Great Balkan Adventure from Sofia to Athens

4.5

Languages spoken: English

Duration: 12 days

Difficulty: Easy

Minimum age: 3

Sorry, we don't offer activity at this time. If you send us your e-mail, we will be happy to inform you as soon as we relaunched it.

Highlights

Bulgaria: Sofia, Rila monastery
Kosovo: Grachanica monastery | Pristina | Prizren
Macedonia: Skopje | Tikvesh wine region | Bitola | Ohrid lake
Albania: Tirana | Durres | Butrinti
Greece: Ioanina | Metsovo | Meteora Monasteries | Delphi

All about the trip

Travel safe in small group - all our tours are operated with up to 12 persons traveling together.

Starting from Bulgarian capital Sofia, you will have a chance to pass 3 western Balkan countries Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania and finish at Greek capital Athens, visiting Rila monastery - UNESCO site, Skopje the capital of Macedonia, Kosovo - the youngest European country, Ohrid and Ohrid lake - UNESCO sites, Tirana and Albanian coastline and the north part of Greece, including unique Meteora monasteries.

Solo traveler ? No problem ! We have an option for you - ask for more information before you book.

What is included in the price

Transportation according the itinerary by car, minivan or minibus;
10 nights accommodation at 4* hotels, including daily breakfast and hotel taxes;
1 x wine tasting with lunch at local winery;
Services of an English speaking driver and local host for the whole tour;
Guided tours at Sofia, Skopje, full day tour to Kosovo, Ohrid, Tirana and Butrinti
Visits as described in the program, excluding admission fees;
1 bottle of water per person / per day complementary.

What is not included in the price

Pre or post tour accommodation and airport transfer(s) are on your own.
Any other meal (lunch or dinner)
Gratuities for the driver/guide (not obligatory)
Personal travel insurance

Instructions

You book - You go, guaranteed departures, which means that you will join a group of other travelers.

Child price valid only when accompanied by two adults.

What to take with you?

A small bag or rucksack
Personal ID or Passport
Additional drinking water
Energy snacks
Sun protection, e.g. a hat or sun cream

Itinerary

DAY 1: Rila monastery and welcome to Macedonia
	Departure towards one of the most famous monasteries in Bulgaria - Rila monastery, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit to the monastery and afternoon drive towards Macedonian border. Upon arrival in Skopje, accommodation at hotel Ibis Skopje center 4* or similar.
DAY 2: Skopje
	Full day Skopje city tour with local guide. Walking in the city center and Skopje old bazaar, visit to Mother Teresa Memorial house (inside). Afternoon visit to Matka valley and lake and possibility to have a boat ride to the entrance of cave Vrelo, one of the deepest underwater caves in Europe. Back to Skopje and evening at leisure. Overnight in Skopje, hotel Ibis Skopje center 4* or similar.
DAY 3: Tour to Kosovo
	Full tour to Kosovo, the youngest European country, with local guide. Visit to Grachanica monastery (inside) site protected by UNESCO. Coffee break at the capital Pristina and afternoon drive and visit to the picturesque town of Prizren. Back to Skopje in the evening. Overnight in Skopje, hotel Ibis Skopje center 4* or similar.
DAY 4: Vodno mountain and Tikvesh wine region
	Day starts with visit to nearby mountain Vodno and St. Panteleimon monastery at village Nerezi (inside) Drive towards the biggest wine region in Macedonia - Tikvesh. Visit to the biggest ancient site in Macedonia - Stobi, dating from 1st century AD. Afternoon visit to a local winery where you will feature a taste of our historically significant Vranec followed by four wines of your choice, as well as fresh concept dishes that continue to create culinary memories for new diners and our favorite regulars. Departure towards Bitola for overnight.
DAY 5: Bitola, Prespa lake and Galichica NP
	Morning walking tour in Bitola, the second biggest town in Macedonia with visit to Heraclea Lynkestis anceint site near Bitola. Later on departure towards the second biggest lake in Macedonia, Prespa lake, with coffee stop and drive across Galichica NP, with spectacular views of both Prespa and Ohrid lakes. Arrival in Ohrid in the afternoon. Evening at leisure and overnight in Ohrid, hotel Aqualina 4* or similar.
DAY 6: Ohrid and Ohrid lake
	Ohrid and Ohrid lake are part of UNESCO World heritage. Walking tour in the old town of Ohrid with local guide and visits inside to some of the most important Ohrid sights - The Ohrid fortress (inside) the Holly area of Plaosnik with new St Klement’s church (inside) the small church of St John in Kaneo and the cathedral church of St Sofia. Afternoon at leisure in Ohrid old town. Overnight at hotel Aqualina 4* or similar
DAY 7: St. Naum and welcome to Albania
	Morning drive along the lake and arrival at St. Naum monastery complex, with its unique church, originally built by St. Naum in 9th century, Visit to the monastery and free time to enjoy nature and possibility to have an unforgettable 40 minutes boat ride above the springs of Black Drim river (boat fee apply - to be paid on the spot)
	Afternoon drive towards Albanian capital Tirana, with stop at Elbasan. O/N in Tirana, hotel Mondial 4* or similar.
DAY 8: Tirana and Albanian coastline
	In a morning Tirana walking tour with local guide and visit to the National museum (inside).
	Drive towards the biggest Albanian port Durres, with coffee break there. Afternoon drive towards south Albania, passing Llogara NP and along the picturesque Albanian coastline, with spectacular panoramic views of Ionian sea. Arrival to the coastal city of Saranda. O/N in Saranda, hotel Grand 4* or similar.
DAY 9: Welcome to Greece
	Visit to Butrinti ancient site in a morning (private guided tour). Crossing the border to Greece and drive towards Ioanina.
	Afternoon at leisure, we recommend a boat ride to the island on Ioanina lake or simply to explore the old town of Ioanina and Ali Pasha fortress. O/N in Ioanina, hotel Politia 4* or similar.
DAY 10: Greek mountains
	After breakfast drive and visit to the picturesque village of Metsovo with coffee break. Later on drive towards Kalambaka, near Meteora monasteries. Afternoon visit to two Meteora monasteries. O/N in Kalambaka, hotel Famissi Eden 4* or similar.
DAY 11: South part of Greece
	Morning departure to south part of Greece and Delphi ancient site. Individual visit to the museum and the site. Afternoon drive towards Athens (hotel, port...)
	End of the tour.

Where do we meet and where will the trip end?

Meeting place:

You will be picked up from your hotel in Sofia. Please let us know the name of your hotel during the booking process.

Final destination:

You will be dropped off at your hotel in Athens. Please let us know the name of your hotel during the booking process.

Cancellation Policy - Strict

Cancellation more than 30 days, prior to the starting date. Clients are automatically refunded the full booking price.
Cancellation within 30 to 10 days prior to the starting date. Clients are entitled to a 50% refund of the booking price.
Cancellation less than 10 days prior to the starting date. No refunds.

The full Terms and Conditions are available on our website.