Arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria

St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral - Welcome to Bulgaria’s lively capital. Upon arrival at Sofia Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your centrally located 4-star hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely walk past the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National Theater, and the bustling Vitosha Boulevard. Overnight stay in Sofia.

Sofia → Rila Monastery → Skopje, North Macedonia

Rila Monastery - After breakfast, travel south to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, beautifully situated in the Rila Mountains. Marvel at its vibrant frescoes, wooden balconies, and serene courtyards before crossing into North Macedonia. Arrive in Skopje for an afternoon walking tour: Stone Bridge, Old Bazaar, and the diverse city squares. Overnight stay in Skopje.

Skopje → Matka Canyon → Ohrid

Skopje - Depart Skopje with a scenic detour to Matka Canyon, where emerald waters meander between steep cliffs (optional short boat ride available). Continue to Ohrid, the gem of North Macedonia. In the afternoon, stroll along the lakefront, explore St. Sophia Cathedral, and visit the cliffside Church of St. John at Kaneo with its postcard-perfect views. Overnight stay in Ohrid.

Ohrid → Tirana, Albania

Ohrid - Spend the morning by the shores of Lake Ohrid with time for a short boat ride or a visit to St. Naum Monastery. Cross the border into Albania, arriving in Tirana. A guided tour reveals Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the vibrant Blloku district, once closed to outsiders, now buzzing with trendy cafés. Overnight stay in Tirana.

Tirana → Shkodër → Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Shkoder - Head north to Shkodër, one of Albania’s oldest cities, with a stop at the Rozafa Fortress for panoramic views. Cross into Montenegro and enjoy a breathtaking drive along the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. Stop in Perast and visit the baroque islet church Our Lady of the Rocks. Overnight stay near Kotor.

Exploring Kotor & Budva

Kotor - Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Montenegro’s highlights. Wander the cobbled lanes of Kotor Old Town, climb the fortress walls (optional, but the views are spectacular), and discover the Adriatic charm of Budva, with its Venetian walls and sandy beaches. Evening free by the bay. Overnight stay in the Kotor area.

Kotor → Dubrovnik Region, Croatia

Dubrovnik - Cross into Croatia and continue to the Dubrovnik region. Spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing: walk the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik Old Town walls, or enjoy coffee on Stradun Street. Depending on traffic and timing, your guide may suggest visiting the Old Town today or the following morning. Overnight stay in the Dubrovnik area.

Dubrovnik Region → Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Mostar - Depart Dubrovnik along dramatic coastal and inland roads. Arrive in Mostar, a city where East meets West. Admire the elegant Stari Most (Old Bridge), explore the Old Bazaar, and savor local specialties like burek or Turkish coffee. Overnight stay in Mostar.

Mostar → Sarajevo

Sarajevo - This morning, stop at the Blagaj Tekija, a 16th-century dervish monastery at the source of the Buna River. Continue to Sarajevo, a city of mosques, churches, and synagogues. On a guided tour, see the Latin Bridge, historic Baščaršija bazaar, and the poignant War Tunnel Museum. Overnight stay in Sarajevo.

Sarajevo → Višegrad → Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade - Travel through the mountains along the Drina River valley. Pause in Višegrad to admire the 16th-century Ottoman Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge. Arrive in Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital, for an evening visit to Kalemegdan Fortress, offering panoramic views over the Danube and Sava Rivers. Overnight stay in Belgrade.

Belgrade Discovery Day

Belgrade - Discover the highlights of Belgrade: Republic Square, Knez Mihailova pedestrian street, and the impressive St. Sava Temple. The afternoon is free—choose a Danube boat cruise, visit the Nikola Tesla Museum, or relax in Skadarlija, Belgrade’s bohemian quarter, known for its traditional taverns and live folk music. Overnight stay in Belgrade.

Belgrade → Niš → Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Nis - Depart Belgrade and stop in Niš, birthplace of Emperor Constantine the Great. Visit the eerie Skull Tower and Ottoman Niš Fortress before returning to Bulgaria. In the evening, explore Plovdiv Old Town with its cobbled streets, Roman amphitheater, and trendy Kapana district. Overnight stay in Plovdiv.

Plovdiv → Veliko Tarnovo → Sofia

Veliko Tarnovo - Continue to medieval Veliko Tarnovo, once the capital of the Bulgarian Empire. Explore Tsarevets Fortress and the artisans’ street of Samovodska Charshia. Return to Sofia for a farewell dinner and final overnight stay.

Departure from Sofia

Sofia - After breakfast, enjoy free time until your transfer to Sofia Airport. End of services.

• Private transportation
• Entrance fees
• Dinner
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast

• Meals

Explore six countries in an unforgettable two-week Grand Balkan loop starting from Sofia. Experience the UNESCO-listed Ohrid, the fortified bays of Kotor, Ottoman-era bridges in Mostar, the vibrant café culture in Sarajevo, and the lively nightlife of Belgrade. This thoughtfully designed itinerary combines historic cities, stunning coastlines and mountains, and genuine local cuisine. Guests will stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels, travel in a comfortable vehicle with a professional driver-guide, and enjoy a mix of guided tours and leisure time. One journey. Six borders. Endless stories to tell.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.