16D15N · Group Tours · Great Balkan Tour

Welcome to Sofia! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.


At approximately 3:00 p.m., we’ll begin a city tour of Bulgaria’s capital and get to know famous sights such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city’s squares and avenues known for their Stalinist architecture. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your leisure.


IMPORTANT:
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.

Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

Total distance covered: 205 km.

Scenery: Expansive agricultural plains.

Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Bachkovo Monastery.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sofia.
11:00 a.m. - Bachkovo Monastery - Arrival at Bulgaria’s second most important monastery, founded in the 11th century. This site, with its three churches, offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can observe the monks´ way of life.

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Bachkovo Monastery.
12:45 p.m. - Plovdiv - After lunch (included), we’ll go on a panoramic tour of this city, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Our tour includes admission to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House. You´ll then have free time to explore the beautiful historic streets and charming small shops.

Total distance covered: 230 km.

Scenery: Rose Valley, which bursts with vibrant colors during the flowering season (May and June), and the beautiful Balkan Mountains.

Note: Occasionally, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on Sunday morning.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Plovdiv. We’ll travel along charming small roads through the interior of Bulgaria, reaching the Rose Valley.
10:00 a.m. – Kazanlak. Admission is included to see the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll also learn about the local production of rose-based products.

11:30 a.m. – Departure from Kazanlak. Amidst the mountains, we’ll visit the Russian Shipka Memorial Church, a reminder of the strong ties between Bulgarians and Russians, and the support Bulgaria received from Russia during its war for independence against the Ottomans.
01:15 p.m. - Etar - Arrival at this charming village and ethnographic museum. We’ll stroll among its traditional houses and artisan workshops. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

03:30 p.m. – Departure from Etar.
04:45 p.m. - Arbanasi - Arrival in this ancient trading city known for its fortress-houses. We’ll visit the Nativity Church (admission included).

05:45 p.m. Departure from Arbanasi.
06:00 p.m. - Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, featuring a picturesque medieval center and historic hilltop sites. You’ll have time to explore.

Total distance covered: 190 km.

Scenery: We’ll cross the Danube River as we pass through the border.

Note: Keep your passport handy, as it will be required at the Romanian border.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Veliko Tarnovo.
10:00 a.m. - Basarbovski Monastery - We’ll visit this pilgrimage site, carved into the rock.

11:00 a.m. – Departure from Basarbovski. We’ll cross the border and the Danube; please be aware that there may be delays at the border.
12:45 p.m. - Bucharest. Time of arrival may change depending on border procedures. You’ll have free time for lunch upon arrival.

3:00 p.m., - City tour of Bucharest, featuring the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. You´ll have free time afterward to explore the city at your leisure. Dinner will be included.

Total distance covered: 325 km.

Scenery: Beautiful landscapes featuring the Carpathian Mountains and small, picturesque villages along the way.

Note: Sinaia is in the mountains, so we recommend warm clothes and comfortable shoes.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Bucharest. We’ll leave the bustling metropolis and head toward the mountains, where we’ll enjoy beautiful Alpine landscapes.
10:30 a.m. - Sinaia. We’ll explore the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor Castles (we’ll only visit the gardens as the castle interiors are closed on Mondays).

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Sinaia. We’ll continue through high mountain regions.
01:00 p.m. - Bran - Arrival at the 14th-century fortress known as "Dracula’s Castle" (tickets included). You´ll have time for lunch and to explore the charming town center after.

03:30 p.m. – Departure from Bran. As we journey on, you’ll observe the unique architecture of some villages, reflecting the influence of German settlers in the region.
05:45 p.m. - Sighisoara - Arrival at this beautiful walled medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, where you´ll enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula’s restaurant, located in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.

Note: Occasionally, due to heavy tourist traffic, there are long delays in accessing Bran Castle, which may cause a significant delay in the arrival time to Sighisoara.

Note: Hotel capacity in Sighisoara is limited. On certain dates, accommodation may be provided in Sibiu (departing from Sighisoara after dinner). In these cases, the stop in Biertan will be replaced with a visit to the city of Alba Iulia.

Total distance covered: 395 km.
Scenery: Beautiful and varied landscapes, with little villages en route.
Note: From November to March, due to shorter days and monument opening hours, we won´t be able to visit the interior of the church in Biertan. However, we will make a brief stop to view it from the outside.

09:00 a.m. – Departure from Sighisoara. In Transylvania, there are many fortified churches in areas that were historically inhabited by people of German origin. Some of these churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we’ll visit one in Biertan.
09:45 a.m. - Biertan - Arrival to visit the fortified church (tickets included).

10:45 a.m. – Departure from Biertan.
12:15 a.m. - Sibiu - Arrival in this important economic and cultural center, which was once the capital of Transylvania. Take some time to stroll through its bustling narrow streets and squares and enjoy lunch.

02:30 p.m. – Departure from Sibiu. We’ll drive along the highway through picturesque agricultural regions.
04:15 p.m. - Hunedoara - We will visit the impressive Hunedoara Castle (tickets included), considered the most beautiful castle in Romania.

05:15 p.m. – Departure from Hunedoara.
07:45 p.m. - Timisoara. This city, with Roman origins, is home to diverse communities. Its beautifully restored classical and pedestrian center is perfect for an evening stroll.

Total distance covered: 170 km.

Note: Please have your passport handy, as it will be required at the Serbia border.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Timisoara. We’ll journey through pleasant landscapes as we head towards Serbia. The border crossing may occasionally cause some delays.
11:30 a.m. (12:30 p.m. in Romania) - Belgrade. We’ll take a city tour of this lively capital situated at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava. We’ll explore the bustling city center, the parliament, and enjoy a stroll through the Kalemegdan Fortress. The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, where Tito’s Mausoleum is located. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to further explore the city at your own pace.

Distance traveled: 295 km
Scenery: forests, mountains, rushing rivers, and small towns. Strong contrasts mark our journey through Bosnia.

Note: Keep your passport close to you, as we will cross the border into Bosnia.

08:00 a.m. – Belgrade. Departure. We begin our beautiful journey traveling to the region of Vojvodina.

09:15 a.m. – Sremska Mitrovica. Arrival in this city with a pleasant historic center on the banks of the Sava River. Once one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire, it served as the capital of the province of Pannonia. Entrance to the Imperial Palace of Sirmium is included, offering insights into this period.

10:30 a.m. – Departure from Sremska Mitrovica. We continue toward Bosnia, traveling through beautiful landscapes along the Drina River. Border crossing (delays are possible). Stop en route for lunch. The road continues across the Republic of Srpska—the Serbian Republic of Bosnia—passing through small villages, forests, and hills.

5:30 p.m. – Sarajevo. Arrival in the late afternoon. Time to explore the historic center, where you can stroll through the enchanting bazaar, the old Ottoman market known for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner included.

Total distance traveled: 280 km
Scenery: Spectacular landscapes with mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik features stunning coastal views.
Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the “Jerusalem of Europe” for its coexistence of multiple religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich diversity. We’ll explore the old town’s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent 500-year-old mosque and a beautiful fountain.

11:15 a.m. – Sarajevo. Departure. We travel through breathtaking mountain and valley landscapes.

01:45 p.m. – Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that unites and separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.

4:30 p.m. – Mostar. Departure. We continue our journey across the rocky and mountainous landscapes of the historic region of Herzegovina toward Croatia.

7:30 p.m. – Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Arrival. Dinner included.

Note: Depending on the date, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or in Cavtat, a coastal town nearby.

09:00 a.m. - We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide in the morning. We will undoubtedly be in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, perched on a cliff, surrounded by walls and kissed by the Adriatic Sea. Its intact historic center is a jewel of world architectural heritage. We’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of the city from a scenic viewpoint along the road. The tour includes tickets to the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral. We’ll also take a boat trip to Lokrum, a small island just 15 minutes away that is home to the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, a popular setting for the series Game of Thrones. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be included.


Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.

Total distance traveled: 295 km
Scenery: Stunning views along the Adriatic coast. The Bay of Kotor offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. Picturesque villages along the route. Later, Albania reveals a more rural character with its own strong identity.
Note: Keep your passport close to you. We will cross the borders into Montenegro and Albania.

7:30 a.m. – Dubrovnik. Departure. Early morning drive toward Montenegro. Border formalities (sometimes lengthy). We take a ferry across the stunning Bay of Kotor.

10:30 a.m. – Kotor. Arrival (time may vary depending on border procedures). Free time to stroll in this beautiful walled city with strong Venetian influence, set in a magnificent natural setting.

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Kotor. We continue along the scenic coastal route.

1:00 p.m. – Budva. A beautiful walled enclave surrounding the medieval city. Time to walk along its sandy beaches, take photos, and enjoy lunch.

2:30 p.m. – Departure from Budva. We continue along the coast toward Albania. Arrival at the border and border formalities (which may be lengthy). Time at the border for coffee and currency exchange. We then continue on smaller roads before reaching Albania’s capital.

8:00 p.m. – Tirana. Arrival. Dinner and accommodation.

Note: The road linking Montenegro with Tirana has very heavy traffic, especially during the tourist season, which can sometimes cause significant delays.

Total distance covered: 160 km.


Scenery: Mountain roads in Albania offer interesting views throughout the journey. The area around Lake Ohrid is particularly beautiful, with its crystal-clear waters.


Note: Please have your passport with you. We will be crossing the border into Macedonia. Ensure you do not need a visa to enter.


After breakfast, we’ll take a city tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, featuring its mosques, Clock Tower, and ministries. Our local guide will share insights about this small country. Enjoy some free time before we continue our journey. (This tour may alternatively take place in the evening upon arrival in Tirana, depending on daylight and the guide’s decision.)


11:15 a.m. - Departure from Tirana. We’ll travel through mountain scenery, arriving at Lake Ohrid, which forms the border with Macedonia and offers picturesque landscapes. We’ll cross the border (there may sometimes be delays) and enter Macedonia.
02:30 p.m. - Struga. This picturesque town on the lake shore offers time for a stroll and lunch.


03:30 p.m. - Departure from Struga.
04:15 p.m. - Ohrid. This town, with its strong Ottoman influence, is a World Heritage Site. Enjoy time to explore the town center, after which we’ll head to the hotel by the lake on the outskirts of town. Dinner will be included.

Total distance traveled: 283 km.
Scenery: Beautiful Balkan and northern Greek landscapes, with stunning mountain views in Greece and breathtaking scenery around the Meteora area.
Notes: Keep your passport handy as we’ll be entering Greece (Schengen zone). We’ll visit the Meteora Valley, stopping at the most important Orthodox monasteries and touring one of them. Please wear appropriate clothing (skirts will be provided for women upon arrival at the monastery) and comfortable shoes for the climb.

07:45 a.m. – Departure from Ohrid. We’ll travel through pleasant agricultural plains towards the border.
09:15 a.m. - Bitola. You’ll get to know this charming city with its rich historical heritage, known for its Ottoman and neoclassical architecture, and have time to take a stroll down Širok Sokak, a pedestrian area lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

10:15 a.m. – Departure from Bitola. We’ll head towards the border, where we’ll complete formalities to enter Greece. Northern Greece, with its rugged geography, shows a strong Slavic and Ottoman influence. We’ll continue towards the Meteora region.
03:30 p.m. (02.30 p.m. in Macedonia) - Kalabaka. Just outside the city, in Kastraki, we’ll stop at a picturesque village offering beautiful valley views. We´ll explore the awe-inspiring Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll tour the valley and include entry to one of the most famous monasteries, perched high on the rocks. Arrival in Kalabaka, with dinner included.

Total distance: 395 km.

Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of northern Greece and on the way to Bulgaria, featuring mountains, secluded areas, and lush forests.

Note: Remember to have your passport ready; you´ll need it to enter Bulgaria.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kalabaka. We’ll travel through northern Greece, enjoying pleasant landscapes, including agricultural regions and high mountain areas.
11:15 a.m. - Thessaloniki. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch in Greece’s second-largest city.

02:00 p.m. – Departure from Thessaloniki. We’ll make our way towards the Pirin Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site historically contested by regions influenced by Greek, Slavic, and Turkish cultures. We’ll then cross the border into Bulgaria. Please note that this part of the journey may experience delays due to border procedures.
04:45 p.m. - Melnik. We’ll visit this picturesque museum-town, set in a beautiful wine-producing region. We’ll explore the traditional Balkan way of life.

05:45 p.m. – Departure from Melnik.
06:15 p.m. - Sandanski - Arrival in this charming spa town, known as the birthplace of Spartacus. Dinner and accommodation will be provided.

Distancia realizada: 225 km. Paisajes: Montañas y bosques llegando a Rila.
Notas: Lleve ropa adecuada para la visita del monasterio de Rila.


08.30 hrs.- Sandanski –salida-.
10.30 hrs.- Monasterio de Rila.- Entre bosques y montañas, dentro de un parque Nacional, se oculta este bellísimo monasterio ortodoxo amurallado. Tiempo para su visita .


11.45 hrs.- Monasterio de Rila –salida-.
14.00 hrs.- SOFIA –Llegada a la capital de Bulgaria-.