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8 Day itinerary in Bulgaria, Europe

5 Balkan Countries from Sofia

Experience the rich tapestry of the Balkans and Greece on this 8-day journey from Sofia. Starting and ending in Bulgaria’s vibrant capital, this tour takes you through iconic cities and stunning landscapes. Explore Skopje’s historic sites, Tirana’s lively atmosphere, Ohrid’s scenic beauty, and the a... Read More

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Overview

Physical Difficulty

Average
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

Tour Leader, Tour Guide

starting point

Sofia

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Walking tour

Educational

Romantic

Sustainable Travel

Nature & Widlife

Eco

Boat Tours

Sun & Beach

Detox

Meditation

Art

Cultural

Bicycle

Transportation

Festival

Coach / Bus

Visit markets

Day Trips & Excursions

Multi-sport

Luxury

Multi-Country

Food & Culinary

City Life

Culture & History

Events & Tickets

Meet local people

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Our start point

2

Beautiful North Macedonia

3

Albania & Kosovo

4

Greece

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Arrival to Sofia

Arrive to Sofia. Self-transfer to the hotel, concluding the day with hotel check-in. Free time to enjoy the Sofia nightlife. Later in the evening, a welcome meeting at your hotel with your Guide will provide you with information about the upcoming journey

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Best Western Terminus Hotel
Day 2

place Sofia to Skopje

After a hearty breakfast, delve into Sofia’s rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of its major landmarks. Visit the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a monumental symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, and the historic St. Sofia Basilica, one of the city’s oldest churches, continue your exploration with the National Art Gallery, Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance.
Following your Sofia tour, embark on a journey to another country of Balkan, capital city of North Macedonia Skopje, the bustling capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour, discovering highlights such as the ancient Kale Fortress overlooking the city, the iconic Stone Bridge spanning the Vardar River, the lively Macedonia Square with its grand statue of Alexander the Great, and the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Spend a relaxing evening at a comfortable Skopje hotel, reflecting on your day’s adventures.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Hotel Alexandar II
Day 3

place Skopje to Tirana via Matka Canyon and Prizren

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out for Tirana. Along the way, consider a picturesque stop at Matka Canyon, a natural wonder renowned for its dramatic landscapes and serene lake (optional 25Eur per person). Continue to the city Prizren in the Balkan country Kosovo, a charming city in Kosovo known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant cultural scene. exploring notable sites such as Prizren Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, the elegant Sinan Pasha Mosque, the tranquil White Drin River, and the bustling Sadrvan Square. Take some time to shop for local handicrafts and savor traditional cuisine before proceeding to Tirana, another lively capital city of the Balkan country Albania. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in this dynamic city

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Albanopolis Hotel
Day 4

place Tirana to Ohrid

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before setting out on a captivating panoramic tour of Tirana. Discover the vibrant heart of the city with highlights including Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower. After exploring Tirana, we set off from Tirana, the capital of Albania, passing through the ruins of Enver Hoxha's communist state and arriving at our next stop, Ohrid, the city known as the pearl of the Balkans.
After the customs procedures, we will visit Ohrid, a city named after Lake Ohrid, one of the largest lakes in the Balkans. Visit the charming Old Town of Ohrid, famous for its magnificent scenery and rich cultural heritage, offering panoramic views of the Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, Ancient Via Egnatia, Hagia Sophia Church, Hagia Sophia Monastery and Samoil's Fortress. Take in the breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid and settle in for a comfortable night's accommodation in this picturesque town.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Sky Corner Hotel and Indian Restaurant Ohrid
Day 5

place Ohrid

After a Macedonian breakfast in Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans, and a full day to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ohrid. Stroll through its charming streets or optionally take a half-day tour to Sveti Naum Monastery, a quiet and historical place on the shores of Lake Ohrid for 45 Euros. We visit the source of Lake Ohrid, which will take your breath away with its breathtaking views. This optional excursion offers a unique opportunity to discover the deep cultural roots and stunning natural landscapes of the region.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Sky Corner Hotel and Indian Restaurant Ohrid
Day 6

place Ohrid to Kastoria and Meteora (Kalabaka)

Start your day with breakfast,then cross into Greece, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and after customs, continue towards Kastoria, known for its magnificent Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture and scenic lake. After exploring Kastoria, continue towards Meteora.
Stay overnight in Meteora, rest and prepare for the next day's adventures.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Alexiou Hotel
Day 7

place Meteora (Kalabaka) to Thessaloniki

Start your day with breakfast before visiting the UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore these cliff-top Byzantine marvels. Meet your Ajdinis Guide at Kalabaka and join the group to continue your journey to Thessaloniki, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Discover landmarks such as the White Tower and Arch of Galerius, then unwind with a comfortable overnight stay in Thessaloniki.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Egnatia Hotel
Day 8

place Thessaloniki to Sofia via Rila Monastery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey to the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia. En route, make a significant stop at the Rila Monastery, an architectural and spiritual gem nestled in the Rila Mountains. As Bulgaria’s largest and most celebrated Eastern Orthodox monastery, Rila Monastery is renowned for its intricate frescoes, stunning architecture, and serene mountain setting. Explore the monastery's rich history and artistic treasures before continuing your journey.
Conclude your tour upon arrival in Sofia.
See you on your next adventure with Ajdinis Travel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Best Western Terminus Hotel
  • Hotel Alexandar II
  • Albanopolis Hotel
  • Sky Corner Hotel and Indian Restaurant Ohrid
  • Alexiou Hotel
  • Egnatia Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (8)

Transport expand_less

  • included

Activities expand_less

  • included

Not Included expand_less

  • Entrance fees to museums, historical sites, airport transfers are not included

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,131.00 USD