BALKAN ROUTE: FROM BUCHAREST TO ATHENS

Upon your arrival in Bucharest, our team will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Once you have settled in, you will have some free time to relax or start discovering the city on your own. At the scheduled time, we will provide you with all the necessary information about the tour.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Bucharest, known as the "Little Paris of the East" due to its elegant Belle Époque architecture. During the tour, you will explore the historic quarter, with its charming streets and lively atmosphere, and admire the Palace of the Parliament, the world’s second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon. This imposing structure, built during the Ceaușescu era, is a symbol of Romania’s complex history.

After the tour, you will have free time to continue exploring the city at your own pace. In the evening, we will enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Greca Tip: If you are interested in history, consider visiting the Village Museum, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian rural life with authentic houses, windmills, and churches from different regions of the country.

After enjoying breakfast, we prepare for a day full of breathtaking landscapes as we head towards Transylvania, crossing the majestic Carpathians, surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains.

Our first stop will be in Sinaia, where we will stroll through the beautiful gardens of Peleș and Pelișor Castles, former royal residences that reflect the elegance and splendor of the Romanian monarchy.

We will then continue our journey to the Bran Fortress, an imposing 14th-century structure worldwide known as "Dracula's Castle" (entrance included). Here, we will have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the surroundings, filled with history and legends.

In the afternoon, we will head to Sighișoara, a walled medieval gem declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cobbled streets and well-preserved architecture will transport us back in time.

To end the day with an unforgettable experience, we have arranged a special dinner at Count Dracula's restaurant, located in the house where Vlad Țepeș was born, the historical figure who inspired the legend of Dracula.

Greca Tip: A night stroll through the illuminated streets of Sighișoara is a magical experience, as it is one of the few medieval cities still inhabited in Europe.

After enjoying breakfast, we prepare for a day full of history and beauty as we explore Transylvania. Our first destination will be Biertan, famous for its fortified churches, some of which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will visit one of them (entrance included).

We continue our journey to Sibiu, a city of great cultural and economic importance. It was the capital of Transylvania and is known for its lively streets, squares, and picturesque alleyways. You will have free time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, we head to Hunedoara, where we will visit the impressive Hunedoara Castle (entrance included), considered one of the most beautiful in Romania. We finish the day by arriving in Timișoara, where you can take a walk around its elegant central squares.

Greca Tip: Sibiu, with its medieval architecture, is a perfect place for photography—don’t forget your camera!

After a delicious breakfast, we head towards Serbia, crossing the border.

In less than 3 hours of travel, we arrive in Belgrade, an energetic capital located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. We will take a panoramic tour of the city center, admiring its lively atmosphere and its impressive Parliament. Then, we will stroll through the historic Kalemegdan Fortress. Additionally, we include a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, home to the Mausoleum of Tito.

At the end of the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace.

Greca Tip: Did you know that Belgrade is known as one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, especially for its lively nightlife? Be sure to enjoy its unique atmosphere.

After a delightful breakfast, we embark on a beautiful journey towards the Vojvodina region. Our first stop is in Sremska Mitrovica, a city with a charming historic center along the Sava River, once one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire and the capital of the province of Pannonia. We include a visit to the Imperial Palace of Sirmium, which offers fascinating insights into this era.

Next, we continue our trip toward Bosnia. We stop in Zvornik, one of Bosnia's oldest cities, located on a river that forms the border with Serbia. This area evokes the memories of the Bosnian War. Its population has dramatically changed since then, as the majority, who were Muslim, were expelled, and Serbian refugees settled in the region. We're also near the village of Srebrenica, infamous for its massacre. There will be time for lunch and a stroll through the city.

We continue our journey through beautiful landscapes toward Sarajevo. We arrive late in the afternoon and have time to explore the historical center, where you can enjoy a walk through the charming bazaar—an old Ottoman market famous for its architecture, oriental ambiance, and traditional shops. Dinner is included.

Tip Greca: Sarajevo, with its unique blend of cultures and historical significance, is often called the "Jerusalem of Europe." Don't miss exploring its old town, which is a true crossroads of Eastern and Western influences.

After a delicious breakfast, we begin our day with a guided tour of Sarajevo, a fascinating city known as the "Jerusalem of Europe" for its harmonious coexistence of several religions. In its old town, we will explore mosques, churches, and synagogues, reflecting its religious diversity. We will also observe the deep Ottoman influence in the city, highlighting its grand mosque, over 500 years old, and its picturesque fountain.

After the visit, we continue our journey to Mostar, where we will admire its beautiful historic center and the famous stone bridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities. There will be free time for lunch and to explore the city at our own pace.

Next, we continue to Croatia, with border procedures that may take some time. We will arrive in Dubrovnik by the end of the day, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner included.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the charm of Sarajevo, which, despite the challenges it has faced, remains a vibrant melting pot of cultures.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we head towards one of the most fascinating cities in Europe: Dubrovnik. Throughout the morning, we will take a panoramic tour with a local guide. This city, perched on a cliff and surrounded by stunning walls, rises above the Adriatic Sea, and its perfectly preserved old town is considered a treasure of world architectural heritage. During the tour, we will have the opportunity to admire a spectacular view of the city from a roadside viewpoint.

The visit includes entrance to the Franciscan Monastery, famous for housing the oldest pharmacy in Europe, as well as Dubrovnik Cathedral, a beautiful example of religious architecture. Additionally, we will take a boat trip to the island of Lokrum, located just 15 minutes from the coast. This small island hosts the ruins of an 11th-century Benedictine monastery and is a popular spot known for being one of the filming locations for the series "Game of Thrones."

At the end of the day, you will have free time to explore the city on your own and enjoy its charm. In the evening, we will return to our hotel for the included dinner.

Keep in mind: On some departures, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a picturesque coastal town near the city. During the winter months, from November to March, boat service to Lokrum is unavailable, so the island will not be visited.

Greca Tip: Don’t forget that Dubrovnik, besides its impressive beauty, is known as "The Pearl of the Adriatic." This city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its historic medieval wall, which has been preserved throughout the centuries.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will get ready for an exciting day of travel towards Montenegro.

After completing the border procedures, we will drive along the stunning Montenegrin coastline, marveling at the beauty of the Bay of Kotor, one of the most spectacular fjords in Southern Europe. To shorten the journey, we will cross the bay by ferry and arrive in Kotor, a walled city with a strong Venetian influence. Here, you will have free time to stroll through its charming medieval streets, visit its cathedral, or climb up to the fortress for an unparalleled panoramic view.

Our next stop will be Budva, a picturesque coastal town surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Its walled Old Town, with stone alleyways and a vibrant atmosphere, makes it an unmissable destination. Here, we will take a break for lunch and enjoy the charm of this historic location.

In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Albania. After completing the customs procedures, we will head to Tirana, the country’s capital, a city in constant transformation that blends its communist past with a modern and colorful energy. Upon arrival, you will have free time to stroll through Skanderbeg Square, visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque, or explore Blloku, a lively neighborhood full of cafés and shops.

In the evening, we will enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Greca Tip: If you want to immerse yourself in Tirana’s history, visit Bunk'Art, a fascinating underground bunker turned museum that tells the story of Albania during the communist dictatorship.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our journey with a panoramic tour of Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania. During the tour, we will visit its mosques, the iconic Clock Tower, and the ministries, which reflect the city’s unique blend of old and new influences.

Around midday, we will head inland, driving through Albania’s tall mountains and charming villages. As we continue, we’ll enjoy the stunning countryside around Lake Ohrid, which marks the border between Albania and Macedonia.

After crossing the border and customs procedures, we will stop in Struga, a picturesque town located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, for lunch. This peaceful town, known for its natural beauty and historical significance, is a great place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

We will then proceed to Ohrid, a city with deep Ottoman influences and designated as a World Heritage Site. Here, you will have free time to visit the Plaosnik Monastery or explore the ancient university, which dates back to the ninth century and was once a major center of learning in the Balkans.

In the evening, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Greca Tip: If you are interested in history and culture, don’t miss visiting the Ohrid Amphitheatre, a well-preserved ancient site where performances and events have been held for centuries.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our journey, traveling through Macedonia and into Greece, with a stop in Bitola, a city rich in history and charm. Known for its Ottoman and neoclassical architecture, you will have time to stroll along Širok Sokak, a lively street filled with cafés, restaurants, and shops.

After completing the border formalities, we will enter Greece, where the northern region is deeply influenced by Slavic and Ottoman culture, offering rugged landscapes that are both beautiful and unique.

Our journey will continue towards the Meteora region. Just outside Kalambaka, we’ll make a stop in Kastraki, a picturesque village offering stunning views of the valley. Here, you will have time for lunch before heading to Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will drive through the entire valley and visit one of the most famous cliffside monasteries, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore and learn about this extraordinary site.

We will then continue to Kalambaka, where we will arrive in the evening for dinner.

Greca Tip: If you’re interested in history, don’t miss a visit to the Great Meteoron Monastery, the oldest and largest of the Meteora monasteries, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will journey south through the Thessaly region, where you’ll experience stunning landscapes before arriving at Delphi. Here, we will explore the exquisite archaeological site, perched above the Gulf of Corinth, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. There will be time for lunch to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Following lunch, we will head to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, renowned as one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and a World Heritage Site. Its magnificent 11th-century mosaics are truly remarkable and well worth admiring.

We will then continue our journey towards Athens, where we will arrive in the evening.

Greca Tip: If you’re a fan of ancient history, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology.

We start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore the wonders of Athens.

On our panoramic tour, we will visit the Presidential Palace, the historic Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the majestic National Library, and the vibrant central squares. We will also pass through the modern neighborhoods that emerged with the 2004 Olympics. Our tour will end at the Acropolis site (entrance not included), where you can admire one of the most iconic wonders of Greek civilization.

In the evening, we will take you to the charming Plaka district, a lively area with cobblestone streets and traditional taverns where you can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine and local folklore.

Greca Tip: Try the local street food, such as souvlaki and gyros, at small stalls or traditional taverns. They are usually more authentic, affordable, and delicious than in tourist restaurants. Don’t forget to pair it with a refreshing Greek lemonade or a glass of ouzo!

After breakfast at the hotel, our journey will come to an end. We will provide a transfer to the airport for your return flight, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories of your trip with Greca.

If you would like to add extra nights to continue exploring Athens and enjoy more of the city, you can do so when making your reservation.

Greca Tip: If you decide to stay a few extra nights in Athens, make sure to visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to one of the most significant collections of ancient Greek artifacts. You can also enjoy a relaxing walk around Syntagma Square or take a trip to the nearby Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion for breathtaking sunset views.