9-Day Athens to Istanbul Tour with Meteora, Rila and Bucharest

• 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, as 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 or similar

• Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a half-day guided tour of Athens, the capital city of Greece, 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 or similar

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

• 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: Orfeas Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at hotel.

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

Licensed Guided tour at Delphi

Delphi Entrance ticket is included.

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

• 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

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

Monastery entrance ticket is included (Note: To enter 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

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey toward Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. 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, 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 their impressive architecture and ceremonial significance.
• With the guide's decision, the Sofia city tour can be postponed to the next morning.
• In the evening, 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. Guided City Tour.

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

• After a satisfying breakfast, you'll head off on a comfortable transfer to Bucharest, Romania's lively capital and another major city of the Balkan countries. On the way, you will have lunch in another beautiful Balkan city, the town known as the capital of the former Bulgarian Empire - Veliko Tarnovo.
• Once you arrive in Bucharest, 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: Peakture Hotel Bucharest or similar

Meal Daily Breakfast

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

Route: Sofia-Velika Tarnovo 219km, Velika Tarnova-Bucharest 180km

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

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 Caste tickets are included. Licensed tour guide.

Route: 377km

• 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, board a flight (included, with variable departure times) to Istanbul, Turkey. Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to explore the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: Recital Hotel or Dosso Dossi Hotel or similar

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Visits: Bucharest city tour with licensed guide

Self Transfer to airport!

Istanbul flight ticket is included.

Istanbul Airport to hotel transfer is included.

• After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, pick up for a half-day city tour visiting famous places like the Spice Bazaar and Rustem Pasha Mosque. Cruise from the Rumeli Hisarı Fortress along the Bosphorus Strait, take some photos, relax, and watch the panoramic view of Istanbul.
• Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) was built between 1597 and 1664, and it is the second-oldest covered bazaar in the city. You can find exotic aromas and various spices. It contains fruit, vegetable, flower, and fish shops inside.
• The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and splits the European and Asian sides of Turkey. This romantic cruise along the Bosphorus will allow you to admire the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Çırağan Palace, ancient wooden villas, bridges, and all the wonderful and unique maritime landscapes.

End of the service.

Meal: Daily Breakfast

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

Visit: Istanbul city tour with licensed tour guide.