From Romania to Albania – 4 countries in 12 days

Itinerary

Start in Bucharest and end in Tirana! From Romania to Albania – 4 countries in 12 days – PRIVATE TOUR includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport and more.

Day 1 Welcome to Romania

Arrive at “Henri Coanda” International Airport.

Our guide will meet you in the arrival’s hall with your name on the signboard. He will do the following: help you with your money exchange, give you essential information about Bucharest, help you with your check-in, explain to you the location of your accommodation and advise you how to reach the main sights, and give you an overview of current happenings in the city.

In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry. We will monitor your flight, and our guide will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays. After a short ride of 20 minutes, you’ll be in the city’s center. Check-in at the hotel and take the rest of the day to get more familiar with Bucharest, walk around, or follow your guide’s recommendation for dinner.

Overnight: Bucharest

Day 2 Bucharest city tour

Today, we’ll show you why Bucharest is nicknamed “Little Paris.”, known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings, and a reputation for the high life.

While exploring this magnificent city filled with parks, we will see a very interesting blend of French, Byzantine, and communist architecture in the many stylish building. We will visit all the major sights in the city: Piața Unirii with Parliament (the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon), Roman Square, The Arch of Triumph, Romanian Athenaeum, Lipscani Street, the Calea Victoriei Avenue, and finally, the Revolution Square.

Time this afternoon on your own, explore the city, enjoy the bars and terraces, and in the evening, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that Bucharest is famous for.

Overnight: Bucharest

Day 3 Bucharest – Peles Castle – Bran Castle – Brasov – Bucharest

Today we’ll spend a day immersing ourselves in the landscapes and landmarks of Transylvania. This unique region is packed with historic castles, rich scenery, and an evocative atmosphere.

Our first stop will be the Peles Castle, is the most impressive castle in Romania and a must-see attraction. King Carol the I-st built this Neo-Renaissance castle as a summer residence for the Royal family. This fairy-tale-like edifice is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. The castle is surrounded by splendid parklands – the work of several landscape architects, each of whom left his mark on the park and gardens of Peleş. In addition to the magnificent exterior with hand-painted stained glass windows and numerous sculptures surrounding the castle, the interior of over 160 rooms was decorated by more than 400 artisans and artists.

Our next stop, the famous Bran Castle is the former residence of the Romanian Royal family, widely-known as Dracula’s Castle. Here we will walk inside its majestic towers and down its winding narrow staircases and passages and learn about the infamous Vlad the Impaler.

Then we will proceed to Brasov, perhaps the most picturesque town on our trip. You’ll be charmed by its historical buildings, restored bastions, and fortified guard towers. The best way to explore this cute place is on foot, so that’s exactly what we will do.

You’ll see the narrowest street in the world, The Black Church, Catherine’s Gate, Beth Israel Synagogue, and many other interesting sights.

Enjoy some free time for coffee or a meal in some of the beautiful Brasov coffee shops.

After this exceptional experience, we’ll return to Bucharest in the evening.

Overnight: Bucharest

Day 4 Bucharest – Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo – Arbanasi – Veliko Tarnovo

Breakfast and check-out.

As soon as we enter the territory of Bulgaria close to the village of Ivanovo, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, a complex of rock-hewn churches, chapels, monasteries, and cells,  where the first hermits dug out their cells and churches in the rock during the 12th century.

Continuing our tour, we’ll make a short photo stop in the small village of Arbanasi, a picturesque open-air museum of cultural heritage that includes 80 houses. Arbanasi is a quiet and picturesque village which, even today, keeps the medieval touch through the old architecture.

Our last stop will be in Veliko Tarnovo, one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria, located on the banks of the Yantra River. Also known as the City of Tsars, Veliko Tarnovo boasts an impressive fortress with the ruins of the former Tsarevets Palace and the patriarchal church, nowadays with modern and intriguing paintings. The medieval atmosphere is well kept in the city thanks to the old architecture and the narrow streets where you can admire local artisans and their work.

Check in to the hotel and enjoy the evening in this charming town.

Overnight: Veliko Tarnovo

Day 5 Veliko Tarnovo – Ethar ethno village – Plovdiv – Sofia

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.

We’ll drive to the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum Etar, which contains a collection of 50 objects, including water-powered installations and houses with artisans’ workshops.

The complex exhibits central Bulgaria’s architecture, way of life, and economy during the Bulgarian National Revival. Using original instruments and following old traditions, it presents the Bulgarian customs, culture, and characteristics of 20 regional crafts.

The next stop on our tour will be the beautiful and ancient city of Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Located on the banks of the Marica River and built around seven hills, the city has a cultural mix of different civilizations and a unique blend of architectural elements. It is a museum under the open sky. We’ll check out the most famous sights: The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, the Roman Stadium, the Church of Saint Constantine and Helena,  and we will finish in Kapana,  a real art center and a district dedicated to creative industries, a pedestrian area full of shops, restaurants, and galleries.

After that, we will continue to Sofia. Check-in and enjoy your free evening.

Overnight: Sofia

Day 6 Sofia city tour – Rila Monastery – Skopje

After breakfast, we will start with our Sofia sightseeing tour. On our walking tour, we will visit the ruins of Serdica-Roman fortress walls; St George Rotunda, the oldest building in Sofia; St Sofia Basilica, the oldest active church which gave the city its name; St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world; National Theatre and many more historical sites from ancient times alongside the modern areas of cosmopolitan city life.

Next, we will visit Rila monastery – one of the holiest places in the country and another UNESCO World Heritage sight. Rila Monastery is the most important spiritual and literary center of the Bulgarian national revival, with an uninterrupted history from the Middle Ages until now.

After the visit, we will continue our trip to Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital and the largest city. Check-in at the hotel. Use your free evening to explore independently.

Overnight: Skopje

Day 7 Skopje – Kosovo (Pristina & Prizeren) – Skopje

A full day to Kosovo.

Day 8 Skopje walking tour – Matka Canyon – Ohrid Lake

After breakfast, we’ll start with the walking tour.

Skopje, a city with 2 thousand years of history, the capital of Northern Macedonia, is the meeting point of many nations and cultures in the heart of the Balkans. It attracts tourists with a fortress, cultural and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and most of all, very warm, hospital, and welcoming citizens. During our tour, we will walk through the narrow Streets of Old Bazaar, the biggest market in the Balkans; we’ll check the 1500 years old fortress Kale, the monastery St. Pantaleon with the fresco” Lamentation of Christ,” the Islamic monuments Sultan Murat’s- Hjunkar Mosque, the Daut Pasha’s bath, and the birthplace of Mother Teresa.

After the walking tour, we will continue our trip toward Ohrid Lake.

En route, we will stop at the famous Matka Canyon and enjoy a boat ride through the beautiful gorge. After that, you will have some free time for lunch before we proceed to Ohrid.

Arrive at Ohrid in the evening and check in at the hotel. Free time.

Overnight: Ohrid

Day 9 Ohrid full day

Nicknamed “The Jerusalem of the Balkans,” Ohrid was once the center of Slavic culture and religion. The natural and cultural heritage of the Ohrid region is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

We will walk through Ohrid’s cobbled Old Town and up to the hilltop Church of St John at Kaneo to get the most incredible view over the lake, mountains, and Galiĉica National Park. We’ll check sights such as The Church of St. Sophia, the Roman amphitheater, and the Samuel Fortress.

Then take some time to laze in the sun on one of the pebble beaches that line the shore and swim in the crystal-clear water, or take a boat trip down south to tour the Monastery of St Naum and the Bay of Bones Museum, a replica of Bronze Age homes built on stilts over the water. Free time.

Overnight: Ohrid

Day 10 Ohrid – Elbasan – Tirana

Breakfast and check-out. On our way to Tirana, we’ll stop at Elbasan, the third-largest city in the country, right in the middle of Albania. We’ll check the Castle of Elbasan, the King’s Mosque, St Mary Orthodox Church, and the Clock Tower.

After a short refreshment, we’ll proceed towards Tirana, Albania’s capital and the largest city.

Check-in at the hotel and have a free afternoon to explore independently.

Overnight: Tirana

Day 11 Tirana city tour & free time

After breakfast, we’ll start exploring the city. Tirana, Albania’s capital, is famous for its non-stop energy and motion. Tirana’s clubs, pubs, cafes, and taverns are worth discovering day and night. The hospitality of locals will remain in your heart for a long time. During our tour, we’ll see the Mosque of Et’hem Bey and the 35 m high Kulla e Sahatit or the Watch Tower.

Moreover, we will visit the famous Mosaic uncovered on the floor of an old Roman lodge. Its center configures the walls of the castle of the Roman emperor Justinian (A.D. 520). The monumental Tomb of Kaplan Pasha and the Ura e Tabakëve (a bridge constructed at the beginning of the 19th century, located on Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard) are a few other interesting places we will visit.

Enjoy your free afternoon to discover Tirana on your own. Perhaps visit the Bunk’Art 1, a former anti-nuclear bunker now turned into a very interesting historical and art center, or check out the Dajti Cable Car and enjoy the breathtaking city views.

Overnight: Tirana

Day 12 Transfer to Airport

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. End of services.

What’s Included

• Accommodation

Accommodation in 3* & 4* hotels.

• Guide

English speaking guide.

• Meals

11 Breakfasts

This tour offers Vegetarian, Vegan and Halal food options on request.

• Additional Services

Entrance fees as per program.

• Transport

Transportation by minibus or bus for all the tour.

What’s Not Included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Optional

Other activities and services not included

• Additional Services

Lunch and dinners.

Tips