Independent Tour > BULGARIA

Balkan Discovery


Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Start/Finish: Sofia / Sofia

£855

March to June

  • Explore the essential highlights of 7 Balkan countries in 9 days, staying at comfortable 4-star hotels and travelling on a private modern coach.
  • Travel with a local guide throughout your trip to get the best insight and tips, plus enjoy professional guided tours in Belgrade, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Ohrid and Skopje.
  • Delve into history and greet the colourful Balkan cultures riding from one capital to another, while frequenting popular hotspots and gems off the beaten track.
  • Swim the Adriatic and walk around the impressive medieval fortresses of Dubrovnik and Kotor.
  • Uncover the stunning natural beauty of Ohrid Lake with an optional trip to the serene St. Naum Monastery.
  • Spend an extra night in Sofia and depart anytime you wish on the last day of the tour.
  • No night drives, however we need to cross multiple borders and customs process may take some time depending on how busy it is.

Day 1 : Sofia

Welcome to Sofia ! At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. After you get all the critical information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner around 8:15pm and walk the streets of Sofia.

  • Accommodation
    in Sofia – 4 Star Hotel

  • Included Activities
    Welcome Meeting

  • Optional Activities
    Group Dinner

Day 2 : Sofia, Belgrade

After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade . With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.

  • Accommodation
    in Belgrade
    – 4 Star Hotel

  • Meals Included
    Breakfast

  • Included Activities
    Belgrade City Tour

Day 3 : Belgrade, Sarajevo

Next stop Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.

  • Accommodation
    in Sarajevo
    – 4 Star Hotel

  • Meals Included
    Breakfast

  • Included Activities
    Sarajevo City Tour

  • Entrance Fees
    Catholic Church –

Day 4 : Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje

Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar ! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.

  • Accommodation
    in Trebinje
    – 4 Star Hotel

  • Meals Included
    Breakfast

  • Included Activities
    Mostar City Tour

  • Optional Activities
    Kravice Waterfalls –

Day 5 : Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje

Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the “King’s Landing”, the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night’s rest.

  • Accommodation
    in Trebinje
    – 4 Star Hotel

  • Meals Included
    Breakfast

  • Included Activities
    Dubrovnik City Tour

  • Optional Activities
    Dubrovnik Boat Trip –

  • Entrance Fees
    Dubronvnik City Walls –

Day 6 : Trebinje, Kotor, Shkoder

Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time. Departure to Albania, which is our final destination for the day. Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania. Walking tour through the centre. Overnight in Shkoder.

  • Accommodation
    in Shkoder
    – 4 Star Hotel

  • Meals Included
    Breakfast

  • Included Activities
    Kotor City Tour
    Shkoder Walking Tour

Day 7 : Shkoder, Tirana, Ohrid

Hit the road after breakfast! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid , Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.

  • Accommodation
    in Ohrid
    – 4 Star Hotel

  • Meals Included
    Breakfast

  • Included Activities
    Panoramic Tour of Tirana
    Ohrid Walking Tour

  • Optional Activities
    Balkan Night With Dinner –

Day 8 : Ohrid, Skopje

Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon travel to Skopje , the capital of Macedonia, for the night.

  • Accommodation
    in Skopje – 4 Star Hotel

  • Meals Included
    Breakfast

  • Included Activities
    Ohrid City Tour

  • Optional Activities
    St. Naum Tour –

Day 9 : Skopje, Sofia

Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where you can explore the shopping streets and the nightlife as you wish.

  • Accommodation

      in Sofia – 4 Star Hotel 

  • Meals Included
    Breakfast

  • Included Activities
    Skopje City Tour

Day 10 : Sofia

Early in the morning, join a walking tour of the Sofia town centre and visit all the famous landmarks including the National Library, Sofia University, The Parliament, and continue on to The St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theatre and St. Sofia Church. While your guide fills you in about the diverse history of Bulgaria and the communist era, you’ll get to see the houses of the Council of Ministers, presidency and the former communist party headquarters. As you stroll towards the vibrant shopping streets, feel free to get lost and discover the shops and cafes around. After the city tour, start bidding farewells to your new mates and end the tour.

  • Meals Included
    Breakfast

  • Included Activities
    Sofia City Tour

Inclusions

Accommodation

4 star hotels

Meals

9 breakfasts

Transportation

Air-conditioned coach or mini-bus

Airport Transfer(s)

Arrival airport transfer from Sofia Airport to the hotel on day 1

Free Wi-Fi

Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access ( where available )

Sightseeing

Knez Mihailova
Danube

Belgrade Fortress
Mostar Bridge

Mostar Old Town
Dubrovnik Old Town

Kotor
Skenderbeg square

Exclusions

- Any flights not mentioned above
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not stated above
- Items of a personal nature

- Tips and gestures
- Entrance fees to the sights and museums
- Optional activities
- Other services not stated in the itinerary