Balkan Dreams end Bulgaria
Duration
10 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Zagreb
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Zagreb; Banja Luka; Jajce; Sarajevo; Mostar; Dubrovnik; Kotor; Budva; Tirana; Struga; Ohrid; Kastoria; Kalambaca; Thessaloniki; Melnik; Sandansky; Rila, Kyustendil; Sofia
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
Day
Welcome to Zagreb! Transfer to your hotel.
If you begin your trip in Zagreb, our guide will arrive in the city on Wednesday at approximately 3:00 p.m. You will have free time until the guide arrives.
3:00 p.m. - To join the city tour, please come to the hotel reception.
4:00 p.m. - City tour of Zagreb with a local guide. We will explore the highlights of the Croatian capital, including its two hills, the old quarter, the upper city, and the newer neighborhoods. The tour will last about two hours. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own. Dinner is included.
Note: The schedules in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust the timings based on the situation or season to enhance the quality of the tour.
If you begin your trip in Zagreb, our guide will arrive in the city on Wednesday at approximately 3:00 p.m. You will have free time until the guide arrives.
3:00 p.m. - To join the city tour, please come to the hotel reception.
4:00 p.m. - City tour of Zagreb with a local guide. We will explore the highlights of the Croatian capital, including its two hills, the old quarter, the upper city, and the newer neighborhoods. The tour will last about two hours. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own. Dinner is included.
Note: The schedules in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust the timings based on the situation or season to enhance the quality of the tour.
Total distance covered: 415 km.
Scenery: Mountains, ancient castles.
Note: Please bring your passport as we will cross into Bosnia. Occasionally, this journey may experience delays due to traffic or border procedures.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Zagreb. We’ll travel through hilly and forested areas in central Croatia on our way to Bosnia.
09:30 a.m. - Border crossing procedures entering Bosnia (delays are possible). We’ll journey through regions marked by the remnants of war and ethnic conflict that took place in Bosnia during the 1990s.
11:30 a.m. - Banja Luka. Time to explore the capital of the autonomous entity of Republika Srpska and the second-largest city in Bosnia, after Sarajevo. Highlights include its boulevards, gardens, fortress, and Orthodox cathedral.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Banja Luka. We’ll continue through densely wooded regions.
03:00 p.m. - Jajce. Arrival in what is perhaps the most beautiful town in Bosnia, known for its cultural mix, mosque, fortress, and impressive waterfall (admission included). Enjoy time for a walk and lunch.
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Jajce. We’ll continue our journey to the capital of Bosnia.
07:45 p.m. - Sarajevo. We’ll have time to explore the historic center, where you can stroll through the charming Bazaar, an old Ottoman market famous for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Mountains, ancient castles.
Note: Please bring your passport as we will cross into Bosnia. Occasionally, this journey may experience delays due to traffic or border procedures.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Zagreb. We’ll travel through hilly and forested areas in central Croatia on our way to Bosnia.
09:30 a.m. - Border crossing procedures entering Bosnia (delays are possible). We’ll journey through regions marked by the remnants of war and ethnic conflict that took place in Bosnia during the 1990s.
11:30 a.m. - Banja Luka. Time to explore the capital of the autonomous entity of Republika Srpska and the second-largest city in Bosnia, after Sarajevo. Highlights include its boulevards, gardens, fortress, and Orthodox cathedral.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Banja Luka. We’ll continue through densely wooded regions.
03:00 p.m. - Jajce. Arrival in what is perhaps the most beautiful town in Bosnia, known for its cultural mix, mosque, fortress, and impressive waterfall (admission included). Enjoy time for a walk and lunch.
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Jajce. We’ll continue our journey to the capital of Bosnia.
07:45 p.m. - Sarajevo. We’ll have time to explore the historic center, where you can stroll through the charming Bazaar, an old Ottoman market famous for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included.
Total distance: 280 km.
Scenery: spectacular landscapes featuring mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik includes stunning seascapes.
Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.
In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its coexistence of several religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich religious diversity. We’ll explore the old town´s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent mosque over 500 years old and a beautiful fountain.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Sarajevo. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys along the way.
02:00 p.m. - Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.
05:00 p.m. - Departure from Mostar. We’ll continue our journey to Croatia.
08:00 p.m. - Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Dinner included.
Note: Depending on the dates, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik.
Scenery: spectacular landscapes featuring mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik includes stunning seascapes.
Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.
In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its coexistence of several religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich religious diversity. We’ll explore the old town´s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent mosque over 500 years old and a beautiful fountain.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Sarajevo. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys along the way.
02:00 p.m. - Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.
05:00 p.m. - Departure from Mostar. We’ll continue our journey to Croatia.
08:00 p.m. - Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Dinner included.
Note: Depending on the dates, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik.
09:00 a.m. - We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide in the morning. We will undoubtedly be in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, perched on a cliff, surrounded by walls and kissed by the Adriatic Sea. Its intact historic center is a jewel of world architectural heritage. We’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of the city from a scenic viewpoint along the road. The tour includes tickets to the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral. We’ll also take a boat trip to Lokrum, a small island just 15 minutes away that is home to the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, a popular setting for the series Game of Thrones . Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be included.
Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.
Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.
Total distance covered: 295 km
Scenery: stunning landscapes along the Adriatic coast. The Bay of Kotor features some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, with picturesque villages along the way. Albania offers a glimpse of a more rural and unique country.
Note: Have your passports ready. We will cross the borders into Montenegro and Albania.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Dubrovnik. We’ll set off early for Montenegro and go through border procedures (which can sometimes take a while). After, we’ll take a ferry to cross the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
09:30 a.m. – Kotor (time of arrival may vary). Take time to stroll through this beautiful walled town with a strong Venetian influence, set against a magnificent scenic backdrop.
11:00 a.m. - Departure from Kotor. We’ll continue along stunning coastal landscapes.
11:45 a.m. - Budva, a picturesque walled enclave. Enjoy time for a stroll, take photos, and have lunch.
01:45 p.m. - Departure from Budva. We’ll travel along the coast towards Albania. Arrival at the border for procedures, which can sometimes be lengthy. There will be time at the border to have a coffee and exchange money. We’ll continue along small roads until we reach the capital of Albania.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival in Tirana for accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: stunning landscapes along the Adriatic coast. The Bay of Kotor features some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, with picturesque villages along the way. Albania offers a glimpse of a more rural and unique country.
Note: Have your passports ready. We will cross the borders into Montenegro and Albania.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Dubrovnik. We’ll set off early for Montenegro and go through border procedures (which can sometimes take a while). After, we’ll take a ferry to cross the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
09:30 a.m. – Kotor (time of arrival may vary). Take time to stroll through this beautiful walled town with a strong Venetian influence, set against a magnificent scenic backdrop.
11:00 a.m. - Departure from Kotor. We’ll continue along stunning coastal landscapes.
11:45 a.m. - Budva, a picturesque walled enclave. Enjoy time for a stroll, take photos, and have lunch.
01:45 p.m. - Departure from Budva. We’ll travel along the coast towards Albania. Arrival at the border for procedures, which can sometimes be lengthy. There will be time at the border to have a coffee and exchange money. We’ll continue along small roads until we reach the capital of Albania.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival in Tirana for accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 160 km.
Scenery: Mountain roads in Albania offer interesting views throughout the journey. The area around Lake Ohrid is particularly beautiful, with its crystal-clear waters.
Note: Please have your passport with you. We will be crossing the border into Macedonia. Ensure you do not need a visa to enter.
After breakfast, we’ll take a city tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, featuring its mosques, Clock Tower, and ministries. Our local guide will share insights about this small country. Enjoy some free time before we continue our journey. (This tour may alternatively take place in the evening upon arrival in Tirana, depending on daylight and the guide’s decision.)
11:15 a.m. - Departure from Tirana. We’ll travel through mountain scenery, arriving at Lake Ohrid, which forms the border with Macedonia and offers picturesque landscapes. We’ll cross the border (there may sometimes be delays) and enter Macedonia.
02:30 p.m. - Struga. This picturesque town on the lake shore offers time for a stroll and lunch.
03:30 p.m. - Departure from Struga.
04:15 p.m. - Ohrid. This town, with its strong Ottoman influence, is a World Heritage Site. Enjoy time to explore the town center, after which we’ll head to the hotel by the lake on the outskirts of town. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Mountain roads in Albania offer interesting views throughout the journey. The area around Lake Ohrid is particularly beautiful, with its crystal-clear waters.
Note: Please have your passport with you. We will be crossing the border into Macedonia. Ensure you do not need a visa to enter.
After breakfast, we’ll take a city tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, featuring its mosques, Clock Tower, and ministries. Our local guide will share insights about this small country. Enjoy some free time before we continue our journey. (This tour may alternatively take place in the evening upon arrival in Tirana, depending on daylight and the guide’s decision.)
11:15 a.m. - Departure from Tirana. We’ll travel through mountain scenery, arriving at Lake Ohrid, which forms the border with Macedonia and offers picturesque landscapes. We’ll cross the border (there may sometimes be delays) and enter Macedonia.
02:30 p.m. - Struga. This picturesque town on the lake shore offers time for a stroll and lunch.
03:30 p.m. - Departure from Struga.
04:15 p.m. - Ohrid. This town, with its strong Ottoman influence, is a World Heritage Site. Enjoy time to explore the town center, after which we’ll head to the hotel by the lake on the outskirts of town. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 295 km.
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of the Balkans and northern Greece, including mountainous regions and spectacular views of the Meteora.
Note: Have your passports ready as we will be entering Greece (Schengen zone). We’ll visit the Meteora Valley, stopping at the most important Orthodox monasteries and visiting one. Please wear appropriate clothing (skirts will be provided for women at the monastery) and comfortable footwear for climbing up to the monastery.
07:45 a.m. - Departure from Ohrid. We’ll travel through pleasant agricultural plains, passing through Bitola, a historic town once known as the “City of Consuls”. We’ll stop at the border for coffee and an opportunity to change money if needed. Northern Greece has a strong Slavic and Ottoman influence and very rugged terrain.
11:45 a.m. - Kastoria. Known as the city of 100 churches, this city features medieval streets and charming restaurants by its scenic lake. Enjoy time for a stroll and lunch.
01:45 p.m. - Departure from Kastoria.
04:00 p.m. - Meteora. We’ll begin our tour amidst the stunning scenery of Meteora, home to monasteries perched atop rock formations. We’ll stop to visit one of them (admission included) whilst we take in the breathtaking views. Dinner will be included, and overnight accommodation will be in Kalabaka, a small town in the heart of the Meteora region.
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of the Balkans and northern Greece, including mountainous regions and spectacular views of the Meteora.
Note: Have your passports ready as we will be entering Greece (Schengen zone). We’ll visit the Meteora Valley, stopping at the most important Orthodox monasteries and visiting one. Please wear appropriate clothing (skirts will be provided for women at the monastery) and comfortable footwear for climbing up to the monastery.
07:45 a.m. - Departure from Ohrid. We’ll travel through pleasant agricultural plains, passing through Bitola, a historic town once known as the “City of Consuls”. We’ll stop at the border for coffee and an opportunity to change money if needed. Northern Greece has a strong Slavic and Ottoman influence and very rugged terrain.
11:45 a.m. - Kastoria. Known as the city of 100 churches, this city features medieval streets and charming restaurants by its scenic lake. Enjoy time for a stroll and lunch.
01:45 p.m. - Departure from Kastoria.
04:00 p.m. - Meteora. We’ll begin our tour amidst the stunning scenery of Meteora, home to monasteries perched atop rock formations. We’ll stop to visit one of them (admission included) whilst we take in the breathtaking views. Dinner will be included, and overnight accommodation will be in Kalabaka, a small town in the heart of the Meteora region.
Total distance: 395km
Landscapes: Beautiful landscapes in the north of Greece and on the way to Bulgaria: mountains, isolated areas, forests.
Note: Remember to have your Passport ready, you will need it to enter Bulgaria.
08.00 hrs.- Kalambaka.- Departure. We travel through the North of Greece, amidst pretty mountain scenery, to the Aegean Sea.
11.15 hrs.- THESSALONIKI – Arrival-, time for a walk and lunch in Greece’s second city.
14.00hrs.- Thessaloniki- Departure. We travel towards the Pirin mountain, a World Heritage Site, areas heavily influenced by the Greek, Slavic and Turkish cultures. After this we go on our way towards BULGARIA, crossing the border. Schedules of this stage sometimes can suffer important delays because of the border procedures.
16.45hrs.- MELNIK. Arrival. In Bulgarian Macedonia we will make a stop in this picturesque museum-town among beautiful landscapes in the center of a wine-producing area. We will learn about the traditional Balkan ways of life.
17.45hrs.- Melnik. Departure.
18.15 hrs- SANDANSKI , arrival in this beautiful small spa city, the birthplace of Spartacus, dinner and accommodation.
Landscapes: Beautiful landscapes in the north of Greece and on the way to Bulgaria: mountains, isolated areas, forests.
Note: Remember to have your Passport ready, you will need it to enter Bulgaria.
08.00 hrs.- Kalambaka.- Departure. We travel through the North of Greece, amidst pretty mountain scenery, to the Aegean Sea.
11.15 hrs.- THESSALONIKI – Arrival-, time for a walk and lunch in Greece’s second city.
14.00hrs.- Thessaloniki- Departure. We travel towards the Pirin mountain, a World Heritage Site, areas heavily influenced by the Greek, Slavic and Turkish cultures. After this we go on our way towards BULGARIA, crossing the border. Schedules of this stage sometimes can suffer important delays because of the border procedures.
16.45hrs.- MELNIK. Arrival. In Bulgarian Macedonia we will make a stop in this picturesque museum-town among beautiful landscapes in the center of a wine-producing area. We will learn about the traditional Balkan ways of life.
17.45hrs.- Melnik. Departure.
18.15 hrs- SANDANSKI , arrival in this beautiful small spa city, the birthplace of Spartacus, dinner and accommodation.
Total distance covered: 225 km.
Scenery: beautiful landscapes of the Balkans, with mountains, remote areas and forests.
Note: Wear suitable clothing to visit the monastery of Rila.-
08.30 hrs - Sandanski.- Departure.-
10.30 hrs - Rila Monastery - We visit this beautiful walled Orthodox monastery that is hidden hidden among forests and mountains within a national park. Time to visit it.
11.45 hrs - Rila -Departure-.
15.00 hrs - Sofia - Arrival-. After the lunch time we include a city tour of the capital of Bulgaria , where we will see the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Russian church, the mosque, its squares and avenues of Stalinist architecture. Free time afterwards.
Scenery: beautiful landscapes of the Balkans, with mountains, remote areas and forests.
Note: Wear suitable clothing to visit the monastery of Rila.-
08.30 hrs - Sandanski.- Departure.-
10.30 hrs - Rila Monastery - We visit this beautiful walled Orthodox monastery that is hidden hidden among forests and mountains within a national park. Time to visit it.
11.45 hrs - Rila -Departure-.
15.00 hrs - Sofia - Arrival-. After the lunch time we include a city tour of the capital of Bulgaria , where we will see the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Russian church, the mosque, its squares and avenues of Stalinist architecture. Free time afterwards.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
From
AUD 2,233