Balkan Dreams (26 destinations)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 13-day adventure through the heart of the Balkans, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. This multi-day tour invites you to explore the vibrant cities, charming towns, and picturesque villages of Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. From the bustling streets of Zagreb to the serene monasteries of Bulgaria, each day promises unique experiences, guided tours, and delightful culinary delights. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this captivating region, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Included
Breakfast buffet
1 Lunch Included in: Etar
8 dinner included in: ZAGREB, Sarajevo, DUBROVNIK, DUBROVNIK, Tirana, Ohrid, Kalabaka, SANDANSKY
Basic travel insurance included.
Includes arrival transfer
ZAGREB
: INTERNACIONAL or HOLLYWOOD or VALAMAR ARGOSY HOTEL
TIRANA
: TIRANA INTERNATIONAL or METROPOL LAKE RESORT or DIVANI METEORA
TESALONICA
: DOMOTEL LES LAZARISTES or PIRIN PARK HOTEL or RAMADA SOFIA
PLOVDIV
: RAMADA PLOVDIV TRIMONTIUM or BOLYARSKI MERIDIAN or YANTRA GRAND HOTEL
BUCAREST
: DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BUCHAREST UNIRII SQUARE
We know how important hotels are on your trip. The hotels have been selected taking into consideration quality, price and location. They are located in the cities we visit, most of them not in the city center but all of them with easy access to public transportation nearby. Our accommodation is not based on luxury hotels. Please keep in mind that standards, bed sizes and room dimensions can vary between hotels of the same class in different locations. All rooms are equipped with private bathroom and TV. Some of them also offer a mini-bar, safe box, and hair dryer. Many hotels, mainly in North Europe, do not have air conditioning or local legislation establishes limited dates of use.
English speaking tour in: ZAGREB, Sarajevo, DUBROVNIK, Tirana, SOFIA, PLOVDIV, BUCHAREST
Please note also that your tour guide might be changed once or several times during the tour. On some tours, according to the number of passengers, the service may be provided in bilingual (usually in English and Spanish), either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader for smaller groups explaining in both languages.
City tour in: ZAGREB, Sarajevo, DUBROVNIK, Tirana, SOFIA, PLOVDIV, BUCHAREST
Experiences: Monastery at Meteoras
Ticket admission: Jajce Waterfall, Franciscan Monastery and Cathedral in Dubrovnik , Monastery , Sofia Cathedral , Roman Amphitheater, The Ancient Botica and The Armenian House in Plovdiv , Thracian Tomb Replica in Kazalnak , Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi , Basarbovski Monastery
Map
Attractions
Arapovo Monastery
Apparition Hill
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Lokrum
Rila Monastery
National Park of Drilon
Prespa National Park
Sokol grad
Holy Forty Martyrs Church
Sarajevo City Hall
Franciscan Church and Monastery
Nikola Tesla Monument
Susedgrad old town
Clock Tower
Shipka Memorial ChurchDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb
- Zagreb - Arrival day
- More
- Nikola Tesla Monument
- Susedgrad old town
- More
Welcome to the vibrant city of Zagreb, where your journey begins. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel (Hilton or similar) to settle in. In the afternoon, join a panoramic tour with a local guide to explore the city's iconic two hills, the historic Upper Town, and the modern neighborhoods. Enjoy a delightful dinner as you soak in the charm of Croatia's capital.
Day 2 – Day 2: Journey to Bosnia
- Zagreb
- Banja Luka
- Jajce
- More
Depart early for Bosnia, navigating through the scenic landscapes and historical reminders of the 1990s conflict. Your first stop is Banja Luka, where you can explore the fortress and the Orthodox cathedral. Continue to Jajce, a town celebrated for its cultural diversity and stunning waterfall. Arrive in Sarajevo by evening, where you'll have time to wander through the historic center and the enchanting Ottoman Bazaar. Dinner awaits you at the hotel (Hotel Europe or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik
- Mostar
- Dubrovnik
- More
- Apparition Hill
- Sarajevo City Hall
- More
Begin your day with a guided tour of Sarajevo, a city known for its rich religious tapestry. Discover the Ottoman influences and visit a mosque over 500 years old. Journey through picturesque landscapes to Mostar, where the iconic stone bridge awaits. After exploring, continue to Dubrovnik, arriving by evening. Settle into your hotel (Hotel Excelsior or similar) and enjoy a sumptuous dinner.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discover Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik
- More
- The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- Lokrum
- Franciscan Church and Monastery
- More
Embark on a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik, a city perched on cliffs and surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Franciscan Monastery and the Assumption Cathedral. Take a short boat trip to Lokrum Island, known for its Benedictine monastery ruins. Enjoy free time to explore the city before returning to your hotel (Hotel Excelsior or similar) for dinner.
Day 5 – Day 5: Montenegro and Albania
- Dubrovnik
- Kotor
- Budva
- Tirana
- More
- Sokol grad
- More
Set off early for Montenegro, where you'll marvel at the stunning coastal scenery of the Bay of Kotor. Explore the walled town of Kotor and its Venetian influences. Continue to Budva for lunch and a stroll through its charming old town. Cross into Albania and arrive in Tirana, where you'll have free time before dinner at your hotel (Hotel Tirana International or similar).
Day 6 – Day 6: Tirana to Ohrid
- Tirana
- Ohrid
- More
- National Park of Drilon
- Prespa National Park
- Column monument
- More
Discover Tirana's highlights, including the Clock Tower and the ministries. Journey through Albania's mountainous landscapes to Lake Ohrid, a natural border with Macedonia. Stop in Struga for lunch before continuing to Ohrid, a city rich in Ottoman heritage. Explore the Plaosnik Monastery and enjoy dinner at your hotel (Hotel Metropol or similar).
Day 7 – Day 7: Macedonia to Greece
- Ohrid
- Kastoria Regional Unit
- More
- Clock Tower
- More
Travel through Macedonia to Bitola, a city with rich Ottoman and neoclassical architecture. Stroll along Širok Sokak before crossing into Greece. Continue to the Meteora region, stopping in Kastraki for lunch. Explore the breathtaking Meteora Valley and visit one of its famous cliffside monasteries. Arrive in Kalabaka for dinner at your hotel (Hotel Divani Meteora or similar).
Day 8 – Day 8: Greece to Bulgaria
- Thessaloniki
- Melnik
- Sandanski
- More
- Thessaloniki Waterfront
- More
Journey through northern Greece, enjoying the mountain scenery en route to Thessaloniki. Explore Greece's second-largest city and savor a delicious lunch. Cross into Bulgaria and visit Melnik, renowned for its wine production. Conclude your day in Sandanski, a spa town known for its healing waters. Dinner is included at your hotel (Hotel Interhotel Sandanski or similar).
Day 9 – Day 9: Explore Bulgaria
- Rila
- Sofia
- More
- Rila Monastery
- St Mina Monastery
- More
Visit the stunning Rila Monastery, nestled in a forested landscape. Continue to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, for a guided tour of its architectural gems, including the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Enjoy lunch and free time to explore the city before dinner at your hotel (Hotel Sofia Balkan or similar).
Day 10 – Day 10: Sofia to Plovdiv
- Sofia
- Plovdiv
- More
- Arapovo Monastery
- Roman aqueduct
- More
Head to Bachkovo Monastery, a serene site with three churches. Continue to Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities. Enjoy lunch and a tour of the Roman Amphitheatre and other historical sites. Dinner is included at your hotel (Hotel Imperial Plovdiv or similar).
Day 11 – Day 11: Bulgarian Heritage
- Plovdiv
- Kazanlak
- Shipka
- Veliko Tarnovo
- More
- Holy Forty Martyrs Church
- Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak - Copy
- Megalith
- Shipka Memorial Church
- More
Travel through the Balkan Mountains to Kazanlak, where you'll visit the Thracian Tomb. Explore the Shipka Memorial Church and the ethnographic village of Etara. After lunch, continue to Arbanasi to visit the Nativity Church. End your day in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's former capital, with dinner at your hotel (Hotel Yantra Grand or similar).
Day 12 – Day 12: Bulgaria to Romania
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Bucharest
- More
- Karanvarbovka Monastery "Saint Marina"
- More
Visit the Basarbovski Monastery before crossing into Romania. Arrive in Bucharest for a panoramic tour of the city, including the impressive Palace of Parliament. Enjoy free time to explore before dinner at your hotel (Hotel Intercontinental or similar).
Day 13 – Day 13: Departure from Bucharest
- Bucharest - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, your unforgettable journey through the Balkans concludes. Depart with cherished memories of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and historical treasures.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
