9 Days Balkan Wonders to Greek Icons: Sofia to Athens

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

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. 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. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner and the relaxed atmosphere of Ohrid.

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.

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.

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.