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

About This Tour

About Kastoria

Greece

Kastoria

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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.
• Guide
• Professional guide.
• A guided tour in Athens, Ohrid, Meteora, and Bucharest covering iconic landmarks and historical sites with a local guide.
• Professional and knowledgeable guides accompany you from Day 5 in Sofia through to Day 9 in Meteora, ensuring an insightful and enriching experience throughout your journey.
• Meals
• Daily breakfast provided at the hotels.
• Additional services
• Immerse in culture.
• Engage with the local culture through visits to historic sites, museums, and old town areas.
• Free time for exploration.
• Personalized exploration: enjoy free time in each location for self-guided exploration, shopping, and savoring local cuisine.
• Flexibility: strike the perfect balance between structured tours and independent discovery.
• Transport
• Transportation.
• Luxurious bus journey for the specified routes, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
• Coordination with the Ajdinis Group for specific parts of the journey, enhancing the overall experience.
• We customize our vehicle selection according to group size and needs.
• Sedans are deployed for smaller groups of up to 3 people, while minivans accommodate groups of up to 8 individuals.
• For larger groups exceeding 8 passengers, we rely on Sprinter vans.
• 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.

Not Included

• Flights
• Flights not included.
• Insurance
• Not included, yet highly recommended.
• Optional
• Transylvania full day 120 eu, also Canyon Matka in Skopje 25eu, St. Naum in Ohrid 45eu, local winery 55eu.
• Additional services

Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 01

   Arrival in Bucharest

   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

2. 2
   Day 02

   Discover Bucharest's Historic Highlights

   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.

3. 3
   Day 03

   Optional Transylvania and Dracula's Castle Tour

   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

4. 4
   Day 04

   Transfer from Bucharest to Sofia via Veliko Tarnovo

   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

5. 5
   Day 05

   Sofia Highlights and Journey 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 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

6. 6
   Day 06

   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 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

7. 7
   Day 07

   Tirana Panoramic Tour and Onward to Ohrid

   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

8. 8
   Day 08

   Free Day in Ohrid with Optional St. Naum Excursion

   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

9. 9
   Day 09

   From Ohrid to Kastoria and Meteora

   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

10. 10
    Day 10

    Meteora Monasteries and Transfer to Athens

    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

11. 11
    Day 11

    Athens City Tour and Acropolis Finale

    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

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