Sofia

Overview

Gallery

Itinerary

• Pick-up in the morning at 9 a.m. from your hotel.

• Rila Monastery is Bulgariau2019s most famous tourist site ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) and founded in the 10th century by Saint Ivan Rilsky (St John of Rila ) , a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church . The monastery , one of the largest in the Balkans , was the center of Bulgarian culture and Orthodox belief for more than 1000 years . Our tour includes a visit to the Church, which is of particular artistic value, for it was adorned by the foremost 19-century masters of the Samokov, Bansko and Debar schools of painting and woodcarving

• Continue to south to the Bulgarian u2013 Macedonian border . In the early evening we will arrive in Skopje , the capital of Macedonia . Orientation tour of Skopje before arriving to your hotel.

• Enjoy a walking tour of Skopje (internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa ) , with its most important landmarks : quay of the Macedonian river u201cVardaru201d, the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar (is the biggest bazaar preserved in the Balkans today ), the Memorial house of Mother Teresa , the 1500 years old fortress Kale , Macedonia Square with the statue of Alexander The Great on horse

• Continue to Ohrid ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) situated on the banks of the lake with the same name , perched on the border of Macedonia and Albania. Ohrid area has been the setting of thousands of years of human history and the old city center are testimony to its past. Lake Ohrid itself is Europeu2019s oldest lake having formed over three millions years ago. The walking tour of the old city center will include the narrow streets and squares , the Anchient Theater , discover the famous old churches, monasteries and basilicas (Sveti Sofia Church ) , Tsar Samuilu2019s (Samuelu2019s) Fortress and pedestrian shopping street .

• Continue the tour and crossing the Macedonian u2013 Albanian border driving to Tirana, capital of Albania . The walking tour of city center of Tirana will reveal the main tourist attractions : Tiranau2019s massive main square u2013 Skanderbeg , National History Museum , Palace of Culture, National Bank, Etu2019hem Bey Mosque and Skanderbegu2019s statue

• After breakfast we will head to the capital of Montenegro and during our walking tour we wil admire: The Clock Tower, Osmanagica and Doganjska Mosque, Skaline (the old stairs), St.George Church, Millenium Bridge, Russian Bridge, Vladimir Vysotsky Monument, Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Roman Square, King Nicola's Castle.

• Departure to Budva u2013 Montenegro , crossing the Albanian u2013 Montenegro border and stop to visit the Old Town walls of Budva and see the most important spots: Ballerina and Mogren Beach, Land Gate, Ancient Necropolis, Square of Churches, Citadel, Njegou0161u2019s street, marina, Mediternaska Street and Slovenska Plaza

• In the evening you will arrive in Kotor and discover the fortified old town u2013 Stari Grad ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) .

• After crossing the border in Bosnia&Herzegovina we will visit Kravica Waterfall, between the villages of Studenci and Zvirici, the river Trebizat creates a waterfall 28 meters high and a beautiful natural amphitheater 120 meters wide. Kravica waterfall is a paradisiacal place where we shall have a rest from everything that is ordinary and mundane, and simply enjoy the serene setting of captivating waterfalls embraced by the lush greenery. During the summer it is also possible to swim

• Next, we will arrive in Medjugorje is one of the most famous Roman Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world. It became known through the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, which began as a phenomenon in 1981, In years that where coming Meu0111ugorje became the center of religious Tourism of this part of Europe. Although, it is one of Bosnian most visited tourist centers, Medjugorje still retained its original charm, in which pilgrims find peace in faith. Walk to Apparition Hill Kriu017eevac or just feel the positive energy of this settlement in St Jacob Church

• Enjoy free time in Medugorje or take our OPTIONAL tour in Dubrovnik.nOn the walking tour of Dubrovnik, you will explore the beautiful historic architecture and stone-paved streets of the UNESCO-protected Old City of Dubrovnik, and pay a visit to the famous Dubrovnik City Walls. Dubrovnik is most famous for serving as one of the sets for Game of Thrones, so fans of the show are definitely in for a treat, but we are certain everyone will be enthralled by Dubrovnik, regardless of their TV preferences.

• OPTIONAL : Today you will have a chance to admire one of the most popular Mediterranean places, a place so special that there will hardly be a single thing you wonu2019t be fascinated with. They say that Split is a place you have to love, itu2019s not a matter of choice. nThe first part of a day we will use for an walking tour and learn about Split in depth. We will take a stroll through the centuries, starting from Roman times and enjoy the treasure trove of endless layers of history, architecture and urban spirit of this amazing city. nJust the fact that the essence of the cityu2019s urban life is the grandiose 4th century Diocletianu2019s Palace which, along with the historic centre are UNESCO protected and maintained by the United Nationu2019s agency for education, science and culture is a small hint on all of the possible whirlwinds of emotions you will be experiencing while walking the paths of the ancient civilisations and enjoying the mesmerizing colors of Adriatic sea.

• After breakfast , we will head to Mostar where the focus of our attention will be the old town and the Old Bridge of Mostar. Built in 1566 the Mostar bridge has since been the main reason behind Mostar developing into the capital of the Herzegovina region. Unfortunately in November of 1993, during the Siege of Mostar, the bridge was destroyed. Reasons and judicial facts behind the destruction of the Mostar Old Bridge, we will thoroughly cover during our walking tour of Mostar.nSince the Bridge, since then thereu2019s been a tradition of bridge diving. Today young and brave Mostar divers compete to earn a few euros by diving off the bridge in front of the tourists from all around the world.

• After we leave Mostar, we shall take an amazingly scenic road passing by the Jablanica lake and via the Neretva river canyon, weu2019ll arrive in Sarajevo.nWalking tour of the old part and city centre of Sarajevo. Our 2.5 hour tour will cover the stories of origins of Sarajevo and the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. We shall visit the Ottoman and Austria-Hungarian parts of Sarajevo, which both with its stunning markets, bazaars, mosques, churches and synagogues will reveal the true nature of the real European Jerusalem. Weu2019ll make sure to visit the Latin Bridge and learn the story about how WWI was triggered right here, in the heart of Sarajevo. Sarajevou2019s 1984 Winter Olympics and life during the Siege of Sarajevo will surely be part of our story today.

• After breakfast we will head to Serbia and in the afternoon we will arrive to Belgrad, capital of Serbia. Visit the Republic Square, the National theater and the National museum, Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), the oldest part of Belgrade with Ottoman heritage, the only mosque in the city, Kalemegdan park, Belgrade fortress, u201eVictoru201c the most famous symbol of Belgrade and the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers.

• After breakfast , departure to Budapest with a stop in Novi Sad where we will visit Zmaj Jovina Street, the promenade of Novi Sad and obligatory sight for any tourists, not least for the ornamental Palace of the Orthodox Bishop. We will see also y u2013 Dunavska, street with its long line of single-storied 19th century houses. The Danube embankment, the outside of Petrovaradin Fortress on the other bank.

• In the evening we will arrive to Budapest ,`u00b4 The Queen of Danube u201c , capital of Hungary .

• Spare time in Budapest in wich you can discover by yourself this magical city and see the iconic statues of Heroesu2019 Square, the Andru00e1ssy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover also St. Stephenu2019s Basilica, Dohu00e1ny Street Synagogue and the beautiful Castle District in Buda.

• Timisoara, a very charming city for its architectural features for many Turkish, Serbian, Austrian and German elements, which will become the European Capital of Culture in 2021

• In the morning we will visit the most fascinating gothic castle in Eastern Europe and one of the most beautiful and greatest of our continent, the famous Corvin Castle

• Visit Sibiu, a beautiful medieval city where Romanians and Saxons have been living peacefully for centuries and where the various religious monuments (Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants) demonstrate this peaceful coexistence. Sibiu was named European Capital of Culture in 2007 and hosts an extraordinary theater festival every year. The city fascinates thanks to its three squares (Big Square, Small and Huet Square ) that transport tourists in a real medieval atmosphere. Its towers and its 15th century bastions, but also its beautiful museums and the famous u201chouses with the eyesu201d give the visitor lovely moments. Also in Sibiu you will see one of the largest gothic evangelical churches in Transylvania.

• Visit the most beautiful salt mine in Eastern Europe: Turda Salt Mine.

• Visit Sighisoara, with its imposing Clock Tower. This citadel is the best preserved in Europe and, extraordinary, it is still inhabited. Since 1999 the historic center of Sighisoara is a UNESCO heritage site. Here we will admire the church on the hill, reachable after a wooden staircase called the schoolchildrenu2019s ladder. We will also see the statue of the famous Hungarian national poet Petofi Sandor, testifying to the fact that in Sighisoara the Magyar community was in the past numerically important. Next to the statue is the beautiful Catholic church, reserved for the Hungarian community, and the tower of the shoemakers. You can have lunch at the house where Vlad the Impaler was born (not included)

• Visit Brasov, a wonderful Transylvanian town, once entirely fortified, an important cultural, tourist and commercial center. Brasov impresses with its typically German architecture, where the Gothic, the Baroque and the Renaissance intersect to give life to an interesting and culturally very lively city. Visit of the First Romanian School, which is located in the oldest district of the city, and which was inhabited exclusively by Romanians, the Schei district, interesting for the entrances into the city that were carried out in medieval times through the Caatherineu2019s and Schei Gate, quest last of the nineteenth century. In Brasov we will also visit the impressive Black Church, the largest evangelical Gothic church in Eastern Europe, with a 65 meter high bell tower and a length of 90 meters, the church houses the most beautiful nineteenth-century mechanical organ of Romania. We will then admire the palaces and houses of the historic center, recently restored, with the Council Square which now houses a beautiful museum, and the pedestrian Avenue of the Republic.

• Visit Bran where we will visit the famous Bran Castle, better known as Draculau2019s Castle. In the Middle Ages, Bran was exactly on the border between Wallachia and Transylvania, so it was essential for the inhabitants of Brasov to build and preserve a defensive stronghold

• Visit to the fabulous Peles Castle, the summer residence of the first king of Romania, the King Charles 1 of Hohenzollern, of German origins. The castle was beautifully designed by a Czech architect, and is famous for being one of the most modern castles in Europe at the time of its construction, between the 19th and 20th centuries. Each room is characterized by a unique style, different from the styles of the other rooms. We will also admire the Florentine room, where we will breathe a typically Italian and Renaissance atmosphere.

• Spare time in Bucharest

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

• A minimum of 6 participants is required to organise the tour. If the tour itu2019s canceled because the minimum isnu2019t met, youu2019ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

• !! In case you will need a transfer to the airport or any other extra services please ask the tour manager in advance if it is possible to organize it and let you know also the price.

• u2022 The order can be changed based on multiple factors like weather, traffic conditions and restrictions, national holidays, ecc but all the visits will be done as indicated in the itinerary, changing just the order keeping in mind that all this is done for your safety or to make more enjoyable your tour.

• Local tour guide in Romania, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Dubrovnik, Split, Sarajevo, Belgrad

• !! This tour is a easy walking tour (moderate peace) for persons with a good general fit condition. It requires some small effort like: carrying your own bag on just some steps to get into the hotel (mostly of the hotels have also an elevator), and also some average effort like: walking tours from 2 hours to 4/5 hours (from 1 km to 7 km) depending on the sites visited. To have a better idea: Sofia walking tour: 1,5 hours = 4 km, Skopje Walking Tour: 1,5 hours = 3 km

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.