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Best of Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

• Fully Guided
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Cross seven countries off your bucket list
• Travel from the Danube to the Adriatic Sea
• Take a dip in Dubrovnik's crystal clear waters
• Introduction
• Day 1 Sofia
• Day 2 Sofia, Belgrade
• Day 3 Belgrade, Sarajevo
• Day 4 Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje
• Day 5 Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje
• Day 6 Trebinje, Kotor, Shkoder
• Day 7 Shkoder, Tirana, Ohrid
• Day 8 Ohrid, Skopje
• Day 9 Skopje, Sofia

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by Travel Talk

At Travel Talk, we have one focus and that is simply to make your trip the experience of a lifetime without breaking the bank. Being avid travellers ourselves, we know what is essential to creating that perfect trip and combine all of these elements in every one of our tours. With fascinating destinations, expert guides, like-minded travellers, premium accommodation and travel – not to mention competitive prices; we strive to tick all the boxes to create the most unique and authentic travelling experiences. Explore exotic destinations filled with wonders as Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Russia or India & Nepal. Embrace the authentic culture and otherworldly experiences in Morocco, Iceland and the Balkans. Then meet the warm sun and cool waters of Greece, Croatia, Spain & Portugal. Commemorate the fallen on the ANZAC Day, hit the snowy slopes with Ski Bansko in the winter, and sink a beer at Oktoberfest together with like-minded travellers. Travel Talk group tours are ideal for culture-hungry adventurous travellers chasing the most unique travel stories around the world. Travel Talk guests are not just tourists, but avid travellers. Join us on one of our tours to find out the difference.

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.8
• Itinerary Excellent 4.8
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 4.9
• Accommodation Excellent 4.5
• Food Excellent 4.5
• Tour Operator Travel Talk 4.7
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

• A S. Morgan · 8th February 2024 Nice accomodation. Coach was comfy with air con and music. Tour guide was nice, funny and knowledgeable. Spoke celar enough english and was a good guide in Serbia. Trip date: October 2019 Review collected by Travel Talk
• A M. Dempsey · 8th February 2024 Our bus driver was excellent. Always felt safe and always had a smile. The tour leader Simon was amazing. So knowledgeable and always going above and beyond to help and make sure we had the best experience Trip date: January 2020 Review collected by Travel Talk
• A K. Shah · 8th February 2024 Some guides were excellent. Both the tour guides Simon and Aykut were superb.It was wonderful experience travelling with them. Trip date: February 2019 Review collected by Travel Talk
• A D. Keely · 8th February 2024 Aykut was very knowledgeable and personable to have done many tours with other companies. He is one of the best. Dian our drivers fantastic, very friendly. Trip date: June 2019 Review collected by Travel Talk
• A A. Gilkison · 8th February 2024 Aykut was a great tour leader, very informative and helpful. Simon was very good, he was very helpful and extremely informative with great knowledge of each country. Awesome to have someone who could communicate with the locals in their language. Dan... Show more Trip date: April 2019 Review collected by Travel Talk
• A L. Mawson · 8th February 2024 The driver (Dan) was friendly and helpful. Bojan did a great job as the tour guide. He provided lots of interesting information and was very entertaining with his jokes. Trip date: April 2019 Review collected by Travel Talk
• A A. Millett · 8th February 2024 Bojan was a fantastic tour leader! Really made the trip a great one. He has exceptional knowledge of all the regions we travelled to. The Macedonian dinner was very good and good value. Enjoyed the winery stop. Trip date: April 2019 Review collected by Travel Talk
• A S. McPherson · 8th February 2024 Bojan was a great guide, he is very good with people and constantly adds value to the travel days by telling entertaining stories, very funny and smart. Dan the bus driver was also a good host. Trip date: May 2019 Review collected by Travel Talk

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• Saturday 18 May, 2024 Sunday 26 May, 2024 English Sold Out €1,986 See Similar Tours For These Dates
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• 6 Other Unavailable Departures
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Discover a fascinating region of stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage in exquisite comfort and style.

Uncover the top highlights of the Balkans throughout 7 beautiful countries including Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia. Learn about the countless struggles which have shaped the Balkan ‘powder keg’ in history. Soak in gorgeous monuments and impressive cities as well as spectacular nature. Embrace the colourful cultures and delicious local cuisine while uncovering all the must-see sights from each country.

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Discover a fascinating region of stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage in exquisite comfort and style.   Uncover the top highlights of the Balkans throughout 7 beautiful countries including Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia. L...

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• Day 1 Sofia
• Day 2 Sofia - Belgrade
• Day 3 Belgrade
• Day 4 Belgrade - Sarajevo
• Day 5 Mostar - Trebinje
• Day 6 Trebinje - Dubrovnik - Trebinje
• Day 7 Kotor - Shkodra
• Day 8 Tirana - Ohrid
• Day 9 St. Naum - Ohrid
• Day 10 Ohrid - Matka Canyon - Skopje
• Day 11 Skopje - Sofia
• Day 12 Sofia

Welcome to Bulgaria

Stylish Hand-Picked Hotels

Hilton sofia.

In the heart of Sofia and surrounded by South Park, Hilton Sofia offers modern accommodations, premium amenities and stunning views of Vitosha Mountain. Located in the city center, the hotel is only 25 minutes away from Sofia International Airport.

Optional Experiences

Sightseeing activities.

Depart for Belgrade

Hotel metropol palace.

Metropol Palace is a stunning Luxury Collection Hotel in the very center of Belgrade with its park surroundings. The luxurious Limegrove Fitness & Spa Center encompasses a 25-meter long pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, gym, relaxation area, steam bath, ice fountain and 6 treatment rooms.

Belgrade City Tour

Depart for Sarajevo

Swissotel sarajevo.

Located in the city center, where hospitality is part of the nature of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Swissotel Sarajevo offers contemporary and modern designed rooms with stunning views, free Wi-Fi, state of the art Wellness and Spa facilities, as well as two restaurants.

Depart for Trebinje

Hotel central park.

Hotel Central Park is located in the heart of charming Trebinje and has a terrace with a nice and cozy restaurant. The hotel was built in 1894, shortly after the arrival of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in the area, in the architectural style that dominated the second half of the 19th century.

Depart for Dubrovnik

Depart for Shkodra

Grand hotel europa.

Grand Hotel Europa provides 50 rooms with a panoramic view of the mountain. Since 1998, it has been hosting guests in Shkoder. This venue offers 24-hour front desk assistance, laundry and a doctor on call as well as a night club, a sunbathing terrace and an indoor swimming pool.

Depart for Ohrid

Hotel unique resort and spa.

Situated in Ohrid, 2.1 km from Cuba Libre Beach, Unique - Resort and SPA features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool & fitness centre, 24-hour front desk, room service and luggage storage for guests.

Hotel Inex Olgica

Nestled on the shore of the Ohrid Lake, Inex Olgica offers the guests a comfortable & pleasant stay with its elegant interiors, private beach, an indoor swimming pool, a SPA & wellness center, spacious & air-conditioned rooms with lake or mountain view and a restaurant & bar.

Depart for Skopje

Skopje marriott hotel.

Located in the heart of Macedonia Square, the hotel offers spectacular views over the Vardar River and Stone Bridge. During your stay, you will have access to 24 hour fitness room, indoor pool, SPA center and on-site restaurant.

Depart for Sofia

Ciconia Exclusive Tours include premium services such as 5-star accommodation, modern comfortable transportation, incredible sights & all entrance fees, breakfasts & most dinners, tips, porterage and more.

5 & 4 Star Hotels

Accommodation in comfortable and ideally located hotels.

Comfortable Transportation

Air-conditioned coach or minibus.

Most Dinners

11 Breakfasts, 10 Dinners

Travel Director

Expert Travel Director & Local Guides

Journey Highlights

Unique itineraries with all must-see sights, more inclusions. Find more details below and in the itinerary.

All Entrance Fees To All Sights

Entrance fees to all cultural, historical and natural sites on tour.

Private Airport Transfer

Complimentary private airport transfers on arrival and departure dates.

Baggage Handling

Seamless baggage handling, delivered to your room at every hotel.

All Tips, Taxes And Porterage Charges

Tips at the hotels and restaurants, all taxes and porterage fees.

Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

DATES AND RATES

Share with your travel companion, your own single room, enjoy a room just for you.

Belgrade is the capital and largest city of the southeast European country of Serbia.

Budva is a town in Montenegro and known for best nightlife on the Adriatic Sea.

This complex is one of the most beautiful and strongest fortified systems in Europe, but the lively streets show that there is more! Party in a 13th Century fortress anyone?

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro and well-known for its World heritage medieval structures.

Mostar is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge).

Ohrid is a large town in Macedonia on the shore of Lake Ohrid and a UNESCO heritage site since 1980.

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its main cultural, economic centre.

Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria.ıt has rich history from Roman and Ottoman Empires.

Tirana is the capital and largest city of Albania.It is also culturel and economical center of the country.

Trebinje is the southernmost city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and 28 km far from Dubrovnik.

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• COVID-19 protected
• Sightseeing tour
• Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Art and architecture
• Customizable
• duration 10 days
• tour type Group Request as private
• age requirement 18-39 yrs
• max group size 35
• guiding method Fully guided
• Tour Code BM-17755

• Starts Sofia, Bulgaria
• Ends Sofia, Bulgaria
• Explore the lively Bulgarian capital of Sofia, with its opulent palaces and colourful Orthodox churches
• Soak up the history and natural beauty of Montenegro
• Discover the charms of Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic"
• Visit the ancient cities of Skopje and Ohrid in North Macedonia
• Savour the unique atmosphere and nightlife of Belgrade
• Day 1: Sofia
• Day 2: Sofia, Belgrade
• Day 3: Belgrade, Sarajevo
• Day 4: Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje
• Day 5: Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje
• Day 6: Trebinje, Kotor, Shkoder
• Day 7: Shkoder, Tirana, Ohrid
• Day 8: Ohrid, Skopje
• Day 9: Skopje, Sofia
• Day 10: Sofia
• 4 star hotels
• Arrival airport transfer from Sofia Airport to the hotel on day 1
• Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access ( where available )
• 9 breakfasts
• Services of experienced local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
• Air-conditioned coach or mini-bus
• Any flights not mentioned above
• Travel Insurance
• Meals not stated above
• Items of a personal nature
• Tips and gestures
• Entrance fees to the sights and museums
• Optional activities
• Other services not stated in the itinerary
• On Apr 12 2023
• Elena Villegas
• On Apr 05 2023
• Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
• Protected Travel within your own bubble.
• Professional Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
• Privacy Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
• Earn US$ 44+ in travel credits.
• Best price guaranteed.
• No credit card or booking fees.
• 100% financial protection.
• Carbon neutral tours.
• 25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
• Read more reasons to book with Bookmundi less Read less

No additional cancellation fees apply for this Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels) tour. You can cancel the tour up to 63 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 62 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 11 July 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 11 July 2024, a deposit of 150 USD is required to confirm the tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 62 days before trip departure.

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels) tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels) tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

• This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene protocols have been adhered to.
• Larger tour groups will be separated according to the local physical distancing regulations.
• Various COVID-19 distancing measures have been implemented on this trip to ensure the safety of each traveller.
• This tour requires you to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before your departure day.

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Balkan Discovery Small Group

10 Days Starting and ending in Sofia

Visiting: Sofia, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Budva, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Recommended For:

18-30 somethings , Couples , LGBT plus , Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

Physical rating:, tour operated in:, trip styles:.

Adventure Tours , Small Group , Walking Hiking and Trekking

Cultural , History , Photography

Activities:

Shopping , Sightseeing , Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour overview.

Travelling with a group of no more than 12 people, our new Small Group trips provide you with more space for your comfort and pleasure. Join us on this fascinating Balkan Discovery to witness the living history as well as unparalleled natural beauty. Share a cup of tea with the lively and passionate people; fall in awe against the magnificent mountain range and crystal mirror-like lakes; meanwhile soak in the massive history that shaped the future of Europe. This Balkans tour takes you through all the highlights from palaces of the Tsars in Sofia and charming Belgrade to the pearl of Adriatic, Dubrovnik, to the pretty Montenegrin villages and Albanian towns, via the heart of stunning Macedonia.

Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro

Mostar known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a reconstructed medieval arched bridge

Swim the Adriatic and walk around the impressive medieval fortresses of Dubrovnik and Kotor, and meet the vibrant nightlife of Budva

Uncover the stunning natural beauty of Ohrid Lake with an optional trip to the serene St. Naum Monastery

Places You'll See

Balkan-discovery.

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Day 1 : Sofia

Location: sofia, accommodation: hotel, vega - 4 star, meals included: no meals.

Welcome to Sofia! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. After you get all the critical information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner around 8:15pm and walk the streets of Sofia. Included Activities Welcome Meeting Optional Activities Group Dinner

Day 2 : Sofia, Belgrade

Location: sofia, belgrade, accommodation: hotel, abba - 4 star, meals included: breakfast.

After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories. Included Activities Belgrade City Tour

Day 3 : Belgrade, Sarajevo

Location: belgrade, sarajevo, accommodation: hotel, ibis styles – 4 star.

Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb. Included Activities Sarajevo City Tour Entrance Fees Catholic Church - EUR 1

Day 4 : Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje

Location: sarajevo, mostar, trebinje, accommodation: hotel, central park – 4 star.

Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay. Included Activities Mostar City Tour Optional Activities Kravice Waterfalls - EUR 20

Day 5 : Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje

Location: trebinje, dubrovnik, trebinje.

Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic"! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the "King’s Landing", the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night's rest. Included Activities Dubrovnik City Tour Optional Activities Dubrovnik Boat Trip - EUR 35 Entrance Fees Dubronvnik City Walls - EUR 15

Day 6 : Trebinje, Kotor, Budva

Location: trebinje, kotor, budva, accommodation: hotel, park – 3 star.

Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time, make your way to the popular touristic hub of the region, Budva. Your guide will take you on a brief walking tour of the vibrant summer town with great food, impressive views and lively nightlife. Included Activities Kotor City Tour Budva Walking Tour

Day 7 : Budva, Tirana, Ohrid

Location: budva, tirana, ohrid, accommodation: hotel, sileks – 4 star.

Hit the road after breakfast, next stop Albania! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner. Included Activities Panoramic Tour of Tirana Ohrid Walking Tour Optional Activities Balkan Night With Dinner - EUR 25

Day 8 : Ohrid, Skopje

Location: ohrid, skopje, accommodation: hotel, panoramika – 4 star.

Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night. Included Activities Ohrid City Tour Optional Activities St. Naum Tour - EUR 15

Day 9 : Skopje, Sofia

Location: skopje, sofia.

Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where you can explore the shopping streets and the nightlife as you wish. Included Activities Skopje City Tour

Day 10 : Sofia

Early in the morning, join a walking tour of the Sofia town centre and visit all the famous landmarks including the National Library, Sofia University, The Parliament, and continue on to The St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theatre and St. Sofia Church. While your guide fills you in about the diverse history of Bulgaria and the communist era, you’ll get to see the houses of the Council of Ministers, presidency and the former communist party headquarters. As you stroll towards the vibrant shopping streets, feel free to get lost and discover the shops and cafes around. After the city tour, start bidding farewells to your new mates and end the tour. Included Activities Sofia City Tour

What's Included

Accommodation

4 star hotels

9 breakfasts

Transportation

Air-conditioned non-smoking coach or mini-bus

Airport Transfer

From Sofia Airport (on day 1)

Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

What's Not Included

Any flights

Travel insurance

Meals not stated in the itinerary

Items of a personal nature

Tips & gestures

Entrance fees to the sights and museums

Optional activities

Other services not stated in the itinerary

Local Payment: £0

Check out our q&as, are flights included in this tour, are the local guides on the tour english speaking, are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour, are all entrance fees included in the price, is the tour coach air conditioned, are children permitted to take part in the tour.

No passenger under age 18

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

How long has the tour company been trading?

Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

My travel talk experience was great and memorable.

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

We did the 11 Day...

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

One of the best holidays I’ve had

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

I would 100% recommend the...

I would 100% recommend the ANZAC Travel Talks tour, just finishing the 11 day tour here in Istanbul with our guide Mustafa. I travel alone and have done multiple tours with other well known and popular travel companies and this has hands down been the best!!! INFORMATION! Haha So much engaging history and knowledge from our guide, I found the tours of the palace and ruins with Mustafa very enjoyable. The freedom to skip a museum or tour to explore the city was encouraged. Meet back points and day plans were clearly communicated making it easy to have autonomy in a group setting. I felt like I was in charge of my own holiday and tour experience, which as a solo traveller who loves to do her own thing was perfect! We visited such amazing places on this tour that were bucket list items and once in a life time experiences! A hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, walking the ruins in Ephesus & Troy. The dawn service at ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine Gallipoli. I am still in awe of the amazing things we have done and seen in these last 11days! The country of Turkey itself is absolutely beautiful and the people here even more so. Very generous and kind, I always felt safe as a female travelling alone. The food AMAZING! Baklava, doner kababs, rice stuffed muscles and Turkish delights to name a few, will make you fall in love! Accommodation was big beautiful mostly 4-5 star hotels in great locations on the beach, in the city! Comfortable beds, ample space and an abundance of food! Most of our accomodation provided buffet breakfast and dinner. Not having to worry about where to eat at the end of a long day or before an early start was very convenient. The work placed into the ANZAC service, security and protection was hands down phenomenal. Multiple check points for security, Turkish workers handing out water, offering first aid, and clearly communicating and directing crowds for the services. All my anxieties for the day were put at ease seeing the work and dedication put in by the Turkish people and government. I honestly cannot fault this tour and want everyone to experience Turkey the way I have gotten to experience this beautiful country. This ANZAC tour will forever be in my memories and my heart as one of the best trips I have ever done! Truely, thank you, teşekkür ederim, Travel Talks Tours.

My partner and I thoroughly...

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our 9 Day Essential Turkey tour with Mustafa as our guide. His attentiveness to the group's needs was amazing, going above and beyond to ensure an stress-free experience. Mustafa provided valuable local insights, guiding us on the best areas to visit and helping us find good local deals. Overall, we found the tour to be excellent value for money, and we were particularly impressed with traveltalks accommodation choices—clean, spacious, and offering great meal options. Additionally, the inclusion of two drivers for our safety during long journeys added an extra layer of reassurance to our memorable trip. Thank you to Mustafa!

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey...

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey with Travel Talk I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk, and let me tell you, it was an adventure like no other! From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, this tour was a perfect blend of culture, history, and pure fun. Travel Talk ensured that every aspect of our trip was well-planned. The accommodations were comfortable, the transportation was smooth, and the itinerary was perfectly curated to showcase the best of Turkey's rich history and vibrant culture. If you're looking for an incredible adventure in Turkey, I wholeheartedly recommend Travel Talk. Their attention to detail, knowledgeable guides (Mustafa), ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a thrilling travel experience, Travel Talk has got you covered. Thank you, Travel Talk for an extraordinary tour that surpassed all expectations. I'll cherish the memories and stories from this adventure for a lifetime.

Fantastic tour, personable experiences

My first tour with Traveltalk to Jordan was fantastic. Everything was very well planned, the itinerary was timed to perfection and jam packed with amazing experiences. The tour guide Issa went above and beyond to make everyone happy and have the best experience possible, taking us to local restaurants and telling us the best things to eat. Our bus broke down on the way to the Dead Sea and he dealt with it really quickly, and a replacement bus arrived in less than an hour. He treated us all like his friend rather than just a job which make the tour even more special. The hotels were fab and had everything that we needed, all I great locations to local attractions. I booked another tour but had to cancel due to Covid and Traveltalk have placed my deposit aside ready to use on the next trip. I can’t wait to book again with them.

We did the 12 day...

We did the 12 day Turkey tour with the Gullet option, and loved it! The price was super reasonable, Travel Talk was always extremely responsive whenever I reached out. Most importantly, we visited an amazing array of impressive historical sites, saw the profound and varied natural beauty of Turkey and enjoyed incredible experiences like hot air ballooning and paragliding. Mustafa was the best tour guide we have ever had. His knowledge and organizational skills were top notch, he helped with everything (even with arranging laundry services) and was hilarious as well. The food was tasty, the hotels were good and the boat trip was fun and relaxing with beautiful scenery and a lot of swimming. The cabins on the boat weren’t air conditioned and were pretty hot at night, so some people slept on deck where there were plenty of places with cushions where you could stretch out and get a good nights rest. I highly recommend this tour!!

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour...

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk Tours exceeded our expectations! The well-crafted itinerary showcased Turkey's best, complemented by excellent hotel choices. Mustafa, our guide, added depth with his rich knowledge, engaging storytelling and brilliant sense of humour. The seamless experience, from transportation, meals, accommodations, sightseeing and optional activities made this tour unforgettable. Highly recommended for those seeking a perfect blend of culture and comfort in Turkey.

Book with Confidence

Free date changes.

Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

Low Deposit

Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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A good road means a good organization. With our organization, you don’t have to worry about accommodation, food, transportation! We stand behind you as a dedicated companion on every Balkan trips!

We cover 10 Balkan countries

Balkland allows you to visit and feel the charms of 10 countries in the Balkans. Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Slovenia, Romania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia await you to visit their beautiful landscapes and taste their most delicious food!

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With Balkland you always travel safely. We have provided transportation, hotels, and adventures throughout the Balkans for you, which are above all safe. The safety and security of our passengers is our priority!

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The Balkans are a very safe place to visit today. More than 30 years ago, the war that took place in the Balkans ended, and today the Balkans is one of the safer travel destinations.

Is it cheap to travel in the Balkans?

Yes. Compared to many Western European countries, traveling in the Balkans is often more budget-friendly, offering affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options.

Why is Balkan food popular?

Balkan cuisine is popular due to its rich flavors, diverse influences, and use of fresh, local ingredients. The combination of Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Slavic culinary traditions contributes to the unique and delicious dishes.

What is the most popular Balkan food?

Ćevapi, a type of grilled minced meat, is widely popular across the Balkans. Other favorites include Burek, a pastry with meat or cheese, and Ajvar, a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread.

Is the Balkans safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, many parts of the Balkans are safe for solo female travelers. All the locals are friendly and ready to help you if you get lost or need help. Since you are still in a foreign country, we recommend that you do not go out late at night alone and keep your personal belongings safe.

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The one that gives you the best of The Dalmatian coastline, from Split to Budapest

11 days, 5 countries

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10 nights in Hotels

10 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

There's so much to fit in with this 11 day adventure around 5 incredible Balkan countries. Take in the Dalmatian Coastline as we head to the scenic city of Dubrovnik, explore the architecture of Belgrade before finishing up in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.

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Includes 2 nights in Budva, Montenegro, hopping across 5 countries (11 days).

Includes 2 nights in Tirana, Albania, hopping across 6 countries (8 days).

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What is Contiki?

Contiki are the world leaders in organized youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our two values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re About People’. We don’t just talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘ Travel.Together. ’ which means to travel with one another, with the destinations we visit, the people and cultures we enjoy and the environment.

You’ve never experienced travel like this.

Why only 18-35?

Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.

Tailoring to select ages brings together like minded, likeable people, and allows us to use Social Travel planning to build great groups of people so fast you’ll wonder if you’ve been friends forever.

What destinations can I go to with Contiki?

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer more than 350 Global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

How does it work?

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

How many other travellers are on each trip?

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

What’s included?

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

What’s not included?

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

What are Contiki's sustainability credentials?

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here . With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Find out more details here .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for this trip?

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies). For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Can I stay in my destination a few days before/after the trip starts/ends? And can Contiki help me arrange this?

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

When booking your trip online

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By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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exhibition review

At the Met, Sleeping Beauty Wakes Up in the Chemistry Lab

The immersive show features fragile dresses inside airtight vitrines, overcoats growing grass, pat-’n-sniff walls and a hologram. Does it work?

A miniature 3-D printed dress from House of Dior on display at the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Visitors can reach out and feel the shape and form of the silk flowers. Credit... Vincent Tullo for The New York Times

Supported by

By Vanessa Friedman and Jason Farago

• May 9, 2024 Updated 5:02 p.m. ET

When the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute announced its 2024 spring blockbuster show would be called “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” a lot of head-scratching ensued. Was this a show about Disney costumes? Princess frocks? Now the exhibition is actually here, and the answer is: none of the above.

It’s a show built on a base of 15 pieces from the institute’s collection that have become so fragile over time they can no longer be displayed on mannequins (the “sleeping beauties”), along with more than 200 hardier gowns and accessories reflecting organic themes such as roses, butterflies and beetles (nature also being fragile). Its curators seek to “reawaken” these items with a dash of technology and a soupçon of sensory overload: touch, smell and sound. Imagine the ghostly rustling of silk taffeta, the clinking of giant paillettes, brought back to life by scientists and engineers. It’s not your usual fashion exhibit. But what exactly is it?

Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic, and Jason Farago, critic at large, debated the result. These are edited excerpts from their conversation.

VANESSA FRIEDMAN This exhibit struck me as both wildly ambitious — with its use of A.I., video, molecular science, sound and touch to enliven the multiple dimensions of the 250 garments and accessories from five centuries on display, creating what the Met director Max Hollein called a “grand multisensory experiment” — and yet oddly minor. I think it’s because, with the feel-me walls, the bend-’n-sniff tubes, the claymation-like animated embroideries, it seemed like a grown-up version of the children’s “discovery” gallery, but with much chicer clothes. Still, there’s a very provocative big idea hiding under all theatrics: that once fashion enters the museum and falls into hands of a conservator it becomes an object and effectively “dies.” Ka-pow!

JASON FARAGO You’re right to compare it to a children’s museum, with its fetishization of interactivity, immediacy and the primacy of the senses. (“Use all your senses, class!” Kindergarten vibes.) There are also passages that feel more clinical: simulations of the laboratory, with analytical diagrams that graph the precise dye content of yellow dresses, and crystals to sniff from round-bottom flasks.

Continuous curved white walls — this show’s been designed by the hip firm Leong Leong — also give the show the feel of the lab, or even, if we were being ungenerous, a mental institution. One early gallery replicates the texture of a Christian Dior dress as 3-D-printed urethane wallpaper: an LVMH padded cell.

But more than any of those, this spectacle of fashion made me think of an exhibition format that thrived last decade: immersive, brightly colored museum-like attractions , like the Museum of Ice Cream or the interactive rooms of teamLab , which offer chromatic stimulation and frequent selfie opportunities. These tourist-trap “museums” — the word offers a veneer of culture, but they’re more like fun houses — arose alongside Instagram in the mid-2010s, and I’d note that TikTok is the lead sponsor of this exhibition, and of the Met Gala.

FRIEDMAN Well, as we both know, the Costume Institute is the only department in the museum that has to pay for its own operating budget — and shows. So you follow the money. And certainly, part of the role of fashion in this museum, especially since the curator Andrew Bolton took over and started creating these conceptual extravaganzas, has been to be the more accessible entry point to the grand institution, and get people through the doors. I remember a former curator, Harold Koda, telling me that the museum once measured the decibel levels of different exhibits, and they were by far the highest for the Costume Institute shows, because everyone feels confident in having an opinion about clothes. And I do think this show will be a talker, both because many of the clothes on display are very gorgeous, and because of the “Pat-the-Bunny”-like aspects. What say you?

FARAGO I’ve got real reservations about the interactivity and immersion, which undercuts this show’s efforts to look at clothing through scientific and poetic lenses at once. That bifocal technique is an intriguing approach, and maybe “Sleeping Beauties” might have been twice as good with half the budget.

But we should talk about the substance of this show before we get into the style — insofar as the two can be cleaved apart….

FRIEDMAN The explanation has to do with the decay, or ephemerality, of clothing in the museum’s collection (clothes that have an “inherent vice,” which is my new favorite term), which got Bolton thinking about flora, fauna, etc, etc, which led to the themes he used to bulk out the exhibit. That’s a somewhat chaotic rationale, but it can essentially be boiled down to: Fashion has been influenced by nature since it became fashion!

Which is – duh – pretty obvious, but also fun to look at. Who doesn’t want to spend some time gazing at Dior’s masterpiece of a scalloped gown, frothing with beads, or a Paquin poppy frock from 1937 in plissé chiffon with the delicacy of flower petals, or a Loewe overcoat from a recent runway show, sprouting real grass? (That last one has to be replaced by a new version every week or so, because the grass can’t survive that long without being watered.) The sheer visual appeal of these clothes makes a compelling argument that some designs, at least, have the timeless appeal of great art.

FARAGO The core of the exhibition (or what should be the core) consists of 15 dresses from the Costume Institute collection, plus that Loewe lawn coat, that are succumbing to that inherent vice. These are displayed lying flat in airtight vitrines. On a lavender evening dress from 1902, made for Alexandra of Denmark, you can see gashes in the disintegrating silk netting: one false move and the sequins fall right off. There’s another gown from the same year, designed by the House of Worth, that was treated with metallic salts to stiffen the taffeta. Now those salts are breaking down the fabric.

What Bolton has tried to do is to reanimate these gowns with supplementary scientific (or science-lite) displays. A dress from the 19th century has been rendered as a C.G.I. gown on a dancing avatar. There are lenticular photographs that suggest the movement of silk as you walk past, and an audio track of the sound of rustling taffeta.

The most notable sensory experiences, though, are olfactory…

FRIEDMAN Apparently the smells made the museum very nervous! They didn’t want anyone to feel assaulted by having to endure the scent of human hair from a hat, and so on. Personally, I very much enjoyed the pat-’n-sniff wall in the “Specter of the Rose” gallery, which allows a visitor to release the smells that have been lifted from a Paul Poiret dress and pair of House of Drecoll gowns and embedded in the paint. Ditto the glass tubes that emitted little puffs of scent in the space devoted to Millicent Rogers, the Standard Oil heiress, which attempts to recreate her own…um…body odor as unearthed from her clothes — say, a Schiaparelli cocktail dress covered in garden blooms — and environments. And I appreciated that the scents were not about perfume brands. They were about the garments themselves, and the lifestyles of the people who wore them.

FARAGO You liked it more than me. I went through the rest of my afternoon with the waxy stench of that Poiret dress on my fingertips.

FRIEDMAN Of all the “activations” though, my favorite was the opening salvo: a hologram of that 1887 Worth dress, reclining IRL in a glass vitrine, but here brought back to life and waltzing in air. I thought that was utterly charming, and more successful than the AI chatbot answering questions about the final dress: a thoroughly modern white silk wedding gown by Callot Soeurs worn by New York socialite Natalie Potter for her 1930 nuptials. That felt to me like the curators trying too hard to be of the moment. Though I thought the 1869 wood fan once owned by a woman named Flora Miller displayed with it was fascinating: A handwritten “diary” of her first three weeks of married life, written longhand on the slats but faded, was reconstituted through multispectral imaging.

FARAGO I am begging museums to chill with the chatbots. For our readers alone, I consented to the indignity of speaking to it. “Natalie,” I asked, “what do you think of Andrew Bolton’s tenure as curator of the Costume Institute?” The bot responded, “Andrew Bolton’s vision for the Costume Institute resonates with his discerning taste and scholarly depth. His exhibitions are notably meticulous and thought-provoking.” Hey, who needs critics!?

But this AI aristocrat — this imitation of life — does return us to the broader and trickier theme of “Sleeping Beauties” that you initially mentioned, Vanessa, and that’s the life and death of clothes. Bolton’s efforts to “revive” or “reanimate” the garments here parallels larger anxieties we all have about museums. A museum is a machine (I’m ventriloquizing the anthropologist James Clifford here) that transform artifacts into art. You can’t dance anymore with the African or Oceanic masks in the Met’s Rockefeller Wing. No one comes to the medieval wing to venerate the saints in the icons. These objects, once they enter the museum, have to submit to new regimes of looking.

And “Sleeping Beauties” legitimates a broader doubt today about museum display and preservation. We want to make cultural objects alive again , both for methodological purposes (they had a use before they came here) and for audience delight (they look better on TikTok). But with fashion there is an extra twist of the knife — fashion is ephemeral to begin with.

FRIEDMAN Which is why there is a perennial “is it art” debate. If you wear it, is it art? If you can play with it – as you can here – is it art?

This exhibit is part of a continuum of shows by Bolton that interrogate bigger issues about fashion and technology (I think of 2016’s “Manus x Machina”) and fashion and time (2020’s “About Time: Fashion and Duration”), in part to justify their place in the museum. Though even if you don’t respond to the theory, you can just enjoy the beautiful clothes, and the games. In this case, however, I also think that effort to “big up” the idea with the interactions, complex and experimental though they were to produce, may end up undercutting its seriousness.

FARAGO “Manus x Machina” was my favorite of those three shows, by far, because it took a hyped-up idea in the broader culture — technology’s changing everything! — and historicized it, unpacked it, slowed it down. That’s what a great museum show can do. And “Sleeping Beauties” achieves that in places, mostly when it walks away from the science lab and enters the domain of history and art.

I keep thinking about these glass buttons from ancien régime France, which had dried insects embedded within them. You could swan through Versailles with dead bugs on your waistcoat! (And, little did you know, the revolution was going to squash you like a bug by the 1790s.) They were followed by two acetate chokers from the House of Schiaparelli, affixed with hand-painted brass beetles and dragonflies, and then a skintight “butterfly” dress — the butterfly wings are actually painted turkey feathers — from Sarah Burton’s first collection for Alexander McQueen. Here we have a real demonstration of scientific and symbolic continuity over 200 years, which carries much more weight than the Cinderella-in-springtime graphics and sounds.

FRIEDMAN Your mention of the revolution is very apropos, given the inspiration for the Gala’s lavish dress code: J.G. Ballard’s “The Garden of Time,” the short story that I read as about the end of the aristocracy. What Bolton said attracted him to the phrase was the idea of gardens and time, and their connection to the exhibit, rather than the macro subtext. And indeed, that may be the best way to enjoy the show. Part of the appeal of Costume Institute exhibits is the vicarious imagining: Would I wear that Iris Van Herpen dress that looks like a collection of oily tentacles? What about that Alexander McQueen dress of clanking razor clamshells? Who wore it? And what was the world like, where such a garment was possible?

This exhibit leans into those ideas, and it makes visitors want to lean right back – literally. Lean down and smell the molecules! Lean back and watch the videos of circling birds on the ceiling. Lean over and touch the wall. Lean close, and look.

Vanessa Friedman has been the fashion director and chief fashion critic for The Times since 2014. More about Vanessa Friedman

Jason Farago , a critic at large for The Times, writes about art and culture in the U.S. and abroad. More about Jason Farago

Art and Museums in New York City

A guide to the shows, exhibitions and artists shaping the city’s cultural landscape..

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, the immersive “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition features fragile dresses inside airtight vitrines, overcoats growing grass and pat-’n-sniff walls. But does it work ?

The Kosovar artist Petrit Halilaj  began drawing as a child in the Balkans during a violent decade. His world of childhood innocence and adult experience comes to the roof of the Met .

As his bullet-riddled panels go up at Gagosian, Maurizio Cattelan, in a rare in-person interview, tells why he turned his sardonic gaze on a violence-filled world .

In his biggest exhibit since a 2013 retrospective at the Guggenheim, Christopher Wool has created his own show in an uninhabited office in Manhattan’s Financial District .

Looking for more art in the city? Here are the gallery shows not to miss in May .

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