Itinerary

1. Day 1- Arrival in Athens

   • Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, a private transfer to the hotel is provided where you will be greeted with a warm welcome. (In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry because our driver will meet you accordingly. 
   • There are no additional charges for flight delays). 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.

   Accommodation: Ilissos Hotel or Boss Boutique Hotel Athens

2. Day 2- Explore Athens

   • Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a half-day guided tour of the capital city of Greece, Athens and the Acropolis Museum. 
   • During a scenic coach journey, marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Greek Parliament and Panathenaic Stadium. 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.

   Accommodation: Ilissos Hotel or Boss Boutique Hotel Athens

   Meals: Daily Breakfast

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

   Visits: Athens City tour with Licensed Local Guide

3. Day 3- Athens – Delphi – Meteora (Kalabaka)

   • 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.

   Accommodation: Alexiou Hotel, Meteora

   Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner at the hotel

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

   Visit: Licensed Guided tour at Delphi. Entrance ticket to Delphi is included.

   Route Athens to Delphi 213km-Delphi Meteora 220km (Notice: This day is the longest journey of our tour)

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4. Day 4- Meteora (Kalabaka) to 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.

   Accommodation: Hotel Egnatia, Thessaloniki

   Meals: Daily Breakfast

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

   Visit: Monastery entrance ticket is included (Note: To enter in the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required. Ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.)

   Route: Meteora-Thessaloniki 228km

5. Day 5- Thessaloniki to Sofia via Rila Monastery

   • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey towards the capital city of Bulgaria, 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.

   Accommodation: Best Western Terminus Hotel, Sofia

   Meals: Daily Breakfast

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

   Visit: Rila Monastery ticket is included.

   Route: Thessaloniki-Rila Monastery 232km; Rila Monastery-Sofia 117km

6. Day 6- Sofia to Skopje

   • 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 National Art Gallery, Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance. Following your Sofia tour, embark on a journey to another country of the Balkans, the bustling 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

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7. Day 7- Skopje to Tirana via Matka Canyon and Prizren

   • 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 in Kosovo 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. 
   • In Tirana we will do a Tirana panoramic city tour.
   • With the guide's decision, the city tour can be postponed for the next day morning!  Among the places we will see are Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower. 

   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: Panoramic Tirana City Tour, Sadrvan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque, Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower. 

   Route: Skopje – Prizren 105km Prizren – Tirana 180km

8. Day 8- Tirana – Kotor – Dubrovnik

   • Enjoy a flavorful breakfast in Tirana before departing for another Balkan countries Montenegro and Croatia to Dubrovnik. Meeting with your driver at your hotel and continue to the journey, visit the historic city of Kotor, guided by a local expert who will unveil the city’s secrets. 
   • Discover Kotor’s captivating highlights, including the medieval Castle of Kotor perched high on the city walls, the stunning Triphun Cathedral, the intriguing Archive Museum, and the renowned Wall of Shame, a testament to the city’s storied past. Kotor Bay, with its stunning natural beauty and cultural significance, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
   • After exploring Kotor, relish some free time to soak in the picturesque views and local atmosphere before continuing to Dubrovnik. Arrive in Dubrovnik, check in at your hotel, and spend the night in this enchanting city, known for its stunning old town and crystal-clear waters.

   Accommodation: Ivka Hotel Dubrovnik

   Meal: Daily Breakfast

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

   Route: Tirana-Kotor 201km; Kotor-Dubrovnik 92km

   Important notice: because of seasonal crowds, there may be a delay in arrival times at the hotel.

9. Day 9- Dubrovnik – End of the Tour

   • After a hearty breakfast in Dubrovnik, the tour concludes.
   • See you on your next adventure with Ajdinis Travel.

   Meal: Daily Breakfast