SIGHTSEEING
This morning your guided sightseeing tour shows you the Bacarsija, the cobbled old town market where the city was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century. Admire Gazi Husrev-beg's Mosque and the Olympic Stadium before visiting the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum, revered by the locals as an inanimate war hero. The afternoon is at leisure to try the Bosnian coffee and shop for traditional & hand crafted wares in the Turkish quarter (BB)

DAY 18 – SARAJEVO – BELGRADE
Your route today winds northwards through the remote villages and spa resorts which nestle in the forested Bosnian mountains. Your destination is Belgrade. On arrival transfer to your hotel and relax before dinner.
Hotel: Best Western Sumadija. (BB, D)

DAY 19 – BELGRADE SIGHTSEEING
Your morning sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the city's main attractions: St Sava Church, the third largest Orthodox Church in Europe, Terazije Street, the National Museum and National Theatre in Republic Square. Finish your tour at the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner with local live music in a typical national restaurant in the old bohemian quarter of Skadarlija? (BB)

DAY 20 – DEPART BELGRADE
It’s time to take home some wonderful memories, as well a camera full of stunning photography! Departure transfers arrive at Belgrade Airport at 08:00 & 10:00. (BB)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: phil,

A shortened version of the above itinerary has been included in the final three itineraries for BB member voting and selection. Here is the version, as modified by Insight by the removal of the first 5 nights in my original itinerary.

My proposal is an amalgam of elements of the Aegean Danube and Black Sea Explorer, the Golden Explorer and the Treasures of the Balkans Dalmatia and the Islands tours, visiting Romania, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. This approach means that all of the hotels, driving routes, included and optional activities have already been researched, developed, negotiated, priced and proven.

BUCHAREST - SOFIA [Aegean Danube and Black Sea Explorer tour]
...click to enlarge

SOFIA - DUBROVNIK [The Golden Explorer]
...click to enlarge

DUBROVNIK - KORCULA - BELGRADE [Treasures of the Balkans Dalmatia and the Islands tour]
...click to enlarge

The tour pace is reasonable with:

• Bucharest (Romania): 2 nights [Intercontinental]
  
• Sofia (Bulgaria): 2 nights [Hilton]
  
• Ohrid (Macedonia): 1 night [Flamenco Donco]
  
• Tirana (Albania): 1 night [Sheraton Hotel & Towers]
  
• Dubrovnik (Croatia): 2 nights [Grand Hotel Park]
  
• Korcula (Croatia): 2 nights [Marco Polo]
  
• Sarajevo (Bosnia): 2 nights [Radon Plaza]
  
• Belgrade (Serbia): 2 nights [Best Western Sumadija]

---

DAY 1 – ARRIVE BUCHAREST [ROMANIA]
Morning transfers to hotel. Late afternoon we offer a sightseeing tour which takes in the immense Parliament Palace, University Square and former Communist headquarters.
Hotel: Intercontinental. (BB,D)

DAY 2 – BRAN CASTLE EXCURSION
Head north from Bucharest and follow the Prahova Valley to the elegant alpine resort of Sinaia, former summer retreat for Romania's aristocracy. As you continue into the Transylvanian Alps, imagine a horse and carriage careering up a wet mountainous road – thunder and lightning illuminating the imposing medieval castle guarding the Transylvanian border. Discover if this popular image of Dracula’s castle is true or, like the vampire story itself, only a myth, as you visit Bran Castle – said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s book. (BB,D)

DAY 3 – BUCHAREST – SOFIA
Cross the Danube at Rousse and continue to the one-time capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo, whose houses cling to the cliffs of the river Yantra. Cross the Balkan Mountains and drive over the plains to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, for the next two nights.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – SOFIA
Sightseeing takes in the St Sofia Church across the square from the golden domed St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archeological complex, dominated by St George’s Church. The afternoon is at leisure. Why not visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, the most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church? (BB)

DAY 5 – SOFIA - OHRID
We head south to cross the Macedonian border and our first stop is in the Macedonian capital city of Skopje to see the main square, the mosques and old Turkish buildings. We continue south to Lake Ohrid to stay in the pretty resort town of the same name.
Hotel: Flamenco Donco. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – OHRID – TIRANA
We cross into Albania and drive to the Albanian capital, Tirana, where we take a guided sightseeing tour before heading to our hotel.
Hotel: Sheraton Hotel & Towers. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – TIRANA – DUBROVNIK
Leaving Tirana, we stop in the town of Shkodra before continuing over the border to Montenegro where we visit the Old Town of Kotor, perched beside the only European fjord outside Norway. We continue on to Croatia and Dubrovnik. On arrival, a guided sightseeing tour in the Old Town explores the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio’s fountain and the Rector’s Palace, the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Your resort hotel, is beautifully situated, surrounded by park, by the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Park. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – DUBROVNIK AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure. Perhaps relax in one of Dubrovnik’s cafés or take a lovely walk around the Lapad peninsula. Why not join a sunset cruise tonight? (BB)

DAY 9 – DUBROVNIK – KORCULA
After breakfast drive along the beautiful southern slopes of the Peljesac peninsula. Stop amid the age-old vines to see how wine is produced and enjoy a taste. Now take the short ferry crossing to Korcula, an island of exceptional grace, history and culture. Upon arrival, explore Korcula town with its ramparts and well known legends. Your walking tour takes you to the Cathedral, the town museum and the Bishop’s Palace. The locals also claim Marco Polo was born here and you see his ruined house next.
Hotel: Marco Polo. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – KORCULA EXCURSION
Enjoy a panoramic tour of the island, stopping to see (and taste) some of the local produce. On your return to the capital you are free to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town. Tonight join your Tour Director for a highlight seafood dinner at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

DAY 11 – KORCULA – SARAJEVO
Today’s journey takes you through the marvellous gorge of the River Neretva to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina where you can walk across the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), recently reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the war. The cobbled old town stretches on both sides of the bridge and is filled with shops selling Turkish style souvenirs. Sarajevo is a city that has attracted its fair share of international attention over the years. In 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked WWI and more recently, it endured the longest siege in modern military history. Now on to your hotel and relax before dinner.
Hotel: Radon Plaza. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – SARAJEVO SIGHTSEEING
This morning your guided sightseeing tour shows you the Bacarsija, the cobbled old town market where the city was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century. Admire Gazi Husrev-beg's Mosque and the Olympic Stadium before visiting the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum, revered by the locals as an inanimate war hero. The afternoon is at leisure to try the Bosnian coffee and shop for traditional & hand crafted wares in the Turkish quarter. (BB)

DAY 13 – SARAJEVO – BELGRADE
Your route today winds northwards through the remote villages and spa resorts which nestle in the forested Bosnian mountains. Your destination is Belgrade. On arrival transfer to your hotel and relax before dinner.
Hotel: Best Western Sumadija. (BB, D)

DAY 14 – BELGRADE SIGHTSEEING
Your morning sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the city's main attractions: St Sava Church, the third largest Orthodox Church in Europe, Terazije Street, the National Museum and National Theatre in Republic Square. Finish your tour at the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner with local live music in a typical national restaurant in the old bohemian quarter of Skadarlija? (BB)

DAY 15 – DEPART BELGRADE
It’s time to take home some wonderful memories, as well a camera full of stunning photography! Departure transfers arrive at Belgrade Airport at 08:00 & 10:00. (BB)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: phil,