5 Balkan Countries from Sofia

8 Days

Experience the rich tapestry of the Balkans and Greece on this 8-day journey from Sofia. Starting and ending in Bulgaria’s vibrant capital, this tour takes you through iconic cities and stunning landscapes. Explore Skopje’s historic sites, Tirana’s lively atmosphere, Ohrid’s scenic beauty, and the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries. Enjoy cultural tours, optional excursions, and local cuisine, while discovering the unique charm of each destination. From Sofia to Sofia, this adventure promises a deep dive into the region’s capitals, culture, and history.5 Balkan Countries from Sofia.

Embark on an unforgettable journey that begins and ends in Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, and takes you across five fascinating Balkan countries. This tour is more than just sightseeing—it’s a chance to truly experience the heart and soul of the region through culture, history, and cuisine.

From the very first day, you’ll be immersed in a blend of traditions, landscapes, and stories that make the Balkans one of Europe’s most intriguing destinations. Wander through historic capitals where medieval architecture stands proudly beside modern city life. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient fortresses, and charming old towns where cobbled streets whisper tales of centuries past. 5 Balkan Countries from Sofia.

Throughout your trip, you’ll enjoy a carefully balanced mix of guided cultural tours and optional excursions, giving you the freedom to customize your adventure. Whether it’s discovering hidden mountain villages, relaxing by the Adriatic coast, or stepping inside centuries-old churches and mosques, each experience adds another layer of richness to your journey.

One of the highlights of this adventure is the chance to taste authentic local cuisine in every country you visit. From Bulgaria’s hearty banitsa and rakia, to Serbia’s grilled specialties, to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s famous ćevapi and baklava, your taste buds will travel just as much as you do. Each meal becomes a story, reflecting the history, influences, and traditions of the people who proudly prepare it.

This multi-country Balkan journey offers more than just travel—it provides a deeper connection to the region’s diverse cultures and warm hospitality. 5 Balkan Countries from Sofia. From Sofia to Sofia, you’ll not only discover five countries but also collect lasting memories of unique landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming communities.

Tour Overview

Duration

8 Days

Hotel Rating

3* – 4*

Starts

Sofia

Ends

Sofia

Age

13+

Tour Guide

English

Counties

Cities

Meals Included

Breakfast Included

Size of Group

3 – 12

Tour ID

S100 – 261654

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia

Night view of a historic square or main street in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria

Arrive to Sofia. Self-transfer to the hotel, concluding the day with hotel check-in. Free time to enjoy the Sofia nightlife. Later in the evening, a welcome meeting at your hotel with your Guide will provide you with information about the upcoming journey.

Accommodation: Best Western Terminus Hotel, Sofia

Day 2: 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 the 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: Hotel Alexandar II or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Panoramic Sofia City Tour, Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, Skopje city tour, Vardar river, Ston Brige.
Route: Sofia-Skopje 244km

Day 3: 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 to the city Prizren in the 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, another lively capital city of the Balkan country Albania. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in this dynamic city.

Accommodation: Albanopolis Hotel 4* or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Sadrvan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque
Route: Skopje – Prizren 105km Prizren – Tirana 180km

Day 4: Tirana to Ohrid

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before setting out on a captivating panoramic tour of Tirana. Discover the vibrant heart of the city with highlights including Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower. After exploring Tirana, we set off from Tirana, the capital of Albania, passing through the ruins of Enver Hoxha’s communist state and arriving at our next stop, Ohrid, the city known as the pearl of the Balkans.

After the customs procedures, we will visit Ohrid, a city named after Lake Ohrid, one of the largest lakes in the Balkans. Visit the charming Old Town of Ohrid, famous for its magnificent scenery and rich cultural heritage, offering panoramic views of the Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, Ancient Via Egnatia, Hagia Sophia Church, Hagia Sophia Monastery and Samoil’s Fortress. Take in the breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid and settle in for a comfortable night’s accommodation in this picturesque town.

Accommodation: Hotel Sky Corner or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Panoramic Tirana City Tour, Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, Ancient Via Egnatia, Hagia Sophia Church
Route: Tirana – Ohrid 131km

Day 5: Ohrid

After a Macedonian breakfast in Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans, and a full day to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ohrid. Stroll through its charming streets or optionally take a half-day tour to Sveti Naum Monastery, a quiet and historical place on the shores of Lake Ohrid for 45 Euros. We visit the source of Lake Ohrid, which will take your breath away with its breathtaking views. This optional excursion offers a unique opportunity to discover the deep cultural roots and stunning natural landscapes of the region.

Accommodation: Hotel Sky Corner or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Pearl of the Balkan St. Naum Monastery(half day tour 45 eu)
Route: Ohrid – St. Naum – Ohrid 70km

Day 6: Ohrid to Kastoria and Meteora (Kalabaka)

Start your day with breakfast then cross into Greece, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and after customs, continue towards Kastoria, known for its magnificent Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture and scenic lake. After exploring Kastoria, continue towards Meteora.

Stay overnight in Meteora, rest and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Accommodation: Hotel Alexiou or similar
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: City Kastoria, Lake Kastoria, Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture and scenic lake
Route: Ohrid – Kastoria 140km; Kastoria – Meteora 135km

Day 7: 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
Visit: Monastery entrance ticket is included (Note: 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 8: Thessaloniki to Sofia via Rila Monastery

Arrival in Sofia for Ajdinis Travel tour and city center nightlife view Balkan Tours

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey to the capital city of Bulgaria, 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.

Conclude your tour upon arrival in Sofia.

See you on your next adventure with Ajdinis Travel.

Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Rila Monatery ticket is included.
Route: Thessaloniki- Rila Monastery 232km Rila Monastery-Sofia 117km

What's 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.

Professional Guide:

A guided tour in Skopje and Ohrid covering iconic landmarks and historical sites with local guide. Professional and knowledgeable guides accompanying you from Day 2 in Sofia through to Day 8 in Sofia, 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.

Transportation:

Transportation: Seamless Transfers: Transportation is included for the entire journey, ensuring smooth transitions between destinations. Comfortable Travel: Travel in style and comfort as you explore the Balkans and Greece. 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.

What's Not Included

Flights:

Flights not included.

Insurance:

Not included, yet highly recommended.

Optional:

Enhance your experience with optional excursions, such as Canyon Matka in Skopje 25eu, St. Naum in Ohrid 45eu, local winery visit 55 eu.

Important reminder:

Entrance fees to museums, historical sites, airport transfers at the start and end of the tour are not included., 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.