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Tour Code: 738-20629

9-Day Northern Greece and the Bulgarian Triangle

Our Price: from
US$1555
¥10535
€1367
C$2189
Rs.150066
(Price shown is based on the lowest price per person over the next 60 days)
Duration: 9 days Language: English; Spanish

Itinerary

Day 1:Athens

Hotel: Deluxe: SKYLARK/GREAT ATHENS
Meals: Meal: Excluded
Welcome to your tour. Transfer to the hotel and free time. You will receive information in the afternoon, either directly or through the information board located at the hotel reception.
  • Athens, Greece
    One of the oldest cities in the world, Athenian history spans more than three millennia, and served as the foundation for much of modern Western culture. Ancient monuments like the Parthenon have been standing for thousands of years.

Day 2:Athens

Hotel: Deluxe: SKYLARK/GREAT ATHENS
Meals: Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
We'll embark on a city tour of Athens with a local guide, visiting landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the National Library, and the bustling squares of the city center. We'll also explore the newer neighborhoods that developed after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour will conclude at the Acropolis (admission not included). In the evening, we'll provide a transfer to the historical neighborhood of Plaka, renowned for its charming Greek tavernas and opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich folklore of this country.
  • Athens, Greece
    One of the oldest cities in the world, Athenian history spans more than three millennia, and served as the foundation for much of modern Western culture. Ancient monuments like the Parthenon have been standing for thousands of years.

Day 3:Athens - Kamena Vourla - Kalambaka(290 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: AMALIA KALAMBACA/KOSTA FAMISSI/DIVANI METEORA
Meals: Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included - Buffet
We'll depart early in the morning towards northern Greece, stopping at Kamena Vourla, a charming seaside tourist hub surrounded by stunning landscapes. We'll then proceed north, stopping at the Thermopylae Mountain Pass, the historic site of the famous battle. Next, we'll visit Kastraki, a picturesque village with beautiful views of the entire valley, where you'll have free time for lunch. Afterward, we'll explore the Meteora, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission to one of its renowned monasteries is included. Dinner will be provided in Kalabaka.
  • Athens, Greece
    One of the oldest cities in the world, Athenian history spans more than three millennia, and served as the foundation for much of modern Western culture. Ancient monuments like the Parthenon have been standing for thousands of years.
  • Kamena Vourla, Greece
    Kamena Vourla is a pretty tourist centre by the sea amidst magnificent countryside.
  • Kalambaka, Greece
    Kalambaka is a town and a municipality in the Trikala regional unit, part of Thessaly in Greece. The town is situated at the foot of the Meteora peaks.

Day 4:Kalambaka - Thessaloniki - Melnik - Sandanski(392 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: PIRIN PARK HOTEL/MEDITE SPA RESORT VILLAS
Meals: Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included - Buffet
We'll journey through northern Greece, taking in the beautiful mountain scenery as we head towards the Aegean Sea. Our first stop will be in Thessaloniki, where we'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch in Greece's second-largest city. Afterward, we'll continue into Bulgaria, crossing the border into the region of Bulgarian Macedonia. Here, we'll visit Melnik, a picturesque museum town nestled among stunning landscapes and renowned for its wine production. We'll conclude our day in Sandanski, a charming spa town known as the birthplace of Spartacus where we'll stay for the night. Dinner will be included.
  • Kalambaka, Greece
    Kalambaka is a town and a municipality in the Trikala regional unit, part of Thessaly in Greece. The town is situated at the foot of the Meteora peaks.
  • Thessaloniki, Greece
    Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, is a vibrant port and the capital of Macedonia. It blends Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Greek culture, offering rich history, a lively waterfront, and renowned cuisine.
  • Melnik, Bulgaria
    Melnik is Bulgaria's smallest town, famous for its unique sandstone pyramids and centuries-old wine-making tradition, known as the wine capital of Bulgaria.
  • Sandanski, Bulgaria
    Sandanski is a spa town in southwestern Bulgaria, known for its mild Mediterranean climate and healing mineral springs. Nestled at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, it offers a perfect base for nature exploration and wellness tourism.

Day 5:Sandanski - Rila - Sofia(194 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: NOVOTEL SOFIA
Meals: Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
We'll visit the stunning Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fortress-like appearance and beautiful forest surroundings. We'll then continue to Sofia, arriving by late morning. After lunch, we'll take a guided tour of Bulgaria's capital, where we'll see the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city's squares and avenues, showcasing Stalinist architecture. You'll have free time afterward to explore the city at your leisure.
  • Sandanski, Bulgaria
    Sandanski is a spa town in southwestern Bulgaria, known for its mild Mediterranean climate and healing mineral springs. Nestled at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, it offers a perfect base for nature exploration and wellness tourism.
  • Rila, Bulgaria
    Rila is a tranquil town in southwestern Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of the Rila Mountains. It is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, serving as a gateway to the Rila Monastery and hiking adventures.
  • Sofia, Bulgaria
    The capital and largest city of Bulgaria. Sofia has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC.

Day 6:Sofia - Asenovgrad - Plovdiv(190 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: RADISSON PLOVDIV
Meals: Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Included - Buffet; Dinner: Excluded
In the morning, we'll head to Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria's second most significant monastery, established in the eleventh century. With its three churches, this monastery offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. We'll then proceed to Plovdiv, where lunch is included before going on a tour of this city, one of the oldest in Europe. Our tour includes admission to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House.
  • Sofia, Bulgaria
    The capital and largest city of Bulgaria. Sofia has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC.
  • Asenovgrad, Bulgaria
    Asenovgrad is a historic town in southern Bulgaria's Plovdiv Province, nestled at the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains. Known for its medieval fortress and numerous churches, it's often called 'Bulgaria's Jerusalem'.
  • Bachkovo
    Bachkovo is a famous Bulgarian monastery and tourist attraction in the Rhodope Mountains, renowned for its historic medieval monastery and exquisite frescoes.
  • Plovdiv, Bulgaria
    The second-largest city in Bulgaria. There is evidence of habitation in Plovdiv dating back to the 6th millennium BCE, when the first Neolithic settlements were established.

Day 7:Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Shipka - Gabrovo - Arbanasi - Veliko Tarnovo(188 km)

Hotel: Standard: GURKO Deluxe: BOLYARSKI MERIDIAN/PANORAMA
Meals: Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Included - Bean Soup Inv / Salad summer Mixed grill sausages and dumplins with fried or sauteed potatoes Buffalo yogurt cream with honey Mineral water and bread; Dinner: Excluded
Today's journey will take us through the stunning landscapes of the Balkan Mountains. In the Rose Valley, we'll visit Kazanlak, where 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. Amidst the mountains, we'll stop at the Shipka Memorial Church, a memorial to the Russo-Turkish War. We'll then explore Etar, a charming village and ethnographic museum. After lunch (included), we'll travel to Arbanasi, an ancient trading city known for its fortress-like houses, where we'll visit the Nativity Church (admission included). Our day will end in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's former capital, renowned for its picturesque medieval center beside its canyon. Note: Occasionally, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on Sunday morning.
  • Plovdiv, Bulgaria
    The second-largest city in Bulgaria. There is evidence of habitation in Plovdiv dating back to the 6th millennium BCE, when the first Neolithic settlements were established.
  • Kazanlak, Bulgaria
    Kazanlak is the center of rose oil extraction in Bulgaria and the oil-producing rose of Kazanlak is one of the most widely recognizable national symbols.
  • Shipka, Bulgaria
    Shipka is a small town in central Bulgaria, situated at the foot of the Balkan Mountains. It is famous for the Shipka Pass and the Shipka Memorial Church, key historical sites from the Russo-Turkish War, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
  • Gabrovo, Bulgaria
    Gabrovo is a city in northern Bulgaria, situated along the Yantra River at the foot of the Balkan Mountains. Known as Bulgaria's humor capital, it features unique museums and preserves traditional crafts in an elongated urban layout stretching 25 km.
  • Etar
    Etar is Bulgaria's renowned open-air architectural-ethnographic museum showcasing traditional crafts and National Revival-era architecture with authentic water-powered installations.
  • Arbanasi, Bulgaria
    Arbanasi is a historic village in Bulgaria, renowned for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture, traditional houses, and ancient churches, often described as an open-air museum near Veliko Tarnovo.
  • Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
    Known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. During the Middle Ages, the city was among the main European centres of culture and gave its name to the architecture of the Tarnovo Artistic School, painting of the Tarnovo Artistic School, and to literature.

Day 8:Veliko Tarnovo - Tryavna - Troyan convent - Sofia(283 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: NOVOTEL SOFIA
Meals: Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Included - Seasonal salad, grilled Oreshak meatballs with fries house specialty, apple pie, bread and bottled water; Dinner: Excluded
Through beautiful mountain scenery, we travel to TRYAVNA, a small town that has exceptionally preserved its historic center, with highlights such as the Clock Tower Square and the Stone Bridge. We will visit the Museum of the Old School (admission included), one of the first secular educational centers in BULGARIA, where you can see classrooms from a 19th-century school. We will also visit the Daskalov House (admission included), an excellent example of Bulgarian National Revival architecture.We continue to the Troyan Monastery, set in a picturesque landscape. Founded in the 16th century, it is the third largest monastery in Bulgaria. Afterwards, lunch is included.We then continue to SOFIA, arriving around 5:30 p.m. Accommodation and free time.
  • Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
    Known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. During the Middle Ages, the city was among the main European centres of culture and gave its name to the architecture of the Tarnovo Artistic School, painting of the Tarnovo Artistic School, and to literature.
  • Tryavna, Bulgaria
    Tryavna is a charming mountain town in central Bulgaria, renowned for its well-preserved Bulgarian National Revival architecture and long traditions in woodcarving and icon painting.
  • Troyan convent, Bulgaria
  • Sofia, Bulgaria
    The capital and largest city of Bulgaria. Sofia has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC.

Day 9:Sofia

Meals: Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
  • Sofia, Bulgaria
    The capital and largest city of Bulgaria. Sofia has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC.

Includes & Excludes

Price Includes

General Services: Travel by bus with English-speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel, and breakfast buffet.
Includes arrival transfer
City tour in: Athens, Sofia, Plovdiv, Sofia
Evening transfer: Plaka neighborhood in Athens
Ticket admission: Meteora Monastery, Rila Monastery , Sofia Cathedral , Roman Amphitheater, The Antique Apothecary and The Armenian House in Plovdiv , Thracian Tomb Replica in Kazalnak , Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi , Museum of the Old School and Daskalov House in Tryavna , Troyan Monastery
3 Lunch included in: Plovdiv, Etar, Troyan convent
2 dinner included in: Kalambaka, Sandanski

Price Excludes

Optional items
Personal expenses