13 Day Self Drive tour to Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Macedonia

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
sofia
1 stop
1
Sofia
➢ Depending on the arrival time – direct transfer to the hotel or part of Sofia city tour could be made. ➢ Visit of National History Museum (+) than moving to the center for a walking tour including: Alexander Nevski Cathedral – second biggest Orthodox cathedral on the Balkans (+), St. Sophia church – the oldest church in the city (o), continue along the golden square and with a view to all emblematic buildings and monuments around it: National Assembly (o), Memorial of Tsar Liberator (o), Military club (o), Russian church (+), National Gallery (o), the Presidency – possibly seeing the changing of the guards (o), St. George Rotunda (o), Archaeological Museum (o), Serdika Ruins (o), St. Nedelya church.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
RILA MONASTERY & MELNIK
2 stops
2
Rila Monastery
Transfer to Rila Monastery: The biggest and most important monastery in Bulgaria (UNESCO). Entrance to the Monastery yard and church – richly decorated with murals and paintings (+). ➢ The monastery was initially built in the 10th century. During the centuries it grew into the most important cultural, historical, and architectural monuments and a key tourist place visited by more than million tourist a year.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
3
Melnik
Transfer to Melnik (120km – 2h). Visit the smallest town in Bulgaria located in picturesque area surrounded by high sand pyramids some of which up to 100 meters high. ➢ Tour of the small town, the famous Kordopulova house – considered biggest revival house on the Balkans, tour of the cellar and wine tasting of 3 wines.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
THESSALONIKI & KATERINI
2 stops
4
Thessaloniki
➢ Transfer to Thessaloniki – 2 nd largest city in Greece. (140km – 2h). ➢ City tour of Thessaloniki very center - including visit of the White tower (+), Statue of Aleksander the Great, the Agora (o), St. Demetrius church (+), Aristoteles Square. ➢ Then continue to Heptapyrgion Fortress (+), pass by Trigonion Tower with its great view over the town (o), the Rotunda – one of the most important Roman monuments, also known as church of Agios Georgios (o), etc. ➢ Free time for shopping in the touristic area.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
5
➢ Transfer to Katerini (70km – 1h)
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Katerini
2 stops
6
Katerini. Famed for its walkable city center and lively gastronomic scene, Katerini is an up-and-coming tourist destination of northern Greece. Relax and catch some of the beautiful Greece sunbeams one of the exceptional beaches in Katerini.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
7
pent your time at will, for instance in the morning a short drive south to explore Mount Olympus not only renowned for its rich mythology but also for its majestic summits that dominate the landscape. As the highest mountain in the country, it offers a variety of peaks that attract hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world. Exploring the peaks of Mount Olympus is an opportunity to connect with the natural wonders of Greece, immerse yourself in the mythical history of the region, and witness awe-inspiring vistas that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you conquer the highest peak of Mytikas or choose to admire the beauty from a lower elevation, Mount Olympus offers a truly unforgettable experience for those who seek the heights of adventure.
6 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 5
Meteora & Ioaninna
2 stops
8
Meteora
Today we visit the Meteora Monasteries, the largest archaeological site in Greece. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989 and an official Greek holy site since 1995. This huge collection of gigantic rock pillars and monasteries, built centuries ago on sandstone cliffs, creates a surreal landscape that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!Transfer to Kalabaka in which vicinity is the famous Meteora rock formation with its Monasteries built on the cliffs of the steep rocks (170km – 2:15h). ➢ Visit the famous Grand Meteoron monastery (+) – biggest and most significant of the 6 monasteries nearby, built around 1340 year. ➢ Then – visit one more of the other monasteries (+).
5 hours • Admission ticket free
9
Ioannina
We continue to our hotel in Ioannina, (105km – 2h). the capital of Epirus region, and one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. The city lies in the middle of a plain, surrounded by mountains of abundant natural beauty. The historic old centre lies trapped within the walls of its castle and the modern city spreads out along Lake Pamvotis, the lake of Ioannina with its picturesque little island, the only inhabited lake island in Europe.
3 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 6
BUTRINT & SARANDE
2 stops
10
Our real adventure starts today as we head to Albania, destination for today is Sarande. Possible D-tour to Butrint; 18 kilometres south of Saranda, is undoubtedly the most romantic and beautiful, if not the largest, of Albania’s ancient sites. The ruins are located in a fantastic natural setting and are part of a 29 square kilometre national park. They date from different periods spanning a period of 2500 years. Although the site was inhabited much earlier, the Greeks from Corfu settled on the hill of Butrint (Butrotum) in the 6th century BC. Within a century, Butrint became a centre of attraction for tourists. Within a century, Butrint developed into a fortified trading town with an acropolis.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Sarande
Saranda or Sarande is the capital of the Sarande district in Albania and one of the main tourist attractions on the Albanian Riviera. The town is situated in an open bay in the Ionian Sea in the Mediterranean, 2 nautical miles from the Greek island of Corfu. Due to its coastal location and Mediterranean climate, Saranda became a major tourist attraction after the fall of communism in Albania. Saranda and the rest of the Albanian Riviera are becoming the new “unexplored jewel” of the overcrowded Mediterranean.
4 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 7
Durres
2 stops
12
Berat
Not tired from driving yet? Visit on the road Berat, also known as the “city of one window over another”. Known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, Berat offers you a glimpse into Albania’s fascinating past and a sense of hospitality.Since 2008, the 2400-year-old city, the pride of Albanian architecture, a cultural treasure and a symbol of religious coexistence, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is divided into two distinct parts: Kala (the old town) and Mangalem (the new town). Both have the Tomori Mountains as a backdrop, and the Osum River meanders through the valley, creating enchanting views. The white houses from the Ottoman period in the old town centre with their many windows form a unique architectural sight, to which Berat owes its nickname.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
13
Durres
Durres is the oldest and second largest city in Albania and has the most important port and seaside resort in the entire country.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Durres
1 stop
14
Durres
Located on the Adriatic coast, it attracts many tourists. It’s not just the beaches, but also the historical monuments and lively atmosphere that make Durres such a popular tourist destination. Read our article for useful tips for visiting Durres. The country’s largest seaport is located here, 34 km from Tirana. With a history stretching back almost 3,000 years, it is the oldest city in Albania. It was founded in 627 BC. BC. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corkyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulantians. The city is home to many ancient archaeological sites and discoveries. Durres’ most notable tourist attraction is the 15,000-seat Roman Emperor Hadrian’s Amphitheater, the second largest amphitheater in the Balkans.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Ohrid, Southwestern Region ➢ Transfer to Ohrid (140km – 2:30h)
1 stop
15
Ohrid
Stroll through the city for a city tour and visit the Churches of St. Sophia, The Ancient Amphitheatre or climb to the Samuel’s Fortress from where view to the all surroundings will take your breath away
5 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Ohrid
1 stop
16
Ohrid
Treat yourself to an ultimately relaxing cruise on Lake Ohrid, either a day or half day tour or why not a romantic hour and a half sunset cruise?
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Skopje, ➢ Transfer to Skopje – the capital of North Macedonia. (190km – 3:30h).
2 stops
17
The stone bridge over the Vardar River is a symbol of Skopje. It was restored in the 15th century and represents a link between the new part and the old.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
18
Skopje Fortress Kale
The first walls were built at the beginning of the 6th century. The fortress dominates the left bank of the Vardar River and overlooks the old city.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 12
Sofia
1 stop
19
Sofia
Sofia, Sofia, Sofia Region Arrival at Sofia International Airport. Depending on the arrival time: City tour of central area or free time. The city tour usually starts from Alexander Nevski Cathedral, then continue to St. Sophia church, along the Yellow square and with a view to all emblematic buildings around it, to the Presidency, St. George Rotunda and end with a nice walk along Vitoshka Pedestrian street to the National Palace of Culture. After this don't forget to visit on the outskirts of Sofia, to visit the Boyana Church; an UNESCO Heritage 6 hours , Admission is free
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Back Home
1 stop
20
Sofia
Sofia International Airport
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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