Phone Support: +1-617-500-7002
Tour Code: 938-20629
12-Day Northern Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania
Our Price: from US$2139 ￥14480 €1872 C$3009 Rs.206403 (Price shown is based on the lowest price per person over the next 60 days)
Duration: 12 days
Language: English; Spanish
Itinerary
Day 1:Athens
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.
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Athens, GreeceOne 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
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.
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Athens, GreeceOne 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)
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.
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Athens, GreeceOne 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.
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Kamena Vourla, GreeceKamena Vourla is a pretty tourist centre by the sea amidst magnificent countryside.
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Kalambaka, GreeceKalambaka 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)
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.
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Kalambaka, GreeceKalambaka 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.
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Thessaloniki, GreeceThessaloniki, 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.
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Melnik, BulgariaMelnik is Bulgaria's smallest town, famous for its unique sandstone pyramids and centuries-old wine-making tradition, known as the wine capital of Bulgaria.
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Sandanski, BulgariaSandanski 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)
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.
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Sandanski, BulgariaSandanski 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.
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Rila, BulgariaRila 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.
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Sofia, BulgariaThe 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)
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.
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Sofia, BulgariaThe capital and largest city of Bulgaria. Sofia has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC.
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Asenovgrad, BulgariaAsenovgrad 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'.
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BachkovoBachkovo is a famous Bulgarian monastery and tourist attraction in the Rhodope Mountains, renowned for its historic medieval monastery and exquisite frescoes.
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Plovdiv, BulgariaThe 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)
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.
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Plovdiv, BulgariaThe 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.
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Kazanlak, BulgariaKazanlak 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.
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Shipka, BulgariaShipka 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.
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Gabrovo, BulgariaGabrovo 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.
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EtarEtar is Bulgaria's renowned open-air architectural-ethnographic museum showcasing traditional crafts and National Revival-era architecture with authentic water-powered installations.
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Arbanasi, BulgariaArbanasi 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.
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Veliko Tarnovo, BulgariaKnown 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 - Basarbovo - Bucharest(184 km)
We'll travel to Romania, stopping along the way to visit the Basarbovski Monastery, a pilgrimage site carved into the rock. We'll then cross the border and the Danube, arriving in Bucharest around 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, we'll take a panoramic tour of the city, exploring the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. You'll have free time afterward to explore on your own. Dinner will be included.
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Veliko Tarnovo, BulgariaKnown 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.
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Basarbovo, BulgariaBasarbovo is a charming village in Ruse Province, Bulgaria, famous for the historic Basarbovo Monastery. This peaceful settlement features unique rock-hewn churches and rich cultural heritage near the city of Ruse.
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Bucharest, RomaniaBucharest is the capital of Romania, as well as its cultural and economical center. Visitors to this country in the Balkans can see landmarks such as the Palace of the Parliament and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Day 9:Bucharest - Sinaia - Bran - Sighisoara(333 km)
Today's journey offers stunning scenery as we travel to Transylvania, crossing the Carpathian Mountains and lush forests. In SINAIA, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor Castles. Our next stop will be the 14th-century Bran Fortress, commonly known as Dracula's Castle (tickets included). After some time for lunch, we'll continue to SIGHISOARA, a picturesque walled medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, we'll enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula's restaurant, located in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.
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Bucharest, RomaniaBucharest is the capital of Romania, as well as its cultural and economical center. Visitors to this country in the Balkans can see landmarks such as the Palace of the Parliament and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
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Sinaia, Romania
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Bran, RomaniaBran is a historic city in Romania's Transylvania region, famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, scenic mountain backdrop, and as the gateway to the legendary Bran Castle.
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Sighisoara, RomaniaSighisoara is a beautifully preserved medieval town in Transylvania, Romania, famous for its colorful architecture, cobbled streets, and iconic Clock Tower. It is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 10:Sighisoara - Turda - Alba Iulia - Hunedoara - Sibiu(393 km)
After breakfast, we'll head to the Turda Salt Mine (entrance included), one of the most spectacular mines in Europe, with origins dating back to Roman times. Inside the mine you'll find health treatments, an underground lake with boat rides, a Ferris wheel, and a vast hall reaching 80 meters in height.We then continue to ALBA IULIA, a city steeped in history and a symbol of Romanian identity. Its imposing Alba Carolina Citadel, built in the Vauban style, houses churches, museums, and monumental walls, and is famous as the site where the union of Transylvania with Romania was proclaimed in 1918. Free time to stroll and have lunch.Our journey continues to HUNEDOARA, where we include entrance to Corvin Castle, a 15th-century fortress and one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.We then continue on to SIBIU. Arrival and accommodation.
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Sighisoara, RomaniaSighisoara is a beautifully preserved medieval town in Transylvania, Romania, famous for its colorful architecture, cobbled streets, and iconic Clock Tower. It is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Turda, RomaniaTurda is a historic city in Cluj County, Romania, renowned for its ancient salt mines, thermal springs, and rich cultural heritage, making it a key tourist destination in Transylvania.
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Alba Iulia, RomaniaAlba Iulia, the capital of Alba County in Romania, is known as the 'City of the Great Union.' It is famed for its rich historical heritage, most notably the Alba Carolina Citadel and St. Michael's Cathedral.
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Hunedoara, RomaniaHunedoara is the capital of Hunedoara County in western Romania, famous for the magnificent Hunedoara Castle (Corvin Castle).
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Sibiu, Romania
Day 11:Sibiu - Cozia convent - Bucharest(288 km)
In the morning, free time in SIBIU, the former cultural capital of Transylvania, founded by Saxon settlers and preserving a historic center full of charm. Its medieval squares, Gothic churches, and colorful houses with "eyes" on their roofs earned it the title of European Capital of Culture in 2007 and a place among Romania's most beautiful destinations.At midday, we depart back toward the Romanian capital. En route, we'll stop in COZIA, home to one of the oldest and most valuable monasteries in Wallachia, renowned for its Byzantine frescoes and its beautiful mountain setting. The atmosphere of popular devotion here will surely impress you. Afterwards, free time to stroll and have lunch in this spa town. Arrival in BUCHAREST around 6:00 p.m.
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Sibiu, Romania
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Cozia convent, Romania
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Bucharest, RomaniaBucharest is the capital of Romania, as well as its cultural and economical center. Visitors to this country in the Balkans can see landmarks such as the Palace of the Parliament and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Day 12:Bucharest
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
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Bucharest, RomaniaBucharest is the capital of Romania, as well as its cultural and economical center. Visitors to this country in the Balkans can see landmarks such as the Palace of the Parliament and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
General Services: Travel by bus with English-speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel accommodation, and breakfast buffet.
Includes arrival transfer
City tour in: Athens, Sofia, Plovdiv, Bucharest
Evening transfer: Plaka neighborhood in Athens
Experiences: Turda Salt Mines
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 , Basarbovski Monastery , Bran Fortress , Corvin Castle in Hunedoara , Cozia Monastery
2 Lunch included in: Plovdiv, Etar
5 dinner included in: Kalambaka, Sandanski, Bucharest, Sighisoara, Bucharest
Price Excludes
Optional items
Personal expenses