From Athens to Zagreb

Welcome to the start of your exciting European adventure! Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. After settling in, check the hotel's information boards for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers.

Today, we delve into the heart of Athens, starting with a guided city tour. We'll visit the Presidential Palace, the Panathinaikos stadium, the national library, and the bustling city squares. The highlight of the day is a visit to the iconic Acropolis (entry not included). As evening falls, we'll head to the PLAKA area, a lively neighborhood filled with quaint Greek bars, where you can soak up the local culture and folklore.

We set off early in the morning, heading north. Our first stop is KAMENA VOURLA, a charming seaside resort town. We then visit the site of the historic Battle of Thermopylae. Next, we proceed to KASTRAKI, a picturesque village offering stunning views of the valley. After lunch, we explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of METEORA valley and visit one of its renowned monasteries. We end the day with a delightful dinner in KALAMBAKA.

Today, we journey through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Greece to the Aegean Sea. We stop in THESSALONIKI, Greece's second-largest city, for a leisurely stroll and lunch. We then cross the border into Bulgaria, stopping in MELNIK, a picturesque museum-town nestled in a wine-producing region. Our final destination for the day is SANDANSKI, a charming spa town known as the birthplace of Spartacus. Enjoy dinner and a restful night here.

Our day begins with a visit to the stunning Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the forest. We then continue to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, where we arrive late in the morning. After lunch, we embark on a city tour, exploring the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city's Stalinist architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore further on your own.

We depart Sofia in the morning and head to BACHKOVO MONASTERY, Bulgaria's second most important monastery. After soaking in the tranquility of the place, we continue to PLOVDIV, one of Europe's oldest cities. Enjoy lunch before embarking on a sightseeing tour, including visits to the Roman Amphitheatre, the ancient chemist's, and the Armenian House.

Today, we journey through the beautiful Balkans mountain range and the Valley of the Roses. We visit KAZANLAK, where we explore the replica of the Thracian Tomb (UNESCO Heritage) and learn about rose-derived products. We also visit the Russian church of SHIPKA and the charming village/ethnographic museum of ETARA. After lunch, we travel to ARBANASSI, an ancient trading city, and visit the Church of the Nativity. We end the day in VELIKO TARNOVO, Bulgaria's former capital, known for its picturesque medieval center.

We travel to Romania today, making a stop at the BASARBOVSKI MONASTERY, a unique pilgrimage site carved out of the rock. We then cross the border and the river Danube, arriving in BUCHAREST around lunchtime. After lunch, we embark on a city tour, exploring the city's ancient quarter and the colossal Parliament Palace. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace.

Today, we journey through the scenic beauty of Transylvania, crossing the Carpathian Mountains and passing through forests. In SINAIA, we stroll through the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor Castles before visiting the 14th-century BRAN fortress, also known as Dracula's Castle. After lunch, we continue to SIGHISOARA, a beautiful walled medieval city and UNESCO Heritage center. In the evening, we enjoy a special dinner at the restaurant of Count Dracula, located in the house where Vlad Tepes was born.

Our journey through Transylvania continues as we visit BIERTAN to see one of the region's numerous fortified churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then proceed to SIBIU, a bustling city that was once the capital of Transylvania. After lunch, we visit the impressive Castle of HUNEDOARA, considered the most beautiful castle in Romania. We end the day in TIMISOARA, where you'll have time to explore its elegant central squares.

We set off for Serbia today, crossing the border and arriving in BELGRADE. Here, we enjoy a city tour of this vibrant capital, located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. We'll admire its bustling center, its parliament, and stroll in the Kalemegdan Fortress. We also visit the Museum of Yugoslavia, home to Tito's Mausoleum. The afternoon is yours to explore further at your leisure.

We begin our journey today by traveling to the Voivodina region. We stop in SREMSKA MITROVICA, a city with a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. We then continue towards Bosnia, stopping in ZVORNIK, one of Bosnia's oldest cities. After lunch and a walk, we continue our journey to SARAJEVO, arriving in the evening. Enjoy some time in the historic center, strolling through the charming bazaar, an old Ottoman market known for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner is included.

In the morning, we embark on a sightseeing tour of SARAJEVO, a city known as the 'Jerusalem of Europe' due to its religious diversity. After the tour, we head to MOSTAR, with its beautiful historic center and iconic stone bridge. After lunch and a stroll through the city, we continue to Croatia, crossing the border to reach DUBROVNIK by the end of the day. Enjoy dinner and a restful night in this beautiful city.

Today, we explore the stunning city of DUBROVNIK with a local guide. We'll visit the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Cathedral. We also include a boat trip to LOKRUM, a small island home to the ruins of an 11th-century Benedictine monastery. After a day of exploration, return to the hotel for dinner and a restful night.

We set off in the morning, traveling along the Croatian coastline with its stunning seascapes and islands. We stop in STON, a picturesque town known for its long walls. We then continue to SPLIT, arriving in the afternoon. Here, we visit the Diocletian's Palace with a local guide and explore this immense Roman palace, its labyrinth of streets, and views over the sea. Enjoy dinner and a restful night in Split.

Today, we travel to the interior region of Croatia, passing through beautiful landscapes to reach PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can admire the park's lakes and waterfalls, walk along the trails, or take a boat ride on the lakes. After lunch, we travel back to the coast towards the north of Croatia. Upon reaching OPATIJA, you can have dinner (included) and enjoy the charming nightlife of this resort town.

Today, we travel to Slovenia, visiting the world-famous POSTOJNA Cave, one of the world's largest karst monuments. We then travel to BLED, a stunning town on the shore of a lake. Here, we take a boat trip around Bled's lake and visit the monastery on the island. We continue our trip to Slovenia's Capital, LJUBLJANA. Here, we take a tour with a local guide and learn about this beautiful Central European city. Dinner is included.

We travel to MARIBOR, Slovenia's second-largest city, known for its cathedral and castle. We then cross into Croatia and arrive in ZAGREB around lunchtime. In the afternoon, we embark on a panoramic tour with a local guide, admiring its two hills, the upper city, and the new neighborhoods of the Croatian capital. Dinner is included.

After breakfast, your memorable 19-day tour of Europe comes to an end. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure.