- Sofia: 2 nights stay at Best Western Terminus Hotel 4* or similar
- Skopje: 1 night stay at BW Turist Hotel 4* or similar
- Tirana: 1 night stay at Golden City hotel 4* or similar
- Ohrid: 2 nights stay at Hotel Sky Corner 4* or similar
- Meteora (Kalabaka): 1 night stay at Alexiou Hotel 3* or similar
- Athens: 1 night stay at One Smart Hotel 4* or similar
- The hotel option is subject to change based on availability at the time of booking, with a similar hotel.
- All tours are Fully Guided.
- Professional and licensed English-speaking tour guide will accompany you on your day tours.
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Dinner on Day 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
- This tour offers Jain, Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Kosher food options on request. Simply let East Gate Tours LTD know the food option that you prefer.
- Arrival and Departure transfer in a private car.
- All transfer as per your itinerary
- Travel insurance is not included in our program. However, we highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance from your home country to ensure you’re covered during your trip.
- Flight tickets are not included in the tour price. However, we would be happy to provide you with a flight offer upon request.
Discover the captivating beauty of the Balkans and Greece on an extraordinary journey through seven remarkable destinations! Explore the historic charm of Sofia, Skopje, Prizren, and Tirana, where centuries of history meet vibrant local culture. Unwind by the breathtaking shores of Ohrid, marvel at the spectacular cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, and conclude your adventure in Athens, the legendary cradle of ancient Greek civilization. From charming old towns and scenic landscapes to iconic historical wonders, this unforgettable getaway brings together the best of Balkan culture and Greek heritage in one incredible journey!
Highlights
- Explore the Historic Balkans – Discover Sofia, Skopje, Prizren, and Tirana, each offering distinctive architecture, fascinating history, and authentic cultural experiences.
- Experience Ohrid’s Lakeside Charm – Admire the stunning scenery of Lake Ohrid and explore the historic atmosphere of one of the Balkans’ most enchanting destinations.
- Marvel at the Monasteries of Meteora – Witness Greece’s extraordinary rock formations crowned by centuries-old monasteries, creating one of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes.
- Discover the Ancient Wonders of Athens – Step into the birthplace of Western civilization and admire its legendary landmarks, rich mythology, and remarkable ancient Greek heritage.
Welcome to Sofia, the vibrant capital Bulgaria and the starting point of your Balkan adventure.
Upon arrival at Sofia International Airport, you will be met and transferred comfortably to your hotel. Your flight will be monitored throughout the journey, allowing our team to coordinate your transfer smoothly even in the event of delays, with no additional surcharge.
After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey or begin discovering Sofia at your own pace. Take a leisurely walk along the city's elegant boulevards, enjoy a coffee in one of its lively cafés, or simply unwind at the hotel before the journey ahead.
Hotel transfer: Sedan or Minivan depending on the number of guests
Route: Bucharest Airport - Hotel 30km
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
- Licensed local guide
- Entrance fees and taxes
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
- Traditional Macedonian Dinner
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Licensed local guide
- Entrance fees and taxes
- Transfer via air-conditioned vehicle from Sofia to Skopje
Exclusions:
- Other meals and beverages not mentioned
- Personal expenses
Today brings together some of the most fascinating landscapes and cultural encounters of the journey.
Begin with a 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 City
- Ottoman-era streets of Prizren City
- Sinan Pasha Mosque
- Shadervan Square
- Prizren Fortress
- Tirana City
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 Skopje to Tirana
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.
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
- Traditional dinner
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Licensed local guide
- Entrance fees and taxes
- 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:
- St. Naum
- Lake Ohrid's overview sightseeing
Inclusions:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Traditional dinner with live music
- 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 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:
- Kastoria
- Northern Greek town of Kastoria City
- Enormous sandstone rock formations in Meteora
Inclusions:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Local dinner
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Licensed local guide
- Entrance fees and taxes
- 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:
- Meteora Monasteries
- Byzantine monasteries
- Athens, Greece
Inclusions:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Licensed local guide
- Entrance fees and taxes
- 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. Today 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.
Just let East Gate Tours Ltd. know your decision, so we can assist you and reserve you a slot.
- Sofia: 2 nights stay at Best Western Terminus Hotel 4* or similar
- Skopje: 1 night stay at BW Turist Hotel 4* or similar
- Tirana: 1 night stay at Golden City hotel 4* or similar
- Ohrid: 2 nights stay at Hotel Sky Corner 4* or similar
- Meteora (Kalabaka): 1 night stay at Alexiou Hotel 3* or similar
- Athens: 1 night stay at One Smart Hotel 4* or similar
- The hotel option is subject to change based on availability at the time of booking, with a similar hotel.
- All tours are Fully Guided.
- Professional and licensed English-speaking tour guide will accompany you on your day tours.
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Dinner on Day 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
- This tour offers Jain, Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Kosher food options on request. Simply let East Gate Tours LTD know the food option that you prefer.
- Arrival and Departure transfer in a private car.
- All transfer as per your itinerary
- Travel insurance is not included in our program. However, we highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance from your home country to ensure you’re covered during your trip.
- Flight tickets are not included in the tour price. However, we would be happy to provide you with a flight offer upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can contact us via email at info@eastgatetours.com or send us a WhatsApp message at +49 1512 9824645. Our team will assist you in planning and booking your trip.
We accept payments via credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and others) and PayPal for your convenience.
You can secure your booking by depositing 10% of the total amount. The full payment must be completed at least 45 days before your arrival. For payment assistance, please contact us at info@eastgatetours.com or via WhatsApp at +49 1512 9824645.
We do not offer shared rooms. However, we provide private rooms in the following categories: Single (SGL), Double (DBL) and Triple (TRP).
We offer partially guided tours, meaning a tour guide will accompany you during your day tours only.
At the airport: Up to 60 minutes from the scheduled arrival time. At the hotel: Up to 20 minutes from the scheduled pickup time.
Yes, we offer customized itineraries based on your preferences and needs. Contact us to discuss your travel plans. For further assistance, email us at info@eastgatetours.com or WhatsApp us at +49 1512 9824645.
Our child policy is as follows: Children aged 0–3 years: Free of charge (With no extra bed) Children aged 3–12 years: 50% of the adult price (Including child extra bed) Children above 12 years: Considered as adults and charged the full adult rate. That is applied on selected tours, Reach us for more information!
Yes, we can arrange private tours for groups. Our standard group sizes range from 15 to 35 people, so we can customize the experience for your group. Please contact us well in advance to plan your private tour. Reach us at info@eastgatetours.com or via WhatsApp at +49 1512 9824645.
It depends on the inclusions of each tour. we can manage flight tickets for you upon request. For specific details, please check the inclusions of your chosen tour or contact us directly.
No, we do not provide travel insurance. We recommend arranging your own travel insurance to cover unforeseen events.
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to arrival: No cancellation fees will be charged. Cancellations from 29 to 15 days prior to arrival: 50% of the total amount will be charged. Cancellations from 14 days up to 3 days before arrival: 90% of the total amount will be charged. Non-shows or cancellations 2 days before arrival: 100% of the total amount will be charged. For further details, please contact us directly.
We provide hotel vouchers, tour confirmations, and payment receipts. However, we do not issue invitation letters.
