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Magnificent Balkan Tour - 25 Day Tour from Athens to Bucharest

Incredible 25 Day tour of the Balkan region, with sightseeing in Athens, Kalambaka, Ohrid, Tirana, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Postojna Caves, Bled, Zagreb, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov and Bucharest. Experience a wide variety of culture, history and scenic beauty, complete with optional excursions.

Magnificent Balkan Tour - 25 Day Tour from Athens to Bucharest

Incredible 25 Day tour of the Balkan region, with sightseeing in Athens, Kalambaka, Ohrid, Tirana, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Postojna Caves, Bled, Zagreb, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov and Bucharest. Experience a wide variety of culture, history and scenic beauty, complete with optional excursions.

Tour Highlights

  • First class hotels (listed or similar), rooms with private facilities.
  • Sightseeing in: Athens, Kalambaka, Ohrid, Tirana, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Postojna Caves, Bled, Zagreb, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bucharest.
  • Breakfast daily
  • Whisper technology enhanced touring

Your Magnificent Balkan Tour Includes

  • First-class hotels, rooms with private facilities.
  • Arrival and departure transfers.
  • Breakfast daily.
  • 16 dinners, including Welcome Dinner in Athens and Farewell Taverna Dinner in Bucharest
  • Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach with maximum of 30 tour participants.
  • Professional Tour Director throughout.
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
  • Touring includes: Bled Castle, Postojna Cave, Plitvice Lake National Park, historic city centers, monasteries and churches.
  • Walking/city tours in almost every location
  • Optional Excursions - Bled Island, Zagreb Countryside, Island of Hvar, Hosted Dinner Excursion in Dubrovnik.
  • Whisper technology enhanced so you don't miss a thing.
  • Service charges and hotel taxes.
Note: Transfers available on tour start/end date. If arriving earlier or extending on, transfers are additional. Please be aware that this tour includes 4 optional excursions, which are payable in country.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive in Athens

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free. Meet your fellow travelers tonight for a Welcome Taverna Dinner in the Plaka beside the Acropolis. (D

Day 2 | Athens

See the highlights of Athens this morning on a sightseeing tour. This cosmopolitan and bustling capital city is set amid reminders of a long and glorious past: graceful temples, centuries– old monasteries and ornate Byzantine churches. Visit the immortal Acropolis, the Parthenon, said to be the most perfectly proportioned building of all time, Also, see the Erectheion with the Porch of the Maidens, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Wingless Victory. Below the Acropolis lies the Ancient Agora and the Theaters of Dionysus and Herodus Atticus. Your afternoon and evening are free. (B)

Day 3 | Athens - Kalambaka

Your first stop this morning is Delphi, where the famous Oracle once foretold the destiny of men. The Temple of Apollo in which the Oracle functioned was built in the 6th century B.C. Also see the Sacred Way, the Stadium and the Castilian Fountain, where pilgrims cleansed themselves in preparation for consulting the Oracle. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, which contains an impressive collection of finds from the site, including the beautiful “Bronze Charioteer”, before continuing to Kalambaka. (B, D)

Day 4 | Kalambaka - Ohrid

After breakfast, admire the fantastic landscapes of Meteora, known as “the rocks that fell from the sky”, where monks built their rock – top monasteries far away from civilization. Out of the 13 large and 20 small monasteries and hermit’s cells, only four are now active. The most important is Megalo of Great Meteoro, of peculiar architecture with its tall and intricate dome, twelve sides and fine frescoes. Continue across the border to the Republic of North Macedonia, and to Ohrid. (B, D)

Day 5 | Ohrid - Tirana

The lakeside resort of Ohrid is an important cultural and spiritual center, classified as UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Start your morning sightseeing with a walk through the cobblestone streets of the old town. Visit the Cathedral of St. Sofia, containing some magnificent frescoes from the 10th century. This afternoon we travel to Tirana, capital of Albania. (B, D)

Day 6 | Tirana

During morning sightseeing tour, see Sheshi Skenderbej (Skanderbeg Square) the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, and the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero; the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance, and the National History Museum with a mosaic on its façade portraying Albanian history. Your afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own, shop, or simply just relax. (B)

Day 7 | Tirana - Tivat

After breakfast we leave Tirana towards the town of Shkodra, nowadays a major cultural center. Shkodra was the center of the Illyrian tribe Labeat and was taken by the Romans in the year 168 B.C. We will see Rozafa Castle, magnificently situated on a rocky outcrop of limestone high above the city, before we cross the border to Montenegro and drive to Tivat. Dinner upon arrival. (B,D)

Day 8 | Tivat - Dubrovnik

After breakfast, our journey takes us to Dubrovnik. On the way you will see Kotor Bay, the only South European fiord and we stop for orientation tour of old town Kotor, a UNESCO heritage Site. Continue to Dubrovnik. (B, D)

Day 9 | Dubrovnik

After the breakfast, walking tour of Old Dubrovnik visit the Rector's Palace, and see the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. The rest of the day is free Optional Excursion: home hosted Dubelj with dinner. (B)

Day 10 | Dubrovnik - Split

Travel north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, past old fishing villages and new resorts, to the city of Split. (B, D)

Day 11 | Split

In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Then see the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The rest of the day at leisure to stroll through the beautiful streets of Split, enjoy at the beach or join us on an Optional Excursion to Jet Set spot of rich and famous – Island of Hvar. (B)

Day 12 | Trogir - Plitvice Lakes

After breakfast, head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities. Scholars from around the world gather here to study and paint. Then, turn inland and travel to spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. Have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. (B, D)

Day 13 | Opatija - Postojna - Bled

Return to the coast and travel along the beautiful bay of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija. After a bit of free time, the journey continue north to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterward, continue to Bled, beautifully set in the Julian Alps. (B, D)

Day 14 | Bled

An Alpine Lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. A sightseeing tour features the charming town and the lakeshore, and visits imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps join an optional excursion visiting the small island in the middle of the lake, browse through the shops and boutiques, or simply enjoy the enchanting scenery. (B)

Day 15 | Ljubljana - Zagreb

Leave the mountains and head to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. See the most significant sights of the old city center on a walking tour. Highlights include the picturesque open-air Central Market, the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, and Robba's Fountain. Then, continue to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. (B, D)

Day 16 | Zagreb

This morning, enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, Parliament, and Government Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the winding streets of the old town or take an Optional Excursion to see the countryside. (B)

Day 17 | Zagreb - Belgrade

After breakfast, we will drive you to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Dinner, overnight. (B, D)

Day 18 | Belgrade

After breakfast, full day excursion from Belgrade: Our first stop is Krusedol monastery, founded in the beginning of the 16th century and considered one of Serbia's most significant monasteries. Continue to Sremski Karlovci, a picturesque town with its baroque and neoclassical houses and buildings. After the orientation tour, we will departure to one of the famous local wineries for lunch and wine tasting. Afterwards, we visit the intriguing Petrovaradin fortress, with its underground trenches and tunnels. The last stop is the city of Novi Sad, where we’ll have a quick orientation tour and some free time before returning to Belgrade and your hotel. (B, L)

Day 19 | in Belgrade

Your morning sightseeing tour includes a visit to the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically set at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. You’ll also see Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street, Saint Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox Church in the city, and Tito’s Memorial. Continue to Avala. The rest of the day is free. In the afternoon, Optional excursion to Topola, where George Petrovic, better known by his sobriquet Karadjordje, was chosen as the leader of the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire in 1804. A very short drive away is the local St. George's Church, also known as Oplenac, the burial place of the Ducal and Royal Family of Serbia and Yugoslavia. After a lunch break (on own), we are going back to Belgrade. Evening is on own. (B)

Day 20 | Belgrade - Djerdap - Turnu Severin

Drive towards the Golubac Fortress, to visit the fortified ten- tower town located on the hill slope, overlooking the Danube River. On for a cruise through the gorge, seeing the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Afterwards, we cross the border to Romania and heading to Turnu Severin for a dinner and overnight. (B, D )

Day 21 | Turnu Severin - Sibiu

Continue our journey via Hunedoara, where we visit one of the largest European castles: the Corvinesti Castle. Dinner, overnight. (B, D)

Day 22 | Sibiu - Sighisoara - Brasov

Take a sightseeing tour of Sibiu, once the richest town in Transylvania. See the Huet Square, the Great Square, the Evangelical Cathedral, Liar's Bridge and more. On to Sighisoara, the best-preserved medieval city in southeastern Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a city tour, visit the famous Clock Tower Museum. Continue to Brasov, where a walking tour includes a visit to the First Romanian School Museum with an impressive collection of rare books, documents, and art. (B, D)

Day 23 | Brasov - Bucharest

Head to Bran for a visit to Bran Castle, made famous by Bram Stoker's novel as the residence of the sinister vampire, Count Dracula. Continue toward Bucharest, stopping in Sinaia to visit Peles Castle, built as the summer residence of King Carol I. Afterward, visit the beautiful 17th-century Sinaia Monastery. End the day in Bucharest, known as "Little Paris." (B, D)

Day 24 | Bucharest

Get acquainted with the Romanian capital on a sightseeing tour. Visit the Parliament Palace, one of the largest buildings in the world and a National Treasure. Learn how the Romanian people finally succeeded in toppling the last communist dictator in Eastern Europe at the Revolution Square. The tour will also bring you to the Romanian Athenaeum, the Opera House, the National Military Club, the Military Academy, Triumphal Arch, and the Village Museum. Celebrate your Balkan Adventure tonight with a Farewell Dinner and folklore show. (B, D)

Day 25 | depart from Bucharest

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Bucharest airport. (B)

Note: Because of the narrow and cobbled streets, walking is the primary way of getting around. Please make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes, as there are daily walking tours included.  

Rates & Hotels

Dates through October 2024

2024 Dates & Prices (Click Date to Book) 2024 Dates & Prices (Click Date to Book)
Dates Land Only Land Only
  $6999
  $6899

Tour Details

Your land package begins: / Your land package ends:

(As most International flights are overnight flights - please book air accordingly)

Flight Details


Accommodation Details

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    Requests are not guaranteed and are subject to each hotel's discretion and availability

Stanley or Titania Hotel used in Athens

Athens Hotel -

In Athens either the Stanley or Titania Hotels are used on this tour [more]

Grand Meteore Hotel

Meteora -

The 4-star Grand Meteora Hotel is locates at the foot of Meteora in the harest of the Thessaly Plan and is the most imposing and impressive accommodation in the area. [more]

Hotel Granite

Ohrid -

The Hotel Granit is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Ohrid with its family friendly atmosphere, private beach, surrounding parkland, swimming pool, fitness center, and sporting activiites. [more]

Hotel Colosseo

Tirane -

The Hotel Colosseo is a lovely 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of Tirana and close to numerous attractions. [more]

Hotel Palma, Tivat

Tivat -

The Hotel Palma is a 4-star hotel situated in the heart of Tivat, with a beautiful view of Tivat Bay in Montenegro. [more]

Hotels in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Hotel -

This tour utilizes various hotels (depending on availability); Hotel Lapad, Lero or Lacroma may be used. [more]

Hotel Corner

Split -

Hotel Corner is located in the center of Split, only 700 meters from Diocletian's Palace. Perfect for couples, friends, families or business travelers. [more]

Hotel Jezero

Plitvice -

Hotel Jezero provides 229 comfortably furnished guest rooms, 7 suites, 7 semi-suites and 5 handicapped equipped rooms. Hotel has two types of rooms; lake-side rooms and forest side rooms. Lake-side rooms are equipped with private bathroom with bath, hair dryer, heating, satellite TV, direct dial phone and mini-bar. The bathrooms in the forest-side rooms have a shower instead of bath. [more]

Riki Balance Hotel

Bled -

In addition to a full-service spa, Rikli Balance Hotel (ex Hotel Golf) - Sava Hotels & Resorts features a waterslide and an indoor pool. Dining is available at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-related amenities at this 4-star property consist of a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms. This family-friendly hotel also offers a children's pool, a sauna, and multilingual staff. Onsite self parking is complimentary. [more]

Zagreb Hotel

Zagreb -

Some of the finest hotels are used on the tours to Europe.
This tour utilizes various hotels (depending on date); Westin or the Sheraton may be used - click on each hotel for more descriptions of each [more]

Hotel Moskva

Belgrade -

Hotel Moskva, is one of the oldest currently operating hotels in Belgrade and Serbia. Apart from being a hotel, Hotel Moskva is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Belgrade, a valuable architectural monument and as such, it was placed under governmental protection. [more]

Hotel Continental

Drobeta-Turnu Severin -

Overlooking the Danube river, this straightforward hotel is a 9-minute walk from Drobeta-Turnu Severin train station and a 15-minute walk from history and natural science exhibits at the Muzeul Regiunii Portilor de Fier. [more]

Golden Tulip Hotel Sibiu

Sibiu -

The Golden Tulip Ana Tower Sibiu hotel means luxury, style, and intimacy. The hotel offers accommodation in spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, a private bath, all decorated in an avant-garde style with a fine mix of classic texture, wood, and glass. [more]

Aro Palace

Brasov -

ARO PALACE Complex has completed the full-scale modernizing process consisting of rising the comfort to 5 stars, the modernization of the breakfast halls, of the reception hall, the arranging of a Belvedere Club, with restaurant at the 8th floor, Day Bar and Business Center and the achievement of the "Europa" Conference Center. [more]

Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest

Bucharest -

Romanian history and culture are steps away from our hotel in the center of Old Town - the National Museum of Art, Palace of Parliament, and the University of Bucharest are within two kilometers. It's a five-minute walk to the Universitate subway station. [more]

Pricing

Your tour land price is per person based on two (2) people sharing a twin or double room. When a single room is booked, a single supplement will apply. 

This tour does not include:

  • Items not noted on itinerary
  • Lunches
  • Tips to driver/guide
  • City tourist taxes at hotels (if applicable)
  • Four optional Tours - Bled Island, Hvar Island, Hosted dinner in Dubrovnik, Zagreb countryside - payable in country

Airfare

Airfare can be booked with our system during the booking process. Airfare is instant purchase and non-refundable once ticketed.

Departures & Transfers

Tour date noted is the date the tour begins in Athens. Please plan your air accordingly, as most flights overseas are overnight flights and you would depart the US one day earlier. Transfers are available on arrival and departure on tour start and end date. Tour ends at Bucharest airport on day 25