From Sofia to Dubrovnik
Duration
11 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Sofia
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Sofia; Bachkovo; Plovdiv; Kazanlak; ; Arbanassi; Veliko Turnovo; Basarboski; Bucharest; Sinaia; Bran; Sighisoara; Biertan, Judeţul Sibiu; Sibiu; Hunedoara; Timisoara; Belgrade; Sremska Mitrovica; Zvornik; Sarajevo; Mostar; Kravice; Dubrovnik
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 SOFIA! Upon arrival at the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel . You will receive the information about the beginning of your tour.
At 15.00hrs approx., 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 during the rest of the day.
IMPORTANT - IF YOU REQUESTED ADDITIONAL NIGHTS on arrival at the hotel you will have your booking made but the guide of your trip will normally not arrive until the start of the included activities. YOUR TIME BEFORE THIS MOMENT IS THEREFORE FREE. At your hotel they can help you with all the information you need.
NB: The schedules you will find in this itinerary are approximate. The guide, depending on the situation and in order to improve the development of the circuit, may adjust the schedules.
At 15.00hrs approx., 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 during the rest of the day.
IMPORTANT - IF YOU REQUESTED ADDITIONAL NIGHTS on arrival at the hotel you will have your booking made but the guide of your trip will normally not arrive until the start of the included activities. YOUR TIME BEFORE THIS MOMENT IS THEREFORE FREE. At your hotel they can help you with all the information you need.
NB: The schedules you will find in this itinerary are approximate. The guide, depending on the situation and in order to improve the development of the circuit, may adjust the schedules.
Total distance covered: 205 km.
Scenery: Large agricultural plains.
Note: Wear suitable clothing to visit the monastery of Bachkovo.-
08.30 hrs.- Sofía. Departure.
11.00 hrs.- BACHKOVO MONASTERY, arrival to the Bulgaria’s second most important monastery, founded in the eleventh century, with its three churches and the life of its monks, and we feel it as a place full of peace.
12.00 hrs.- Bachkovo Monastery. Departure.
12.45 hrs.- PLOVDIV, arrival and lunch included before the sightseeing tour of one of the oldest cities in Europe. Here we include tickets to the Roman Amphitheatre, the ancient chemist’s and the Armenian House . Free time afterwards, so you can stroll through its beautiful historic streets and small shops.
Scenery: Large agricultural plains.
Note: Wear suitable clothing to visit the monastery of Bachkovo.-
08.30 hrs.- Sofía. Departure.
11.00 hrs.- BACHKOVO MONASTERY, arrival to the Bulgaria’s second most important monastery, founded in the eleventh century, with its three churches and the life of its monks, and we feel it as a place full of peace.
12.00 hrs.- Bachkovo Monastery. Departure.
12.45 hrs.- PLOVDIV, arrival and lunch included before the sightseeing tour of one of the oldest cities in Europe. Here we include tickets to the Roman Amphitheatre, the ancient chemist’s and the Armenian House . Free time afterwards, so you can stroll through its beautiful historic streets and small shops.
Total distance covered: 230 km.
Scenery: We cross the valley of the roses with great color in season of flowering (May and June). Beautiful scenery across the Balkans mountain range.
Note: in some cases, Arbanassi visit may take place on Sunday instead of Saturday.
08.00hrs.- Plovdiv. Departure. Nice small roads through the interior of Bulgaria. We arrived to the valley of the roses.
10.00 hrs. - KAZANLAK .- In the valley of the Roses, we will see KAZANLAK, where the tickets to the replica of the Thracian tomb (UNESCO Heritage) are included and we will learn about the production of products derived from the roses.
11.30 hrs.- Kazanlak. Departure. Amidst the mountains we will make a stop at the Russian church of SHIPKA , which reminds us the strong links that exist between the Bulgarians and the Russians and the help that Bulgaria received from Russia in its war for independence against the Ottomans.
13.15hrs.- ETARA, arrival at this charming village/ethnographic museum. We walk between their traditional houses and their artisan workshops. Lunch included in a typical restaurant.
15.30 hrs.- Etara. Departure.
16.45 hrs.- ARBANASSI, arrival to the ancient trading city with its fortress-houses, where we visit the Church of the Nativity (admission included) .
18.00 hrs.- Arrival in VELIKO TARNOVO , Bulgaria’s former capital, with a very picturesque medieval center, along with its hill.
Scenery: We cross the valley of the roses with great color in season of flowering (May and June). Beautiful scenery across the Balkans mountain range.
Note: in some cases, Arbanassi visit may take place on Sunday instead of Saturday.
08.00hrs.- Plovdiv. Departure. Nice small roads through the interior of Bulgaria. We arrived to the valley of the roses.
10.00 hrs. - KAZANLAK .- In the valley of the Roses, we will see KAZANLAK, where the tickets to the replica of the Thracian tomb (UNESCO Heritage) are included and we will learn about the production of products derived from the roses.
11.30 hrs.- Kazanlak. Departure. Amidst the mountains we will make a stop at the Russian church of SHIPKA , which reminds us the strong links that exist between the Bulgarians and the Russians and the help that Bulgaria received from Russia in its war for independence against the Ottomans.
13.15hrs.- ETARA, arrival at this charming village/ethnographic museum. We walk between their traditional houses and their artisan workshops. Lunch included in a typical restaurant.
15.30 hrs.- Etara. Departure.
16.45 hrs.- ARBANASSI, arrival to the ancient trading city with its fortress-houses, where we visit the Church of the Nativity (admission included) .
18.00 hrs.- Arrival in VELIKO TARNOVO , Bulgaria’s former capital, with a very picturesque medieval center, along with its hill.
Total distance covered: 190 km.
Scenery: We crossed the Danube on the border.
Note: Keep your passport with you, as it will be required on the border with Romania.
08.30hrs.- Veliko Tarnovo. Departure.
10.00hrs.- BASARBOVSKI MONASTERY , we will stop at a place of pilgrimage dug out of the rock.
11.00hrs.- Barsabovski. Departure. We cross the border and the river Danube; sometimes there may be delays at the border.
12.45 hrs.- BUCHAREST , arrival. Lunch included. 15:00 hrs. - city tour of Bucharest with its ancient quarter and the giant Parliament Palace. Free time afterwards.
Scenery: We crossed the Danube on the border.
Note: Keep your passport with you, as it will be required on the border with Romania.
08.30hrs.- Veliko Tarnovo. Departure.
10.00hrs.- BASARBOVSKI MONASTERY , we will stop at a place of pilgrimage dug out of the rock.
11.00hrs.- Barsabovski. Departure. We cross the border and the river Danube; sometimes there may be delays at the border.
12.45 hrs.- BUCHAREST , arrival. Lunch included. 15:00 hrs. - city tour of Bucharest with its ancient quarter and the giant Parliament Palace. Free time afterwards.
Total distance covered: 325 km.
Scenery: beautiful landscapes with the Carpathian mountains, remote areas and forests. Small picturesque villages en route.
Note: Wear suitable clothing. The Sinaia area is located on the mountain, we recommend warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
08.00hrs.- Bucharest. Departure. Today we have a stage of great scenic beauty, travelling to Transylvania across the Carpathian mountains and through forests.
10.30hrs.- SINAIA, Arrival. We will stroll in the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor castles (visit of the gardens, the interior of the castle is closed on Mondays).
12.00hrs.- Sinaia- Departure. High mountains.
13.00hrs.- BRAN. arrival to the 14th-century fortress, known as “ Dracula’s Castle” (tickets included). Time for lunch and stroll on the beautiful center.
15.30hrs.- Bran - Departure. The architecture of some of the villages shows that these regions were inhabited by people of German origin.
17.45hrs.- SIGHISOARA, arrival to this very beautiful walled mediaeval city and Heritage of Mankind. Tonight we include a very special dinner, in the restaurant of Count Dracula, in the house, where Vlad Tepes was born.
Note: The hotel capacity of Sighisoara is limited. On some date the accommodation can be given in SIBIU (departure from Sighisoara after dinner). In these cases the stop in Biertan is removed and the city of Alba Lulia is visited instead.
Scenery: beautiful landscapes with the Carpathian mountains, remote areas and forests. Small picturesque villages en route.
Note: Wear suitable clothing. The Sinaia area is located on the mountain, we recommend warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
08.00hrs.- Bucharest. Departure. Today we have a stage of great scenic beauty, travelling to Transylvania across the Carpathian mountains and through forests.
10.30hrs.- SINAIA, Arrival. We will stroll in the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor castles (visit of the gardens, the interior of the castle is closed on Mondays).
12.00hrs.- Sinaia- Departure. High mountains.
13.00hrs.- BRAN. arrival to the 14th-century fortress, known as “ Dracula’s Castle” (tickets included). Time for lunch and stroll on the beautiful center.
15.30hrs.- Bran - Departure. The architecture of some of the villages shows that these regions were inhabited by people of German origin.
17.45hrs.- SIGHISOARA, arrival to this very beautiful walled mediaeval city and Heritage of Mankind. Tonight we include a very special dinner, in the restaurant of Count Dracula, in the house, where Vlad Tepes was born.
Note: The hotel capacity of Sighisoara is limited. On some date the accommodation can be given in SIBIU (departure from Sighisoara after dinner). In these cases the stop in Biertan is removed and the city of Alba Lulia is visited instead.
Total distance covered: 395 km.
Scenery: beautiful landscapes and towns.
Note: Due to the length of the days in winter and the opening hours of the monuments, from November to March we will not be able to visit the interior of the church of Biertan, although a brief stop will be made to see it from the outside.
08.30 hrs.- Sighisoara- Departure. In Transylvania there are numerous fortified churches in areas that were inhabited by people of German origin; some of these churches have been declared Heritage of Mankind, and we will see one of them:
09.00 hrs.- BIERTAN. Arrival to visit the fortified church (tickets included) .
10.30 hrs.- Biertan, Departure.
11.45 hrs.- SIBIU, arrival to this important economic and cultural center that was the capital of Transylvania, with its bustling narrow streets and squares. Time for a walk and lunch.
14.30 hrs. - Sibiu - Departure.
16.15 hrs. - Hunedoara . We will visit the impressive castle of HUNEDOARA (tickets included), which is considered the prettiest castle in Romania.
17.15 hrs. - Hunedoara - Departure.
19.45 hrs.- TIMISOARA, Arrival. City of Roman origin, different communities live there, its restored classical and pedestrian center is very beautiful. Would you like to explore it?
Scenery: beautiful landscapes and towns.
Note: Due to the length of the days in winter and the opening hours of the monuments, from November to March we will not be able to visit the interior of the church of Biertan, although a brief stop will be made to see it from the outside.
08.30 hrs.- Sighisoara- Departure. In Transylvania there are numerous fortified churches in areas that were inhabited by people of German origin; some of these churches have been declared Heritage of Mankind, and we will see one of them:
09.00 hrs.- BIERTAN. Arrival to visit the fortified church (tickets included) .
10.30 hrs.- Biertan, Departure.
11.45 hrs.- SIBIU, arrival to this important economic and cultural center that was the capital of Transylvania, with its bustling narrow streets and squares. Time for a walk and lunch.
14.30 hrs. - Sibiu - Departure.
16.15 hrs. - Hunedoara . We will visit the impressive castle of HUNEDOARA (tickets included), which is considered the prettiest castle in Romania.
17.15 hrs. - Hunedoara - Departure.
19.45 hrs.- TIMISOARA, Arrival. City of Roman origin, different communities live there, its restored classical and pedestrian center is very beautiful. Would you like to explore it?
Total distance covered: 170 km .
Note: Please keep your passport in hand, as it will be required on the border with Serbia.
08.30hrs.- Timisoara- Departure. Among pleasant landscapes we set off for Serbia and the border pass (border procedures sometimes can delay the schedule).
11.30 hrs.- BELGRADE, arrival. We include a city tour of this active capital on the shores of the Danube as it flows into the Sava, where we can admire its busy centre, its parliament, and stroll in the Kalemegdan fortress. A visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, where Tito´s Mausoleum is located, will also be included. Free time in the afternoon.
Note: Please keep your passport in hand, as it will be required on the border with Serbia.
08.30hrs.- Timisoara- Departure. Among pleasant landscapes we set off for Serbia and the border pass (border procedures sometimes can delay the schedule).
11.30 hrs.- BELGRADE, arrival. We include a city tour of this active capital on the shores of the Danube as it flows into the Sava, where we can admire its busy centre, its parliament, and stroll in the Kalemegdan fortress. A visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, where Tito´s Mausoleum is located, will also be included. Free time in the afternoon.
Total distance: 299 km.
Scenery: Forests, mountains, rivers, small towns. Great contrasts in our trip through Bosnia.
Note : Please remember to have your passport ready, you will need it to enter Bosnia.
08.00 hrs.- Belgrade-. Departure. We start our wonderful day towards Bosnia among beautiful landscapes following the Drina River. Border crossing.
09.15 hrs. - Stremska Mitrovica , arrival in this city with a pleasant historic center on the banks of the Sava River that was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire, the capital of the province of Pannonia. We include the admission to the grounds of the Imperial Palace of Sirmium , which illustrates us that period.
10.30 hrs. - Stremska Mitrovica, departure. We continue towards Bosnia among beautiful landscapes following the Drina River. Border crossing, which may take a while.
13.15 hrs. (approx., depending on the time crossing the border) - Zvornik, arrival and brief stop in one of the oldest cities in Bosnia, crossed by the river that marks the border with Serbia and will make us remember with sadness the war in Bosnia. Its population has changed a lot as most of it, Muslims, were expelled, while Serb refugees from other regions settled. We are near the village of Srebrenica, known for the massacre.
14.15 hrs. - Zvornik. Departure. Our way follows an area of small villages, forests, and hills.
17.45 hrs. - Sarajevo. Arrival in the evening and time in the historic center, during which you can stroll through the charming bazaar, an old Ottoman market famous for its architecture, oriental atmosphere and traditional shops. Dinner included .
Scenery: Forests, mountains, rivers, small towns. Great contrasts in our trip through Bosnia.
Note : Please remember to have your passport ready, you will need it to enter Bosnia.
08.00 hrs.- Belgrade-. Departure. We start our wonderful day towards Bosnia among beautiful landscapes following the Drina River. Border crossing.
09.15 hrs. - Stremska Mitrovica , arrival in this city with a pleasant historic center on the banks of the Sava River that was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire, the capital of the province of Pannonia. We include the admission to the grounds of the Imperial Palace of Sirmium , which illustrates us that period.
10.30 hrs. - Stremska Mitrovica, departure. We continue towards Bosnia among beautiful landscapes following the Drina River. Border crossing, which may take a while.
13.15 hrs. (approx., depending on the time crossing the border) - Zvornik, arrival and brief stop in one of the oldest cities in Bosnia, crossed by the river that marks the border with Serbia and will make us remember with sadness the war in Bosnia. Its population has changed a lot as most of it, Muslims, were expelled, while Serb refugees from other regions settled. We are near the village of Srebrenica, known for the massacre.
14.15 hrs. - Zvornik. Departure. Our way follows an area of small villages, forests, and hills.
17.45 hrs. - Sarajevo. Arrival in the evening and time in the historic center, during which you can stroll through the charming bazaar, an old Ottoman market famous for its architecture, oriental atmosphere and traditional shops. Dinner 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.
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 2,678