ARRIVAL IN SOFIA/ DEPARTURE FROM SOFIA

Arrival in Sofia. Guided sightseeing tour of the city center, including visit to Alexander Nevski Cathedral – one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and primary tourist attractions; St. George Rotunda, St. Sophia Church, National Theater, the Presidency, etc. Optional dinner at traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

Breakfast. Departure for Rila Monastery – the most beautiful and most important monastery in Bulgaria, founded in the 10th century and nowadays included in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list. Visit to the monastery church of the Nativity of the Virgin. One of its greatest treasures is the wooden iconostasis, some 14th and 15th century icons, wall paintings, made by the famous artist Zahari Zograph. Drive to Melnik. Walking tour in the smallest town in Bulgaria with wine tasting in Kordopulova Museum House. Overnight in Sandanski.

Breakfast. Departure for Greece. Drive to Thessaloniki. Sightseeing tour: the White Tower – symbol of the city, St. Cyril and Methodius Church, Navarino Square with the Palace of Galerius; Arch of Galerius; Turkish Baths; Roman Forum; St. Demetrius Church where the relics of the saint are preserved for worship; Eptapirgio Fortress. Drive to the town of Kalambaka. Accommodation and overnight in Kalambaka.

Breakfast. Visit to the monasteries of Meteora. The rock monasteries have been characterized by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural and natural heritage and they form one of the most important stations on the cultural map of Greece. Drive to Vergina – the first capital of Ancient Macedonia. Visit to the famous tomb of Philip II the Macedon at the local museum located in situ over the royal necropolis. Departure for Kastoria. Accommodation and overnight in Kastoria.

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour in Kastoria. Located on the shores of Orestiada Lake the town impresses the eye with its romantic narrow streets and Byzantine churches. Departure for North Macedonia. Sightseeing tour in Bitola – once most important trade center in Macedonia, for which reason even today there are honorary consular representatives of France, Great Britain and Turkey, and Bitola is known as the City of Consuls. Visit to the archaeological reserve Heraclea Lyncestis. Departure for Ohrid Riviera. Accommodation and overnight at the Ohrid Riviera.

Breakfast. Walking tour in old Ohrid – the pearl of North Macedonia, city of 365 churches, part of the list of world cultural heritage of UNESCO. During this tour (approx. 3 hours) you will have the chance to see some of the masterpieces of Byzantine architecture and art on the Balkans. Old town of Ohrid hides many other treasures too: Ancient Theater, Tsar Samuel’s Medieval Fortress, etc. In the afternoon – drive to St. Naum Monastery, located 27 km south of Ohrid, on the lakeshore. Founded in the beginning of 10th century by one of the patrons of this area, St. Naum, this monastery is considered to be sacred place by both local Christians and Muslims. Return to the hotel. Optional dinner at traditional Macedonian restaurant with live music. Overnight at the Ohrid Riviera.

Breakfast. Departure for Skopje. City tour in the center of Skopje: Macedonia Square with the monumental sculptures of the “Skopje 2014” project, Mother Teresa’s Memorial House, Skopje Old Market, Skopje Fortress. Departure for Bulgaria. Arrival in Sofia in the evening. Accommodation and overnight in Sofia.

Breakfast. Transfer to Sofia Airport and departure.