Bulgaria - Northern Greece - Macedonia

8 days / Highlights: Sofia - Rila - Thessaloniki - Meteora - Ohrid - Skopje

Travel itinerary

1. Day: Arrival in Sofia

Flight to Sofia. During our city tour we see highlights like the Turkish mosque, the church of Bojana or the landmark of the city, the Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

2. Day: Sofia – Rila – Melnik

Today is dedicated to the world-famous Rila Monastery, one of the largest Orthodox monasteries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards we continue our journey to the town of Melnik, the smallest Bulgarian town. Here we will take a break and experience the historical sides of the town, after all 96 houses are protected. Then we visit the Fortress of Melnik, which is a cultural monument of national importance in Bulgaria. In the evening we reach our hotel in the Melnik area. Dinner and overnight.

3. Day: Melnik – Thessaloniki – Kalampaka

In the morning we leave Bulgaria and drive southwards to Thessaloniki. During our city tour we see highlights such as the city's landmark, the white tower, buildings from Roman and Byzantine times and some of the city's numerous churches. In the afternoon we will visit the archaeological excavations of Pella, the birthplace and reign of Alexander the Great. Afterwards drive to our hotel in the Kalampaka area. Dinner and overnight.

4. Day: Kalampaka – Meteora – Ioannina – Kalampaka

After breakfast drive to the famous Meteora monasteries. A unique scenery awaits us. The whole area of the monasteries is a UNESCO world heritage site. Altogether the complex consists of 24 monasteries and hermitages, 6 of which are still inhabited today. After a guided tour in one of the monasteries we continue our journey to Ioannina. Here we visit the citadel with the Ali Pasha mausoleum and take a walk through the old town. Afterwards drive back to our hotel in the Kalampaka area. Dinner and overnight.

5. Day: Ioannina – Bitola – Ohrid

Today we leave Greece and drive first to the Greek-Macedonian border. After a short drive we reach the second largest city of Macedonia, Bitola - former city of diplomats in the Ottoman era. After a city walk, we take a panoramic drive into the Ohrid area, past the Pelister National Park to the Galicica National Park. We visit one of the most important monasteries of the country, St.Naum. During a rowboat trip we also see the underground springs of Lake Ohrid. Afterwards drive to our hotel in Ohrid. Dinner and overnight.

6. Day: Ohrid

Today is dedicated to the city of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the holy center of the Orthodox Churches. There are no less than 365 churches and monasteries in the Ohrid area. During a boat trip we will see the unique panorama along the deepest lake in Europe. During the following sightseeing we see the Fortress of King Samuel and the enchanting old town with its unique charm. The afternoon is at your disposal for your own explorations. Go shopping or relax with a good coffee at the lakeside. Dinner and overnight in Ohrid.

7. Day: Ohrid – Tetovo – Skopje

In the morning we leave Ohrid and drive through an enchanting mountain landscape via the Mavrovo National Park to Tetovo. Here we visit the "colorful" mosque, a unique building. Afterwards we drive on to Skopje, here we explore the "modern" and the "old" Skopje, among others Mother Teresa House, Kale Fortress, Bazaar. In the evening a typical Macedonian dinner with music awaits us. Overnight stay in Skopje.

8. Day: Departure

Transfer to Skopje or Sofia airport.

Country information for tour