All About Greece with 3 Balkan Capitals

Enjoy the Adventure

Embark on an exciting 8-day journey that begins in Athens and concludes in Tirana, exploring Greece and three captivating Balkan capitals along the way. This tour combines the best of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant city life, offering an enriching travel experience across Southeastern Europe.

Start in Athens, where you’ll marvel at the Acropolis, Parthenon, and other treasures of the classical world. Continue to Delphi, once the spiritual heart of ancient Greece, before reaching Meteora, where centuries-old monasteries sit dramatically atop towering rock formations. From there, explore the cultural and historical highlights of Thessaloniki, a city blending Byzantine heritage with modern charm.

Cross into Bulgaria to discover Sofia, the nation’s dynamic capital filled with historic churches, Ottoman influences, and vibrant squares. Journey onward to Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital, where statues, bridges, and lively bazaars showcase its unique identity. Your adventure concludes in Tirana, Albania’s colorful and energetic capital, known for its blend of modern architecture, Ottoman history, and Mediterranean flair.

With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, seamless transportation, and immersive cultural experiences, this carefully curated journey offers the perfect balance of history, discovery, and relaxation.

Itenirary

Day 1: Arrival in Athens

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, a private transfer to the hotel is provided where you will be greeted with a warm welcome. (In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry because our driver will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays). After checking in, enjoy some leisure time to explore Athens at your own pace. Wander through the city’s charming streets or relax and soak in the local ambiance before retiring for a restful overnight stay in the heart of Athens.

Accommodation:
Ilissos Hotel or Boss Boutique Hotel, Athens

Day 2: Explore Athens

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a half-day guided tour of the capital city of Greece, Athens and the Acropolis Museum. During a scenic coach journey, Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Greek Parliament and Panathenaic Stadium. Delve into the rich history of Athens with a walking tour of the Acropolis, home to the majestic Parthenon.

Return to your hotel for another night in Athens, filled with the city’s vibrant energy.

Accommodation:
Ilissos Hotel or Boss Boutique Hotel, Athens
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and dinner:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Athens City tour with Licensed local Guide

Day 3: Athens – Delphi – Meteora (Kalabaka)

After a hearty breakfast, set out on a luxurious bus journey to Delphi, renowned for its ancient archaeological treasures. Explore the famous Temple of Apollo and other historic ruins. Following a satisfying lunch, continue through Central Greece to Kalabaka, nestled beneath the dramatic rock formations of Meteora. Experience the awe of Meteora’s monasteries, perched high on cliffs, during an overnight stay in this picturesque town.

Accommodation:
Alexiou Hotel, Meteora
Meal:
Breakfast and Dinner at hotel
Lunch:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Licensed Guided tour at Delphi. Entrance ticket to Delphi is included.
Route:
Athens to Delphi 213km-Delphi Meteora 220km (Notice: This day is the longest journey of our tour).

Day 4: Meteora (Kalabaka) to Thessaloniki

Start your day with breakfast before visiting the UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore these cliff-top Byzantine marvels. Meet your Ajdinis Guide at Kalabaka and join the group to continue your journey to Thessaloniki, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Discover landmarks such as the White Tower and Arch of Galerius, then unwind with a comfortable overnight stay in Thessaloniki.

Accommodation:
Hotel Egnatia, Thessaloniki
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Monastery entrance ticket is included (Note: To enter in the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required. Ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.)
Route:
Meteora – Thessaloniki 228km

Day 5: Thessaloniki to Sofia via Rila Monastery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey towards Sofia. En route, make a significant stop at the Rila Monastery, an architectural and spiritual gem nestled in the Rila Mountains. As Bulgaria’s largest and most celebrated Eastern Orthodox monastery, Rila Monastery is renowned for its intricate frescoes, stunning architecture, and serene mountain setting. Explore the monastery’s rich history and artistic treasures before continuing your journey. Upon arrival in Sofia, check in to your comfortable hotel and unwind after a day of exploration with an overnight stay in this vibrant city.

Accommodation:
Best Western Terminus Hotel, Sofia
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Rila Monastery ticket is included.
Route:
Thessaloniki – Rila Monastery 232km; Rila Monastery-Sofia 117km

Day 6: Sofia to Skopje

After a hearty breakfast, delve into Sofia’s rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of its major landmarks. Visit the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a monumental symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, and the historic St. Sofia Basilica, one of the city’s oldest churches, continue your exploration with National Art Gallery, Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance. Following your Sofia tour, embark on a journey to another country of Balkan, capital city of North Macedonia Skopje, the bustling capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour, discovering highlights such as the ancient Kale Fortress overlooking the city, the iconic Stone Bridge spanning the Vardar River, the lively Macedonia Square with its grand statue of Alexander the Great, and the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Spend a relaxing evening at a comfortable Skopje hotel, reflecting on your day’s adventures.

Accommodation:
Doa Hotel, Skopje
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Panoramic Sofia City Tour, Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, Skopje city tour, Vardar River, Stone Bridge.
Route:
Sofia-Skopje 244km

Day 7: Skopje to Tirana via Matka Canyon and Prizren

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out for Tirana. Along the way, consider a picturesque stop at Matka Canyon, a natural wonder renowned for its dramatic landscapes and serene lake (optional 25Eur per person). Continue city Prizren another Balkan country Kosovo, a charming city in Kosovo known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant cultural scene. exploring notable sites such as Prizren Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, the elegant Sinan Pasha Mosque, the tranquil White Drin River, and the bustling Sadrvan Square. Take some time to shop for local handicrafts and savor traditional cuisine before proceeding to Tirana, the lively another Balkan capital city of Albania. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in this dynamic city.

Accommodation:
Albanopolis Hotel, Tirana
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Sadrvan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque
Route:
Skopje – Prizren 105km Prizren – Tirana 180km

Day 8: Tirana - End of the Tour

fter a final breakfast, check out from your hotel. The tour officially concludes, allowing you to spend the morning at your leisure. Reflect on the memorable experiences from your journey through Athens and the Balkans as you prepare for your onward travels.

Meal:
Daily Breakfast

Included

Accommodation:

Stay in 4 or 3-star hotels: Enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout the expedition in double or twin rooms. Bed and Breakfast Service: Start each day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your explorations.

Guide:

Professional Guide: A guided tour in Athens, Delphi, Meteora and Skopje covering iconic landmarks and historical sites with local guide. - Professional and knowledgeable guides accompanying you from Day 4 in Meteora through to Day 7 in Tirana, ensuring an insightful and enriching experience throughout your journey.

Meals:

Daily breakfast provided at the hotels.

Additional Services:

Immerse in Culture: Engage with the local culture through visits to historic sites, museums, and old town areas. Free Time for Exploration: Personalized Exploration: Enjoy free time in each location for self-guided exploration, shopping, and savoring local cuisine. Flexibility: Strike the perfect balance between structured tours and independent discovery.

Transport:

Transportation: Luxurious bus journey for the specified routes, ensuring a pleasant travel experience. Coordination with the Ajdinis Group for specific parts of the journey, enhancing the overall experience. We customize our vehicle selection according to group size and needs. Sedans are deployed for smaller groups of up to 3 people, while minivans accommodate groups of up to 8 individuals. For larger groups exceeding 8 passengers, we rely on Sprinter vans. This special approach has been designed to ensure the comfort and efficiency of all passengers, regardless of group size, providing a seamless travel experience for everyone onboard.

Excluded

Flights:

Flights not included.

Insurance:

Not included, yet highly recommended.

Optional:

Enhance your experience with optional excursions, visiting and testing Local Vinery 55eu,Greek Taverna and Canyon Matka in Skopje 25eu.

Important reminder:

Entrance fees to museums, historical sites, airport transfers, city taxes in Greece, and any other items not specified in the program are not included in the tour price. These expenses must be covered directly by the guests.

Gallery

Map

Murat M.

14:17 17 Nov 24

If you want to have a quality holiday experience, you should choose Ajdinis travel.

medyen V.

18:15 12 Nov 24

It was a nice tour, we were satisfied

Bashkim Q.

13:19 12 Nov 24

I had an absolutely unforgettable experience with You on our adventure tour! From start to finish, every detail was perfectly planned, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in each activity without a worry. Your guides were knowledgeable and very passionate about making sure everyone had a great time. Whether we were trekking through it stunning landscapes, visiting old parts of the cities or walking through every moment was filled with excitement and camaraderie. I can’t recommend this tour enough to anyone seeking thrills and unforgettable memories!

Albin A.

09:03 12 Nov 24

Well-organized trips with excellent service.

Hayley W.

00:02 05 Oct 24

5/5 for accomodation
5/5 for airport transfers, pre and post accomodation and communication with main office when needed.
Young company that is looking to continually improve. They are going to upgrade their small vans which is essential. All guides are extremely informative. Still learning and adjusting their tours based on feedback, they are going to be great!

stefansi S.

22:02 14 Sep 24

İt was small group of guest arround world,
And unique intinerry arround Balkans,Greece and Turkey.
For 10days we visited Athens,Meteora,Sofia,Dubrovnik,istanbul Cappadokia..
Rich destination,good hotels and perfect helpfull guides.

Thank you guys.