Take a trip from Athens to Dubrovnik, seeing old things, cool stuff, and pretty views. Highlights include checking out Athens and the Acropolis, Delphi’s old things, Meteora’s monasteries on cliffs, and Thessaloniki’s old landmarks. The trip goes through Kavala, Sofia, Skopje, and Prizren, with tours in the cities, chances to see cool places like Matka Canyon, and cultural things to do. The journey ends with a stop in Kotor and finishes in the awesome city of Dubrovnik, making it a really great trip.
Itinerary
Begin your trip in Athens and finish in Dubrovnik! With the Explorer tour “Athens to Dubrovnik thru Montenegro: A Mythic Journey through History & Beauty,” you get a 10-day tour that takes you to Athens, Greece, and 9 other places in Europe. The package includes staying in a hotel, having a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more.
Important Information:
- Age: The minimum age is 8. There’s no maximum age, but participants should be fit enough for the tour. Health documents may be required.
- Child Discount: Children aged 8-10 sharing a room with two full-paying adults get a 25% discount, and a fold-up bed will be provided.
- Greece Residence Fee: Starting from 01/01/2018, a residence fee is applied to hotel accommodation in Greece. It’s not included in the tour price and must be paid directly to the hotel by guests before the end of their stay.
- Meteora Dress Code: When visiting the monasteries in Meteora, there’s a strict dress code. Women should wear a long skirt, dress, or sarong (no trousers or shorts allowed), and men should wear long pants. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Make sure to have appropriate clothing before visiting the monasteries.
Day 1 Arrival in Athens
After arriving at Athens International Airport, you’ll smoothly move to your hotel in Athens using the provided transportation. Get ready for a cozy night’s stay in this lively city.
Day 2 Explore Athens
Begin your morning with a tasty breakfast at the hotel, and then join a half-day guided tour of Athens City and the Acropolis Museum. The tour includes a coach ride by famous places like the Greek Parliament and Panathenaic Stadium, followed by an interesting on-foot exploration of the Acropolis, where you’ll see the timeless Parthenon. Head back to your hotel for another night in Athens.
Day 3 Athens – Delphi – Meteora (Kalabaka)
Enjoy a filling breakfast, then hop on a comfy bus heading northwest to Delphi. Get there around noon and explore the cool old stuff, like the famous Temple of Apollo. After lunch, travel through Central Greece to Kalambaka, a town near the amazing Meteora Monasteries. Spend the night in Kalabaka.
Day 4 Meteora (Kalabaka) – Vergina to Thessaloniki
After having breakfast at your hotel, head to the nearby UNESCO-listed Meteora for a tour of the monasteries perched on cliffs. Explore two amazing Byzantine Monasteries built on top of rock towers, offering stunning views. Join the Ajdinis Group, meet your personal guide, and continue on an interesting journey to the Vergina tomb of Philip II (Alexander the Great’s father). Wrap up the day in Thessaloniki, where you can check out landmarks like the White Tower and the Arch of Galerius before heading back to your hotel.
Day 5 Thessaloniki to Drama, Alistratis Cave & Local Winery, Kavala
Begin your day by having breakfast and taking a city tour in Drama. Discover interesting places and take a relaxed walk in Parko Agias Varmaras. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in Drama before moving on to Kavala, a city where Western and Eastern influences blend smoothly. For those who want to, there’s an optional tour to explore Alistratis Cave and visit a local winery before spending the night in the impressive city of Kavala.
Day 6 Kavala to Sofia
Before heading to Sofia, we’ll explore the town center of Kavala. We’ll check out the old Castle, Imaret (a really cool Ottoman-era building), the Aqueduct, and the port of Kavala. After that, we’ll continue our journey to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, and stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 Sofia to Skopje
After a satisfying breakfast, we’ll kick off our journey with a guided tour of Sofia. This tour will show you some of the city’s most impressive places, like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Basilica, the National Art Gallery Building, and the Presidential Palace.
After the tour, we’ll head to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Once we arrive in Skopje, we’ll explore the city’s rich history and culture during a city tour. Our stops will include Kale Fortress, Stone Bridge, Macedonia Square, Alexander the Great statue, and Mustafa Pasha Mosque.
Wrap up your day with an overnight stay at a hotel in Skopje.
Day 8 Skopje to Tirana via Matka Canyon, and Prizren
Have breakfast at the hotel before we travel to Prizren. On the way, you can visit the beautiful Matka Canyon, a natural wonder in North Macedonia. In Prizren, our city tour will show you places like Prizren Castle, Mosque Sinanpasa, White Dream River, and Sadrwan Square. You’ll also have time to shop and enjoy local food at nice restaurants. After that, we’ll keep going to Tirana, the lively capital city of Albania, where you’ll spend the night at a hotel.
Day 9 Tirana – Kotor-Dubrovnik
Have breakfast in Tirana before going on the transfer day tour to Dubrovnik for the last part of your journey. Along the way, we’ll stop in the city of Kotor with a local guide. We’ll visit the Castle of Kotor, which includes Triphun Cathedral, the archive museum, and the Wall of Shame. Kotor Bay is a special region protected by UNESCO for its natural and historical importance. You’ll have some free time in Kotor, and then we’ll continue to Dubrovnik. Check in at the hotel for the night.
Day 10 Dubrovnik – End of the tour
On Day 10, the tour concludes in Dubrovnik. Enjoy breakfast before we arrange transportation to the airport, marking the end of the program. This is where our journey together comes to a close. Safe travels!
Final Thoughts
The “Athens to Dubrovnik thru Montenegro: A Mythic Journey through History & Beauty” tour offers a captivating 10-day adventure through ancient wonders and cultural treasures. From exploring iconic landmarks in Athens to witnessing the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, the journey takes you through diverse cities like Sofia, Skopje, Kavala, and Tirana, each brimming with rich history and vibrant culture. The tour culminates in the enchanting city of Dubrovnik, providing a memorable experience of historical marvels, natural gems, and the unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. With a mix of guided tours, optional excursions, and comfortable accommodations, this itinerary promises a remarkable exploration of the beautiful landscapes and significant landmarks across Europe.
FAQs
What are the main highlights of the “Athens to Dubrovnik thru Montenegro” tour?
Explore ancient wonders, cultural treasures, and picturesque landscapes on this 10-day journey from Athens to Dubrovnik. Highlights include visits to Athens and the Acropolis, Delphi’s historic sites, Meteora’s cliff-top monasteries, Thessaloniki’s landmarks, and Kotor’s Castle. The trip takes you through cities like Sofia, Skopje, and Prizren, offering tours, optional visits to places like Matka Canyon, and cultural experiences.
What’s included in the Explorer tour package from Athens to Dubrovnik?
The 10-day tour includes accommodation in hotels, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more. It kicks off in Athens and covers nine other destinations in Europe, concluding in Dubrovnik. The package offers a comprehensive experience with guided tours, cultural activities, and comfortable stays.
Are there age-related requirements for participating in the tour?
The minimum age for participants is 8 years old. There is no maximum age, but participants should be fit enough for the tour, and health documents may be required.
Is there any special information regarding accommodation in Greece?
Yes, a residence fee is applied to hotel accommodation in Greece. This fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid directly to the hotel by guests before the end of their stay. Additionally, when visiting the monasteries in Meteora, there is a strict dress code, including long skirts, dresses, or sarongs for women, and long pants for men. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed, so visitors should ensure appropriate clothing before visiting the monasteries.