Itinerary
- Day 1
Athens
You'll arrive in Athens and head to your hotel to settle in. Spend the afternoon relaxing after your journey, then check the information boards at reception to find out details about when your tour officially begins.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Athenes), Hotel (Skylark)
- Day 2
Athens
A guided city tour takes you through Athens, starting with the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place. You'll see the National Library and walk through city center squares, then check out neighborhoods that developed after the 2004 Olympics. The tour wraps up at the Acropolis (you'll pay separate admission), and then you'll be transferred to the historic Plaka district for the evening with its famous Greek tavernas and local dining options.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Athenes), Hotel (Skylark)
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Athens
- Visit Presidential Mansion
- Visit Panathenaic Stadium
- Visit National Library
- Explore city center squares
- Tour modern Olympic neighborhoods
- Evening transfer to Plaka neighborhood
Optional Activities
- Acropolis admission
Landmarks Presidential Mansion Panathenaic Stadium National Library of Greece Acropolis Plaka 
- Day 3
Athens - Kamena Vourla - Kalambaka
Starting early, you'll head north toward Kamena Vourla, a seaside resort with beautiful surroundings. From there, continue to Thermopylae Mountain Pass and see where the ancient battle happened. You'll visit the village of Kastraki for panoramic valley views and have free time for lunch. Next comes the Meteora monastery complex (a UNESCO site with admission included), and dinner wraps up your day in Kalambaka.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in Kalambaka)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Amalia Kalambaca), Hotel (Divani Meteora)
Included Activities
- Visit Kamena Vourla
- Stop at Thermopylae Mountain Pass
- Visit Kastraki village
- Explore Meteora
- Monastery admission at Meteora
Landmarks Kamena Vourla Thermopylae Mountain Pass Kastraki Meteora 
- Day 4
Kalambaka - Thessaloniki - Melnik - Sandanski
Travel through mountain scenery toward the Aegean Sea, stopping in Thessaloniki (Greece's second-largest city) with time to walk around and grab lunch. After that, you'll cross into Bulgaria and Bulgarian Macedonia, heading to Melnik, a charming museum town known for wine production. Your day ends in Sandanski, a spa town famous as Spartacus's birthplace, where dinner is included.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in Sandanski)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Pirin Park Hotel)
Included Activities
- Explore Thessaloniki
- Visit Melnik
Landmarks Thessaloniki Melnik Sandanski 
- Day 5
Sandanski - Rila - Sofia
Start the day at Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site known for its fortress design and forest surroundings. Continue to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, arriving by late morning. After lunch, take a guided city tour visiting St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and various squares with distinctive Stalinist architecture. You'll have free time afterward to explore more on your own.
- Meals
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ramada Sofia), Hotel (Novotel Sofia)
Included Activities
- Visit Rila Monastery
- Guided tour of Sofia
- Visit St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Visit Russian Church
- Visit Mosque
- Explore city squares and avenues
Landmarks Rila Monastery St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Russian Church 
- Day 6
Sofia - Bachkovo - Plovdiv
Head to Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria's second most significant monastery from the eleventh century with three churches and a calm atmosphere. Continue to Plovdiv where lunch is included. A guided tour here covers the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House.
- Meals
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ramada Plovdiv Trimontium), Hotel (Radisson Plovdiv)
Included Activities
- Visit Bachkovo Monastery
- Guided tour of Plovdiv
- Visit Roman Amphitheatre
- Visit Old Pharmacy
- Visit Armenian House
Landmarks Bachkovo Monastery Roman Amphitheatre of Philippopolis Old Pharmacy Armenian House 
- Day 7
Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Shipka - Etar - Arbanasi - Veliko Tarnovo
Journey through the Balkan Mountains, stopping in the Rose Valley to visit Kazanlak and see a replica of the UNESCO Thracian Tomb plus learn about rose product production (admission included). You'll see the Shipka Memorial Church honoring the Russo-Turkish War, then walk through Etar village and its ethnographic museum. After lunch, visit Arbanasi, an ancient trading city with fortress houses and the Nativity Church (admission included). End your day in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's former capital with a medieval center beside a canyon.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch in Etar)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Bolyarski Meridian), Hotel (Yantra Grand Hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Kazanlak
- Thracian Tomb Replica admission
- Learn about rose production
- Stop at Shipka Memorial Church
- Explore Etar village
- Visit Arbanasi
- Nativity Church admission
Landmarks Kazanlak Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak Shipka Memorial Church Etar Arbanasi Nativity Church Veliko Tarnovo 
- Day 8
Veliko Tarnovo - Basarbovo - Bucharest
Travel to Romania, stopping at Basarbovski Monastery carved into rock. Cross the border and the Danube River, arriving in Bucharest around 1:00 p.m. Take a panoramic city tour in the afternoon, exploring the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. You'll have free time to explore afterward, and dinner is included.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in Bucharest)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Doubletree By Hilton Bucharest Unirii Square), Hotel (Mercure Bucarest City Center)
Included Activities
- Visit Basarbovski Monastery
- Panoramic tour of Bucharest
- Explore historic center
- Visit Palace of Parliament
Landmarks Basarbovski Monastery Palace of Parliament 
- Day 9
Bucharest - Sinaia - Bran - Sighisoara
Head through beautiful scenery toward Transylvania, crossing the Carpathian Mountains and lush forests. In Sinaia, take a leisurely walk through the gardens of Peles and Pelisor Castles. Visit the 14th-century Bran Fortress (admission included), commonly known as Dracula's Castle. After lunch, continue to Sighisoara, a walled medieval city and UNESCO site. The evening brings a special dinner at Count Dracula's restaurant in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.
- Meals
- Dinner (Special dinner at Count Dracula's restaurant in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Doubletree Sighisoara Cavaler)
Included Activities
- Stroll through Peles and Pelisor Castle gardens
- Visit Bran Fortress (Dracula's Castle)
- Explore Sighisoara
Landmarks Sinaia Peles Castle Pelisor Castle Bran Fortress Sighisoara 
- Day 10
Sighisoara - Biertan - Sibiu - Hunedoara - Timisoara
Explore Transylvania's fortified churches in historically German areas (UNESCO sites). You'll visit Biertan and see one of these remarkable churches (admission included). Head to Sibiu, an important cultural center and former capital of Transylvania, walking through lively narrow streets and squares before lunch. Afternoon brings a visit to Hunedoara Castle (admission included), considered Romania's most beautiful castle. Continue to Timisoara with time to check out the city's elegant central squares.
- Meals
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Timisoara)
Included Activities
- Visit Biertan fortified church
- Explore Sibiu
- Visit Hunedoara Castle
Landmarks Biertan Sibiu Hunedoara Castle Timisoara 
- Day 11
Timisoara - Belgrade
Depart for Serbia, crossing the border and driving about 3 hours to reach Belgrade. This lively capital sits where the Danube and Sava rivers meet. A panoramic city tour covers the bustling center, parliament, and Kalemegdan Fortress. You'll visit the Museum of Yugoslavia where Tito's Mausoleum is located. The afternoon is free for exploring the city on your own.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Nobel Palace), Hotel (Mona Plaza)
Included Activities
- Panoramic city tour of Belgrade
- Explore city center
- Visit parliament
- Stroll through Kalemegdan Fortress
- Visit Museum of Yugoslavia
- View Tito's Mausoleum
Landmarks Kalemegdan Fortress Museum of Yugoslavia Tito's Mausoleum 
- Day 12
Belgrade - Sremska Mitrovica - Republic of Srpska - Sarajevo
Begin heading toward Vojvodina, stopping in Sremska Mitrovica on the Sava River banks. Once a major Roman city and capital of Pannonia, you'll see the Imperial Palace of Sirmium (admission included). Continue toward Bosnia with a lunch stop, then travel through the Republic of Srpska's landscapes to Sarajevo, arriving late afternoon. Explore the historic center and the old Ottoman bazaar with its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner is included.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in Sarajevo)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hollywood), Hotel (Ibis Styles Sarajevo)
Included Activities
- Visit Sremska Mitrovica
- Imperial Palace of Sirmium admission
- Explore Sarajevo historic center
- Visit Ottoman bazaar
Landmarks Sremska Mitrovica Imperial Palace of Sirmium Sarajevo Ottoman Bazaar 
- Day 13
Sarajevo - Mostar - Dubrovnik
Take a guided tour of Sarajevo in the morning, learning why it's called the 'Jerusalem of Europe' for its religious diversity with mosques, churches, and synagogues. Notice the strong Ottoman influence with its 500-year-old mosque and fountain. Travel through natural landscapes to Mostar with its historic center and iconic stone bridge. Free time covers lunch and exploration before crossing into Croatia (border formalities may take time). You'll arrive in Dubrovnik by evening, and dinner is included.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in Dubrovnik)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Valamar Lacroma), Hotel (Lero), Hotel (Croatia Cavtat)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Sarajevo
- Explore Mostar historic center
- View Mostar bridge
Landmarks Mostar Stari Most Dubrovnik 
- Day 14
Dubrovnik
A local guide leads a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik in the morning, one of Europe's most beautiful cities on a cliff surrounded by walls and the Adriatic. See the Franciscan Monastery (home to Europe's oldest pharmacy) and the Assumption Cathedral (both admissions included). Take a boat to Lokrum island 15 minutes away, featuring eleventh-century monastery ruins and a Game of Thrones filming location. Free time follows for exploring before returning to the hotel late afternoon. Dinner is included.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in Dubrovnik)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Valamar Lacroma), Hotel (Lero), Hotel (Croatia Cavtat)
Included Activities
- Panoramic tour of Dubrovnik
- Visit Franciscan Monastery
- Visit Assumption Cathedral
- Boat trip to Lokrum island
Landmarks Dubrovnik Old Town Franciscan Monastery Assumption Cathedral Lokrum Island Benedictine Monastery Ruins 
- Day 15
Dubrovnik - Ston - Split
Set off along Croatia's coastline with seascapes and islands. Stop in Ston, a picturesque town with one of the world's longest walls. Continue through beautiful landscapes, crossing the impressive Peljeszac Bridge. Arrive in Split at midday for a guided tour with admission to Diocletian's Palace. Explore this vast Roman palace with labyrinthine streets and sea views. Dinner is included.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in Split)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (President), Hotel (Salona Palace)
Included Activities
- Visit Ston
- Guided tour of Split
- Visit Diocletian's Palace
Landmarks Ston Pelješac Bridge Diocletian's Palace 
- Day 16
Split - Plitvice - Opatija
Travel inland through hilly landscapes to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO site with lakes, waterfalls, and scenic trails. You'll have the choice of a boat or train ticket (included). After lunch, head back toward the coast traveling north. When you reach Opatija, a charming resort town, you'll have dinner and settle into your accommodation.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Dinner in Opatija)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Agava), Hotel (Bristol)
Included Activities
- Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Boat ride or train ride at Plitvice
Landmarks Plitvice Lakes National Park Opatija 
- Day 17
Opatija - Postojna - Bled - Ljubljana
Travel to Slovenia, first stopping at Postojna Cave, one of the world's largest, where you'll take a partial tour by train. Head to Bled, a picturesque postcard-perfect town on Lake Bled. Take a boat trip to the island where the monastery's bell tower stands at the foot of the medieval castle. Continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, with a guided tour learning about this charming Central European city. Dinner is included.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in Ljubljana)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Park Ljubljana-urban Green), Hotel (Bb Ljubljana Park)
Included Activities
- Tour Postojna Cave by train
- Visit Bled
- Boat trip to Bled island
- Guided tour of Ljubljana
Landmarks Postojna Cave Lake Bled Bled Island Bled Castle Ljubljana 
- Day 18
Ljubljana - Venice
Enjoy free time in the morning exploring Ljubljana's charming center. In the afternoon, head toward the Adriatic Sea and cross into Italy. You'll arrive in Venice by evening and stay in the Mestre district.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Elite)
Optional Activities
- Free time exploring Ljubljana
Landmarks Venice 
- Day 19
Venice
Take a boat transfer to Venice in the morning, a city built on over 100 islands connected by more than 400 bridges. The boat drops you at St. Mark's area where a local guide leads a walking tour through the city of canals (included). Afterward, you'll have free time to explore. An optional gondola ride along the canals is available in the afternoon if you're interested.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Elite)
Included Activities
- Boat transfer to Venice
- Walking tour of Venice with local guide
Optional Activities
- Gondola ride
Landmarks St. Mark's Square Venice Canals 
- Day 20
Venice
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
- Meals
- Breakfast
