12 Days Balkan Horizons: Capitals, Lakes & Ancient Wonders

After breakfast, begin your discovery of Bucharest with a guided city tour revealing the fascinating blend of grand architecture, royal heritage and lively urban culture that has earned the city its distinctive character. Visit Revolution Square, one of the most significant landmarks in modern Romanian history, before admiring the elegant architecture of the Romanian Athenaeum. ­ Highlights: Revolution Square Macca-Vilacrosse Passage Manuc's Inn and the Old Princely Court

Opportunity to discover one of Romania's mostfascinating regions with an optional full-day excursion to Transylvania. For guests joining the excursion, the journey leads into the spectacular Carpathian Mountains, where legendary castles and medieval towns create one of the most memorable landscapes in Romania. ­ ­

After breakfast, leave Bucharest behind and cross into Bulgaria, continuing south towards Sofia. Along the way, pause in Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and one of the country's most historically significant cities. Set dramatically among hills and overlooking the Yantra River, Veliko Tarnovo offers an impressive introduction to Bulgaria's medieval heritage. Enjoy time to explore the area and have lunch surrounded by the city's historic atmosphere. Continue your journey towards Sofia, Bulgaria's capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure, with an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of this dynamic European capital. ­

After breakfast, discover Sofia on a guided city tour. The Bulgarian capital offers a remarkable combination of ancient heritage, Orthodox traditions and modern European culture. Explore the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Sofia's most recognizable landmarks, and visit the ancient St. Sofia Basilica, whose history reflects the city's long and diverse past. Continue to the National Art Gallery and the Presidential Palace, discovering further highlights of Sofia's cultural and architectural heritage. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Sofia independently. Explore its pedestrian streets, relax at a local café or discover the city's contemporary side at your own pace.

After breakfast, continue your Balkan journey towards North Macedonia. Arrive in Skopje, the country's vibrant capital, where East meets West and centuries of Ottoman, Byzantine and modern European influences come together. During your guided walking tour, explore the historic Kale Fortress, dramatically overlooking the Vardar River. Continue across the iconic Stone Bridge towards Macedonia Square, the central gathering point of the city, before discovering the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the surrounding Old Bazaar area. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Macedonian dinner featuring authentic local flavours, offering an opportunity to experience the region not only through its history and architecture but also through its cuisine.

Today brings together some of the most fascinating landscapes and cultural encounters of the journey. Begin with an optional visit to Matka Canyon, a spectacular natural area just outside Skopje. (Optional: €30 per person). Continue across the border into Kosovo and arrive in thehistoric city of Prizren, one of the region's most atmospheric destinations. Walk through its charming Ottoman-era streets and discover Sinan Pasha Mosque, Shadervan Square and the historic surroundings of Prizren Fortress, offering beautiful views over the city. After experiencing Prizren, continue south towards Albania and its energetic capital, Tirana.

After breakfast, begin with a panoramic discovery of Tirana, Albania's colourful and rapidly developing capital. Explore Skanderbeg Square, the city's central landmark, and admire the historic Et'hem Bey Mosque and the iconic Clock Tower. Leaving Tirana behind, continue through scenic landscapes towards North Macedonia and the shores of Lake Ohrid. Known as the **“Pearl of the Balkans, ” Ohrid combines spectacular natural scenery with centuries of cultural and religious heritage. Upon arrival, explore the historic Old Town, including the ancient Via Egnatia, St. Sophia Church and Samoil's Fortress, dramatically positioned above the lake. ­

Enjoy breakfast before a relaxed day in Ohrid, with free time to discover the city independently or join an optional excursion to the renowned Monastery of St. Naum. Dating back to the 10th century, St. Naum is beautifully situated near the Albanian border on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Surrounded by peaceful landscapes, natural springs and spectacular lakeside scenery, the monastery provides a memorable cultural and scenic experience. ­ Optional Tour: Optional St. Naum Excursion: €55 per person ­

After breakfast, leave Ohrid and continue south towards Greece. Your first stop is Kastoria, a picturesque lakeside city renowned for its Byzantine heritage, traditional architecture and beautiful natural surroundings. Enjoy time along the lakefront and discover the distinctive character of this elegant northern Greek town. Continue south towards Meteora, where the landscape begins to transform dramatically. As you approach the region, enormous sandstone rock formations rise above the surrounding countryside, creating one of Greece's most extraordinary natural and cultural landscapes.

After breakfast, discover the extraordinary Meteora, one of Greece's most spectacular cultural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically from towering sandstone pillars, the monasteries of Meteora appear suspended above the landscape. Visit two of the region's spectacular cliff-top Byzantine monasteries, discovering their remarkable setting and centuries-old spiritual heritage. Board the shuttle transfer towards Athens, bringing the journey from the heart of the Balkans to the historic capital of Greece

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your driver for your transfer to Athens International Airport (ATH). It is recommended to schedule your hotel pick-up 3–4 hours before your flight departure to allow ample time for travel and airport procedures. Please note that standard hotel check-out time is 12:00 noon, while late check-out is subject to availability.