Balkanic Miracle

Welcome to Sofia! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.


At approximately 3:00 p.m., we’ll begin a city tour of Bulgaria’s capital and get to know famous sights such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city’s squares and avenues known for their Stalinist architecture. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your leisure.


IMPORTANT:
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.

Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

Total distance covered: 205 km.

Scenery: Expansive agricultural plains.

Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Bachkovo Monastery.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sofia.
11:00 a.m. - Bachkovo Monastery - Arrival at Bulgaria’s second most important monastery, founded in the 11th century. This site, with its three churches, offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can observe the monks´ way of life.

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Bachkovo Monastery.
12:45 p.m. - Plovdiv - After lunch (included), we’ll go on a panoramic tour of this city, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Our tour includes admission to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House. You´ll then have free time to explore the beautiful historic streets and charming small shops.

Total distance covered: 230 km.

Scenery: Rose Valley, which bursts with vibrant colors during the flowering season (May and June), and the beautiful Balkan Mountains.

Note: Occasionally, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on Sunday morning.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Plovdiv. We’ll travel along charming small roads through the interior of Bulgaria, reaching the Rose Valley.
10:00 a.m. – Kazanlak. 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.

11:30 a.m. – Departure from Kazanlak. Amidst the mountains, we’ll visit the Russian Shipka Memorial Church, a reminder of the strong ties between Bulgarians and Russians, and the support Bulgaria received from Russia during its war for independence against the Ottomans.
01:15 p.m. - Etara - Arrival at this charming village and ethnographic museum. We’ll stroll among its traditional houses and artisan workshops. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

03:30 p.m. – Departure from Etara.
04:45 p.m. - Arbanasi - Arrival in this ancient trading city known for its fortress-houses. We’ll visit the Nativity Church (admission included).

05:45 p.m. Departure from Arbanasi.
06:00 p.m. - Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, featuring a picturesque medieval center and historic hilltop sites. You’ll have time to explore.

Total distance covered: 190 km.

Scenery: We’ll cross the Danube River as we pass through the border.

Note: Keep your passport handy, as it will be required at the Romanian border.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Veliko Tarnovo.
10:00 a.m. - Basarbovski Monastery - We’ll visit this pilgrimage site, carved into the rock.

11:00 a.m. – Departure from Basarbovski. We’ll cross the border and the Danube; please be aware that there may be delays at the border.
12:45 p.m. - Bucharest. Lunch included. At 3:00 p.m., we’ll take a city tour of Bucharest, featuring the historic center and the impressive Palace of Parliament. You´ll have free time afterward to explore the city at your leisure.

Total distance covered: 325 km.

Scenery: Beautiful landscapes featuring the Carpathian Mountains and small, picturesque villages along the way.

Note: Sinaia is in the mountains, so we recommend warm clothes and comfortable shoes.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Bucharest. We’ll leave the bustling metropolis and head toward the mountains, where we’ll enjoy beautiful Alpine landscapes.
10:30 a.m. - Sinaia. We’ll explore the gardens of the Peles and Pelisor Castles (we’ll only visit the gardens as the castle interiors are closed on Mondays).

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Sinaia. We’ll continue through high mountain regions.
01:00 p.m. - Bran - Arrival at the 14th-century fortress known as "Dracula’s Castle" (tickets included). You´ll have time for lunch and to explore the charming town center after.

03:30 p.m. – Departure from Bran. As we journey on, you’ll observe the unique architecture of some villages, reflecting the influence of German settlers in the region.
05:45 p.m. - Sighisoara - Arrival at this beautiful walled medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, where you´ll enjoy a special dinner at Count Dracula’s restaurant, located in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born.

Note: Hotel capacity in Sighisoara is limited. On certain dates, accommodation may be provided in Sibiu (departing from Sighisoara after dinner). In these cases, the stop in Biertan will be replaced with a visit to the city of Alba Iulia.

Total distance covered: 395 km.


Scenery: Beautiful and varied landscapes, with little villages en route.


Note: From November to March, due to shorter days and monument opening hours, we won´t be able to visit the interior of the church in Biertan. However, we will make a brief stop to view it from the outside.


08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sighisoara. 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.
09:00 a.m. - Biertan - Arrival to visit the fortified church (tickets included).


10:30 a.m. – Departure from Biertan.
11:45 a.m. - Sibiu - Arrival in this important economic and cultural center, which was once the capital of Transylvania. Take some time to stroll through its bustling narrow streets and squares and enjoy lunch.


02:30 p.m. – Departure from Sibiu. We’ll drive along the highway through picturesque agricultural regions.
04:15 p.m. - Hunedoara - We will visit the impressive Hunedoara Castle (tickets included), considered the most beautiful castle in Romania.


05:15 p.m. – Departure from Hunedoara.
07:45 p.m. - Timisoara. This city, with Roman origins, is home to diverse communities. Its beautifully restored classical and pedestrian center is perfect for an evening stroll.

Total distance covered: 170 km.

Note: Please have your passport handy, as it will be required at the Serbia border.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Timisoara. We’ll journey through pleasant landscapes as we head towards Serbia. The border crossing may occasionally cause some delays.
11:30 a.m. - Belgrade. We’ll take a city tour of this lively capital situated at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava. We’ll explore the bustling city center, the parliament, and enjoy a stroll through the Kalemegdan Fortress. The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, where Tito’s Mausoleum is located. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to further explore the city at your own pace.

Total distance covered: 299 km.

Scenery: Forests, mountains, rivers, and small towns. You´ll experience great contrasts as we journey through Bosnia.

Note: Please have your passport ready; it will be needed to enter Bosnia.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Belgrade. We’ll begin our journey by traveling to the beautiful Vojvodina region.
09:15 a.m. - Sremska Mitrovica - Arrival in this historic city on the Sava River, which was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire and the capital of the province of Pannonia. We’ll include admission to the grounds of the Imperial Palace of Sirmium, providing insight into that era.

10:30 a.m. – Departure from Sremska Mitrovica. We’ll continue toward Bosnia, following the scenic Drina River. Border crossing may cause delays.
01:15 p.m. (approx., depending on border crossing) - Zvornik - Arrival for a brief stop in one of the oldest cities in Bosnia, located along the river that marks the border with Serbia. The city serves as a poignant reminder of the Bosnian war, with significant demographic changes as many Muslim residents were expelled and Serb refugees settled here. We are near Srebrenica, known for the tragic massacre. There will be time for a walk and lunch.

02:15 p.m. – Departure from Zvornik. Our journey will continue through an area dotted with small villages, forests, and hills.
05:45 p.m. - Sarajevo - Arrival in the evening. You´ll have time to explore the historic center, including a stroll through the charming bazaar, an old Ottoman market known for its unique architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included.

Total distance: 280 km.


Scenery: spectacular landscapes featuring mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik includes stunning seascapes.


Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.


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.


11:30 a.m. - Departure from Sarajevo. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys along the way.
02:00 p.m. - Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.


05:00 p.m. - Departure from Mostar. We’ll continue our journey to Croatia.
08:00 p.m. - Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Dinner included.


Note: Depending on the dates, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik.

09:00 a.m. - 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.

Total distance covered: 235 km.


Scenery: Stunning coastal landscapes along the Dalmatian coast.


08:00 a.m. - Departure from Dubrovnik. Today’s route will be thrilling, offering beautiful landscapes along the Dalmatian coast.

09:15 a.m. - Ston. We’ll stop to visit this picturesque town, known for its impressive ancient walls, which are among the longest in the world.


10:00 a.m. - Departure from Ston. We’ll continue through scenic landscapes, featuring the remarkable Pelješac Bridge.
12:30 p.m. - Split. We’ll have time for lunch before a tour with a local guide. We’ll explore this impressive city, focusing on the immense Diocletian’s Palace (tickets included). We’ll visit the Roman palace, wander through the alleys, and enjoy stunning sea views. The tour will last about two and a half hours. Afterward, enjoy some free time before settling into your accommodation. Dinner will be included.

Total distance covered: 450 km.

Scenery: Varied, including mountains, lakes, and plateaus.

Note: Wear comfortable shoes, as you will need them in Plitvice Lakes National Park. We also recommend wearing warm clothing.

08:00 a.m. - Departure from Split. We’ll travel north along the Croatian coast.
11:30 a.m. - Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning lakes. Admission to the park is included, allowing you to use the boats to get close to the falls or take the park’s train to reach the most picturesque spots. You’ll have time to explore and have lunch.

03:00 p.m. - Departure from Plitvice National Park. We’ll continue our journey north.
06:15 p.m. - Opatija. Arrival in this elegant Croatian coastal town reminiscent of the French and Italian Rivieras. Dinner and accommodation.

Total distance covered: 230 km.


Scenery: Very different from previous days; alpine landscapes with forests, high summits, and lakes.


Note: Have your passport with you as it will be required when entering Slovenia. Take a jacket to wear inside Postojna Cave; the temperature will gradually decrease as we go deeper into the cave.

07:30 a.m. - Departure from Opatija. We’ll head to Slovenia, passing through mountains covered with forests and picturesque villages.
9:30 a.m. - Postojna. We’ll explore one of the world’s largest and most visited caves, with more than 20 km of galleries and chambers. Our tour includes a 3 km journey on a little train through its fascinating stalactites and stalagmites of this natural universe (tickets and train ride included).


11:00 a.m. - Departure from Postojna.
12:30 p.m. - Bled. Nestled between mountains and forests, this beautiful Slovenian enclave sits on the edge of a lake. We’ll enjoy a boat trip on Lake Bled to reach its island, where we’ll see the monastery. We’ll have time for lunch in the tourist town of Bled.


03:30 p.m. - Departure from Bled.
04:30 p.m. - Ljubljana. We’ll explore the small capital of Slovenia, a charming Central European city that has historically been a crossroads for Slavic, Germanic, and Mediterranean cultures. Highlights include its castle. We’ll take a two-hour guided tour to discover the unique characteristics of this little country and its capital. Dinner will be included. Accommodation.

Total distance covered: 240 km.


Scenery: Mediterranean landscapes.


Note: Please have your passports with you, as we are entering Italy. There may be delays at the border due to crowding.


Enjoy free time to explore Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. This beautiful Central European city is a historic meeting point for Slavs, Germans, and Mediterranean peoples. Its castle is a notable highlight.
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Ljubljana. We’ll cross mountains covered in dense forests, reach the Adriatic Sea, and enter Italy.
08:00 p.m. - Venice. Accommodation in the Mestre area.

08:30 a.m. - We’ll start the day with a boat transfer to the St. Mark´s area in Venice, a city built on over 100 islands connected by bridges. We’ll include a walking tour with a local guide around the city of canals. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Murano Glass Factory to admire the technique of glass blowing. You´ll have free time afterward. In the afternoon, you may enjoy an optional gondola trip along the canals.


06:30 p.m. - We’ll transfer back to the hotel from the St. Mark´s area. You’ll have the opportunity to have dinner in the Mestre area, where you can choose from a variety of restaurants, including Indian, Oriental, Italian, and more.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.