13-Day Balkan Dreams Tour from Zagreb: Dubrovnik, Budva, Tirana, Kalabaka, Sandanski, Sofia, Plovdiv | Ticket Admission Included

What you'll experience

Highlights

13 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Zagreb

   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.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Antunovic(Zagrebacka avenija 100), Movenpick zagreb(6H 2 Oreskoviceva Str, 10020, Zagreb, Croacia)
2. 2

   Day 2 — Zagreb - Banja Luka - Jajce - Sarajevo

   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.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Randon plaza(BA, Dzemala Bijedica St 185), Spa hotel terme(Hrasni269;ka cesta 14)
3. 3

   Day 3 — Sarajevo - Mostar - Herzegovina - Dubrovnik Cavtat

   Total distance traveled: 280 km
   Scenery: Spectacular landscapes with mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik features stunning coastal views.
   Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.In the morning, we'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the "Jerusalem of Europe" for its coexistence of multiple religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich diversity. We'll explore the old town's strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent 500-year-old mosque and a beautiful fountain.
   11:15 a.m. – Sarajevo. Departure. We travel through breathtaking mountain and valley landscapes.
   01:45 p.m. – Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that unites and separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.
   4:30 p.m. – Mostar. Departure. We continue our journey across the rocky and mountainous landscapes of the historic region of Herzegovina toward Croatia.
   7:30 p.m. – Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Arrival. Dinner included.
   Note: Depending on the date, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or in Cavtat, a coastal town nearby.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Lero(IVA VOJNIVICA 14, LAPAD), Royal neptun(KARDINALA KTEPINCA 31 DUBROVNIK)
4. 4

   Day 4 — Dubrovnik - Cavtat

   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.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Lero(IVA VOJNIVICA 14, LAPAD), Royal neptun(KARDINALA KTEPINCA 31 DUBROVNIK)
5. 5

   Day 5 — Dubrovnik - Kotor - Budva - Tirana

   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.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hilton garden inn tirana(AL, Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta 146 CP 1001 Tirana), Tirana international(SKANDERBEG SQUARE, 8)
6. 6

   Day 6 — Tirana - Struga - Ohrid

   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.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Metropol lake resort(Settlment Konjsko B.B), Belvedere ohrid(ST STEPHAN SETTLEMENT BB)
7. 7

   Day 7 — Ohrid - Bitola - Kalabaka

   Total distance covered: 283 km.
   Scenery: Beautiful Balkan and northern Greek landscapes, with stunning mountain views in Greece and breathtaking scenery around the Meteora area.
   Notes: Keep your passport handy as we'll be entering Greece (Schengen zone). We'll visit the Meteora Valley, stopping at the most important Orthodox monasteries and touring one of them. Please wear appropriate clothing (skirts will be provided for women upon arrival at the monastery) and comfortable shoes for the climb.
   07:45 a.m. – Departure from Ohrid. We'll travel through pleasant agricultural plains towards the border.
   09:15 a.m. - Bitola. You'll get to know this charming city with its rich historical heritage, known for its Ottoman and neoclassical architecture, and have time to take a stroll down Širok Sokak, a pedestrian area lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
   10:15 a.m. – Departure from Bitola. We'll head towards the border, where we'll complete formalities to enter Greece. Northern Greece, with its rugged geography, shows a strong Slavic and Ottoman influence. We'll continue towards the Meteora region.
   02:00 p.m. - Kalabaka. Just outside the city, in Kastraki, we'll stop at a picturesque village offering beautiful valley views. You'll have time for lunch before we explore the awe-inspiring Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll tour the valley and include entry to one of the most famous monasteries, perched high on the rocks. Arrival in Kalabaka, with dinner included.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Kosta famissi(Trikalon Str. 144), Divani meteora(NATIONAL ROAD TRIKALON - IOANNINA)
8. 8

   Day 8 — Kalabaka - Thessaloniki - Melnik - Sandanski

   Total distance: 395 km.
   Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of northern Greece and on the way to Bulgaria, featuring mountains, secluded areas, and lush forests.
   Note: Remember to have your passport ready; you´ll need it to enter Bulgaria.
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kalabaka. We'll travel through northern Greece, enjoying pleasant landscapes, including agricultural regions and high mountain areas.
   11:15 a.m. - Thessaloniki. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch in Greece's second-largest city.
   02:00 p.m. – Departure from Thessaloniki. We'll make our way towards the Pirin Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site historically contested by regions influenced by Greek, Slavic, and Turkish cultures. We'll then cross the border into Bulgaria. Please note that this part of the journey may experience delays due to border procedures.
   04:45 p.m. - Melnik. We'll visit this picturesque museum-town, set in a beautiful wine-producing region. We'll explore the traditional Balkan way of life.
   05:45 p.m. – Departure from Melnik.
   06:15 p.m. - Sandanski - Arrival in this charming spa town, known as the birthplace of Spartacus. Dinner and accommodation will be provided.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Pirin park hotel(27 Hydrostroy Area)
9. 9

   Day 9 — Sandanski - Rila - Sofia

   Total distance covered: 225 km.
   Scenery: Mountains and forests as we approach Rila.
   Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Rila Monastery.
   08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sandanski.
   10:30 a.m. - Rila Monastery – You'll have time to visit this beautiful walled Orthodox monastery nestled among forests and mountains within a National Park.
   11:45 a.m. – Departure from Rila Monastery.
   03:00 p.m. - Sofia. After lunch, we'll include a city tour of Bulgaria´s capital, featuring St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city´s squares and avenues showcasing Stalinist architecture. Free time follows.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Astoria grand(Bulevard), Ramada sofia(Maria Luiza 131 Blvd)
10. 10

    Day 10 — Sofia - Bachkovo - Plovdiv

    Total distance covered: 205 km.
    Scenery: Expansive agricultural plains.
    Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Bachkovo Monastery.
    08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sofia.
    11:00 a.m. - Bachkovo Monastery - Arrival at Bulgaria's second most important monastery, founded in the 11th century. This site, with its three churches, offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can observe the monks' way of life.
    12:00 p.m. – Departure from Bachkovo Monastery.
    12:45 p.m. - Plovdiv - After lunch (included), we'll go on a panoramic tour of this city, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Our tour includes admission to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House. You´ll then have free time to explore the beautiful historic streets and charming small shops.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Radisson plovdiv(t6, Lev Tolstoy str./ 1A, Arch.Kamen Petkov sr. CP 4017 Plovdiv, Bulgaria), Ramada plovdiv trimontium(KAPITAN Raicho ST 2, St. Plovdiv, Bulgaria 4000)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Shipka - Etar - Arbanasi - Veliko Tarnovo

    Total distance covered: 230 km.
    Scenery: Rose Valley, which bursts with vibrant colors during the flowering season (May and June), and the beautiful Balkan Mountains.
    Note: Occasionally, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on Sunday morning.
    08:00 a.m. – Departure from Plovdiv. We'll travel along charming small roads through the interior of Bulgaria, reaching the Rose Valley.
    10:00 a.m. – Kazanlak. Admission is included to see the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll also learn about the local production of rose-based products.
    11:30 a.m. – Departure from Kazanlak. Amidst the mountains, we'll visit the Russian Shipka Memorial Church, a reminder of the strong ties between Bulgarians and Russians, and the support Bulgaria received from Russia during its war for independence against the Ottomans.
    01:15 p.m. - Etar - Arrival at this charming village and ethnographic museum. We'll stroll among its traditional houses and artisan workshops. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.
    03:30 p.m. – Departure from Etar.
    04:45 p.m. - Arbanasi - Arrival in this ancient trading city known for its fortress-houses. We'll visit the Nativity Church (admission included).
    05:45 p.m. Departure from Arbanasi.
    06:00 p.m. - Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's former capital, featuring a picturesque medieval center and historic hilltop sites. You'll have time to explore.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Bolyarski meridian(Veliko Tarnovo 5000, 53 Stefan Stambolov Str), Panorama(63 Stefan Stambolov Str,)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Veliko Tarnovo - Dimitar Basarbovski - Bucharest

    Total distance covered: 190 km.
    Scenery: We'll cross the Danube River as we pass through the border.
    Note: Keep your passport handy, as it will be required at the Romanian border.
    08:30 a.m. – Departure from Veliko Tarnovo.
    10:00 a.m. - Basarbovski Monastery - We'll visit this pilgrimage site, carved into the rock.
    11:00 a.m. – Departure from Basarbovski. We'll cross the border and the Danube; please be aware that there may be delays at the border.
    12:45 p.m. - Bucharest. Time of arrival may change depending on border procedures. You'll have free time for lunch upon arrival.
    3:00 p.m., - City tour of Bucharest, featuring the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. You´ll have free time afterward to explore the city at your leisure. Dinner will be included.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Mercure bucarest city center(Strada George Enescu 15-17-17A), Park inn by radisson bucharest(Strada Luteran259; 2-4)
13. 13

    Day 13 — Bucharest

    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.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

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