Day 1: Athens
Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
Day 2: Athens
We´ll embark on a city tour of Athens with a local guide, visiting landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the National Library, and the bustling squares of the city center. We´ll also explore the newer neighborhoods that developed after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour will conclude at the Acropolis (admission not included). In the evening, we´ll provide a transfer to the historical neighborhood of Plaka, renowned for its charming Greek tavernas and opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich folklore of this country.
Day 3: Athens - Kamena vourla - Kalabaka
We’ll depart early in the morning towards northern Greece, stopping at Kamena Vourla, a charming seaside tourist hub surrounded by stunning landscapes. We´ll then proceed north, stopping at the Thermopylae Mountain Pass, the historic site of the famous battle. Next, we´ll visit Kastraki, a picturesque village with beautiful views of the entire valley, where you´ll have free time for lunch. Afterward, we´ll explore the Meteora, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission to one of its renowned monasteries is included. Dinner will be provided in Kalabaka.
Day 4: Kalabaka - Thessaloniki - Melnik - Sandanski
We’ll journey through northern Greece, taking in the beautiful mountain scenery as we head towards the Aegean Sea. Our first stop will be in Thessaloniki, where we’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch in Greece’s second-largest city. Afterward, we’ll continue into Bulgaria, crossing the border into the region of Bulgarian Macedonia. Here, we’ll visit Melnik, a picturesque museum town nestled among stunning landscapes and renowned for its wine production. We’ll conclude our day in Sandanski, a charming spa town known as the birthplace of Spartacus where we’ll stay for the night. Dinner will be included.
Day 5: Sandanski - Rila - Sofia
We’ll visit the stunning Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fortress-like appearance and beautiful forest surroundings. We’ll then continue to Sofia, arriving by late morning. After lunch, we’ll take a guided tour of Bulgaria’s capital, where we’ll see the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city´s squares and avenues, showcasing Stalinist architecture. You’ll have free time afterward to explore the city at your leisure.
Day 6: Sofia - Bachkovo - Plovdiv
In the morning, we’ll head to Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria’s second most significant monastery, established in the eleventh century. With its three churches, this monastery offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. We’ll then proceed to Plovdiv, where lunch is included before going on a tour of this city, one of the oldest in Europe. Our tour includes admission to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House.
Day 7: Plovdiv - Kazanlak - Shipka - Etar - Arbanasi - Veliko tarnovo
Today’s journey will take us through the stunning landscapes of the Balkan Mountains. In the Rose Valley, we’ll visit Kazanlak, where admission is included to see the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll also learn about the local production of rose-based products. Amidst the mountains, we’ll stop at the Shipka Memorial Church, a memorial to the Russo-Turkish War. We’ll then explore Etar, a charming village and ethnographic museum. After lunch (included), we’ll travel to Arbanasi, an ancient trading city known for its fortress-like houses, where we’ll visit the Nativity Church (admission included). Our day will end in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, renowned for its picturesque medieval center beside its canyon. Note: Occasionally, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on Sunday morning.
Day 8: Veliko tarnovo - Basarbovo - Bucharest
We’ll travel to Romania, stopping along the way to visit the Basarbovski Monastery, a pilgrimage site carved into the rock. We’ll then cross the border and the Danube, arriving in Bucharest around 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, we’ll take a panoramic tour of the city, exploring the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. You’ll have free time afterward to explore on your own. Dinner will be included.
Day 9: Bucharest - Sinaia - Bran - Sighisoara
Today’s journey offers stunning scenery as we travel to Transylvania, crossing the Carpathian Mountains and lush forests. In Sinaia, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor Castles. Our next stop will be the 14th-century Bran Fortress, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle (tickets included). After some time for lunch, we’ll continue to Sighisoara, a picturesque walled medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula’s restaurant, located in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.
Day 10: Sighisoara - Biertan - Sibiu - Hunedoara - Timisoara
In Transylvania, there are many fortified churches in areas that were historically inhabited by people of German origin. Some of these churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we’ll visit one in Biertan (tickets included). Afterward, we’ll head to Sibiu, an important economic and cultural center that once served as the capital of Transylvania. Here, we’ll have time to stroll through the lively narrow streets and squares and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the impressive Hunedoara Castle (tickets included), considered the most beautiful castle in Romania. We’ll then continue to Timisoara, where you’ll have time to explore the city´s elegant central squares.
Day 11: Timisoara - Belgrade
We’ll depart for Serbia, crossing the border and traveling for about 3 hours before reaching Belgrade. In this lively capital, situated at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava, we’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour and explore the bustling city center, see the parliament, and stroll through Kalemegdan Fortress. The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, where Tito´s Mausoleum is located. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Day 12: Belgrade - Sremska mitrovica - Zvornik - Sarajevo
We’ll begin our journey through the scenic Vojvodina region, with our first stop in Sremska Mitrovica, a city with a delightful historic center on the shores of the Sava River. This city was once a key location in the Roman Empire and served as the capital of the province of Pannonia. Admission is included to the grounds of the Imperial Palace of Sirmium, where we’ll learn about the city’s rich history. We’ll then head towards Bosnia, stopping in Zvornik, one of the oldest cities in Bosnia, located on a river that forms the border with Serbia. This area evokes memories of the Bosnian war, during which the predominantly Muslim population was displaced, and Serbian refugees settled here. Its location is near the village of Srebrenica, known for the tragic massacre. There will be time for lunch and a walk. We’ll continue our route through beautiful landscapes to Sarajevo, arriving in the evening. In the historic center, you’ll have the chance to explore the charming bazaar, an old Ottoman market renowned for its architecture, oriental ambiance, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included.
Day 13: Sarajevo - Mostar - Kravica - Dubrovnik
In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its coexistence of several religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich religious diversity. We’ll explore the old town´s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent mosque over 500 years old and a beautiful fountain. After our visit, we’ll continue through an area of stunning beauty to Mostar, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities. You’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the city. We’ll then proceed to Croatia, where border procedures may take a while. We’ll arrive in Dubrovnik at the end of the day. Dinner will be included.
Day 14: Dubrovnik
We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide in the morning. We will undoubtedly be in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, perched on a cliff, surrounded by walls and kissed by the Adriatic Sea. Its intact historic center is a jewel of world architectural heritage. We’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of the city from a scenic viewpoint along the road. The tour includes tickets to the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral. We’ll also take a boat trip to Lokrum, a small island just 15 minutes away that is home to the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, a popular setting for the series Game of Thrones. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be included.Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.
Day 15: Dubrovnik
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
