Balkan Extravaganza (37 destinations)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the ancient wonders of Athens to the medieval charm of Transylvania, and the stunning Adriatic coastline to the enchanting canals of Venice, this journey promises a rich tapestry of experiences. With guided tours, local insights, and leisurely explorations, you'll uncover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delightful meals, and the company of fellow travelers as you create lasting memories on this extraordinary European adventure.
Included
Breakfast buffet
1 Lunch Included in: Etar
9 dinner included in: Kalabaka, SANDANSKY, SIGHISOARA, Sarajevo, DUBROVNIK, DUBROVNIK, SPLIT, OPATIJA, LIUBLIANA
Basic travel insurance included.
Includes arrival transfer
Evening transfer: Plaka neighborhood in Athens
ATENAS
: NOVOTEL ATHENES or DIVANI METEORA or DOMOTEL LES LAZARISTES
SANDANSKY
: PIRIN PARK HOTEL or RAMADA SOFIA or RAMADA PLOVDIV TRIMONTIUM
VELIKO TARNOVO
: BOLYARSKI MERIDIAN or YANTRA GRAND HOTEL or DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BUCHAREST UNIRII SQUARE
SIGHISOARA
: DOUBLETREE SIGHISOARA CAVALER or TIMISOARA or NOBEL PALACE
SARAJEVO
: HOLLYWOOD or VALAMAR LACROMA or PRESIDENT
OPATIJA
: AGAVA or PARK LJUBLJANA-URBAN GREEN or 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.
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.
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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
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Welcome to your enchanting journey through Europe! Upon arrival in Athens, you'll be transferred to your hotel (Hilton or similar) where you can unwind and enjoy some leisure time. In the afternoon, you'll find all the necessary information about the start of your tour at the hotel reception.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Athens
- Athens
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- Acropolis Museum
- Kazoulis mansion
- Palataki
- National Archaeological Museum of Athens
- Panathenaic Stadium
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Embark on a captivating city tour of Athens with a local guide. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion, the historic Panathenaic Stadium, and the National Library. Wander through the vibrant city squares and delve into the modern neighborhoods that emerged post-2004 Olympics. Conclude your tour at the majestic Acropolis (admission not included). In the evening, enjoy a transfer to the charming neighborhood of Plaka, where you can savor traditional Greek cuisine and immerse yourself in the local folklore.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Northern Greece
- Athens
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- Gorgopotamos bridge
- Παρνασσός
- Meteora
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Set off early towards northern Greece, pausing at Kamena Vourla, a picturesque seaside town. Continue to the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, renowned for its legendary battle. Arrive in Kastraki, a charming village offering stunning valley views, where you'll have free time for lunch. Explore the awe-inspiring Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with admission to one of its famous monasteries included. Conclude your day with dinner in Kalabaka.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Greece to Bulgaria
- Thessaloniki
- Melnik
- Sandanski
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- Thessaloniki Waterfront
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Travel through northern Greece's scenic mountains towards the Aegean Sea, stopping in Thessaloniki for exploration and lunch. Cross into Bulgaria, visiting Melnik, a quaint museum town famed for its wine. End your day in Sandanski, a spa town known as Spartacus' birthplace, where you'll enjoy an included dinner.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Bulgaria's Heritage
- Rila
- Sofia
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- Rila Monastery
- St Mina Monastery
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Visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading to Sofia. Arrive by late morning and enjoy lunch. Embark on a guided tour of Bulgaria's capital, exploring landmarks like the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the city's Stalinist architecture. Enjoy free time to explore Sofia at your leisure.
Day 6 – Day 6: Cultural Treasures of Bulgaria
- Sofia
- Plovdiv
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- Arapovo Monastery
- Roman aqueduct
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Begin your day at the serene Bachkovo Monastery, then proceed to Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities. Enjoy an included lunch before exploring the city, with visits to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House.
Day 7 – Day 7: Through the Balkan Mountains
- Plovdiv
- Kazanlak
- Shipka
- Veliko Tarnovo
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- Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak - Copy
- Shipka Memorial Church
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Travel through the stunning Balkan Mountains, visiting Kazanlak to see the Thracian Tomb replica. Learn about rose-based products before stopping at the Shipka Memorial Church. Explore Etara, a charming ethnographic village, and enjoy an included lunch. Conclude your day in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's former capital, with its picturesque medieval center.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Bulgaria to Romania
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Bucharest
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- Karanvarbovka Monastery "Saint Marina"
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Visit the Basarbovski Monastery, carved into the rock, before crossing into Romania. Arrive in Bucharest by early afternoon and embark on a panoramic city tour, exploring the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. Enjoy free time to explore the city before an included dinner.
Day 9 – Day 9: Into the Heart of Transylvania
- Bucharest
- Sinaia
- Bran
- Sighișoara
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- Peleș Castle
- Bran Castle
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Journey through the Carpathian Mountains to Transylvania, stopping in Sinaia to stroll through the gardens of Peles Castle. Visit the legendary Bran Fortress, known as Dracula's Castle. After lunch, continue to Sighisoara, a picturesque medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula's restaurant.
Day 10 – Day 10: Fortresses and Castles
- Sighișoara
- Biertan
- Sibiu
- Hunedoara
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- The Fortified Church of Biertan
- Lacul Bucura
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Explore the fortified churches of Transylvania, visiting the UNESCO-listed Biertan Church. Continue to Sibiu, a vibrant cultural center, for a leisurely stroll and lunch. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Hunedoara Castle before arriving in Timisoara, where you can explore the elegant central squares.
Day 11 – Day 11: Discovering Belgrade
- Belgrade
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Cross into Serbia and reach Belgrade, a lively capital at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Enjoy a panoramic city tour, exploring the bustling center, parliament, and Kalemegdan Fortress. Visit 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
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- Special Nature Reserve ''Zasavica''
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Travel through the Vojvodina region, stopping in Sremska Mitrovica to explore the Imperial Palace of Sirmium. Cross into Bosnia, visiting Zvornik, a city with a poignant history. Continue through beautiful landscapes to Sarajevo, where you'll explore the historic bazaar and enjoy an included dinner.
Day 13 – Day 13: Journey to the Adriatic
- Mostar
- Dubrovnik
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- Mogorjelo
- Old Bridge Mostar
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Enjoy a guided tour of Sarajevo, a city rich in religious diversity. Explore the old town's Ottoman influence before traveling to Mostar, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge. After lunch, cross into Croatia, arriving in Dubrovnik by evening. Dinner is included.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik
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- Lokrum
- Franciscan Church and Monastery
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Discover Dubrovnik's stunning beauty with a panoramic tour. Visit the Franciscan Monastery and the Assumption Cathedral. Take a boat trip to Lokrum Island, home to an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery. Enjoy free time to explore the city before returning to your hotel for an included dinner.
Day 15 – Day 15: Coastal Wonders of Croatia
- Dubrovnik
- Split
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- Stonske zidine
- Diocletian's Cellars
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Travel along Croatia's breathtaking coastline, stopping in Ston to admire its impressive walls. Continue to Split, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of Diocletian's Palace, a vast Roman complex with stunning sea views. Dinner is included.
Day 16 – Day 16: Nature's Splendor
- Split
- Opatija
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- Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Venture into Croatia's interior to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its lakes and waterfalls, with tickets included for a boat or train ride. After lunch, head to the charming resort town of Opatija for an included dinner.
Day 17 – Day 17: Slovenian Marvels
- Opatija
- Bled
- Ljubljana
- Postojna
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- Photo Point
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Cross into Slovenia, visiting the spectacular Postojna Cave. Continue to Bled, a picturesque town on Lake Bled's shore, and enjoy a boat trip to its island. Arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, for a guided tour and an included dinner.
Day 18 – Day 18: From Slovenia to Italy
- Ljubljana
- Venice
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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 by evening. Settle into your accommodation in the Mestre district.
Day 19 – Day 19: The Magic of Venice
- Venice
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- Piazza San Marco
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Take a boat transfer to Venice, a city of canals and bridges. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the enchanting St. Mark's area. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure, with the option of a gondola ride along the canals.
Day 20 – Day 20: Farewell to Europe
- Venice - Departure day
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After breakfast, bid farewell to your unforgettable European adventure, taking with you cherished memories of the diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and historical treasures you've experienced.
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