In the summer of 2022, my uncle, sister, and I embarked on an epic road trip through six Eastern European countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania. Over the course of 12 days, we experienced the diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories of these fascinating places. We took in all that these countries had to offer, like the rich interesting history, unique cuisine and breathtaking underrated monuments that make this region a fascinating one to explore.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Sofia
Day 2 : Sofia
Day 3 : Seven Rila Lakes →Rila Monastry →Skopje
Day 4 : Skopje
Day 5 : Skopje → Prizren → Tirana
Day 6 : Flight to Belgrade

Part II

Day 7 : Belgrade
Day 8 : Belgrade → Novi Sad → Sibiu
Day 9 : Sibiu → Sighisoara → Brasov
Day 10 : Brasov → Bran → Peles → Bucharest
Day 11 : Bucharest
Day 12 : Departure

Bulgaria

Bulgaria, located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, is a modern country still following tradition. It is a land of breath taking beauty and endless adventure. Bulgaria’s history stretches back to ancient times and has been shaped by a variety of cultures including Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. From its delicious food and world-class wines to its stunning architecture and warm, hospitable people, Bulgaria is a place that will captivate your senses.

Just after a 15-minute drive from the airport in Sofia, in awe of the cobbled streets and architecture, we reached our accommodation Sofia Hotel Balkan, which is a part of the Luxury Collection by Marriott. The hotel is historic and monumental and it is part of the President’s Palace complex. Beneath its foundations lies a historical Roman fortress, the remains of which can be seen all around the hotel. The hotel building also houses a casino, several shops and the church of St. George Rotunda. The rooms are small and the service is average and many facilities are outdated, but the location is amazing.

After relaxing a bit, we went out to the Main Street of Sofia which is Vitosha street. The street stretches over 2-3 kilometres and has many famous coffee shops, restaurants, stores and ice cream parlours. It’s a thoroughly pleasant place to spend a couple of hours; the cafes along the pedestrian street have outdoor seating, there are a variety of local shops around, and the crowd makes the place very happening. While walking, we picked up some pizza and ice-cream for a quick snack.

Then we were off for a walking tour of Sofia, organized by Sofia Walking Tours, which began at the Palace of Justice. It was completely free, making it a great value for travellers on a budget. Our knowledgeable guide led us through the city’s bustling streets, taking us to some of the most historic and culturally significant sites. First, we stopped at the Sofia statue, a tribute to the city’s patron saint. From there, we visited the Banya Bashi Mosque, a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture, and the synagogue, a testament to the diverse religious heritage. We also stopped at the mineral waters; be sure to bring an empty water bottle with you, as you can try the fresh, mineral water for yourself! Next was the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, a stunning neo-classical building. Another highlight was the Russian Church, with golden domes that tower over the city. Finally, we ended our tour at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a grandiose cathedral that is one of the symbols of the city. The cathedral is also a popular spot for photography, with its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. The walking tour was a great way to explore the city and understand its rich culture and history; whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to see some beautiful architecture, a walking tour of Sofia is recommended.

Another unique thing in Sofia are the yellow paved street which are a unique feature of the city’s architecture and history. These streets, made of yellow-colored concrete, were built in the 1980s as part of a project to renovate and preserve the city’s historic centre. The yellow color was chosen to mimic the appearance of the original cobblestones, which were often made from a type of sandstone that had a yellowish hue. They are now a popular tourist destination and a recognizable aspect of Sofia’s identity.

After an informative but tiring two-and-a-half-hour walk, we went for dinner at Tables on Vitosha street ( Which is now sadly closed ). It is a modern place with nice dishes. We ordered the Black Sesame Hummus and the Taratar with cucumber broth. From there, we went to another restaurant Stratshavelica whose ambience and food is the polar opposite of tables due to its old east European charm. It is a historic type place with seating for up to 250-300 people but still, it is hard to find a seat. The menu is also very extensive and very well thought out. We sampled 3 dishes – the guacamole mousse, the Quattro Formaggi Lasagna and the Aubergine Caprese. Both the restaurants are very nice and are located on Vitosha Street and have outdoor seating.

The next morning, we took a taxi and went to Boyana Church, which is located on the outskirts of the city, about 30 minutes away. It is beautifully decorated with frescos all over and is beautifully preserved from the Byzantine age. From there, we caught a taxi to take us to a Mexican restaurant Takoteka. We ordered the enchiladas and the padron peppers which were both delicious and authentic. Right next to Takoteka is a burger place called Skapto which also served amazing food. Being a Sunday, at around 4 pm we saw an entire parade coming out from Vitosha street. Costumed people on stilts, jugglers, and dancers were all participating in a parade for an advertisement by Aperol Spirits, which made the place livelier than ever. After the parade, we picked up some ice-cream and some fresh juice from Vitamin C and headed back to the hotel for a short rest before heading out again for dinner.

For dinner, we decided upon Cosmos, which is a modern gastronomical restaurant serving local authentic dishes with a twist. The drinks and food are well thought out and served. We ordered the Garden salad, the Spring salad, Bulgarian Kachamak ( smoked corn from Yagodina Village, brown butter, milk skin, aged goat cheese from Kozle farm ) and an apple dessert which looked like an apple and tasted even better. A unique dining experience to say the least!

The Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes located in the Rila mountain range, between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level, which can be reached by a 1.5 hour drive from Sofia. All seven lakes have unique names reflecting their shape or characteristics and as one hikes from one lake to another, you pass by each one of them from the lowest to the highest one. This gradual progression makes the hike unique. While we hiked to four lakes, we also made friends with a person named Chris who was flying a drone, and he kindly shared some of the images captured by the drone with us. We weren’t expecting snow and the lakes were much larger than anticipated. On the fourth lake, we had a picnic and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. The hike is highly recommended as the views are spectacular, and the natural beauty of the lakes is worth the effort, although a chairlift will soon be built, making it more accessible to people.

After the hike, we visited Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its painted Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno, arch-laden residential buildings, and museums. The church’s frescoes and yellow domes, the courtyard, and surrounding mountain scenery are must-sees. The Monastery is a great representation of Bulgaria’s history, culture, and architecture.

North Macedonia

Just another 1-hour drive away we drove to Skopje, which is the Capital of North Macedonia. As I woke up in the car, I reached our hotel – Skopje Marriot. The hotel was fabulous, the rooms were huge, the food was amazing and the location was unbeatable. It is located right in the square. The Spa area with the pool, steam and sauna was also very well designed. The best hotel in the city by far. After relaxing in the hotel only for a while, we went for dinner at FOUR in the Park Hotel. The restaurant has a massive open space with a live singer performing on weekends. The ambience was very nice and the food didn’t disappoint. We ordered carrot and ginger soup, a fresh salad, a traditional platter of Macedonian dips and grilled vegetables. All the dishes were very nice and the open space with live music was perfect for such an evening. In the night we just took a stroll around the square before going to bed.

The next morning, we set out to explore the city of Skopje. A private walking tour in Skopje is a great way to experience the city’s rich history and culture. The tour began at Alexander the Great Statue. [ Fun fact : Skopje is the city with the most number of statues in the world ]. It continued to the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Albanian Catholic nun who was born in Skopje. The Old Bazaar, the Old Railway Station, and the Skopje Fortress are all excellent examples of the city’s rich architectural heritage, with their intricate designs and stunningly beautiful details. The Monument Honoring Macedonian Fallen is a poignant tribute to the country’s fallen soldiers, and the Stone Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The tour ended at the Macedonia Square, which is a stunningly beautiful public space that serves as the heart of the city. Towards the end of the tour, we bought postcards and sent it back home to update our friends and family on our tour and also show them the culture of this place with the forgone yet traditional medium of postcards. Throughout the tour, the guide was amazing, providing insightful information and making the tour way more interesting for us.

After the walking tour in Skopje, we headed to Matka Canyon for a boat ride into the many caves. The boat ride takes about an hour, and the caves are lit up to reveal the stunning beauty of their intricate rock formations. It was a great way to spend time, and would be highly recommended to anyone visiting the area if time permits. The trip to Matka Canyon took about 30 minutes from Skopje by car. Alternatively, you could also visit the Millennium Cross on top of Vodno Mountain which is the largest cross in the world and offers beautiful views over the city, or take a hike in the Vodno mountain range for scenic views and nature experience.

After the boat ride in Matka Canyon, we ended our day with a delicious dinner at Forza, an Italian restaurant in Skopje. The restaurant serves fresh and tasty Italian food, it also has a nice outdoor park for children to play, adding a special atmosphere for families. Other great dining options in Skopje are Amigos for Mexican food, Gostilina Dukat for traditional Macedonian food, and Vodernica Mulino for a unique dining.

The next day, we started off with a delicious breakfast at Distrikt, a restaurant in our hotel. We pre-ordered some harissa carrots, avocado gazpacho, and hummus, which were all delicious. After breakfast, we swam and enjoyed the hotel’s facilities before leaving for Tirana.

Kosovo

En route to Tirana, we stopped in Prizren, a city in Kosovo, where we saw the main sites such as the Sinan Pasha Mosque which is one of the main sites in Prizren. Built in the 16th century during the Ottoman era, it is known for its intricate tilework and calligraphy decoration and it was built by a renowned military leader and statesman under Suleiman. Other places you could visit are the Prizren Castle and The Holy Trinity Cathedral. Then we had a light lunch of pizza and salads on the river, enjoyed the great view and had some ice-cream before going on our way to Tirana. The entire journey was by car.

Albania

Upon entering Tirana, my initial impression was one of surprise, as the city was much more modern and vibrant than I had expected, with its mix of Art Deco and Soviet-era architecture, bustling streets and vibrant energy. We checked into the Rogner Hotel, which was a good hotel with an outdoor pool, nice location and good rooms. We roamed around the city center a bit, did some shopping and decided to have lunch in a restaurant called SALT REST. We sampled many dishes, including crostini, sushi, avocado tartare, truffle pasta, and their chocolate tiramisu which was especially amazing. All the food was outstanding, and the service and ambience were awesome as well.

Unfortunately, we had only one day in Albania as we had to catch a flight to Belgrade to continue our journey. But, before our departure we made sure to tour some of the popular sights of Albania, which included the Skanderbeg Square which is an important square in the city center. Opposite this is the Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman-era architecture in the city and one of the oldest mosque in the city, with its ornate tilework and intricate calligraphy. Moving on, we saw the Cloud, a striking modern sculpture that represents the city’s dynamic energy and spirit, and the The National History Museum which offers a comprehensive overview of Albania’s history. The Piramida also, a landmark building of Tirana, a pyramid-shaped building, was originally built as an encyclopaedic museum during the communist era, but now serves as a cultural centre.

The Bunkers in Albania, 700,000 in number, were built during the Communist era as part of the government’s program of national defence, now many of them have been rSepurposed and turned into street art, and repurposed as small museums, souvenir shops, and even coffee shops, thus turning them into a tourist attraction. They are a reminder of the city’s past and provide a unique perspective on the city’s history. We also saw a piece of the Berlin wall near a bunker as well. If you’re planning a trip to Albania, be prepared to see remnants of the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha, who ruled the country from 1944 to 1985. Concrete bunkers, landmarks and buildings from that era are still standing, and many people still struggle with this period of history. It’s an important part of Albania’s identity and culture, and a must-see for history buffs. Overall, Albania is a unique country with a rich culture and history, offering a range of historical, architectural, natural and cultural attractions for visitors, from Ottoman-era architecture to communist-era bunkers.

Serbia

After catching our Air Serbia flight to Belgrade, we arrived at our hotel, the Metropol Hotel. The hotel was impressive, with its massive pool, spacious rooms and a convenient location that was not too far away from the city center. The hotel also offered a range of amenities, including a restaurant, a fitness center and a business center, providing everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

In the evening, we went for a walk to explore the city, starting with a walk to the Parliament building. Along the way, we stumbled upon the impressive statue of Prince Mihailo, a symbol of the city, riding on the back of two horses. The statue is located outside the Parliament building and is considered as an iconic landmark of the city. The horses are depicted as rearing up on their hind legs, representing the city’s power and strength. Opposite to it was a beautiful park, where locals and tourists alike were enjoying the green space and the peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city

As we were leaving for dinner, we stumbled upon a huge prom night in our hotel, with many people dressed up for the event. It was a unique sight to see, and we couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and energy in the air among the hundreds of people. For dinner, we went to an Indian restaurant in recall of our homeland; later, we went to Amici to have Tiramisu, which is said to be the best tiramisu in Belgrade and it did not disappoint. The tiramisu was delicious and it was a perfect way to end the day.

The next day was a tiring but fun day. We kicked off the day with some sightseeing. We visited the Old Town, where we came across the Belgrade Fortress, an ancient fortress overlooking the city and the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times, and offers great views of the city. Inside the fortress, there are several sites to visit such as the Kalemegdan Park, where we saw the Roman Well and the Military Museum, which showcases the history of the fortress and its role in the defence of Belgrade.

We also visited the new town and saw some important sites and places, including the St. Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture with its grand dome and intricate details. If you’re in Belgrade, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Bombed TV tower. This towering concrete structure was damaged during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign and still stands as a testament to the city’s history. Another interesting stop was the Republic Square, home to many key government buildings and an important hub of the city. The St. Mark Church, built in the Morava architectural style which houses many of the country’s royal and national treasures, was a striking example of traditional Serbian and Byzantine architecture. Additionally and coincidentally on the tour, we stumbled upon the grandson of Josip Tito, the former leader of Yugoslavia, which was unique and delightful.

For lunch, we proceeded on to a café in the shopping area of Belgrade, where we shopped as well and strolled to kill some time. After that, we went back to the hotel to freshen up and swim. Later on, we went to a Michelin-starred restaurant called Mezeštoran Dvoriste, which served homley Mediterranean food. The food was really tasty and reminded me of home-cooked meals. It was a nice end to our visit, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Belgrade.

Overall, while Belgrade has a wealth of historical, architectural and cultural attractions for visitors to explore, it may not have met all of my personal expectations. My personal opinion is that it is not as worth visiting as the other cities in the region. But of course, this is all subjective, and others may have had a different experience.

The next day we had an early start and proceeded on to Sibiu, in Romania via Novi-Sad. Novi-Sad is the second largest city in Serbia and a vibrant cultural center known for its colonial architecture, open spaces, and charming old buildings. We saw a few monuments like the Palais épiscopal de l’éparchie de Bačka, a beautiful 18th-century palace that houses the Museum of Vojvodina, and the Name of Mary Church, a beautiful baroque church. We also roamed in the huge main square and had breakfast at Loft Downtown Coffee & Food Bar where we enjoyed delicious sandwiches, coffee and tea. Despite being smaller than Belgrade, I preferred the more authentic, charming and vibrant atmosphere of Novi-Sad.

Romania

From Novi Sad, we reached Sibiu, a picturesque town in Romania known for its well-preserved medieval old town, charming cobbled streets and well-maintained historical buildings. We stayed at the Boutique Hotel Imparatul Romalinor, which had average rooms, but the location was fantastic. The hotel had a very old town Romanian feel to it and was located near the main square.

We spent the day visiting some of the famous sights in the old town like the Bridge of Lies, a bridge built in 1859, known for the legend of the “Liars Bridge” where couples swear their love and promises, The Cathedral of St. Mary, a stunning gothic-style church and the Council Tower, a 14th-century tower that offers great views of the old town. We also visited some of the squares like the Grand Square and the Little Square which are surrounded by colourful, well-preserved medieval buildings.

Sibiu was very lively with lights and tourists, making it a nice place to spend time in. For dinner, we went to the Max restaurant which served a variety of soups, pastas, and Romanian dishes, in a homely yet sophisticated ambience with outdoor seating. 

The next day we went to Sighisoara, a small, charming city located in Transylvania, Romania. It’s the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, and the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The city is a well-preserved medieval citadel, and it is home to several notable sights such as the Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill, and the Vlad Dracul House. Visitors to Sighisoara can also take a tour of the citadel’s walls, climb to the top of the Clock Tower for panoramic views of the city, or visit the Museum of Medieval Weaponry. We took a tram ride throughout the citadel. Honestly speaking, its not worth the hype.

From Sighisoara, we drove to the city of Brasov, which is located in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The old town of Brasov is surrounded by walls and towers, and it’s home to several notable sights such as the Black Church, the Council Square, and the White Tower. We took a stroll along the charming streets, explore the city’s many sights and buildings. We visited the Black Church which is a Gothic masterpiece built in the 14th century. It got its name after being blackened by a fire in 1689. It is also known for its impressive collection of Ottoman carpets.

We stayed in a hotel called Casa Wagner, which was located in the heart of the old town. The rooms were spacious and we could lookout over the entire old square. The highlight of our stay was renting Lime scooters and touring Brasov on them; navigating through the nooks and corners of the city was thrilling and fun!

For dinner, we settled on a fancy Italian restaurant called Dei Frati. We had some delicious ravioli, Tagliatelle, and rigatoni in fancy sauces. To end the meal, we had a delicious tiramisu. All in all, it was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend visiting Sighisoara and Brasov to anyone interested in history and culture.

The next day we started by taking the cable car up to Mount Tampa, which offered beautiful views of the city. The cable car ride was quite an experience, as we were able to take in the stunning landscapes that surrounded Brasov. Once we reached the top of the mountain, we spent some time taking in the sights and enjoying the fresh air.

After that, we drove off to Bran, where we could not visit the famous castle because of a long waiting time, but we managed to catch a glimpse of the exterior. Despite not being able to visit the castle from inside, the drive itself was lovely as the countryside is so picturesque. We then visited a local market where we had the opportunity to try some local fudge and candies, which were delicious.

Next on our itinerary was visiting Peles Castle. The Castle was quite an experience, with the exterior being a mix of German Neo-Renaissance and Byzantine styles. The interior was also so fascinating, with ancient artefacts, lovely paintings and mesmerising interior design. The Castle is very photogenic and is honestly a lovely piece of architechture.

After exploring the castle, we were quite hungry and decided to grab some pizza and desserts from a nearby cafe. Then, we headed towards Bucharest, where we were staying at Marmorosh hotel. It was a modern hotel, in a nice location, and had good facilities.

To end the day, we went to Savart, a classic French restaurant. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was cozy, and the service was great. I highly recommend Savart for anyone visiting Bucharest and looking for a fine dining experience. Overall, it was a packed and exciting day, filled with lots of new sights and experiences.

The next morning, we toured around the Romanian Athenaeum, which is a cultural centre, the Stavropoleos Church, which is a small but beautiful Orthodox Church, and Revolution Square. Each of these places had its own unique charm – the Athenaeum for its history and culture, Stavropoleos for its intricate architecture, and Revolution square for its significance in Romania’s history.

Then we moved on to the Palace of Parliament. The palace is an architectural marvel and the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. The palace is an imposing structure with 12 stories and over 1,100 rooms. The palace is an example of a combination of the neo-classical and modern architectural style. Another interesting aspect of the palace is its size; it is so huge that it takes a while to explore and it is a perfect opportunity to capture some photos of the palace from different angles.

After the visit to the palace, we took a cab to Blue Margarita, a Mexican restaurant, where we had some hearty Mexican dishes with delicious beverages. The food was really well prepared, and was a great change of pace after sightseeing all morning.

In the evening, we went to Bucharest’s parks, where we did some boating. It was a lovely way to spend a warm summer evening. After boating, we walked around the park and enjoyed the serene atmosphere of the park, which was surrounded by lush greenery. The park also had several monuments and statues.

To end the trip on a high note, we had dinner at a restaurant called Nor. It’s located on the top floor of a skyscraper and offered breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. The food was delicious and the restaurant had a pleasant atmosphere, perfect to end our trip. The service was friendly, and the food was well prepared with a good balance of flavours.

In conclusion, a journey through the Eastern Europe countries of Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Serbia and Romania is a unique and rewarding experience. Each country offers a different perspective on the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. The local people are warm and friendly, with rich traditions, and delicious food to try. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or outdoor adventures, this region has something for everyone. I highly recommend visiting these countries and experiencing these hidden gems that need to be discovered.

Budapest, the capital of Hungary is an entrancing European city sitting on the river Danube. The metropolis is separated into two parts, Buda and Pest.

As our flight was approaching Budapest, I was filled with a lot of excitement. Once we landed, we immediately went to our hotel, Corinthia. ( https://www.corinthia.com/budapest/ )This is probably one of the best and biggest hotels in the Pest side of the Danube. It is one of the oldest classic hotels in Budapest built on a massive scale and is extremely beautifully decorated. The staff was very polite and kind to us, and the manager personally upgraded us to an amazing junior suite. The rooms were huge and had beautiful views of the streets and the hilltop castle. In the afternoon, we had exclusive access to the VIP lounge, which got us complimentary snacks and beverages every day. The breakfast spread was also grand and scrumptious.

Just after unpacking and settling in, we hit the streets of Budapest. We walked to the Chain Bridge while stopping on the way to grab some chocolate truffles to snack on. We crossed over to Buda and breathed in the European air. From there, we went to the flea market to take a glance at the local handicrafts and products Budapest had to offer. Following that, we went back to our hotel, as we were extremely fatigued because we had walked almost 7 kilometers. For dinner, we had spotted a nice Mexican café called Tacos Locos which was right next door to our hotel. The food was authentic and simple, yet very tasty. The churros were absolutely to die for!!

Budapest is known for both its awesome history and modern lifestyle. We had a lot of sightseeing to do that day, so we decided to have an early start and to make that easier, we purchased the hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets which allowed us to have unlimited journeys within a span of 24 hours including 1 boat ride on the Danube. Our first stop of the trip was Heroes Square which is a monument devoted to the patriotic heroes of Hungary. There is huge stone pillar in the center dedicated to all the people who gave their lives for the independence of Hungary, which is surrounded by seven pillars that embody the figures of Hungarian history. After clicking a few snaps, we visited the Museum of Fine Arts located next to this landmark. The museum is filled with over 10,000 art pieces designed by famous international painters from the renaissance era. The art was extravagant and a pleasure to look at.

From there, we went to the Dohány Street Synagogue, which is the largest synagogue in Europe, easily accommodating 3,000 worshippers. This monumental structure is also home to a museum, which showcases artifacts of the Jews who died during the Holocaust. This synagogue also houses a Cemetery and a memorial in the loving memory of all the Jews who died during the disturbing and destructive period of the Holocaust. The place is also equipped with a memory tree in which the names of the jews who died are written on each leaf of the tree. Today, it’s a place of beauty and solace, where hope and resilience are felt. We truly had an intriguing time in the synagogue.

By now we were starving, so we had a nice Mediterranean lunch in Dobrumba ( https://dobrumba.hu )which is highly recommended. This place does not take any reservations and is pretty full all the time, and tables are allotted on first come first serve basis. The food was delightful and also delicious. Following lunch, we walked our way back to the hotel and dived in the swimming pool to revitalize. The hotel also had 2 hot jacuzzi tubs (both at different temperatures), an ice shower, a steam and a sauna. Immediately after our swim, we went to the VIP lounge and enjoyed the sunset while bunching on a few snacks. For dinner, we had reserved our seats in the fine dining restaurant Laurel, ( https://laurelbudapest.hu/en/ )which served a modern 4 course Hungarian meal. They knocked the food out of the park. It was an eleven out of ten for me. If you ever visit Budapest, don’t miss Laurel. I have attached the pictures of a few dishes below.

We had some unfinished sightseeing left from the previous day, so we first headed towards the main attraction of Budapest, the Buda castle. We crossed the Chain Bridge again and went up the funicular to the castle. We wandered around the castle for a while and glanced upon amazing views surrounding it. From the Buda Castle, we visited the Fisherman’s Bastion. The Fisherman’s Bastion was built at the turn of the 20th century as a celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of the Hungarian state. The lookout replaces a once thick wall built to protect the Buda Castle. Now, as one of the most visited sites in all of Budapest, the Bastion stands as a landmark to celebrate and showcase the beautiful capital city.

Right next to the Fisherman’s Bastion is the famous Matthias Church which has Sunday concerts. Down below through an elevator is the famous Hospital In The Rocks. We booked a guided tour for 1 hour to witness this amazing monument. The history behind this monument is that it was built as a secret hospital and bunker for the injured troops during the World War. Nowadays, it’s the biggest Hungarian waxwork exhibition with more than 40 figures, and a lot of original machinery and furniture that are still in working conditions. The experience was an eye opener as we got to see the unfathomable amount of injury and damage done to the people during that time. We ended our visit to the Buda Hills with a hearty meal at Jamie’s Italian. This was another long day for us, and we needed to rejuvenate. Lucky for us, Hungary is home to many sulphur pools, which relax the body tissues and muscles, so we decided to visit the iconic Gallert spa on the foothills of Buda Castle. Gellert thermal pools, swimming pool, wave pool and spa treatments offer a great relaxation and entertainment all year round. Gellert Spa Bath is the true gem of the thermal baths where you can easily spend a day, explore the numerous pools, and get luxury treatments without having to feel crowded by other tourists.

For dinner we went to the most visited and highest reviewed place in Budapest, Mazal Tov. ( https://mazeltov.hu/en )It is a light and airy café serving sub Mediterranean food and beverages. The place is in an old pebbled courtyard and a lot of reused material, yet very modern and trendy. I found it to be a little overrated, but the food was okay though.

Next day moments after the break of dawn, we were up and ready to discover a few more surprises Budapest had in store for us. Our first stop of the day was the Hungarian Parliament. While walking towards the edifice, we crossed the historic Shoes on the Danube, which is a memorial site dedicated to the Jews who died in the world war. We also lit a candle in memory and went to the Parliament. As we reached, all the English slots of the guided tour were unfortunately booked, so we had to skip that part. But we had a delicious coffee and carrot cake in the café of this parliament building. They actually painted my photo on the coffee by the means of #coffee art. It brought a smile on all our faces and a memory to treasure for a lifetime!

Next on our list was the Saint Stephen Basilica, which is the largest in the whole of Budapest. It is made in memory of the first king Stephen, whose mummified right hand is in there. A visit to the cupola at the top to get a 360 degree view of Hungary is an absolute must. Down the alley it the famous Greesham Palace Four Seasons Hotel, which is the most iconic hotel of Budapest with views of the Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, Firsherman’s Bastion and the Danube.

We had another activity planned that day which was a Segway ride to Margaret Island. We were first trained and briefed on how to operate the Segway, and then we were off on our route. We first crossed the entire riverside of Danube and then went across the bridge to Margaret Island. We saw the musical fountain and the ruins of the Dominican Church on the island. It is a very photogenic and fun route and is a perfect alternate for those willing to experience Segway Fun on the Margaret Island & Park, rather than seeing the historical parts of Budapest. After the tour ended, our guide told us about a traditional dish called Langoś, which is just like a pizza but instead of tomato base, it is topped with sour cream. We had that at Langos Papa on our way back to the hotel; it was absolutely delicious and an absolute must try in Budapest.

We had completely exhausted our sightseeing agenda by now, so the next day was our shopping day for which we headed to Vasi Utcà. Beginning at Vörösmarty Square and ending at the Central Market Hall, Vaci Utca is the main shopping street in Budapest. The whole street is pedestrianized and lined with beautiful buildings, although these days most of the shops are catered to tourists rather than locals. We hopped from one shop to another and had a lot of fun. For lunch we went to Gerbeaud, which is an iconic tea-time café serving Italian food and patisserie desserts. After our shopping spree, we went back to our hotel and had a short power-nap. For dinner, we choose to have Greek cuisine at Dionysos Taverna ( http://www.dionysos.hu/ ). It is a typical Greek style blue & white Taverna with an open terrace, serving mezzes, Souvlaki & grilled meats with traditional music playing in the background. It is beautifully decorated with an amazing aura to the place. The food sizes are also quite generous and the food was on point. It was a nice closure to our great holiday at Budapest.

I would also like to add here that Budapest is famous for its Ruin pubs and bars. While surfing for various popular restaurants, the names that showed up the most were Instant, Grandino, Csendes and DiVino.

BUDAPEST IS ONE OF THE BEST TOURIST HOTSPOTS IN ALL OF EASTERN EUROPE WITH A MAGNIFICENT HISTORY AND CULTURE, ICONIC MONUMENTS, NOTEWORTHY HANGOUTS AND  SUPERB FOOD!

I was really excited to go on this trip, hoping to change my perspective with which I looked at less famous countries of Eastern Europe. These two hidden gems of Europe were a part of Yugoslavian Europe, which gained independence in 1991. With beautiful and well laid cities, this region houses scenic nature and lots of history. The climate is pleasant and the people are the friendliest. We went to Croatia and Slovenia in the summer of 2017 with my entire family.

Our Air India flight landed in Frankfurt at 7:30pm and we had to catch our connecting flight to Ljubljana, Slovenia at 9:20pm. We were waiting at the baggage claim and the luggage was not coming only. We eventually missed our flight and were stranded in Frankfurt for that night. We went to the airline counter and they gave us a complementary night stay in one of their hotels, with taxi and meals. This airport was 50 kms away but my first experience of the German autobahn drive saw us zoom to our hotel in 20 minutes!

Early next morning, we boarded our flight and crossed the border over to the land of sands, spring and snow. As we landed, we took a cab to our hotel Grand Union Palace in the heart of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The hotel was a luxury hotel with nice big rooms overlooking the canals. Ljubljana, with its historic churches, charming plazas, medieval bridges, contemporary museums, packed nightclubs, restaurants and street cafés offers you the best of Europe at half the cost. The Ljubljanica River meanders through the picturesque bridges, which is overlooked by a hilltop castle.

We were starving after our journey, so we chose Cantina Mexicana which was a small Mexican café. The food was delicious and the drinks were authentic and fresh. After a hearty lunch, we picked up our jackets and left for Postojna Caves. At Postojna, temperatures drop about 15 degrees inside the cave, so a jacket is compulsory. Postojna Caves is a network of 20 kilometers of underground passages, galleries and chambers with calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites abounding in a variety of shapes and colors. I was very enthusiastic during the tour, so I became termed as ‘the inquisitive person of the group’. The formations inside were great and beautiful; the history behind it was equally fascinating. 45 minutes into the tour, we boarded a tunnel train which is built to give us a deeper insight into the caves in a short span of time. The overall experience was very intriguing.

After returning to the city, we explored the downtown area. We visited the square and wandered through the charming lanes through boutique shops and small pop-up cafes. The city has its own charm, which cannot be defined in any way. For dinner, we decided to dine in the best restaurant in all of Ljubljana, which is the one on the hilltop castle, called Gostlina Na Gradu. It served authentic Slovenian Yugoslavian dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant was beautiful, the food was superb and the views were to die for.

Next morning, we had booked a private van for a full-day of sightseeing. After a 45 minute ride, we reached our first spot which was the Vintgar Gorge; it is a highly recommended tourist destination of the region. The gorge is carved by the Radovna River. The gorge is filled with Instagram worthy picture spots! The trail is short and quite fun to do, so we thoroughly enjoyed it. Closeby within a 4km ride from Vintar Gorge was Lake Bled. The fairytale alpine town of Bled on the shore of a glacial lake with crystal blue-green water is Slovenia’s second-most popular destination after Postojna Caves. As we reached, we took a stroll around the circumference of the lake and settled at a nice lunch spot overlooking the lake. After lunch, we took a boat ride to the island in the center of the lake, home to a church and a bell tower. We also did a toboggan ride which is a must do if you visit Lake Bled. It was so good that I did it twice! Following Lake Bled, we headed towards Mt. Vogel which is 1,922m high peak located in the Julian ranges. Taking the cable car to the top to witness the panoramic view from Mt. Vogel should be a must on every traveller’s list. As expected, there was a nice café on the top and the desserts at the café were pretty decent. There was also a beautiful park there which we enjoyed exploring. After our descend, we headed back to Ljubljana. For dinner, we stumbled upon Da Bu Da which is an Asian fusion restaurant & bar. The restaurant had many vegetarian options and super friendly staff.

Here I wish to add that Slovenia is also famous for its all natural honey, which is produced in local apiaries. One out of 10 people in Slovenia own an apiary and as a result they produce the best quality and most choicest of honeys.

We had planned our trip ahead by road, so we set off for the small town of Split in the heart of Croatia in our rented van. On route, we stopped at Plitivice Lakes, probably one of the most famous waterfall bodies in the whole of Europe. It is known for its chain of 16 terraced lakes joined by waterfalls, which extend into a limestone canyon. Walkways and hiking trails are spread all over the park and an electric boat ride is available as well. The boat ride was awesome as it gave us a wider perspective of the waterfalls. The trails are filled with numerous view spots to capture all the sights and sounds of the waterfall.

After visiting Plitvice Lakes, we proceeded for Split which is the second largest city of Croatia; it lies on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. The city is divided into two parts, the old town and the new town. We decided to stay in the old town as it is closer to the sea, and has a unique history. What was unique about our stay was that we stayed inside a palace, called the Diocletian’s palace. Actually, this palace turned into a small town (known as old split). The palace is filled with shops, restaurant, apartments, hotels and bars. We arrived in Split at 5:30pm tired and exhausted, thus we decided to relax and just roam around the square that day. For dinner, we stumbled upon Zinfandel food & wine bar. Split is famous for its wine & cheese bars, serving just wine and cheese. This was also a new experience for us!

Next morning, we woke up early and went to Split ferry port as we had planned island hopping that day. All of us bought a few hats and hopped onto our private boat which we had booked for the entire day. My grandpa’s hat flew off minutes after the boat started sail! Our first stop was Golden Horn (Zlatini Rat) located on Brac Island. Zlatini Rat is a white-pebbled beach and is V-shaped; it is a
beautiful beach and has stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. We took a quick swim and headed on for our next stop, Hvar Island. Highlights of the port town Hvar include its 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress and a main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral. It is filled with secluded beaches, lush lavender fields and a lot of bars. We had lunch in a nice pizza place and visited the Spanish fortress, St. Stephen Cathedral and Bell tower. The city of Hvar has a nice charm and aura to it, it is also known as the party & nightlife capital of Croatia. As the sun started to set, we had to leave for Split. We visited Paradox wine & cheese bar that day, serving a range of charcuterie boards and authentic Croatian wine.

Early morning, we went to one of the small cafes serving breakfasts, where I had crosoiants and hot chocolate, after which the men of the group did a walking tour, while the women went for shopping. We meandered through the small lanes of old town Split, learning about the rich history of the ancient medieval castle. We also came to know that a Croatian man from that very castle invented the necktie! After the walking tour, we seated ourselves for a show in the castle, which demonstrated the procession of the kings in the olden days. It was so realistic and interesting! The narrow lanes of the old castle of Split are filled with gelato shops everywhere. From chocolate to lemon to strawberry to pistachio, every flavor is available. My go to flavors are always the exotic ones! That night, we dined at Bokeria which was a famous Italian restaurant.

We had to leave for Dubrovnik the next day. On route from Split to Dubrovnik, we had the opportunity to cross the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is also a part of the erstwhile Yugoslavian country. Our first stop in Bosnia was the Kravice waterfalls. It was beautiful and the café next to it provided the best views of the waterfall with local Bosnian food. After a quick visit to Kravice waterfalls, we decided to explore Mostar.

Mostar is a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, straddling the Neretva River. It’s known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a reconstructed medieval arched bridge. The alleys are full of shops and little cafes overlooking Stari Most. We chose to have lunch in a café which had awesome views of the bridge, but unfortunately terrible food! We explored the city and bought a few souvenirs. After a long wait, we chanced to see a person jump from Stari Most Bridge, which is at a height of 20m. It was incredible! We finally reached Dubrovnik and checked into our magnificent hotel, Grand Dubrovnik Palace, a beautiful hotel on the edge of the cliff with spectacular views of the sea. It had 2 pools and the rooms were very large and nice. It was actually the best hotel in the city. We decided to enjoy the hotel that day and had dinner in the hotel itself.

Dubrovnik is best known for its distinctive old town, encircled with massive stonewalls completed in the 16th century, and better know for the series ‘Game Of Thrones’.

Next morning, we went down for breakfast at 9am. The breakfast area had a magnificent spread with awesome views. Immediately after breakfast, we dived in the pool and relaxed while gazing at the amazing views. Following our swim, we booked ourselves for a Segway ride which showed us around the hidden bays and promenades of Dubrovnik. The ride was for 50 Euros and it was for about 90 minutes, and every penny worth the experience! We made our way to the promenade, a lovely street filled with bars and restaurants situated in bay Lapad. From there, we ventured along the sea through a forest rode to camp Solidoto and Copacabana coral beach where we broke the journey and had a few drinks. The last part of the tour took us back to the promenade through a beautiful walking trail just next to the sea with little bays. The Segway tour was awesome and a must do at Dubrovnik. The guide was very good as well. After our tour, we went to the old town of Dubrovnik via shuttle provided by the hotel. As we reached, we were greeted by the majestic doors to the entrance of the most well preserved and UNESCO declared world heritage site. As we entered the old town, we took a walk on the Dubrovnik city walls. There is no better way to see Dubrovnik than from its city walls. After our tour of the medieval walls, we wandered the streets of old town Dubrovnik. The main part of old town is compact and easy to walk, but there is a lot of walking if one chooses to do. The narrow streets are filled with restaurants and small shops, perfect places for pit stops on a leisurely stroll through the city. After 8 days of exotic cuisines, we were craving for some Indian food, so we settled upon Incredible India. The food reminded us of home and was an energy boost for that day. After our meal, we explored the squares, lanes and shops of old town Dubrovnik. It was a beautiful feeling to roam around the old town. We also visited the fort of Lovrijenac, which is the old castle from where we caught stunning views of Dubrovnik. We also witnessed a Croatian wedding which was amazing, as we got to delve deep into the local culture of their ceremonies. We took the last shuttle from old town and went back to our hotel.

Next morning, we had our day trip to Montenegro, a country in the Baltic. En route to Kotor in Montevideo, we stopped at a viewpoint to see a panoramic view of the city of Dubrovnik. It was a picture perfect moment! Kotor is a fortified town of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. As we reached Kotor, we explored the old town on foot. It was wonderful, with churches and museums spread all over. We also visited the Kotor cathedral, the most famous place to visit in Kotor. After lunch in a small café, we went to the farmer’s market to get our hand at some local produce. We also took a ferry ride in the bay of Montenegro, which is the winding bay of the Adriatic Sea. It was now time for us to leave back for Dubrovnik. Upon return, we were once again starving, so we went to Bota which served Japanese cuisine. It was high end and a perfect last meal for us to say goodbye to Dubrovnik the next day, and head back home.

SLOVENIA AND CROATIA WAS MY FIRST EXPERIENCE OF EASTERN EUROPE AND I AM SURE THE REST OF THIS SIDE OF THE WORLD WILL BE AS INTRIGUING AN EXPERIENCE AS THIS ONE HAS BEEN FOR ME!