Bulgaria, Greece, Romania · UNESCO Heritage Sites

8-Day Greece to Romania Tour with Meteora, Rila Monastery and Bucharest

8 Days Round trip from Athens Moderate pace

Mysterious Journey from Greece to Romania

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Athens landmarks including the Greek Parliament, Panathenaic Stadium, and the Parthenon
02 Explore Delphi's Temple of Apollo and its ancient archaeological ruins
03 Discover the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Meteora above dramatic rock formations
04 See Thessaloniki highlights such as the White Tower and Arch of Galerius
05 Stop at Rila Monastery, famed for its frescoes, architecture, and mountain setting

Embark on an 8-day journey from Athens to Bucharest, experiencing the cultural treasures and scenic wonders of Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. Explore Athens with a guided tour of iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, then continue to Delphi and Meteora to discover archaeological wonders and cliff-top monasteries. Travel onward to Thessaloniki and Sofia, including a visit to the renowned Rila Monastery, before reaching Bucharest for guided sightseeing and free time to explore. You can also enhance your trip with an optional excursion to Transylvania, including Bran Castle, Brașov, and Peles Castle.

Experience the awe of Meteora's monasteries, perched high on cliffs, during an overnight stay in this picturesque town.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Premium

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Athens, Brasov, Bucharest, Sofia, Thessaloniki, Rila Monastery, Transylvania, Meteora, Kalabaka, Delphi

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Leisure Time in Athens

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, make your way to your hotel, where you will be greeted with a warm welcome.
After checking in, enjoy some leisure time to explore Athens at your own pace.
Wander through the city's charming streets or relax and soak in the local ambiance before retiring for a restful overnight stay in the heart of Athens.

Day 02

Athens City Tour and Acropolis Museum

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a half-day guided tour of Athens City and the Acropolis Museum.
Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Greek Parliament and Panathenaic Stadium during a scenic coach journey.
Delve into the rich history of Athens with a walking tour of the Acropolis, home to the majestic Parthenon.
Return to your hotel for another night in Athens, filled with the city's vibrant energy.

Day 03

Delphi Ruins and Arrival in Meteora

After a hearty breakfast, set out on a luxurious bus journey to Delphi, renowned for its ancient archaeological treasures. Explore the famed Temple of Apollo and other historic ruins.
Following a satisfying lunch, continue through Central Greece to Kalabaka, nestled beneath the dramatic rock formations of Meteora.
Experience the awe of Meteora's monasteries, perched high on cliffs, during an overnight stay in this picturesque town.

Day 04

Meteora Monasteries and Thessaloniki

Start your day with breakfast before visiting the UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries.
Enjoy breathtaking views and explore these cliff-top Byzantine marvels. Meet your Ajdinis Guide at Kalabaka and join the group to continue your journey to Thessaloniki, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture.
Discover landmarks such as the White Tower and Arch of Galerius, then unwind with a comfortable overnight stay in Thessaloniki.

Day 05

Rila Monastery Visit on the Way to Sofia

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey towards Sofia.
En route, make a significant stop at the Rila Monastery, an architectural and spiritual gem nestled in the Rila Mountains.
As Bulgaria's largest and most celebrated Eastern Orthodox monastery, Rila Monastery is renowned for its intricate frescoes, stunning architecture, and serene mountain setting.
Explore the monastery's rich history and artistic treasures before continuing your journey.
Upon arrival in Sofia, check in to your comfortable hotel and unwind after a day of exploration with an overnight stay in this vibrant city.

Day 06

Transfer from Sofia to Bucharest

After a satisfying breakfast, you'll head off on a comfortable transfer to Bucharest, Romania's lively capital.
Once you arrive, check into your hotel and then enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. It's a great opportunity to start soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before settling in for the night.

Day 07

Optional Transylvania Day Trip

Following breakfast, set out on a day trip to the enchanting region of Transylvania.
Optional tours include visits to Bran (Dracula) Castle, the medieval town of Brașov, and the stunning Peles Castle. Make sure to sign up for these tours in advance if you're interested.
Enjoy the captivating history and breathtaking scenery of Transylvania before heading back to Bucharest to wrap up your incredible trip.

Day 08

Bucharest City Tour and Farewell

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then join a guided tour to explore Bucharest's most iconic sights.
You'll visit Revolution Square, the impressive Romanian Athenaeum, and the charming Villa Crosse Passage, among other highlights. Stroll through the historic Old Town and see the historic Manuc's Inn and Old Princely Court.

After a day of sightseeing, the tour ends.

Where this trip takes you

Parthenon, Temple of Apollo (Delphi), Meteora monasteries, Rila Monastery

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Athens 10 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation: Stay in 4- or 3-star hotels and enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout the expedition in double or twin rooms.
Bed and breakfast service: Start each day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your explorations.
Meals: Daily breakfast is provided at the hotels.
Professional guide: A local guide will lead guided tours in Athens, Delphi, Meteora, and Bucharest, covering iconic landmarks and historical sites.
Professional and knowledgeable guides will accompany you from Day 4 in Meteora through Day 5 in Sofia, ensuring an insightful and enriching experience throughout your journey.
Seamless transfers: Transportation is included for the entire journey, ensuring smooth transitions between destinations.
Comfortable travel: Travel in style and comfort as you explore Europe and the Balkans. Vehicle selection is customized according to group size and needs.
Sedans are used for smaller groups of up to 3 people, while minivans accommodate groups of up to 8 individuals.
For larger groups exceeding 8 passengers, Sprinter vans are used.
This special approach has been designed to ensure the comfort and efficiency of all passengers, regardless of group size, providing a seamless travel experience for everyone onboard.

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional excursions are available at an extra cost: visiting and testing a local winery - 55 euros; Greek Taverna; full-day Transylvania tour - 120 euros.

Logistics