16-Day Balkanic Miracle Tour from Sofia

What you'll experience

Highlights

16 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Sofia

   Welcome to Sofia! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.
   
   
   At approximately 3:00 p.m., we’ll begin a city tour of Bulgaria’s capital and get to know famous sights such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city’s squares and avenues known for their Stalinist architecture. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your leisure.
   
   
   IMPORTANT:
   -If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
   
   Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
   Note: All mentioned hotels below are for your reference only, you might also check-in other same-level hotels.

   Stay: Novotel sofia(115 N Tsarigradsko Shosse Blvd CP 1784)
2. 2

   Day 2 — 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: L：IncludedStay: Radisson plovdiv(t6, Lev Tolstoy str./ 1A, Arch.Kamen Petkov sr. CP 4017 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)
3. 3

   Day 3 — 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: L：IncludedStay: Bolyarski meridian(Veliko Tarnovo 5000, 53 Stefan Stambolov Str), Panorama(63 Stefan Stambolov Str,)
4. 4

   Day 4 — 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: D：IncludedStay: Mercure bucarest city center(Strada George Enescu 15-17-17A), Bucharest unirii square(Strada Nerva Traian 3A, Bucure537;ti 031041, Rumanía)
5. 5

   Day 5 — Bucharest - Sinaia - Bran - Sighisoara

   Total distance covered: 325 km.
   
   Scenery: Beautiful landscapes featuring the Carpathian Mountains and small, picturesque villages along the way.
   
   Note: Sinaia is in the mountains, so we recommend warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
   
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Bucharest. We’ll leave the bustling metropolis and head toward the mountains, where we’ll enjoy beautiful Alpine landscapes.
   10:30 a.m. - Sinaia. We’ll explore the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor Castles (we’ll only visit the gardens as the castle interiors are closed on Mondays).
   
   12:00 p.m. – Departure from Sinaia. We’ll continue through high mountain regions.
   01:00 p.m. - Bran - Arrival at the 14th-century fortress known as "Dracula’s Castle" (tickets included). You´ll have time for lunch and to explore the charming town center after.
   
   03:30 p.m. – Departure from Bran. As we journey on, you’ll observe the unique architecture of some villages, reflecting the influence of German settlers in the region.
   05:45 p.m. - Sighisoara - Arrival at this beautiful walled medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, where you´ll enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula’s restaurant, located in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.
   
   Note: Occasionally, due to heavy tourist traffic, there are long delays in accessing Bran Castle, which may cause a significant delay in the arrival time to Sighisoara.
   
   Note: Hotel capacity in Sighisoara is limited. On certain dates, accommodation may be provided in Sibiu (departing from Sighisoara after dinner). In these cases, the stop in Biertan will be replaced with a visit to the city of Alba Iulia.
   
   
   

   Meals: D：IncludedStay: Mercure binderbubi sighisoara(Nicolae Balcescu Street No 8), Doubletree sighisoara cavaler(6, Consiliul Europei St)
6. 6

   Day 6 — Sighisoara - Biertan - Sibiu - Hunedoara - Timisoara

   Total distance covered: 395 km.
   Scenery: Beautiful and varied landscapes, with little villages en route.
   Note: From November to March, due to shorter days and monument opening hours, we won´t be able to visit the interior of the church in Biertan. However, we will make a brief stop to view it from the outside.
   
   09:00 a.m. – Departure from Sighisoara. In Transylvania, there are many fortified churches in areas that were historically inhabited by people of German origin. Some of these churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we’ll visit one in Biertan.
   09:45 a.m. - Biertan - Arrival to visit the fortified church (tickets included).
   
   10:45 a.m. – Departure from Biertan.
   12:15 a.m. - Sibiu - Arrival in this important economic and cultural center, which was once the capital of Transylvania. Take some time to stroll through its bustling narrow streets and squares and enjoy lunch.
   
   02:30 p.m. – Departure from Sibiu. We’ll drive along the highway through picturesque agricultural regions.
   04:15 p.m. - Hunedoara - We will visit the impressive Hunedoara Castle (tickets included), considered the most beautiful castle in Romania.
   
   05:15 p.m. – Departure from Hunedoara.
   07:45 p.m. - Timisoara. This city, with Roman origins, is home to diverse communities. Its beautifully restored classical and pedestrian center is perfect for an evening stroll.
   
   
   
   

   Stay: Timisoara(Str Marasesti nr 1-3)
7. 7

   Day 7 — Timisoara - Belgrade

   Total distance covered: 170 km.
   
   Note: Please have your passport handy, as it will be required at the Serbia border.
   
   08:30 a.m. – Departure from Timisoara. We’ll journey through pleasant landscapes as we head towards Serbia. The border crossing may occasionally cause some delays.
   11:30 a.m. (12:30 p.m. in Romania) - Belgrade. We’ll take a city tour of this lively capital situated at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava. We’ll explore the bustling city center, the parliament, and enjoy a stroll through the Kalemegdan Fortress. The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, where Tito’s Mausoleum is located. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to further explore the city at your own pace.
   
   
   
   

   Stay: Mona plaza (Cara Uroša 62-64, Beograd 11000, Serbia)
8. 8

   Day 8 — Belgrade – Sremska Mitrovica – Republic of Srpska – Sarajevo

   Distance traveled: 295 km
   Scenery: forests, mountains, rushing rivers, and small towns. Strong contrasts mark our journey through Bosnia.
   
   Note: Keep your passport close to you, as we will cross the border into Bosnia.
   
   08:00 a.m. – Belgrade. Departure. We begin our beautiful journey traveling to the region of Vojvodina.
   
   09:15 a.m. – Sremska Mitrovica. Arrival in this city with a pleasant historic center on the banks of the Sava River. Once one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire, it served as the capital of the province of Pannonia. Entrance to the Imperial Palace of Sirmium is included, offering insights into this period.
   
   10:30 a.m. – Departure from Sremska Mitrovica. We continue toward Bosnia, traveling through beautiful landscapes along the Drina River. Border crossing (delays are possible). Stop en route for lunch. The road continues across the Republic of Srpska—the Serbian Republic of Bosnia—passing through small villages, forests, and hills.
   
   5:30 p.m. – Sarajevo. Arrival in the late afternoon. Time to explore the historic center, where you can stroll through the enchanting bazaar, the old Ottoman market known for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner included.
   
   

   Meals: D：IncludedStay: Ibis styles sarajevo(Dzemala Bijedica 169 A), Bosmal arjaan(Bosmal zgrada B, Milana Preloga 12 A,)
9. 9

   Day 9 — 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: D：IncludedStay: Lero(IVA VOJNIVICA 14, LAPAD), Valamar lacroma(Ulica Iva Dulicica 34)
10. 10

    Day 10 — 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: D：IncludedStay: Lero(IVA VOJNIVICA 14, LAPAD), Valamar lacroma(Ulica Iva Dulicica 34)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Dubrovnik - Ston - Split

    Total distance covered: 235 km.
    
    
    Scenery: Stunning coastal landscapes along the Dalmatian coast.
    
    
    08:00 a.m. - Departure from Dubrovnik. Today’s route will be thrilling, offering beautiful landscapes along the Dalmatian coast.
    
    09:15 a.m. - Ston. We’ll stop to visit this picturesque town, known for its impressive ancient walls, which are among the longest in the world.
    
    
    10:00 a.m. - Departure from Ston. We’ll continue through scenic landscapes, featuring the remarkable Pelješac Bridge.
    12:30 p.m. - Split. We’ll have time for lunch before a tour with a local guide. We’ll explore this impressive city, focusing on the immense Diocletian’s Palace (tickets included). We’ll visit the Roman palace, wander through the alleys, and enjoy stunning sea views. The tour will last about two and a half hours. Afterward, enjoy some free time before settling into your accommodation. Dinner will be included.
    
    
    

    Meals: D：IncludedStay: Hotel atrium(DOMOVINSKOG RATA 49a), Salona palace(Don Frane Buli263;a 87 , 21210 Solin)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Split - Plitvice - Opatija

    Total distance covered: 450 km.
    
    Scenery: Varied, including mountains, lakes, and plateaus.
    
    Note: Wear comfortable shoes, as you will need them in Plitvice Lakes National Park. We also recommend wearing warm clothing.
    
    08:00 a.m. - Departure from Split. We’ll travel north along the Croatian coast.
    11:30 a.m. - Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning lakes. Admission to the park is included, allowing you to use the boats to get close to the falls or take the park’s train to reach the most picturesque spots. You’ll have time to explore and have lunch.
    
    03:00 p.m. - Departure from Plitvice National Park. We’ll continue our journey north.
    06:15 p.m. - Opatija. Arrival in this elegant Croatian coastal town reminiscent of the French and Italian Rivieras. Dinner and accommodation.
    

    Meals: D：IncludedStay: Bristol(Ulica Marsala Tita 108), Grand adriatic(MARSALA TITA 200)
13. 13

    Day 13 — Opatija - Postojna - Bled - Ljubljana

    Total distance traveled: 230 km
    Scenery: Very different from previous days—alpine landscapes with forests, high peaks, and lakes.
    Note: Please keep your passport handy, as it may be required when crossing into Slovenia. Bring a jacket for the interior of the Postojna Cave, where the temperature drops significantly compared to outside.
    
    08:00 a.m. – Opatija. Departure. We cross into Slovenia, traveling through forested mountains and picturesque villages along the way.
    10:00 a.m. – Postojna. Arrival. We will venture underground to explore the Postojna Caves, the most visited caves in Europe, with over 20 km of galleries and chambers. Part of the visit will be made on a small train, covering 3 km of this natural wonder of stalactites and stalagmites (entrance and train ride included). Free time for lunch.
    
    12:30 p.m. – Departure from Postojna after lunch.2.30 p.m.- Bled. Arrival. A stunning Slovenian enclave nestled among mountains and forests, on the shores of a beautiful lake. We include a boat ride to the island in the middle of the lake, where the monastery is located.
    
    4:00 p.m. – Bled. Departure.
    5:00 p.m. – Ljubljana. Arrival. Time to explore the charming Slovenian capital, a Central European city that has long been a meeting point of Slavs, Germans, and Mediterraneans. Its castle is one of its highlights. We will enjoy a two-hour guided tour with a local guide to learn about the unique character of this small country and its capital. Dnner and accommodation included.
    
    
    
    

    Meals: D：IncludedStay: Exe lev(Vosnjakova ulica 1), Bb ljubljana park(TABOR 9, 1000 LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIJA, CP: 1000)
14. 14

    Day 14 — Ljubljana - Venice

    Total distance covered: 240 km.
    
    Scenery: Mediterranean landscapes.
    
    Note: Please have your passports with you, as we are entering Italy. There may be delays at the border due to crowding.
    
    Enjoy free time to explore Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. This beautiful Central European city is a historic meeting point for Slavs, Germans, and Mediterranean peoples. Its castle is a notable highlight.
    
    04:30 p.m. - Departure from Ljubljana. We’ll cross mountains covered in dense forests, reach the Adriatic Sea, and enter Italy.
    08:00 p.m. - Venice. Accommodation in the Mestre area.
    

    Stay: Lugano torretta(Via Giorgio Rizzardi, 11), Delfino(Corso del Popolo 211)
15. 15

    Day 15 — Venice

    08:30 a.m. - We’ll start the day with a boat transfer to the St. Mark´s area in Venice, a city built on over 100 islands connected by bridges. We’ll include a walking tour with a local guide around the city of canals. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Murano Glass Factory to admire the technique of glass blowing. You´ll have free time afterward. In the afternoon, you may enjoy an optional gondola trip along the canals.
    
    06:30 p.m. - We’ll transfer back to the hotel from the St. Mark´s area. You’ll have the opportunity to have dinner in the Mestre area, where you can choose from a variety of restaurants, including Indian, Oriental, Italian, and more.
    

    Stay: Lugano torretta(Via Giorgio Rizzardi, 11), Delfino(Corso del Popolo 211)
16. 16

    Day 16 — Venice

    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.
    

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator