Balkan to Adriatic Discovery – 9 Days Sofia to Split via Dubrovnik Adventure
- Tour ID: SC999
- Duration: 9 days/8 nights
- Transportation: Bus/Cruise
- Guide: Guided Tour
- From: Sofia
- To: Split
- Hotels: 4 nights accommodation onboard; 4 nights accommodation in 4 or 3-star hotels
- Meals / Breakfast
Enjoy the Adventure
This 9-day journey takes you from the heart of the Balkans to the stunning Adriatic coast. Starting in Sofia, Bulgaria’s lively capital, you’ll explore historic landmarks, vibrant cities like Skopje and Tirana, and the natural beauty of Kotor Bay and Dubrovnik.
Midway, check in to a comfortable boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise along Croatia’s breathtaking islands. With guided tours, free time, and optional activities, this trip seamlessly blends culture, history, and coastal charm.
Itenirary
Arrive to Sofia, self-transfer to the hotel, concluding the day with a hotel check-in. Free time and enjoy the Sofia night life. Later in the evening, welcome meeting at your hotel with your Guide will provide you with information about the upcoming journey.
Accommodation:
Best Western Terminus Hotel Sofia
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, in the bustling capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. 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 4*
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Panoramic City Tour, Aleksander Nevski Cathedral
Route:
Sofia-Skopje 244km
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 25 euros per person). Continue to the city of Prizren, visiting another Balkan country Kosovo. Prizren is a charming city in Kosovo known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Explore 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 capital city of another Balkan country, Albania.
In Tirana we will do a Tirana panoramic city tour.
With the guide’s decision, the city tour can be postponed for the next day morning! Among the places we will see are Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in this dynamic city.
Accommodation:
Albanopolis Hotel 4*
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Panoramic Tirana City Tour, Sadrvan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque, Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower.
Route:
Skopje – Prizren 105km Prizren – Tirana 180km
Enjoy a flavorful breakfast in Tirana before departing for another Balkan countries Montenegro and Croatia to Dubrovnik. Meeting with your driver at your hotel and continue to the journey, visit the historic city of Kotor, guided by a local expert who will unveil the city’s secrets. Discover Kotor’s captivating highlights, including the medieval Castle of Kotor perched high on the city walls, the stunning Triphun Cathedral, the intriguing Archive Museum, and the renowned Wall of Shame, a testament to the city’s storied past. Kotor Bay, with its stunning natural beauty and cultural significance, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring Kotor, relish some free time to soak in the picturesque views and local atmosphere before continuing to Dubrovnik. Arrive in Dubrovnik, check in at your hotel, and spend the night in this enchanting city, known for its stunning old town and crystal-clear waters.
Accommodation:
Ivka Hotel Dubrovnik
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch:
Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the driver on the route
Route:
Tirana-Kotor 201km; Kotor-Dubrovnik 92km
Important notice:
Because of seasonal crowds, there may be a delay in arrival times at the hotel.
After breakfast, you have a free day at Dubrovnik.
Official check-in at the boat is from 5 pm onwards but you can arrive earlier, leave your bags onboard and choose from the many activities happening in Dubrovnik that day.
We recommend:
1. Taking a cable car ride up to Mount Srd for the most incredible view imaginable.
2. Dubrovnik is also the setting for the capital city of Westeros, Kings Landing, in Game of Thrones. If you are a fan, why not take a walking tour of the locations of the most famous scenes in the ultra-popular show and get an overview of the history of Dubrovnik at the same time?
3. Take a shuttle boat over to Lokrum Island from the Old City.
Dinner is served onboard at 6:30pm, when you will also be given your welcome speech and be introduced to everybody else on board. The evening is yours to enjoy in the Old City.
Overnight on the boat in Dubrovnik (Gruz Port).
Meals included:
Daily Breakfast and Dinner
Optional excursions:
Ziplining and/or Game of Thrones + Dubrovnik Walking Tour.
It’s time to say goodbye to Dubrovnik and hello to more incredible scenery as we head to Korcula Island, which is said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. We are spoilt for choice with swimming spots en route before we dock near the Old City (with the same name as the island) to drop everyone off to explore the town. This pocket town is another gem with excellent restaurants and the famous Massimo cocktail bar in the “half-tower”. Overnight in either Korcula town, the ferry port or a nearby village such as Lumbarda.
Meals included:
Daily Breakfast and lunch
Hvar Island is rated as one of the highlights of the trip and it’s not hard to see why. It boasts several gorgeous towns such as Jelsa (where we often dock), Stari Grad and Hvar Town itself.
We arrive into Jelsa, Stari Grad or Hvar Town (if we are lucky enough to get a docking space there) after lunch, and if you fancy visiting other towns, you can easily take a bus or taxi (not included) as the town are only around 15-25 mins from each other.
Hvar town’s nightlife is legendary and nothing beats catching the sunset at Hula Hula bar, then taking the organised shuttle boat over to Carpe Diem – the famous “club on an island”.
Stari Grad’s old town is a delight to explore, with several cosy wine-bars to be found on its winding streets. Jelsa has a wonderful harbour and promenade and features a famous park that often has live, outdoor music performances and festivals.
You are spoilt for choice!
Meals included:
Daily Breakfast and lunch
Our 8th day of the adventure, starts with a swim stop and continues past Brac Island on the way to the biggest city on the Dalmatian coast: Split.
In the afternoon we dock into Split, with enough time to take in some of the inspiring sights of this city, including Diocletian’s Palace, the iconic statue of Gregory of Nin and Bacvice Beach.
Meals included:
Daily Breakfast and lunch
Optional:
Rapid Rafting
After breakfast (7-8am) it is time to say goodbye to your shipmates and crew. Check-out is by 9am although you can leave earlier if you need to (for early flights, buses etc). The adventure does not need to stop here though as there is the option of an excursion to see the waterfalls of Krka National Park.
Meal:
Daily breakfast
Included
Excluded
Gallery
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