DAY 1: Start of tour in Athens
![Start of tour in Athens]()
Welcome to Athens! Meet up with your tour leader and tour group at the hotel in the morning. An overview of the upcoming itinerary will be given. Then, enjoy an orientation tour of Greece’s capital city and explore some of the incredible sights that this ancient city is known for. See top attractions like the Academy, National Library, Greek parliament, Panathinaikos marble stadium, Hadrian’s Arch, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. Tonight, get your first taste of Greek cuisine with an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Athens: Get to know Greece’s bustling capital city on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See top attractions like the Academy, National Library, Greek parliament, Panathinaikos marble stadium, Hadrian’s Arch, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. Witness the ceremonial changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Welcome dinner in Athens: Get to know the other travellers on your tour at the included dinner this evening. You’ll get to try traditional Greek cuisine, like pita with tzatziki, greek salad, tomato balls and spanakopita (spinach pie).
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel CandiaDAY 2: Delphi - Meteora - Kalambaka
![Delphi - Meteora - Kalambaka]()
Travel north through the Greek mainland, stopping off in Delphi along the way. In antiquity, Delphi was considered the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth. Admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and visit the museum of Delphi. Arrive in Meteora this afternoon. This dramatic series of rock formations is home to a large complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Explore St. Stephen's Monastery, founded in 1400 by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene and now a nunnery. Peruse the 18th century main cathedral and take in the views of Kalambaka. Catch a glimpse of the Holy Trinity Monastery perched atop a single rock formation before we depart. Stay over in the nearby town of Kalambaka this evening.
Experiences
Explore the ancient ruins of Delphi: Visit the ruins of Delphi and its Archaeological Museum. Delphi is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for having had a major influence in the Ancient world. You get to see why for yourself!
Visit Meteora: See the formation of Eastern Orthodox monasteries: Explore Meteora and its formation of Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched dramatically on massive monolithic pillars. The most notable of which is St Stephen's Monastery, founded in 1400 by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene and now a nunnery.
DAY 3: Kalambaka - Ohrid
![Kalambaka - Ohrid]()
This morning we'll travel on into North Macedonia and the undiscovered jewel of Ohrid. A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the shores of Lake Ohrid, this city is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe, and is notable for once having had 365 churches, one for each day of the year. We'll explore the Old Town on a guided tour, where you'll see the famous sights, including the Church of St. John at Kaneo, which is situated on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid. To finish off the day we'll enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Experiences
Guided tour of Ohrid - enjoy a tour of Ohrid's Old Town, and see sights including Upper Gate, Holly Maria, Antique theatre, Tsar Samoil Fortress, Plaoshnik, Church of St John at Kaneo and Church of St. Sophia.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Belvedere
DAY 4: Ohrid - Tirana
![Ohrid - Tirana]()
This morning we’ll leave North Macedonia for its Balkan neighbour Albania, driving onto the capital city, Tirana. In a story typical of many cities in this part of Europe, Tirana has undergone a remarkable transformation, shaking off communism to become a vibrant, fun city. You’ll be introduced to the city on a walking tour, from the buildings painted in bright colours, to the architecture influenced by the Ottomans, Italians and of course communism.
Experiences
Walking tour of Tirana, where you will see sights like Skanderbeg Square, Clock tower, Et’hem Beu Mosque, National Historical Museum, National Gallery of Arts and Tabak Bridge.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Sky2 Tirana
DAY 5: Budva - Kotor - Dubrovnik
![Budva - Kotor - Dubrovnik]()
Heading north, we leave Albania behind and travel through Montenegro. Our first stop is at the picturesque coastal town of Budva, known for its well preserved medieval walled city, which you will have some free time to explore. We then make a comfort stop at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Kotor. The old port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period and is a picturesque Mediterranean landscape. On arrival in Dubrovnik, your tour leader will take you to the entrance gate to the Old Town, which you can explore during your free time this evening.
Experiences
Explore Budva and Kotor in Montenegro, where you will have some free time to explore each of these historic towns.
DAY 6: Dubrovnik
![Dubrovnik]()
This morning a local guide will take you on a walking tour of the Old Town to see the Franciscan Monastery, Dominican Monastery, Cathedral, Onofrio Fountain, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, Stradun and the City Walls. You then have the rest of the day free to explore Dubrovnik's incredible history! Want the best views of the ‘old town’ and islands? Catch the cable car to the top of Mount Srdj and enjoy! It is highly recommended for a scenic sunset photo or two. Visit one of the city’s many museums; the Maritime Museum is one of the most popular, or maybe just browse the shops, including the traditional jewellery shops where you can find unique handmade silver or gold jewellery.
Experiences
Guided walking tour of Dubrovnik: This morning a local guide will take you on a walking tour of Dubrovnik, where you will be acquainted with this stunning medieval walled city. The city is a tapestry of spectacular architecture - including churches, monasteries, fountains and museums all of which you can explore further during your free time.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Ivka
Hotel Vis
Optional Excursions
- Game of Thrones Walking Tour i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Mostar - Northern Croatia
![Mostar - Northern Croatia]()
Today you will travel to another country, Bosnia-Herzegovina and head to the town of Mostar. Mostar is an enchanting and historical town, and you will have some free time to explore the numerous religious buildings and see the Roman and Ottoman influences. After your time in Mostar, the coach will travel back into Croatia for an overnight stay.
Experiences
Visit Mostar: have some free time to explore this charming medieval Balkan town.
DAY 8: Plitvice Lakes - Ljubljana
![Plitvice Lakes - Ljubljana]()
Your European tour continues today with a mix of sublime scenery and a stunning Slovenian capital. Today you will be treated to some of the most picturesque natural landscapes in the whole of Europe. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is known internationally for its cascading lakes, waterfalls and dynamic landscape. We will take you into the reserve, so you can stroll along the boardwalks and marvel at the incredible natural scenery of Croatia’s largest national park. This is one of the most beautiful stops on the tour and is home to numerous rare animals, so make sure you have plenty of space in your cameras! After your brush with nature, it’s off to the pint-sized city of Ljubljana in Slovenia. A local guide will escort you on a walking tour of this fairytale city, pointing out the numerous bridges and brilliantly preserved baroque, gothic and medieval architecture. This evening you will have the option of joining the Slovenian evening optional excursion, a fun night of live music, singing and dancing with a three-course meal.
Experiences
Plitvice Lakes: We visit the world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. Filled with waterfalls, lush vegetation and countless lakes, this is one of the most beautiful stops on the tour.
Ljubljana: We meet up with an expert local guide who will accompany us on a walking tour of the city. On foot, we'll encounter the inimitable scenery of the medieval old town, Preseren Square, City Centre, the Riverfront, Dragon Bridge and Cobblers Bridge. When the formal tour is done, there will still be some time to explore on your own. We recommend that you make your way to the 13th-century St. Nicholas Church - it's Baroque architecture is truly spectacular.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park
Hotel Lev
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 9: Ljubljana - Budapest
![Ljubljana - Budapest]()
Today we’ll cross into Hungary and head for the capital, Budapest a city cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Straddling the historic Danube River, Budapest is well preserved and boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites - its natural geo-thermal springs are a highlight. Enjoy a driving tour of the city, and then use your free time this evening to explore, or join our optional excursion to the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath, one of the most famous icons of the city and Europe’s largest medicinal bath.
Experiences
Driving tour of Budapest: Meet up with a local guide who will accompany us on a driving tour of the city and point out all the best-loved sights. Learn more about Hungarian culture and language and the city's fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert Hill and the Citadel, take a stop at Heroes Square and get an eyeful of other must-see attractions like Budapest Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the State Opera, the castle district, and more.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Star Inn Hotel Budapest Centrum
Impulso Fashion Hotel
DAY 10: Budapest: Free Day
![Budapest: Free Day]()
With traces of the past evident in the interesting and unusual details, this is your chance to get up close and personal with Budapest. Look out for remnants of the conflicts of WWII and the uprising of 1956, try Hungarian cuisine (so much more to it than just goulash), sample world-renowned wines, and soak your weary rambler’s bones in one of the city’s bath-houses – something Budapest has been known for since the Roman times, with some 123 thermal and 400 mineral springs from 14 different sources. Then, maybe catch the sunset with an evening stroll along the Danube.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Star Inn Hotel Budapest Centrum
Impulso Fashion Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Danube Dinner Cruise i €60
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 11: Budapest - Belgrade
![Budapest - Belgrade]()
Saying goodbye to Budapest, we make our way to the Serbian capital of Belgrade. On arrival in Belgrade, we’ll enjoy a tour of Serbia’s capital city with a local guide, who will introduce us to the city's highlights, including Republic Square, Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), Kalemegdan park and Belgrade fortress. This evening we'll enjoy an included dinner.
Experiences
Guided walking tour of Belgrade: A fascinating place, Belgrade radiates gritty exuberance in its many architectural contrasts with socialist blocks set amongst more grandiose buildings. Belgrade is where the Sava River meets the Danube. Knez Mihailova (Prince Mihailo Street) is a pedestrian street with historical buildings on either side, with many grand coffee houses, and is protected by law as one of the oldest and most valuable landmarks of the city.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Queens Astoria
Hotel Mr President
DAY 12: Nis - Sofia
![Nis - Sofia]()
The first destination today is a lunch stop in Niš, a historic city in south-eastern Serbia that was ruled by the Turks from the 14th-19th centuries. Visit the quaint cobbled streets of Tinkers Alley (Kazandžijsko Sokače). This nostalgic alley in Niš is the last preserved portion of the craftsman quarter from the age of Ottomans. In the first half of the 18th century, the most prominent craft was tinsmithing. Then it’s on to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city. Get introduced to the main sights as you set out on a driving and walking tour of the city.
Experiences
Tinkers Alley used to be the craftsmen alley of this Niš Basaar. Even though the old architecture has been preserved, it’s home to number of added fine restaurants, hotels, and taverns that add to its authentic charm. It’s also home to one of the famous selfie spots in Nis: the sculpture of writer Stevan Srema, his fictional Kalca, and his dog.
Enjoy a walking and driving tour of Sofia.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ramada Sofia City Centre
DAY 13: Sofia: Free Day
![Sofia: Free Day]()
Enjoy a free day to explore Sofia. A young and city, the capital combines a pleasing east-meets-west atmosphere against a backdrop of contrasting communist and contemporary architecture. There’s a partially exposed 1,800-year-old Roman city to discover, plenty of relaxing green spaces, and a variety of churches and mosques to explore. Alternatively, the hiking trails of Mt Vitosha are a short bus ride away.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ramada Sofia City Centre
Optional Excursions
- Trip to Rila Monastery i €30
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 14: Sofia - Thessaloniki
![Sofia - Thessaloniki]()
Today we head back to Greece, arriving in the northern port city Thessaloniki in the afternoon. Its compact size makes it a delightfully walkable city, which you’ll discover for yourself on an orientation tour of the historic centre. The tour will finish on the waterfront close to the famous White Tower, where you will find plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy the evening.
Experiences
Enjoy an orientation walking tour Thessaloniki, and see historic sights like the Arch of Galerius, the old Byzantine walls, the Rotunda and the White Tower.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel El Greco
DAY 15: Thessaloniki - Athens
![Thessaloniki - Athens]()
Today we’ll head south through the Greek countryside back to Athens. On our way, we’ll stop off in Kamena Vourla, a small town on the south coast of the Malian Gulf, and a beautiful spot to grab lunch. On arrival in Athens, we’ll check into our hotel before enjoying a farewell dinner on the last night of the tour.
Experiences
Comfort Stop in Kamena Vourla.
Farewell Dinner. Enjoy your final night on tour with your tour leader and fellow travellers, and take this opportunity to share contact details with your new friends!
DAY 16: End of tour
![End of tour]()
After breakfast, your 16-day Balkan extravaganza concludes - unfortunately it is time to say your goodbyes to your fellow travellers. We hope you have enjoyed your tour with Expat Explore!