Balkan Express
Balkan Express
Balkan Express
7 Days Starting in Athens, Greece and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria
Visiting: Athens, Kalabaka, Thessaloniki, Sofia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
828528
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Balkan Express" for a captivating 7-day journey through Greece and Bulgaria, starting in the vibrant city of Athens. Discover the ancient wonders of Delphi, once considered the center of the world, and explore the mystical rock formations and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. Continue your adventure through the historical landscapes of Thessaloniki, Drama, and Kavala, where Western and Eastern influences blend seamlessly. Conclude your tour in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, where you'll delve into its rich history and iconic landmarks. Enjoy comfortable 3-star accommodations, guided tours, and seamless transport throughout your trip. With the option to extend your journey to destinations like Bucharest, Dubrovnik, or Tirana, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Book now for an unforgettable exploration of the Balkans!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Athens Arrival (Tuesday)
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: hotel
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, make your way to your hotel, where you will be greeted with a warm welcome. After checking in, enjoy some leisure time to explore Athens at your own pace. Wander through the city’s charming streets or relax and soak in the local ambiance before retiring for a restful overnight stay in the heart of Athens.Overnight: Athens Meal: Not Available
Day 2 : Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Meteora
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a half-day guided tour of Athens City and the Acropolis Museum. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Greek Parliament and Panathenaic Stadium during a scenic coach journey.Delve into the rich history of Athens with a walking tour of the Acropolis, home to the majestic Parthenon. Return to your hotel for another night in Athens, filled with the city’s vibrant energy.Overnight: Athens Meal: Breakfast
Day 3 : Athens – Delphi – Meteora (Kalabaka)
Location: Kalabaka
Accommodation Name: Meteora
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast, set out on a luxurious bus journey to Delphi, renowned for its ancient archaeological treasures. Explore the famed Temple of Apollo and other historic ruins. Continue through Central Greece to Kalabaka, nestled beneath the dramatic rock formations of Meteora. Experience the awe of Meteora’s monasteries, perched high on cliffs, during an overnight stay in this picturesque town. Overnight: Kalabaka Meals: Breakfast - Dinner Mileage: 339KM
Day 4 : Meteora (Kalabaka) To Thessaloniki
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation Name: Meteora
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with breakfast before visiting the UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore these cliff-top Byzantine marvels. Meet your Ajdinis Guide at Kalabaka and join the group to continue your journey to Thessaloniki, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Discover landmarks such as the White Tower and Arch of Galerius, then unwind with a comfortable overnight stay inThessaloniki.Overnight: Thessaloniki Meals: Breakfast Mileage: 235KM
Day 5 : Thessaloniki To Sofia Via Rila Monastery
Location: Sofia
Accommodation Name: Sofia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey towards Sofia. En route, make a significant stop at the Rila Monastery, an architectural and spiritual gem nestled in the Rila Mountains. As Bulgaria’s largest and most celebratedEastern Orthodox monastery, Rila Monastery is renowned for its intricate frescoes, stunning architecture, and serene mountain setting. Explore the monastery's rich history and artistic treasures before continuing your journey. Upon arrival in Sofia, check in to your comfortable hotel and unwind after a day of exploration with an overnight stay in this vibrant city.Overnight: Sofia Meals: Breakfast Mileage: 292KM
Day 6 : Sofia (Sunday)
Location: Sofia
Accommodation Name: Sofia
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast, immerse yourself in the rich history of Sofia with a guided tour showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Basilica, the National Art Gallery Building, and the Presidential Palace free time at the city center overnight at hotel.
Overnight: Sofia Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 : Sofia Departure (Monday)
Location: Sofia
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, check-out until 11:00 and end of our services.Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
- Accommodation: 6-night 3-star Tourist category accommodation
- Guide: English-speaking guide during visits
- Transport: Transport per itinerary
- Meals: 6 Breakfasts - 1 dinner
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses, meals other than mentioned.
- Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts.
- Stayover hotel tax (to be paid directly to the hotel- see below)
- Flights, Airport transfers, travel insurance
ACCORDING TO THE NEW GREEK LAW
Instead of the hotel tax, Greece will apply a new climate crisis resilience tax in addition to the accommodation fee in hotels, per room and per night, with direct payment by the customer. The tax will be as follows, according to the category:
- From March 1 to October 31: 5*: 15.00 euros / 4*: 10.00 euros / 3*: 5.00 euros per room, per night.
Please Note
This trip can be extended with the following packages;
Tirana Extension - Tirana and Dubrovnik Extension - Bucharest Extension
Please advise us during your booking.
Mode of Transport
All transfers and transport are included as per the itinerary, ensuring a seamless travel experience from Athens to Sofia with private vehicle transfers and guided visits.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 6-night accommodation in 3-star tourist category hotels, providing a cozy and welcoming environment throughout your Balkan journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Balkan Express tour?
The tour includes 6-night accommodation in 3-star tourist category hotels.
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Is there a guide available during the tour?
Yes, an English-speaking guide will be available during the visits.
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What meals are included in the Balkan Express tour?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees during guided sightseeing are included in the tour package.
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What is the starting point of the Balkan Express tour?
The tour starts in Athens, Greece.
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Where does the Balkan Express tour end?
The tour ends in Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Can the Balkan Express tour be extended to other destinations?
Yes, the tour can be extended with packages to Tirana, Dubrovnik, or Bucharest. Please advise during booking.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
At Eskapas we have a flexible policy. You must change it until 30 days prior to your departure otherwise any changes mean "cancellation".
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Solo travelers must pay single supplement to have a private room due to hygien reasons.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Eskapas has been established in 2000 in Istanbul
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All hotels used to accommodate our customers are certified by “Hotel Association of Turkey”; they all are committed to use maximum 50 % capacity
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
COVID-19 RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL RULES Eskapas is committed to fulfill the following regulations to protect its customers from the risk of Covid-19 : 1 – Eskapas will fulfill all safety rules mentioned in the “Safe Tourism Certification” prepared by Turkish Ministry of Tourism; that plan covers all aspects of the journey from the aircraft to the airport, transfers, touring and hotels (tga.gov.tr/abou
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes you can.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your timetable - voucher that will show your itinerary with timing and hotels (30 days before prior to your arrival date)
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Free Date Changes
ESKAPAS allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
ESKAPAS allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform eskapas, 61 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
ESKAPAS requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 61 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of eskapas charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.