PREMIUM BALKAN TRIP

Day 1: Sofia         

Welcome to Sofia! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Majesty Uk Travel sign for your transfer to the hotel. At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. After you get all the information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner and walk the streets of Sofia. A young city located in the western part of the country, at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. The capital combines a pleasing east-meets-west atmosphere against a backdrop of contrasting communist and contemporary architecture. It has impressive architecture, which ranges from medieval churches and Ottoman-era mosques, to modern buildings and skyscrapers. Some of the city's most notable landmarks include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, and the Vitosha Boulevard, which is the main shopping street in the city.

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Included Activities

Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities

Group Dinner

It is essential

It is a top priority, please make sure that you have your insurance with you and it is important that you attend the welcome meeting (between 6 – 7 pm) as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Day 2: Sofia, Belgrade

After breakfast,we will make our way to the Serbian capital of Belgrade. Sofia to Belgrade with stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Kalemegdan Fortress and the Stari Grad (Old Town), head to the heart of the capital. After arrival to Belgrade we’ll enjoy a tour of Serbia’s capital city with a local guide, who will introduce us to the city's highlights, including Republic Square, Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), Kalemegdan and Belgrade fortress ,Knez Mihailova.

Take a stroll along the bustling pedestrian street of Knez Mihailova and sample some of the local cuisine in one of the city's many restaurants, cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories. Enjoy the optional Boat Trip on the Sava and Danube rivers. This evening we'll enjoy an included dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities

Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities

Amazing Boat Trip on Sava and Danube Rivers - 20 EUR

Day 3: Belgrade, Sarajevo

We drive to Sarajevo, this amazing city has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its position as a crossroads of cultures and civilizations, with a history that spans centuries of Ottoman rule, Austro-Hungarian occupation, and Communist era. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital whose rich religious and multicultural heritage has earned it the nickname, the 'Jerusalem of Europe'.

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, played a significant role in the events leading up to the start of World War I. On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated while visiting the city, setting off a chain of events that would eventually lead to the outbreak of the Great War. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around Sarajevo.

Enjoy your Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Entertainment ( Optional ) The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb. Accommodation at our Hotel in Sarajevo.

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sarajevo City Tour

Sight seeing of Latin Bridge

Baščaršija square

Promenade at the Miljacka River

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Eternal Fire

Optional Activities

 Traditional Bosnian Entertainment with Dinner

 Adult Price: EUR 50

Day 4: Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje

After breakfast,you’ll head to Mostar, joining a Local Specialist for an exploration of this historic multicultural city that witnessed an impressive resurrection after the Bosnian War. One of the most famous landmarks in Mostar is the Old Bridge, also known as the Stari Most, which spans the river and has been a symbol of the city for centuries.

The bridge was originally built in the 16th century, and was destroyed during the Balkan conflict in the 1990s, but was rebuilt in the early 2000s to preserve its historical significance. You'll delve into a tragic time not long ago when Catholic Croats, Muslim Bosniaks and Orthodox Serbs fought for supremacy amidst the colourful cobbled streets overlooking the Neretva River.

Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje ( wine town ) for our Hotel by watching the Neretva River which  is surrounded by lush rolling hills, towering mountains, and rolling valleys.

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Mostar City Tour

Optional Activities

Kravice Waterfalls – EUR 20

Day 5: Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje

After breakfast we drive to Dubrovnik with the stunning Adriatic views. After crossing the border you will get to see 'paradise on earth' - if George Bernard Shaw is to be believed - when you visit Dubrovnik on your Amazing Balkan Trip tour. Dubbed the "Pearl of the Adriatic" Dubrovnik.

City is located on the Adriatic coast, has gained even more popularity in recent years due to its association with the hit television show, "Game of Thrones." Dubrovnik was used as the filming location for “King's Landing”, the capital city of the Seven Kingdoms in the show, and has become a must-visit destination for fans of the series. Walk along the city walls, which were never breached by the invading Turks.

We will see one of the most popular landmarks in the old town include the Stradun, the main street that runs through the center of the old town, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, and the Rector's Palace. In the evening sail on Adriatic sea to enjoy this shimmering coastline than embarking on an optional sunset dinner cruise to a secluded bay, with the illuminated city of Dubrovnik providing the perfect end to the evening. We will back to our Hotel in Trebinje. 

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Dubrovnik City Tour

Optional Activities

Dubrovnik Boat Trip – EUR 35

Sunset Cruise And Dinner - Adult Price: €60.00*  ( Subject to availability )

We are ready to take a sunset cruise along the spectacular Dalmatian coast to a secluded bay, where we'll enjoy a delicious local dinner with drinks. To complete the evening, we'll cruise alongside the old city walls and explore the beautiful illuminated city of Dubrovnik, before returning by our private coach to our hotel.

Adult Price: EUR 50

Note: This optional is weather dependent and may not be available on all departures. On occasion, the cruise may sail in the bay only.

Entrance Fees

Dubrovnik City Walls – EUR 15

Day 6: Trebinje, Kotor, Budva 

After a nice breakfast we depart for Montenegro! Lets walk in Old Town of Kotor.

During a walking tour of Kotor with your expert local guide, you can visit some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Kotor Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the St. Luke's Church, and the St. Mary's Church. You can also wander the narrow streets of the old town, taking in its charming architecture and experiencing the local atmosphere in your free time.

After our Kotor trip, we make our way to the popular touristic hub of the region, Budva. One of the main attractions of Budva is its Old Town, which is surrounded by ancient walls and is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, the Citadel, and the Budva Marina. We will enjoy the old town with our walking tour.  The Old Town is also a great place to experience the local culture and to try some of the traditional dishes of the region. Your guide will take you on a brief walking tour of the vibrant summer town with great food, impressive views and lively nightlife.

Please Note : Because of the high season we can stay in Shkoder, Albania instead of Budva in some of the Trip dates.  

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Meals Included

Breakfast,Dinner

Included Activities

Walking tour of Kotor

Walking Tour of Budva

Day 7: Budva, Tirana, Ohrid

After a relaxing sleep and nice breakfast, next city is Tirana, capital city of Albania! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover  the Skanderbeg Square, named after Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg, and surrounded by historical buildings, museums, and shops. At this square you ll also see Et'hem Bey Mosque, built in the 18th century, is another important cultural landmark in Tirana and is a great example of Ottoman architecture.

After our visit to capital city we will drive to St.Naum ( Ohrid,North Macedonia ) which is known as the birthplace of Lake Ohrid. Here, we visit the Naum Monastery one of the most important saints of the Balkans, was built in AC. 905. After Neum with a short journey we reach Ohrid, and check-in to your Hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Macedonian night with dinner.

Please Note : If we did not accommodate in Shkoder the previous night ( Day 6 ), today our departure will be from Budva.

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Meals Included

Breakfast,Dinner

Included Activities

Panoramic city tour of Tirana

Skanderbeg Square Photo break

Optional Activities

St. Naum Tour - EUR 15 (The date is subject to change)

Day 8: Ohrid, Skopje

This morning after the breakfast start off the day with a boat tour (optional) on the OHRID LAKE, known as the Blue Pearl, which is a fascinating and one of the oldest Lakes in Europe. After our Boat Trip, we are taking a walking tour in the historical city of OHRID, which was one of the important bases of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans and is famous for the description of the people of Ohrid as "When God was making heaven from mud, a piece fell on Ohrid". We will complete our tour by visiting the St. Klemeus Statue and Square, the Hagia Sophia Church, the statues of Cyrillic and Methodi brothers who found the Cyrillic Alphabet, the Centennial Sycamore Tree, Ali Pasha Mosque, the Byzantine Virgin Mary Church and will have free time in the Turkish Bazaar.

In the meantime, you can shop for the famous mother-of-pearl-pearl jewellery.  Then we depart for the north of the country from the slopes of Mount Mavrovo, which is one of the most beautiful regions of the geography of Macedonia and is a National Park, and we go to MATKA CANYON (Optional), which is one of the “100 most beautiful natural wonders of the world” in the area where the Treska River meets the Vardar River, about 15 km southwest of Skopje via Tetovo, which is located south of Mount Shar.

After we complete our photo shoot and pleasant walks,we have a tea break in their cafes. Then,   with a short journey, we arrive at SKOPJE, located on the two banks of the Vardar River, the capital of North Macedonia, stay for the night. 

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Meals Included

Breakfast,Dinner

Included Activities

Ohrid City Tour

Optional Activities

Private Boat Trip on the oldest lake of Europe Lake Ohrid – EUR 20

The Great Matka Canyon EUR 20 ( Boat Trip Included )

Day 9 : Skopje – Thessaloniki 

After the breakfast, prepare to discover the beautiful capital Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Skopje has a rich history, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and other civilizations that have inhabited the region over the centuries.

In recent years, Skopje has undergone a major revitalization project, with the construction of new government buildings, museums, and public squares. These squares surrounded with myriads of statues and grand monuments for which this city has become famous for (aimed to bolster national pride), first and foremost the massive statue of Alexander the Great on horseback right in the center of Macedonia Square. The city has also been designated as a cultural center of the Balkans, and is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and performance spaces.

In the afternoon cross the border heading towards the second largest Greek city, Thessaloniki. 

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Meals Included

Breakfast,Dinner

Included Activities

Skopje City walking Tour

Thessaloniki Panoramic City Tour

Thessaloniki White Tower Visit

Optional Activities

Traditional Greek Tavern night (Sirtaki) with Dinner—EUR 35

Day 10 : Thessaloniki, Kalambaka (Meteora), Delphi

After the breakfast we start with a panoramic Thessaloniki city tour, we will see Hamidiye Hospital, Aristotle University, Rotonda, Galerios' Triumphal Arch, Aristotle Square, and White Tower, the symbolic structure of the city. We drive to Kalambaka. Visiting Kalambaka provides an opportunity to explore the unique landscape of towering rock formations and the ancient monasteries perched atop them.

The monasteries of Meteora are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are renowned for their stunning views and historical significance. They were built by monks seeking isolation and seclusion in the 14th century, and today they still offer a glimpse into a way of life that has largely disappeared. Each monastery has a central courtyard surrounded by chapels and living cells of monks, who have inhabited the region for centuries – for far less than the first inhabitants from 50,000 years ago. Later in the afternoon, drive to Delphi with amazing views on the road.

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Meals Included

Breakfast,Dinner

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Meteora

Day 11 : Delphi, Athens

Today, after the breakfast we will be discovering Delphi and all its wonders. Delphi is an ancient archaeological site located in central Greece, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. It was considered the most important religious center in ancient Greece, dedicated to the god Apollo, and was also believed to be the center of the world by the ancient Greeks.

The main attraction of Delphi is the Sanctuary of Apollo, which includes the Temple of Apollo, the Theater, the Stadium, and several other impressive ancient buildings and monuments. The most famous feature of the site is the Oracle of Delphi, where visitors could consult the Pythia, a priestess who would deliver prophetic messages from the god Apollo.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to capital city, Athens. As you get your bearings and all the information you need about the capital from your tour guide, arrive at the hotel to freshen up. Prepare to cap off the amazing tour Greek-style, bring in the mezes, it’s time to do some Sirtaki in a local Tavern. 

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Meals Included

Breakfast,Dinner

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Delphi ancient city

Optional Activities

Traditional Greek Tavern night (Sirtaki) with Dinner—EUR 35

Day 12 : Athens

Dear Majesty Uk Travel Guest(s), have your final breakfast on us and start bidding farewells to your travel mates before checking out of the hotel (11:00). If you wish to spend some more time in Sofia or Athens we would be happy to organize additional accommodation(s) for you (subject to availability). Transfer to Airport ( if you pre-booked). Dear guest(s), thank you for choosing us, see you next Majesty Uk Travel organization.

Meals Included

Breakfast