Our first day will start from the modern capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, and will end in the medieval one –Veliko Tarnovo. The city is situated on the northern slopes of Stara Planina, amidst the meanders of Yantra River.
Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest in Bulgaria and has been continuously inhabited since the 5th millennium BC, therefore many different cultures like the ancient Thracian, Roman, and Byzantine contributed to the historical and cultural heritage of the city. Without a doubt, however, the most noticeable marks have been left by the Medieval Bulgarians, as the city is former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire ([ ]). From this period are most of the highlights of the city which you will have the chance to explore. We will visit the remains of the main medieval fortress of this magnificent city. Admiration is provoked as well by the typical for the city architecture from the National Revival period (XVIII-XIX) – houses from stone and wood, scattered along the slopes and narrow, cobblestone streets. We will visit the main commercial area, built during the Ottoman period, but still alive, keeping the traditions of different crafts.
We will overnight in the city. During the evening you can enjoy the beautifully illuminated fortress of Tsarevets.
Overnight in 3* hotel in the historical part of Veliko Tarnovo
After breakfast, we will head north to the Danube River. We will stop at one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria – Ruse. We will walk through its center and will admire the architecture, which gave the name of the city during the 19th century – The small Vienna.
After this relaxing walk, we will cross the river and will enter Romania. After an hour's drive, we will reach its capital Bucharest. We will overnight in the city center. During the evening you will have the chance to enjoy its intense nightlife.
3* Hotel in the heart of Bucharest
3* Hotel in the heart of Bucharest
After breakfast, we will start our trip to the next capital on our list – Belgrade. On the way, we will stop in a town situated on the Danube River. This is considered to be the place where Emperor Trajan built the famous bridge, presented on the column in Rome. By this bridge, he transported his legions and won the Dacian Wars in 106 AD.
After we see the remains of the bridge we will cross the river by a modern bridge and will enter Serbia. After an hour and a half drive, we will reach Belgrade. We will check in our hotel and have a relaxing evening.
3* Hotel in the heart of Belgrade
3* Hotel in the heart of Belgrade
In the morning we will drive toward the 3rd biggest city of Serbia-Nis. You will have a guided tour of the historical part. You will see the Roman villa where Constantin the Great was born. After that, we will stop by a very sad for our history site – The Skull tower, built by the Ottomans after an uprising in 1809 with the idea just to send a message. Another point of interest is a Nazi concentration camp. Perfectly preserved with the amazingly rich museums. Our next stop will be the fortress of Nis and the main pedestrian street, where we will have our lunch.
After that, we will continue our journey toward the next capital – Skopje, Northern Macedonia.
Overnight in Skopje
Overnight in 3* hotel in the historical center of Skopje
This day will be dedicated to one of the most controversial cities on the Balkans. Skopje is an amazing mixture between orient and modern, and also one of the few examples in nowadays how historical propaganda reflects on the appearance of a city. The two worlds are separated by a river. In the old there typical orient market place – Suk, surrounded by beautiful Ottoman buildings-mosques, hammams (Turkish bathhouse), and many more. The atmosphere is wonderful. On the other bank of the river is the modern center, full of statues and neoclassical buildings. Also, we will visit the house of Mother Teresa.
In the afternoon we will enjoy one of the most spectacular gorges on the Balkans – Matka canyon. If you want to we can hire a boat and have a boat trip.
Overnight in 3* hotel in the historical center of Skopje
After breakfast, we will start our journey back to Bulgaria. On the way, we will visit the biggest monastery in Macedonia. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Built-in the Middle Ages it is still an active one and keeps the atmosphere of those times.
In the afternoon we will reach Sofia. Our guide can show you the center of the city if you haven’t got the chance to do so and will drop you off at your hotel.
Overnight in Sofia. If you depart the next day, also airport transfer is included.
Overnight in 3* hotel in the historical center of Sofia
Fully refundable until 2 days before start
Non-refundable after 2 days before start
