Balkan Extravaganza (35 destinations)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 20-day journey through the heart of Europe, where ancient history meets vibrant cultures. This multi-day tour will take you from the ancient ruins of Athens to the enchanting canals of Venice, exploring the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Each day promises new adventures, from the majestic monasteries of Meteora to the medieval charm of Sighisoara, and from the vibrant streets of Belgrade to the serene beauty of Lake Bled. Enjoy guided tours, cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine, with accommodations in comfortable hotels like the Hilton (or similar). Whether you're wandering through the historic centers of Dubrovnik and Sarajevo or marveling at the natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes, this tour offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Europe's diverse and captivating landscapes.
Included
Includes arrival transfer
Evening transfer: Plaka neighborhood in Athens
ATENAS
: PRESIDENT or NOVOTEL ATHENES or SKYLARK
ATENAS
: NOVOTEL ATHENES or AMALIA KALAMBACA or KOSTA FAMISSI
KALAMBACA
: DIVANI METEORA or DOMOTEL LES LAZARISTES or PIRIN PARK HOTEL
SANDANSKY
: INTERHOTEL SANDANSKI or PIRIN PARK HOTEL or ASTORIA GRAND
SOFIA
: RAMADA SOFIA or IMPERIAL or RAMADA PLOVDIV TRIMONTIUM
VELIKO TARNOVO
: BOLYARSKI MERIDIAN or BOLYARSKI MERIDIAN or PANORAMA
VELIKO TARNOVO
: GURKO or YANTRA GRAND HOTEL or MERCURE BUCAREST CITY CENTER
BUCAREST
: DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BUCHAREST UNIRII SQUARE or MERCURE BINDERBUBI SIGHISOARA or DOUBLETREE SIGHISOARA CAVALER
TIMISOARA
: TIMISOARA or NOBEL PALACE or NOBEL PALACE
Sarajevo
: IBIS STYLES SARAJEVO or NOVOTEL SARAJEVO BRISTOL or HOLLYWOOD
DUBROVNIK
: LERO or ROYAL NEPTUN or DUBROVNIK PALACE
DUBROVNIK
: VALAMAR LACROMA or SALONA PALACE or MONDO
SPLIT
: AMPHORA or PRESIDENT or BRISTOL
OPATIJA
: GRAND ADRIATIC or ASTORIA or AGAVA
LIUBLIANA
: M HOTEL or BB LJUBLJANA PARK or PARK LJUBLJANA-URBAN GREEN
VENECIA
: LUGANO TORRETTA or DELFINO or ELITE
VENECIA
: ELITE
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.
Basic travel insurance included.
Breakfast buffet
1 Lunch Included in: Etar
10 dinner included in: SANDANSKY, PLOVDIV, BUCHAREST, SIGHISOARA, Sarajevo, DUBROVNIK, DUBROVNIK, SPLIT, OPATIJA, LIUBLIANA
City tour in: ATHENS, SOFIA, PLOVDIV, BUCHAREST, BELGRADE, Sarajevo, DUBROVNIK, SPLIT, LIUBLIANA, VENICE
Ticket admission: Monastery at Meteoras, 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 , Bran Fortress , Church of Biertan , Castle of Hunedoara , Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade , Sirmium Imperial Palace in Stremska Mitrovica , Franciscan Monastery and Cathedra in Dubrovnik; , Diocletian´s Palace in Split , Plitvice Lakes National Park including boat or train tours in Plitvice , Postjona Caves , Murano glasswork in Venice
English speaking tour in: ATHENS, SOFIA, PLOVDIV, BUCHAREST, BELGRADE, Sarajevo, DUBROVNIK, SPLIT, LIUBLIANA, VENICE
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.
Destinations
Sofia
Kazanlak
Sibiu
Split
Bled
Opatija
Hunedoara
Dubrovnik
Athens
Mostar
Thessaloniki
Ljubljana
Rila
Belgrade
Veliko Tarnovo
Venice
Sinaia
Sighișoara
Bucharest
Melnik
PlovdivDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
- More
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Athens. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel, such as the Hilton (or similar), where you can unwind and enjoy some leisure time. In the afternoon, check the hotel reception for details about the start of your exciting journey.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Athens
- Athens
- More
- Acropolis Museum
- Kazoulis mansion
- Palataki
- National Archaeological Museum of Athens
- Panathenaic Stadium
- More
Embark on a guided exploration of Athens, where you'll witness the grandeur of the Presidential Mansion, the historic Panathenaic Stadium, and the esteemed National Library. Your journey will culminate at the iconic Acropolis, a testament to ancient Greek civilization. In the evening, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Plaka, a neighborhood brimming with traditional Greek tavernas and cultural charm.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Northern Greece
- Athens
- More
- Gorgopotamos bridge
- Παρνασσός
- Meteora
- More
Depart Athens and head north, pausing at the scenic seaside town of Kamena Vourla. Continue to the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, site of the legendary battle. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque village of Kastraki, with its stunning valley views. The day concludes with a visit to the awe-inspiring Meteora, where you'll explore one of its famous monasteries. Dinner awaits in the town of Kalabaka.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Greece to Bulgaria
- Thessaloniki
- Melnik
- More
- Thessaloniki Waterfront
- More
Travel through northern Greece's breathtaking mountain landscapes to Thessaloniki, where you'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch. Cross into Bulgaria, visiting the charming museum town of Melnik, famed for its wine. The day concludes in Sandanski, a spa town known as the birthplace of Spartacus, where you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5 – Day 5: Explore Bulgaria's Heritage
- Rila
- Sofia
- More
- Rila Monastery
- Boyana Church
- St Mina Monastery
- More
Visit the majestic Rila Monastery, nestled in a forested landscape. Continue to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, arriving by late morning. After lunch, embark on a guided tour of the city, visiting landmarks such as the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, and the Mosque. Enjoy free time to explore Sofia's vibrant atmosphere at your leisure.
Day 6 – Day 6: Cultural Treasures of Bulgaria
- Sofia
- Plovdiv
- More
- Arapovo Monastery
- Lauta Park
- Roman aqueduct
- More
Begin your day with a visit to Bachkovo Monastery, a serene sanctuary with a rich history. Proceed to Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities, where you'll enjoy lunch and a guided tour. Discover the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House, each offering a glimpse into the city's storied past.
Day 7 – Day 7: Historical Gems of Bulgaria
- Plovdiv
- Kazanlak
- Shipka
- Veliko Tarnovo
- More
- Holy Forty Martyrs Church
- Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak - Copy
- Megalith
- Shipka Memorial Church
- More
Journey through the Rose Valley to Kazanlak, where you'll explore the replica of the Thracian Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Shipka Memorial Church and the ethnographic museum in Etara. After lunch, travel to Arbanasi to see the Nativity Church. Conclude your day in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's former capital, known for its medieval charm.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Bulgaria to Romania
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Bucharest
- More
- Karanvarbovka Monastery "Saint Marina"
- More
Cross into Romania, stopping at the Basarbovski Monastery, a unique pilgrimage site carved into rock. Arrive in Bucharest for lunch, followed by a panoramic tour of the city, including the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. Enjoy free time to explore Romania's capital at your own pace.
Day 9 – Day 9: Transylvanian Adventure
- Bucharest
- Sinaia
- Bran
- Sighișoara
- More
- Viscri
- Peleș Castle
- Bran Castle
- More
Travel through the scenic Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia, where you'll stroll through the gardens of Peles and Pelisor Castles. Visit Bran Fortress, famously known as Dracula's Castle, before continuing to Sighisoara, a medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula's restaurant, located in the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
Day 10 – Day 10: Fortresses and Castles
- Sighișoara
- Biertan
- Sibiu
- Hunedoara
- More
- The Fortified Church of Biertan
- Lacul Bucura
- More
Explore the fortified church in Biertan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Sibiu, where you'll have time to wander its lively streets and enjoy lunch. Visit the impressive Hunedoara Castle, considered Romania's most beautiful, before heading to Timisoara to explore its elegant central squares.
Day 11 – Day 11: Discover Belgrade
- Belgrade
- More
Cross into Serbia and arrive in Belgrade, a lively capital at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Enjoy a panoramic city tour, visiting the bustling city center, parliament, and Kalemegdan Fortress. Explore the Museum of Yugoslavia, home to Tito's Mausoleum. Spend the afternoon exploring Belgrade at your leisure.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Serbia to Bosnia
- Belgrade
- Srem Administrative District
- Zvornik
- More
- Special Nature Reserve ''Zasavica''
- More
Travel through the scenic Vojvodina region to Sremska Mitrovica, exploring the Imperial Palace of Sirmium. Continue to Zvornik, a city rich in history, before arriving in Sarajevo. Explore the historic center, with its charming bazaar and Ottoman market, and enjoy dinner in this captivating city.
Day 13 – Day 13: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik
- Mostar
- Dubrovnik
- More
- Mogorjelo
- More
Discover Sarajevo's rich religious diversity on a guided tour, exploring its mosques, churches, and synagogues. Continue to Mostar, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge. After lunch, cross into Croatia and arrive in Dubrovnik, where you'll enjoy dinner and settle into your accommodation.
Day 14 – Day 14: Explore 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 a cliff and surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Franciscan Monastery and the Assumption Cathedral. Take a boat trip to Lokrum Island, home to ruins of a Benedictine monastery. Enjoy free time to explore Dubrovnik's stunning historic center before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Day 15 – Day 15: Croatian Coastline
- Dubrovnik
- Split
- More
- Stonske zidine
- Diocletian's Cellars
- More
Travel along Croatia's stunning coastline, stopping in the picturesque town of Ston, known for its impressive walls. Cross the Pelješac Bridge and arrive in Split, where you'll tour Diocletian's Palace, a vast Roman complex with labyrinthine streets and sea views. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Split.
Day 16 – Day 16: Natural Wonders of Croatia
- Split
- Opatija
- More
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- More
Journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll marvel at its lakes and waterfalls. Enjoy a scenic walk or a boat ride on the lakes. After lunch, travel to Opatija, a charming resort town known for its vibrant atmosphere, where you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 17 – Day 17: Slovenia's Natural Beauty
- Opatija
- Bled
- Ljubljana
- More
- Photo Point
- More
Travel to Slovenia, visiting the impressive Postojna Cave, one of the world's largest, partially toured by train. Continue to the picturesque town of Bled, where you'll take a boat trip to its island. Conclude your day in Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital, with a guided tour and dinner.
Day 18 – Day 18: From Slovenia to Italy
- Ljubljana
- Venice
- More
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Ljubljana, exploring its charming center. In the afternoon, travel to the Adriatic Sea and cross into Italy, arriving in Venice's Mestre district in the evening for an overnight stay.
Day 19 – Day 19: Enchanting Venice
- Venice
- More
- St Mark's Basilica
- More
Experience the magic of Venice with a boat transfer to the St. Mark's area. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the city's iconic canals and landmarks. Spend the afternoon exploring Venice at your own pace, with the option to take a gondola ride along the canals.
Day 20 – Day 20: Farewell to Europe
- Venice - Departure day
- More
Conclude your unforgettable journey with a final breakfast in Venice. Reflect on the memories and experiences gathered over the past days as you prepare for your departure, taking with you the essence of Europe's diverse cultures and landscapes.
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