On the last day of the tour (Day 11) the itinerary states that we leave the hotel in Thessaloniki and go back to Sofia, visiting the Rila monastery on the way. This is where the tour ends. However, we would like to finish the tour on Day 11 in Thessaloniki and remain there, so we would not return to Sofia or visit the monastery. Is there any problem with this?

Yes after hotel check out in Thessaloniki the group continues to Rila Monastery and the tour officially ends in Sofia. If you prefer to finish the tour in Thessaloniki that is absolutely fine and you may stay there. However, it wouldn't be possible to travel with us to Rila Monastery and then return to Thessaloniki as the original itinerary concludes in Sofia together with the rest of the group.

I am interested in the Bucharest to Sofia Balkan Discovery and Greece small group tour. I will be travelling solo and want to book a tour departing in September/October 2025. Will the tours be guaranteed to depart? If the Adjinis tour group and Guide does not join up until day 5 in Sofia, who will be looking after travellers starting in Bucharest from Day 1?

The first four days of the tour are fully organized with our local partners. Day 1 (Arrival Day): You'll need to make your way to the hotel on your own. We will provide the hotel location or you can request an optional airport transfer. Day 2 (City Tour): You'll join the group at the designated meeting point for the city tour, which is near your hotel. Day 3 (Optional Full-Day Transylvania Tour - €120): If you choose to join, you'll need to go to the meeting point in the morning to start the tour. Day 4 (Transfer to Sofia): A private transfer will pick you up from your hotel in Bucharest and take you to your hotel in Sofia, with a stop in Veliko Tarnovo along the way. The next morning in Sofia, you will meet your guide, who will accompany you until the end of the tour.

Is it possible to leave at Thessaloniki (last day) instead of going back to Sophia?

Is it possible to stay in Thessaloniki on the last day. We would like to explore here longer and we do not want to go back to Sofia? If yes, do we get a little discount?

From

$3,052

US $2,503 per person

From Bucharest to Sofia Balkan Discovery & Greece Tour- Small Group Tour

11 days

•

From Bucharest to Sofia

4.3 (89 reviews)

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From

$3,052

-18%

US $2,503 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Plan your adventure:

Operator: Ajdinis
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 3 - 14
Ages 10+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Bucharest
Bucharest
Start point
Bucharest, Romania (Tour Starts)
Accommodation
Hotel 4* (Hotel Lido by Phoenicia (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Bucharest's charming streets at your own pace
- Relax and experience local ambiance
Day 2
Bucharest
Bucharest
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 4* (Hotel Lido by Phoenicia (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bucharest's highlights with licensed local guide
- Visit Revolution Square
- Explore Romanian Atheneum
- Discover charming Old Town
- Visit Manuc's Inn
- Visit Old Princely Court
Optional Activities
- Additional exploration of Bucharest at your own pace
Landmarks
Revolution Square
Romanian Atheneum
Manuc's Inn
Old Princely Court
Day 3
Bucharest
Bucharest
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 4* (Hotel Lido by Phoenicia (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Full-day Transylvania tour including Bran Castle, Brașov, and Peles Castle (150 EUR per person)
- Explore Bucharest at your own pace
Landmarks
Bran Castle
Peles Castle
Day 4
Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia
Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 4* (Best Western Terminus Hotel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Sofia at your own pace
Landmarks
Veliko Tarnovo
Day 5
Sofia - Skopje
Sofia - Skopje
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 4* (Hotel Alexandar II (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided panoramic city tour of Sofia with licensed guide
- Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Visit St. Sofia Basilica
- Visit National Art Gallery
- Visit Presidential Palace
- Guided panoramic city tour of Skopje
- Visit Kale Fortress
- Visit Stone Bridge spanning the Vardar River
- Visit Macedonia Square and Alexander the Great statue
- Visit Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Landmarks
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
St. Sofia Basilica
National Art Gallery
Presidential Palace
Kale Fortress
Stone Bridge
Macedonia Square
Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Day 6
Skopje - Prizren - Tirana
Skopje - Prizren - Tirana
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 4* (Albanopolis Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Sadrvan Square
- Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque
Optional Activities
- Picturesque stop at Matka Canyon (25 EUR per person)
- Explore Prizren Castle for panoramic views
- Stroll along White Drin River
- Shop for local handicrafts in Prizren
- Savor traditional cuisine in Prizren
Landmarks
Matka Canyon
Prizren Castle
Sinan Pasha Mosque
White Drin River
Sadrvan Square
Day 7
Tirana - Ohrid
Tirana - Ohrid
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 4* (Hotel Sky Corner (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided panoramic tour of Tirana
- Visit Skanderbeg Square
- Visit Skanderbeg Statue
- Visit Et'hem Bey Mosque
- Visit Clock Tower
- Explore Ohrid's Old Town
- Visit Ohrid Port
- Visit Quarantine Church
- Visit Ancient Via Egnatia
- Visit Hagia Sophia Church
Landmarks
Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Statue
Et'hem Bey Mosque
Clock Tower
Ohrid Port
Quarantine Church
Ancient Via Egnatia
Hagia Sophia Church
Day 8
Ohrid
Ohrid
Meals
Breakfast (Macedonian breakfast)
Accommodation
Hotel 4* (Hotel Sky Corner (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Half-day tour to Sveti Naum Monastery (45 EUR)
- Stroll through charming streets of Ohrid
- Explore Ohrid's beauty at your own pace
Landmarks
Sveti Naum Monastery
Day 9
Ohrid - Kastoria - Meteora
Ohrid - Kastoria - Meteora
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Alexiou Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Kastoria
- Explore Byzantine churches in Kastoria
- Experience Ottoman architecture in Kastoria
- View Lake Kastoria
Landmarks
Kastoria
Lake Kastoria
Day 10
Meteora
Meteora
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 4* (Hotel Egnatia, Thessaloniki (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries
- Explore cliff-top Byzantine marvels
- Visit White Tower in Thessaloniki
- Visit Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki
Landmarks
Meteora Monasteries
White Tower
Arch of Galerius
Day 11
Thessaloniki - Sofia via Rila Monastery
Thessaloniki - Sofia via Rila Monastery
End point
Sofia, Bulgaria (The Tour Ends Here)
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Rila Monastery
Landmarks
Rila Monastery

Landmarks
Revolution Square
Romanian Atheneum
Manuc's Inn
Old Princely Court

Landmarks
Bran Castle
Peles Castle

Landmarks
Veliko Tarnovo

Landmarks
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
St. Sofia Basilica
National Art Gallery
Presidential Palace
Kale Fortress
Stone Bridge
Macedonia Square
Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Landmarks
Matka Canyon
Prizren Castle
Sinan Pasha Mosque
White Drin River
Sadrvan Square

Landmarks
Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Statue
Et'hem Bey Mosque
Clock Tower
Ohrid Port
Quarantine Church
Ancient Via Egnatia
Hagia Sophia Church

Landmarks
Sveti Naum Monastery

Landmarks
Kastoria
Lake Kastoria

Landmarks
Meteora Monasteries
White Tower
Arch of Galerius

Landmarks
Rila Monastery

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Hotel Lido by Phoenicia (or similar)
Hotel 4*
Days 1, 2, 3
Best Western Terminus Hotel (or similar)
Hotel 4*
day 4
Hotel Alexandar II (or similar)
Hotel 4*
day 5
Albanopolis Hotel (or similar)
Hotel 4*
day 6
Hotel Sky Corner (or similar)
Hotel 4*
Days 7, 8
Alexiou Hotel (or similar)
Hotel 3*
day 9
Hotel Egnatia, Thessaloniki (or similar)
Hotel 4*
day 10

Operated by

Ajdinis

Rating: 4.3 (89 reviews)
Response time: 6 hours
Response rate: 100%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Reviews from other tours by Ajdinis

Tour Operator
4.3

Arthur5.0•September 2026
Great tour and maybe one or two days too short. Great and knowledgeable Guide.
Jill5.0•August 2026
Our guide, Irina was wonderful. She is a proud Romanian who was able to explain so much to us of Romanian culture and...
Show more
Jennifer5.0•August 2026
We are a group of 4, 70+ year olds who thoroughly enjoyed this tour. We were able to learn about the history and...
We are a group of 4, 70+ year olds who thoroughly enjoyed this tour. We were able to learn about the history and culture of each place we visited. Each castle was different to the others. We visited many different churches and walked through many town squares each with their own beauty. Our tour guide, Irina, was most helpful, tailoring each day to fit in with our needs. She was an excellent driver who pointed out different architecture and geographic points of interests as we travelled through Romania and Hungary staying in well located hotels. We've had a great 5 days.Show more

Dates & Prices

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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Ends in2d2h52m8s

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From Tuesday
29 Sep, 2026
To Friday
9 Oct, 2026
English
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Price based on Private Double Room
-18%
From Tuesday
6 Oct, 2026
To Friday
16 Oct, 2026
English
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From Tuesday
13 Oct, 2026
To Friday
23 Oct, 2026
English
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Price based on Private Double Room
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From Tuesday
20 Oct, 2026
To Friday
30 Oct, 2026
English
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$3,052
US$2,503 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-18%
From Tuesday
27 Oct, 2026
To Friday
6 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,052
US$2,503 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-18%
From Tuesday
3 Nov, 2026
To Friday
13 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,052
US$2,503 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-18%
From Tuesday
10 Nov, 2026
To Friday
20 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,052
US$2,503 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-18%
From Tuesday
17 Nov, 2026
To Friday
27 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,052
US$2,503 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-18%
From Tuesday
24 Nov, 2026
To Friday
4 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,052
US$2,503 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-18%
From Tuesday
1 Dec, 2026
To Friday
11 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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From:
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US$2,503 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room

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What our customers ask about this tour

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A
Ashley
Asked on December 23rd, 2025
On the last day of the tour (Day 11) the itinerary states that we leave the hotel in Thessaloniki and go back to Sofia, visiting the Rila monastery on the way. This is where the tour ends. However, we would like to finish the tour on Day 11 in Thessaloniki and remain there, so we would not return to Sofia or visit the monastery. Is there any problem with this?
Tour Details
- AjdinisOperator•Written December 2025
  Yes after hotel check out in Thessaloniki the group continues to Rila Monastery and the tour officially ends in Sofia. If you prefer to finish the tour in Thessaloniki that is absolutely fine and you may stay there. However, it wouldn't be possible to travel with us to Rila Monastery and then return to Thessaloniki as the original itinerary concludes in Sofia together with the rest of the group.
A
Alison
Asked on April 1st, 2025
I am interested in the Bucharest to Sofia Balkan Discovery and Greece small group tour. I will be travelling solo and want to book a tour departing in September/October 2025. Will the tours be guaranteed to depart? If the Adjinis tour group and Guide does not join up until day 5 in Sofia, who will be looking after travellers starting in Bucharest from Day 1?
Tour Details
Travel Support
- AjdinisOperator•Written April 2025
  The first four days of the tour are fully organized with our local partners. Day 1 (Arrival Day): You'll need to make your way to the hotel on your own. We will provide the hotel location or you can request an optional airport transfer. Day 2 (City Tour): You'll join the group at the designated meeting point for the city tour, which is near your hotel. Day 3 (Optional Full-Day Transylvania Tour - €120): If you choose to join, you'll need to go to the meeting point in the morning to start the tour. Day 4 (Transfer to Sofia): A private transfer will pick you up from your hotel in Bucharest and take you to your hotel in Sofia, with a stop in Veliko Tarnovo along the way. The next morning in Sofia, you will meet your guide, who will accompany you until the end of the tour.
L
Luke
Asked on February 24th, 2025
Is it possible to leave at Thessaloniki (last day) instead of going back to Sophia?
Tour Details
- L
  Luke
  Traveler•Written February 2025
  Is it possible to stay in Thessaloniki on the last day. We would like to explore here longer and we do not want to go back to Sofia? If yes, do we get a little discount?
- AjdinisOperator•Written February 2025
  Yes, it's possible to end the tour in Thessaloniki instead of returning to Sofia. However the tour is already discounted so the maximum discount we can offer is €100. Let me know if you'd like to proceed with this option.

From

$3,052

-18%

US $2,503 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 272371

Currencies
L
Lek
Albania
лв.
Bulgarian Lev
Bulgaria
€
Euro
Greece and Kosovo
ден
Denar
Macedonia
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.
Type C
Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania and Kosovo
Type E
Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo
Type F
Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania and Kosovo
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Albania.Romania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Albania.Bulgaria.Greece.Macedonia.Romania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Albania.Bulgaria.Greece.Macedonia.Romania. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Albania. Ideally 10 days before travel.
- Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 6 months before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bulgaria.Romania. Ideally 3 months before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before October 25th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after October 25th, 2026, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with Ajdinis. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 35 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Ajdinis will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Ajdinis" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
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Insurance
Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.
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Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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From Bucharest to Sofia Balkan Discovery & Greece Tour- Small Group Tour

Itinerary

Introduction

Bucharest

Optional Activities

Bucharest

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Bucharest

Optional Activities

Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia

Optional Activities

Sofia - Skopje

Included Activities

Skopje - Prizren - Tirana

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Tirana - Ohrid

Included Activities

Ohrid

Optional Activities

Ohrid - Kastoria - Meteora

Included Activities

Meteora

Included Activities

Thessaloniki - Sofia via Rila Monastery

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Reviews from other tours by Ajdinis

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Europe

From Bucharest to Sofia Balkan Discovery & Greece Tour- Small Group Tour

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Reviews from other tours by Ajdinis

Dates & Prices

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Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

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