Including: Bulgaria (Sofia, Plovdiv), Macedonia (Skopje, Ohrid), Albania (Tirana, Durres, Elbasan, Kruja), Montenegro (Budva, Kotor, Podgorica)
Day 1: Sofia
Upon arrival at Sofia, meet up with the local representative and proceed with a short visit to the National History museum storing over 650,000 objects connected to archeology, history and ethnography. Proceed with a walking tour of Sofia with visits to the ruins of Serdica-Roman fortress walls; St George Rotunda, the oldest building in Sofia; St Sofia Basilica, the oldest active church which gave the city its name; St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world; National Theatre and many more historical sites from ancient times alongside the modern sites of cosmopolitan city life.
Day 2: Sofia - Plovdiv - Sofia
Today is a full day sightseeing to Plovdiv-European cultural capital in 1999. This ancient city with 3000 years of history is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Walk along the Old Town of Plovdiv with its unique charm, narrow cobbled streets that admire the silence and tranquility of this historical town. Be impressed by its elegant old houses with painting facades and Churches, the Roman Amphitheatre built by Emperor Trajan, the Roman Stadium. Overnight at Sofia.
Day 3: Sofia - Rila Monastery - Skopje
After breakfast, drive through the picturesque Rila mountains for a visit of the Rila Monastery-UNESCO list of World Heritage, the biggest in Bulgaria and Balkan Peninsula. Begin the tour of the monastery estate with its lavish collection of precious old icons, manuscripts, etc. Arrival in Skopje late afternoon.
Day 4: Skopje - Ohrid
Continue journey from Skopje to Ohrid. Visit the Kale Fortress for a panoramic view of the city, contrasting both the old and new part of Skopje. Should weather permits, we will make a short stop at Mavrovo National Park, the largest protected area in the country. Mavrovo National Park covers the most beautiful parts of Western Macedonia.
Day 5: Ohrid - St Naum - Ohrid
On the south-east side of Lake Ohrid is the Monastery of St.Naum. In 1799, the tiny chapel over St Naum’s underground tomb was built. Enroute stopover to visit the Museum on the Water, a reconstruction of a Bronze Age settlement and also a reconstruction of a Roman military fortress. After lunch, a city tour of Lake Ohrid begins with a visit to St Sofia Cathedral. Other tour highlights include the magnificent St Jovan Kaneo church, a famous symbol of Ohrid, Samuel’s Fortress and St Pantelejmon church - attributed to Saint Clement of Ohrid. The rest of the day will be free for shopping.
Day 6: Ohrid - Elbasan - Tirana
After breakfast, transfer to Elbasan. The Elbasan castle and its surrounding walls speak of military significance in early Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Tirana, we begin a sightseeing tour of Tirana with visits to the Skanderbeg Square; the Et’hem Bey Mosque with very interesting decorations and art-work within it; the National Historical museum easily recognizable due to a huge mosaic standing on top of its front façade; the block area and main administrative buildings. Overnight at Tirana.
Day 7: Tirana - Durres - Tirana
This morning drive to Durres-founded in the 7th century BC by Greek colonists under the name Epidamnus. Visit the Roman amphitheater, one of the largest in the Balkan Peninsula and once having a capacity of 20,000 people. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction. Also visit Roman baths and forum. Transfer back to Tirana. In the afternoon, the day is free at leisure for you to explore the mystical Tirana city.
Day 8: Tirana - Kruja - Podgorica
Today, drive pass the age-old landscape and arrive at Kruja, a small historical town perched high on a hill. Visit one of the legendary fortress of National Hero Scanderbeg and the museum dedicated to his life history. Get to learn how the people of Kruje used to live during the 18th to 19th centuries in the Ethnographic museum with its objects of artisanship, whose age varies from 60 to 500 years. The Old Bazaar offers its traditional souvenirs for sale. Continue journey to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Explore the largest city of Montenegro, home to many cultural institutions, galleries and museums. Visit the 140 meters eye-catching Millennium Bridge; mosque and old clock tower and Church of Holy Heart of Jesus - a Catholic church of amazing modern architecture.
Day 9: Kotor - Budva - Cetinje
Depart for Kotor, a coastal town in Montenegro well-known for its stunning architecture and amazing natural settings. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the antique city walls of the castle and clock square. Move on to the old town of Budva with its beautiful seaside promenade. Visit the Budva citadel, logically set at the highest point in the old town. Continue for a city tour of Cetinje. Built on the foundations of the old palace of the Crnojevic dynasty, the Cetinje Monastery houses valuable icons and exhibits, medieval manuscripts as well as rare books. Visit the Palace of King Nikola that served the Montenegrin Royal family for more than 50 years. This small palace was built in a simple style typical of Cetinje houses and has since become a museum.
Day 10: Podgorica - Tirana -
After breakfast, transfer to Tirana and proceed with a city tour of Shkodra, one of the oldest and most historical places in Albania. Surrounded by the Buna and Drini River, the Rozafa fortress rises imposingly on a rocky hill. It Venetian origins fortifications have been preserved to date and is an impressive sight of the locals. Visit the city center, mosque and church. In the evening, transfer to the airport for departure to...
Tour highlights:
- Sofia: St Sofia Church, One of the largest Orthodox cathedral Aleksandar Nevski
- Skopje: Old Turkish Bazar, Stone Bridge, Memorial House of Mother Teresa
- Ohrid: Old Town, St Sophia Church, St Clement University
- Tirana: Skanderbeg square, Pyramid of Tirana
- Kotor: Square of weapons, St Tryphon Cathedral
- Podgorica: Millennium Bridge, old clock tower