St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Welcome to the vibrant capital of Bulgaria. Upon arrival at Sofia Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your centrally located 4* hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an orientation stroll past the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National Theater, and the lively Vitosha Boulevard. Overnight in Sofia.

Rila Monastery

After breakfast, head south to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, set dramatically in the Rila Mountains. Admire its colorful frescoes, wooden balconies, and peaceful courtyards before crossing into North Macedonia. Arrive in Skopje for an afternoon walking tour: Stone Bridge, Old Bazaar, and the eclectic city squares. Overnight in Skopje.

Skopje

Depart Skopje with a scenic detour to Matka Canyon, where emerald waters wind between steep cliffs (optional short boat ride available). Continue to Ohrid, jewel of North Macedonia. In the afternoon, stroll the lakefront, explore St. Sophia Cathedral and the cliffside Church of St. John at Kaneo with its postcard views. Overnight in Ohrid.

Ohrid

Spend the morning on the shores of Lake Ohrid with time for a short boat ride or visit to St. Naum Monastery. Cross the border into Albania, arriving in Tirana. A guided tour reveals Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the colorful Blloku district, once closed to outsiders, now buzzing with trendy cafés. Overnight in Tirana.

Shkoder

Head north to Shkodër, one of the oldest cities in Albania, with a stop at the Rozafa Fortress for sweeping views. Cross into Montenegro and enjoy a breathtaking drive along the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. Stop in Perast and visit the baroque islet church Our Lady of the Rocks. Overnight near Kotor.

Kotor

A leisurely day to explore Montenegro’s highlights. Wander the cobbled lanes of Kotor Old Town, climb the fortress walls (optional, but views are spectacular), and discover the Adriatic charm of Budva, with its Venetian walls and sandy beaches. Evening free by the bay. Overnight in Kotor area.

Dubrovnik

Cross into Croatia and continue to the Dubrovnik region. Spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing: walk the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik Old Town walls, or sip coffee at Stradun Street. Depending on traffic and timing, your guide may suggest the Old Town visit today or the following morning. Overnight in Dubrovnik area.

Mostar

Depart Dubrovnik along dramatic coastal and inland roads. Arrive in Mostar, a city where East meets West. Marvel at the elegant Stari Most (Old Bridge), explore the Old Bazaar, and sample local specialties like burek or Turkish coffee. Overnight in Mostar.

Sarajevo

This morning stop at the Blagaj Tekija, a 16th-century dervish monastery at the source of the Buna River. Continue to Sarajevo, a city of mosques, churches, and synagogues. On a guided tour, see the Latin Bridge, historic Baščaršija bazaar, and the moving War Tunnel Museum. Overnight in Sarajevo.

Belgrade

Travel through the mountains along the Drina River valley. Pause in Višegrad to admire the 16th-century Ottoman Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge. Arrive in Belgrade, Serbia’s dynamic capital, for an evening visit to Kalemegdan Fortress, offering panoramic views over the Danube and Sava Rivers. Overnight in Belgrade.

Belgrade

Explore the highlights of Belgrade: Republic Square, Knez Mihailova pedestrian street, and the massive St. Sava Temple. The afternoon is free—choose a Danube boat cruise, visit the Nikola Tesla Museum, or relax in Skadarlija, Belgrade’s bohemian quarter, famous for its traditional taverns and live folk music. Overnight in Belgrade.

Nis

Depart Belgrade and stop in Niš, birthplace of Emperor Constantine the Great. Visit the eerie Skull Tower and Ottoman Niš Fortress before returning to Bulgaria. In the evening, explore Plovdiv Old Town with its cobbled streets, Roman amphitheater, and trendy Kapana district. Overnight in Plovdiv.

Veliko Tarnovo

Continue to medieval Veliko Tarnovo, once the capital of the Bulgarian Empire. Explore Tsarevets Fortress and the artisans’ street of Samovodska Charshia. Return to Sofia for a farewell dinner and final overnight.

Sofia

After breakfast, enjoy free time until your transfer to Sofia Airport. End of services.