DAY 01 TIRANA
Pick up from Tirana airport and transfer to Kruje – the capital of the Kingdom of Albania in 12-th century. Visit Kruje castle and learn about Gjergj Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania. Back to the capital of Tirana for a full city tour, visit Tirana History Museum. Dinner and overnight.
02 TIRANA - OHRID
Morning departure to Ohrid. Drive for 150 km east from Tirana to Kafasan Pass where we enter Macedonia at altitude of 1300 m and descent to Ohrid Lake – the deepest lake on the Balkan Peninsula, declared World Heritage Site in 1979. Lunch on the bank of the lake followed by relaxing afternoon walking tour of Ohrid. Dinner at hotel and free time.
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DAY03 OHRID - SKOPJE
Departure to the capital Skopje via Matka Canyon – one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Macedonia, home to several medieval monasteries. Afternoon city tour of Skopje around the city's delightful Čaršija, bordered by the 15th-century Stone Bridge and Kale Fortress city’s guardian since the 5th century. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 4 SKOPJE - RILA MONASTERY - SOFIA
Depart early in the morning to enter Western Bulgaria around lunch. At elevation of 1,147 m above sea level we stop at the magnificent Rila Monastery - the biggest in Bulgaria and one of Europe's oldest, UNESCO Site. A place for massive pilgrimage for people coming from all over the world. Finish the day in Sofia, dinner and overnight.
DAY 5 SOFIA
Orthodox and catholic churches, pagan temples, mosques and synagogues, Sofia has it all within walking distance. Visit: The Roman ruins, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia church, the 4-th century St. George Rotonda, Sofia Synagogue etc. In the aftenoon we see the amazing medieval frescos of the UNESCO listed Boyana church. Back to Sofia, free time and dinner.
DAY 6 SOFIA - VELIKO TARNOVO
Morning departure to the medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo. During the Middle Ages Veliko Tarnovo served as a capital of the Second Bulgarian kingdom and it became the most important political, economic and religious centre of the empire. Visit The old town, Arts and Crafts street and Tsarevets Fortress. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 7 VELIKO TARNOVO - BUCHAREST
Head North passing through the beautiful Danubian plain, cross the Danube river at Ruse. Arrival in the capital of Romania at lunch. City tour of Bucharest, visit: The Palace of Parliament, Revolutionary square, Romanian Atheneum, wonderful art nouveau buildings, ancient churches and monasteries hidden in a very well preserved old town full of vibrant life. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 8 BUCHAREST - BRASOV
Departure for Bucegi Mountains and the wonderful Sinaia – a lovely melange of crayon-coloured wooden houses and beautiful 19th-century buildings. Visit The Peleş Castle – once home to Romania’s first king Carol I. One of the best preserves castles in Europe. Finish the day in Brasov – the regional capital of the Transylvanian Saxons. We take a walk in the old town through the mixture of gothic spires, medieval gateways and numerous bohemian cafes.
DAY 9 BRASOV - SIGHISOARA - SIBIU
Drive through the picturesque fields and untouched Saxon towns of Transilvania, stop in the charming Sighisoara – found in 12th century by the German Saxons, uniquely preserved until today. After lunch in the old town we continue our trip to arrive in the medieval Sibiu – one of Romania's most important cultural capitals. Sighseeing tour of Sibiu: Huet Square, the Evangelical Cathedral, the Liars’ Bridge. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 10 SIBIU - TIMISOARA - BELGRADE
Departure for Timisoara – the 3rd largest city and the main social, economic and cultural centre in Western Romania. The city was built around a series of beautifully restored public squares, lavish parks and gardens. In 1989, the city witnessed a series of mass street protests in what was to become the Romanian Anti-Communist Revolution. Our stop includes lunch and city tour of Timisoara. Continue to Serbia to end the day in Belgrade. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 11 BELGRADE
The capital of Serbia Belgrade (The White City) is situated at the confluence of two major rivers the – Sava and the Danube. Since ancient times it acts as an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Socialist blocks are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces, Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics. Visit: Kalemegdan Fortress, the old quarter, Prince Mihailo Street, St. Sava Cathedral etc. Dinner and ovenight.
DAY 12 BELGRADE Transfer to airport according flight schedule.
TOUR DETAILS AND INCLUSIONS: TRIP STAFF: professional, friedly guide driver ACCOMMODATION: 11 BB nights in 4* hotels with all amenitiesTRANSPORT: 8 seater minivavan, 16 seater coach or biggerMEALS: 3 course delicious local lunches in specially selected restaurants x 11
ENTRANCE FEES: Kruje Castle, Tirana history museum, Rila monastery museum, Boyana church, Tsarevets Fortress, The Palace of Parliament, Peles castle, Bran castle
* THE TOUR CAN BE MODIFIED ON REQUEST |
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