An 11-days expedition from Sofia to explore the capitals, culture, and history of the Balkans and Greece. From Sofia’s vibrant start to exploring landmarks in Skopje, Tirana and Prizren, continuing to Bitola, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Drama, Kavala, and Bucharest, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the region.
Optional excursions, historic sites, and local cuisine make this journey an unforgettable adventure, culminating in Sofia before going to Bucharest.
Itinerary
Start your trip in Sofia and finish in Bucharest! The Sofia to Bucharest Grand Discovery Tour is an 11-day Explorer tour package that takes you through Sofia, Bulgaria, and 11 other places in Europe. This tour includes exciting capitals, interesting cultural sites, and historical landmarks along the way.es accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport and more.
Day 1 Arrival in Sofia
Arrive in Sofia, go to your hotel on your own, and end the day by checking in, having some free time, and enjoying the nightlife in Sofia. Later in the evening, there will be a welcome meeting at your hotel where your guide will give you information about the upcoming journey.
Day 2 Sofia to Skopje
After a good breakfast, we’ll start our adventure with a guided tour of Sofia. This tour will show you some of the city’s most important places, like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Basilica, the National Art Gallery Building, and the Presidential Palace. After the tour, we’ll travel to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.
When we arrive in Skopje, we’ll explore the city’s rich history and culture with a city tour. We’ll visit places like Kale Fortress, Stone Bridge, Macedonia Square, Alexander the Great statue, and Mustafa Pasha Mosque. The day ends with an overnight stay at a hotel in Skopje.
Day 3 Skopje to Tirana via Matka Canyon, and Prizren
Have breakfast at the hotel before we go to Prizren. On the way, you can visit the beautiful Matka Canyon, a natural wonder in North Macedonia. In Prizren, we’ll take you on a city tour to see Prizren Castle, Mosque Sinanpasa, White Dream River, and Sadrwan Square.
There will be time for shopping and enjoying local food at nice restaurants. After that, we’ll keep going to Tirana, the lively capital of Albania, where you’ll spend the night at a hotel.
Day 4 Tirana to Ohrid with St. Naum
After breakfast, begin the day with a panoramic tour of Tirana. See famous landmarks like Skanderbeg Square, Skanderbeg Statue, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower. After that, we’ll head to the charming city of Ohrid, known for its history and beautiful scenery.
You can choose to take an optional excursion to visit St. Naum, a picturesque and historic monastery by Lake Ohrid. It’s a great opportunity for those who want to explore this beautiful site. The day ends with an overnight stay at a hotel in Ohrid.
Day 5 Ohrid to Bitola and Meteora (Kalabaka)
After breakfast, you can take some time to explore the lovely Old Town of Ohrid and experience its beauty and culture. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Bitola, a city in Macedonia, for a guided city tour. Highlights include visits to the Ishak Bey Mosque, the New Mosque, and Shırok Street.
There will be time for shopping and a tasty lunch at local restaurants. The day will finish in Kalambaka, where you’ll spend the night at a comfortable hotel.
Day 6 Meteora (Kalabaka) – Vergina to Thessaloniki
After having breakfast at your hotel, go to the nearby UNESCO-listed Meteora for a tour of the monasteries on top of cliffs. Explore two amazing Byzantine Monasteries built on rock towers, offering stunning views over the plain.
Then, head to Vergina to see the tomb of Philip II (The Father of Alexander the Great). Finally, end the day in Thessaloniki, discovering landmarks such as the White Tower and the Arch of Galerius, before heading back to your hotel in Thessaloniki.
Day 7 Thessaloniki to Drama, Alistratis Cave & Local Winery, Kavala
Begin your day with breakfast and a city tour in Drama, exploring important sites and taking a leisurely stroll in Parko Agias Varmaras. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in Drama before moving on to Kavala, where Western and Eastern influences blend harmoniously.
For those interested, we will continue to an optional tour for exploring Alistratis Cave and a local winery before spending the night in the impressive city of Kavala.
Day 8 Kavala to Sofia
Before heading to Sofia, we’ll visit the town center of Kavala, exploring the old Castle, Imaret (a remarkable Ottoman-era architectural monument), the Aqueduct, and the port of Kavala. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. Check-in for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 9 Road to Bucharesht (Transfer)
Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast, then take a transfer to the capital city of Romania. Check in at your hotel, have some free time, and get comfortable for an overnight stay.
Day 10 Bucharest Highlights and Farewell
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, and then join a guided tour of Bucharest’s important landmarks. Explore places like Revolution Square, Romanian Atheneum, Villacrosse Passage, Old Town area, Manuc Inn, Old Princely Court, and more.
This marks the conclusion of your tour, giving you time to remember the exciting experiences in Bucharest and say goodbye to this lively city. Spend your last night at the hotel.
Day 11 Enchanting Transylvania Experience. End of the tour
After having breakfast at your hotel, get ready to experience the enchanting beauty of Transylvania on a day trip from Bucharest. Keep in mind that visits to Bran Castle (known as Dracula’s Castle), the medieval town of Brasov, and Peles Castle are optional tours. If you’d like to join these tours, make sure to register in advance before your arrival.
Enjoy a guided tour of Bran Castle, explore the medieval charm of Brasov Old Town, visit the exquisite Peles Castle, and have some free time. Return to the same hotel in Bucharest for another night. Have a great time! This marks the end of the tour.
Final Thoughts
The Sofia to Bucharest Grand Discovery Tour offers an immersive 11-day journey through the captivating capitals, rich cultures, and historical wonders of the Balkans and Greece. From Sofia’s vibrant start to the enchanting landscapes of Skopje, Tirana, Prizren, and beyond, this well-crafted itinerary provides a perfect blend of guided exploration, optional excursions, and indulgence in local cuisine. The tour culminates in Bucharest, leaving travelers with unforgettable memories of a diverse and enchanting region.
FAQs
What is included in the Sofia to Bucharest Grand Discovery Tour package?
The tour package includes accommodation in hotels, expert guide services, meals, transportation, and more. Optional excursions, historic site visits, and local cuisine experiences are also part of the adventure. Please refer to the detailed itinerary for specific inclusions.
How do I get from Sofia to Bucharest on this tour?
The tour begins in Sofia and concludes in Bucharest, covering a total of 11 days and exploring multiple destinations in Europe. The journey involves guided city tours, visits to landmarks, and optional excursions. The detailed itinerary provides information on the daily activities and travel arrangements.
Are there optional excursions during the tour, and how do I participate?
Yes, the tour offers optional excursions, such as visiting St. Naum in Ohrid, exploring Alistratis Cave and a local winery in Kavala, and additional tours to Bran Castle, Brasov Old Town, and Peles Castle in Transylvania. To participate in these optional excursions, it is recommended to register in advance before your arrival, as mentioned in the itinerary.
What is the schedule for the last day of the tour in Bucharest?
On the final day of the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore enchanting Transylvania, with optional tours to Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), the medieval town of Brasov, and Peles Castle. The day concludes with a guided tour, free time, and an overnight stay at the same hotel in Bucharest. Please ensure you register in advance for the optional tours if you wish to participate.
