11-Day Balkan Heritage Tour from Bucharest to Athens via Meteora

• Upon arrival at Bucharest International Airport, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry - our driver will meet you accordingly.
• There are no additional charges for flight delays. After arriving at the hotel, you will be greeted with a warm welcome.
• After checking in, enjoy some leisure time to explore Bucharest 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 Bucharest.

Accommodation: Peakture Hotel Bucharest or similar

• Start with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then set out on a guided tour of Bucharest's highlights.
• Explore iconic sites like Revolution Square, the Romanian Atheneum, and the charming Old Town. Take in landmarks such as Manuc's Inn and the Old Princely Court. After your tour, relax and reflect on the day's discoveries before spending another night in Bucharest.

Accommodation: Peakture Hotel Bucharest or similar

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Bucharest city tour with Licensed local guide.

• Following breakfast, set out on a full-day trip (optional - 120 eur per person) to the enchanting region of Transylvania. This optional tour includes visits to Bran (Dracula) Castle, the medieval town of Brașov, and the stunning Peles Castle. Enjoy the captivating history and breathtaking scenery of Transylvania.
• Make sure to sign up for these tours in advance if you're interested.

Accommodation: Peakture Hotel or similar

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Bran Castle and Peles Castle tickets are included. Licensed tour guide.

Route: 377km

• After a satisfying breakfast, you'll head off on a comfortable transfer to another lively Balkan capital, Sofia in Bulgaria. On the way, you will have lunch in another beautiful Balkan town known as the capital of the former Bulgarian Empire - Veliko Tarnovo.
• Once you arrive in Sofia, 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.

Accommodation: Best Western Terminus Hotel

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the driver on the route.

Route: Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo 180km, Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia 219km

• After a hearty breakfast, delve into Sofia's rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of its major landmarks.
• Visit the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a monumental symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, and the historic St. Sofia Basilica, one of the city's oldest churches. Continue your exploration with the National Art Gallery and the Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance.
• Following your Sofia tour, embark on a journey to another Balkan country, heading to the capital city of North Macedonia, Skopje.
• Upon arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour, discovering highlights such as the ancient Kale Fortress overlooking the city, the iconic Stone Bridge spanning the Vardar River, the lively Macedonia Square with its grand statue of Alexander the Great, and the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque.
• Spend a relaxing evening at a comfortable Skopje hotel, reflecting on your day's adventures.

Accommodation: Doa Hotel 4*

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Panoramic City Tour, Aleksander Nevski Cathedral

Route: Sofia-Skopje 244km

• Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out for Tirana.
• Along the way, consider a picturesque stop at Matka Canyon, a natural wonder renowned for its dramatic landscapes and serene lake (optional 25 euros per person).
• Continue to the city of Prizren, visiting another Balkan country, Kosovo. Prizren is a charming city known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
• Explore notable sites such as Prizren Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, the elegant Sinan Pasha Mosque, the tranquil White Drin River, and the bustling Sadrvan Square.
• Take some time to shop for local handicrafts and savor traditional cuisine before proceeding to Tirana, the lively capital city of another Balkan country, Albania. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in this dynamic city.

Accommodation: Albanopolis Hotel 4*

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Sadrvan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque

Route: Skopje - Prizren 105km, Prizren - Tirana 180km

• Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before setting out on a captivating panoramic tour of Tirana.
• Discover the vibrant heart of the city with highlights including Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et'hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower.
• After exploring Tirana, set off from the capital of Albania, passing through the ruins of Enver Hoxha's communist state and arriving at your next stop, Ohrid, the city known as the pearl of the Balkans.
• After the customs procedures, visit Ohrid, a city named after Lake Ohrid, one of the largest lakes in the Balkans.
• Visit the charming Old Town of Ohrid, famous for its magnificent scenery and rich cultural heritage, offering panoramic views of the Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, Ancient Via Egnatia, Hagia Sophia Church, Hagia Sophia Monastery, and Samoil's Fortress. Take in the breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid and settle in for a comfortable night's accommodation in this picturesque town.

Accommodation: Hotel Sky Corner 4*

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Panoramic Tirana City Tour, Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, Ancient Via Egnatia, Hagia Sophia Church

Route: Tirana - Ohrid 131km

• After a Macedonian breakfast in Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans, enjoy a full day to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ohrid.
• Stroll through its charming streets or optionally take a half-day tour to Sveti Naum Monastery, a quiet and historical place on the shores of Lake Ohrid, for 45 Euros.
• Visit the source of Lake Ohrid, which will take your breath away with its breathtaking views. This optional excursion offers a unique opportunity to discover the deep cultural roots and stunning natural landscapes of the region.

Accommodation: Hotel Sky Corner 4*

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Pearl of the Balkan St. Naum Monastery (45 eu)

Route: Ohrid - St. Naum - Ohrid 70km

• Start your day with breakfast and an optional visit to a famous winery in North Macedonia (55 Eur).
• Then cross into Greece, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and after customs continue towards Kastoria, known for its magnificent Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture, and scenic lake.
• After exploring Kastoria, continue towards Meteora. Stay overnight in Meteora, rest, and prepare for the next day's adventures.

Accommodation: Alexiou Hotel

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: City Kastoria, Lake Kastoria, Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture and scenic lake

Route: Ohrid - Kastoria 140km, Kastoria - Meteora 135km

• After breakfast at your hotel, visit the UNESCO-listed Meteora to tour the magnificent cliff-top monasteries.
• Explore two of these impressive Byzantine monasteries, each perched atop towering rock formations and offering breathtaking views. Following your visit, transfer to Athens by reserved shuttle or train.
• Self-transfer to your Athens hotel, check in, and enjoy a comfortable stay. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Athens' nightlife at your leisure.

Accommodation: Ilissos Hotel or Boss Boutique Hotel Athens.

Meals: Daily Breakfast

• Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Check out, and embark on a half-day guided tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis Museum.
• Enjoy a coach journey past iconic landmarks such as the Greek Parliament and Panathenaic Stadium, followed by an on-foot exploration of the Acropolis and the timeless Parthenon. This tour marks the end of your journey, concluding your memorable adventure in Athens.

Meals: Daily Breakfast

Visits: Athens City tour with Licensed Local Guide