After breakfast, begin your discovery of Bucharest with a guided city tour revealing the fascinating blend of grand architecture, royal heritage and lively urban culture that has earned the city its distinctive character.

Visit Revolution Square, one of the most significant landmarks in modern Romanian history, before admiring the elegant architecture of the Romanian Athenaeum. Continue through the atmospheric Macca-Vilacrosse Passage, with its charming architecture and intimate atmosphere, before exploring Bucharest's historic Old Town. Discover Manuc's Inn and the Old Princely Court, two landmarks reflecting the city's rich historical heritage. The afternoon is then yours to enjoy at leisure, whether exploring the pedestrian streets, discovering local cafés or simply experiencing the atmosphere of Romania's capital.

Tourist spots:

• Revolution Square
• Romanian Athenaeum
• Macca-Vilacrosse Passage
• Bucharest's historic Old Town
• Manuc's Inn
• Old Princely Court

Inclusions:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Licensed Local Guide
• Entrance fees and taxes

Exclusions:

Personal expenses

Other meals and beverages not mentioned

Today offers the opportunity to discover one of Romania's most fascinating regions with an optional full-day excursion to Transylvania.

The journey leads into the spectacular Carpathian Mountains, where legendary castles and medieval towns create one of the most memorable landscapes in Romania. Visit the magnificent Peleș Castle, renowned for its elegant architecture and mountain setting, followed by the legendary Bran Castle, famously associated with the Dracula legend. Continue to the beautifully preserved medieval city of Brașov, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk through its historic streets and experience the atmosphere of one of Transylvania's most celebrated destinations. Return to Bucharest in the evening.

Distance: Approximately 377 km round trip

Tourist spots:

• Transylvania
• Carpathian Mountains
• Peleș Castle
• Bran Castle
• Brașov City

Inclusions:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Licensed Local Guide
• Entrance fees and taxes

Exclusions:

• Other meals and beverages not mentioned
• Personal expenses

After breakfast, leave Bucharest behind and cross into Bulgaria, continuing south towards Sofia.

Along the way, pause in Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and one of the country's most historically significant cities. Set dramatically among hills and overlooking the Yantra River, Veliko Tarnovo offers an impressive introduction to Bulgaria's medieval heritage. Enjoy time to explore the area and have lunch surrounded by the city's historic atmosphere. Continue your journey towards Sofia, Bulgaria's capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure, with an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of this dynamic European capital.

Route: Bucharest–Veliko Tarnovo: 180 km | Veliko Tarnovo – Sofia: 219 km

Tourist spots:

• Veliko Tarnovo
• Yantra River
• Sofia

Inclusions:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Entrance fees and taxes
• Licensed Local Guide
• Transfer via Air-conditioned vehicle from Romania to Bulgaria

Exclusions:

• Other meals and beverages not mentioned
• Personal expenses

After breakfast, discover Sofia on a guided city tour. The Bulgarian capital offers a remarkable combination of ancient heritage, Orthodox traditions and modern European culture.

Explore the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Sofia's most recognizable landmarks, and visit the ancient St. Sofia Basilica, whose history reflects the city's long and diverse past. Continue to the National Art Gallery and the Presidential Palace, discovering further highlights of Sofia's cultural and architectural heritage. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Sofia independently. Explore its pedestrian streets, relax at a local café or discover the city's contemporary side at your own pace.

Pick-up time: 09:00 AM

Duration: 3 hours

Tourist spots:

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• St. Sofia Basilica
• National Art Gallery
• Presidential Palace

Inclusions:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Entrance fees and taxes
• Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions:

• Other meals and beverages not mentioned
• Personal expenses

After breakfast, continue your Balkan journey towards North Macedonia. Arrive in Skopje, the country's vibrant capital, where East meets West and centuries of Ottoman, Byzantine and modern European influences come together.

During your guided walking tour, explore the historic Kale Fortress, dramatically overlooking the Vardar River. Continue across the iconic Stone Bridge towards Macedonia Square, the central gathering point of the city, before discovering the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the surrounding Old Bazaar area.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Macedonian dinner featuring authentic local flavours, offering an opportunity to experience the region not only through its history and architecture but also through its cuisine.

Route: Approximately 244 km

Tourist spots:

• Kale Fortress
• Vardar River
• Stone Bridge
• Macedonia Square
• Mustafa Pasha Mosque
• Skopje's Old Bazaar area

Inclusions:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Macedonian Traditional Dinner
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Entrance fees and taxes
• Licensed Local Guide
• Transfer via Air-conditioned vehicle from Bulgaria to North Macedonia

Exclusions:

• Other meals and breakfast not mentioned
• Personal expenses

Today brings together some of the most fascinating landscapes and cultural encounters of the journey.

Begin with al visit to Matka Canyon, a spectacular natural area just outside Skopje. Continue across the border into Kosovo and arrive in the historic city of Prizren, one of the region's most atmospheric destinations. Walk through its charming Ottoman-era streets and discover Sinan Pasha Mosque, Shadervan Square and the historic surroundings of Prizren Fortress, offering beautiful views over the city. After experiencing Prizren, continue south towards Albania and its energetic capital, Tirana. Arrive in the evening, enjoy dinner and settle into your hotel for the night.

Route: Skopje – Prizren: 105 km | Prizren – Tirana: 180 km

Pick-up time: 08:00 AM

Duration: 11 hours

Tourist spots:

• Matka Canyon
• Kosovo
• Prizren
• Ottoman-era streets
• Sinan Pasha Mosque
• Shadervan Square
• Prizren Fortress
• Tirana, Albania

Inclusions:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Dinner
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Licensed Local Guide
• Entrance fees and taxes
• Transfer via Air-conditioned vehicle from North Macedonia to Albania

Exclusions:

• Other meals and beverages not mentioned
• Personal expenses

After breakfast, begin with a panoramic discovery of Tirana, Albania's colourful and rapidly developing capital.

Explore Skanderbeg Square, the city's central landmark, and admire the historic Et'hem Bey Mosque and the iconic Clock Tower. Leaving Tirana behind, continue through scenic

landscapes towards North Macedonia and the shores of Lake Ohrid. Known as the “Pearl of the Balkans", Ohrid combines spectacular natural scenery with centuries of cultural and religious heritage. Upon arrival, explore the historic Old Town, including the ancient Via Egnatia, St. Sophia Church and Samoil's Fortress, dramatically positioned above the lake. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner and the relaxed atmosphere of Ohrid.

Route: Approximately 131 km

Tourist spots:

• Skanderbeg Square
• Et'hem Bey Mosque
• Clock Tower
• Lake Ohrid
• historic Old Town of Ohrid
• Via Egnatia
• St. Sophia Church
• Samoil's Fortress

Inclusions:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Traditional dinner
• Entrance fees and taxes
• Licensed local guide
• Transfer via Air-conditioned vehicle from Tirana to Ohrid

Exclusions:

• Other meals and beverages not mentioned
• Personal expenses

Enjoy breakfast before joining an excursion to the renowned Monastery of St. Naum. Dating back to the 10th century, St. Naum is beautifully situated near the Albanian border on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Surrounded by peaceful landscapes, natural springs and spectacular lakeside scenery, the monastery provides a memorable cultural and scenic experience.

In the evening, experience one of the highlights of the journey with a special Balkan Night Dinner. Enjoy Macedonian flavours, traditional dishes and local music in an atmosphere designed to bring the spirit of the Balkans to life.

Route: Approximately 70 km round trip

Pick-up time: 09:00 AM

Tourist spots:

• Monastery of St. Naum
• Lake Ohrid

Inclusions:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Balkan Night Dinner with live music
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Entrance fees and taxes
• Licensed local guide

Exclusions:

• Other meals and beverages not mentioned
• Personal expenses

After breakfast, leave Ohrid and continue south towards Greece.

Your first stop is Kastoria, a picturesque lakeside city renowned for its Byzantine heritage, traditional architecture and beautiful natural surroundings. Enjoy time along the lakefront and discover the distinctive character of this elegant northern Greek town. Continue south towards Meteora, where the landscape begins to transform dramatically. As you approach the region, enormous sandstone rock formations rise above the surrounding countryside, creating one of Greece's most extraordinary natural and cultural landscapes. Arrive in Meteora (Kalambaka) and check into your hotel.

Route: Ohrid – Kastoria: 140 km | Kastoria – Meteora: 135 km

Pick-up time: 08:00 AM

Duration: 10 hours

Tourist spots:

• City of Kastoria
• Meteora
• Enormous sandstone rock formations

Inclusions:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Dinner
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Licensed local guide
• Transfer via Air-conditioned vehicle from Ohrid to Meteora.

Exclusions:

• Other meals and beverages not mentioned
• Personal expenses

After breakfast, discover the extraordinary Meteora, one of Greece's most spectacular cultural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically from towering sandstone pillars, the monasteries of Meteora appear suspended above the landscape.

Visit two of the region's spectacular cliff-top Byzantine monasteries, discovering their remarkable setting and centuries-old spiritual heritage. After the visit, enjoy free time in Meteora until approximately 17:00 to relax, explore the surroundings or take in the breathtaking scenery. Later, board the shuttle transfer towards Athens, bringing the journey from the heart of the Balkans to the historic capital of Greece. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Athens at leisure.

Route: Approximately 344 km

Tourist spots:

• Byzantine monasteries
• Meteora monasteries
• Athens

Inclusions:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Licensed local guide
• Transfer via Air-conditioned vehicle from Meteora to Athens

Exclusions:

• Other meals and beverages not mentioned
• Personal expenses

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. On this day marks the official conclusion of your Bucharest to Athens Balkan Discovery Journey.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Athens before your departure. For guests wishing to extend their experience, additional hotel nights and a Greek Islands Cruise or Athens city tour can be arranged, subject to availability.

Extension Option: Guests arriving in Athens on a Friday may extend their journey with a multi-day Greek Islands Cruise or additional Athens accommodation and sightseeing. Just let East Gate Tours Ltd. know your decision, so we can assist you and reserve you a slot.