14 Day Majestic Balkans 2018 Itinerary
14 days
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Small Group Tour
3 Bucharest, 2 Sofia, 1 Bansko, 2 Skopje, 2 Ohrid, 2 Tirana
Overview
Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals. In Bucharest, visit the Arch of Triumph, commemorating Romania's independence Tour the unique open-air Village Museum, the first of its kind, nestled on Lake Herastrau Special dinner with a guest lecturer who enlightens you on Romania's turbulent history Private wine tasting and lavish dinner at the sumptuous Stirbey Palace Ascend to Sofia's Tsarevets Hill, the inescapable symbol of the city and former seat of the Tsar At a beautiful 17th century Bulgarian church, a magical performance by an esteemed local choir Enjoy a Bulgarian Folklore Show, coupled with a traditional dinner and a choice of wine At the splendid Bachkovo Monastery, a home-cooked lunch and warm hospitality Ascend to the 10th century Rila Monastery, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site Explore the historic streets of Skopje’s Old Town, stopping at the House of Mother Teresa Wine tasting and vineyard tour in Stobi, a Macedonian city at the crossroads of civilization Discover lively Tirana, the beating heart of Albania, with its vibrant café culture and funky art Visit Kruje, where the hero Skanderbeg defended Albania from the Ottomans
What's this trip about?
3 Bucharest, 2 Sofia, 1 Bansko, 2 Skopje, 2 Ohrid, 2 Tirana
Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Trip includes
- Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed International flights New York-Bucharest, Tirana-New York Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline taxes & fuel surcharges 12 nights First Class accommodations
- 3 nights Bucharest 2 nights Sofia 1 night Bansko 2 nights Skopje 2 nights Ohrid 2 nights Tirana Hotel porterage All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles 27 meals: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 11 dinners (including Welcome & Farewell dinners) Bottled water during sightseeing excursions Coffee, and tea with all breakfasts & dinners Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary Active itinerary with unique cultural features Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Itinerary
DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Romania
Depart for Romania
DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Bucharest
Arrive in the bustling Romanian capital of Bucharest known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and glorious Belle Époque buildings, affectionately named "Little Paris." Time to settle in at the hotel before tonight’s briefing by your Tour Manager on the fascinating journ...
DAY 3, Wednesday - Discover Bucharest, Open-Air Village Museum, Special Dinner & Guest Lecturer
The day begins at Bucharest's Arch of Triumph, an impressive replica of the French Arc de Triomphe, built to commemorate the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in WWI. Then, as you travel along Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue), the city's oldest and most fashionable...
DAY 4, Thursday - Prahova Valley, Sinaia Resort, & Wine Tasting in Urlateanu Manor
Heading north along the Prahova Valley arrive at the elegant alpine resort of Sinaia. Here, you’ll truly be enchanted by a visit to romantic Peles Castle, former summer residence of Romania's first royal family and the 17th century Sinaia Monastery named after St. Cather...
DAY 5, Friday - Veliko Tarnovo, Tsarevets Hill, Arbanassi, Choir Concert, Sofia (Bulgaria)
Depart Bucharest for Veliko Tarnovo, the 'City of the Tsars', where houses cling to the cliffs of the River Yantra, making it one of the country's most beautiful towns in Bulgaria. Here, a walking tour of Tsarevets Hill, the inescapable symbol of the city. This reconstru...
DAY 6, Saturday - National History Museum, Alexander Nevsky Church
In magical Sofia, the morning tour starts with panoramic views of golden Ottoman domes dotting the skyline. Visit the National History Museum with its exhibits of Bulgarian lands spanning 8000 years and glimpses of unique gold and silver treasures dating back to Thracian...
DAY 7, Sunday - Plovdiv's Old Town, Bachkovo Monastery Lunch, Bansko Mountain Resort
A delightful exploration of Plovdiv, a millennial town with a tumultuous history. Walk along the cobbled streets lined with art galleries and bohemian cafes -- this city has an exuberant spirit! In the Old Town, lovingly restored to its mid-19th-century appearance, admir...
DAY 8, Monday - Rila Monastery & Museum, Skopje (Macedonia)
In Bansko, a walking tour to learn more about its rich cultural history; view the traditional stone houses and richly endowed churches that have created a unique ambiance in this tiny resort town. Visit St. Trinity Church and then, ascend to the 10th century Rila Monaste...
DAY 9, Tuesday - Discover Skopje's Old Town
In the morning visit the moving Holocaust Museum that commemorates the all but lost Sephardic Jewish culture of Macedonia through a range of photos and video displays. Explore the historic streets of this eclectic capital’s Old Town, stopping at Macedonia Square, Porta M...
DAY 10, Wednesday - Ancient Stobi, Wine Tasting & Vineyard Lunch, Lakeside Ohrid
The ancient city of Stobi is revealed today. Lying in a fertile valley, this ancient city was part of a vital trade route and was the crossroads of civilization with a rich legacy of palace ruins, bright mosaics, and religious relics. Enjoy a tour of a local winery along...
DAY 11, Thursday - Bay of Bones, Museum on Water, Boat Cruise on Ohrid Lake
A unique visit to the Bay of Bones on the southern coast of the Gradiste Peninsula. This pile dwelling ancient settlement built on a platform is a Museum on Water, an exceptional archaeological complex, and the first of its kind in the entire region. Afterward, drive alo...
DAY 12, Friday - Tirana (Albania), Skanderbeg Square, Mosque of Et’hem Bey
This morning, depart Macedonia for Albania, stopping en route at Elbasan, one of the largest cities in Albania in the central part of the country. Later, arrive in lively and colorful Tirana, the beating heart of Albania, known for its vibrant café culture and funky publ...
DAY 13, Saturday - Kruje's Skanderbeg Museum, Ottoman style Bazaar, Farewell Dinner
Step back in time on your visit of Kruje, the hero Skanderbeg's hometown where 500 years ago he defended the town from the Ottomans. The Skanderbeg Museum’s spacious seven-level interior displays replicas of armor and paintings depicting his struggle. At the Ethnographic...
DAY 14, Sunday - Depart Albania
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Dates & Availability
Price From $2,849
Price per day$204
Last Updated: 7/15/2018
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Discovery Tours by Gate 1.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- *Not Included:Prices do not include optional tours, and gratuities for guides/tour managers. Land only prices do not include arrival/departure transfers.
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
discovery-DSCV-RO-BG-MK-AL-14DBLKN-PKG-18
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