Grand Balkan Tour from Athens to Zagreb

Grand Balkan Tour from Athens to Zagreb

By Radfesta Travel and Tours

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
19d
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

Discover the ultimate journey through the Balkans — an unforgettable adventure from Athens to Zagreb, crossing six countries: Greece, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia.
This carefully crafted itinerary combines legendary history, vibrant cities, and breathtaking nature. From the Acropolis of Athens to the sky-high monasteries of Meteora, from Sofia’s golden domes to the lakeside beauty of Ohrid, from Tirana’s buzzing boulevards to Kotor’s fjord-like bay, every day brings a new chapter in the Balkans’ story. In Croatia, wander Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, explore Split’s Roman palace, listen to the Sea Organ in Zadar, marvel at Plitvice’s turquoise waterfalls, and finish with the elegance of Rovinj and Zagreb’s café culture.
Stay in handpicked hotels, enjoy the comfort of a private driver-guide, and join expert-led walking tours that bring each destination to life. This tour balances must-see highlights with free time, giving you both structure and flexibility.

Activity location

Athens
- Athens, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

Athens
- Athens, Greece

Check availability

Grand Balkan Tour from Athens to Zagreb

19d
English

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 8:00

Price details

RM 16,549.23 x 1 AdultRM 16,549.23

Total

Until Fri, 19 Dec

What's included, what's not

Private transportation
Entrance fee
Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch and dinners excluded

Know before you book

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Athens, Greece

1 stop
Meals: snacks
Accommodation: Electra Hotel Athens (central, near Syntagma Square) Alt. Titania Hotel (rooftop Acropolis views)

Athens

Welcome to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport for a private transfer to your centrally located 4★ hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome orientation walk through Plaka, the oldest district of Athens, where neoclassical houses and tavernas cling to the slopes of the Acropolis. Cap the day with an optional rooftop dinner, gazing at the Parthenon glowing under the night sky.

Day 2: Athens: Ancient Wonders & Lively Streets

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Electra Hotel Athens (central, near Syntagma Square) Alt. Titania Hotel (rooftop Acropolis views)

Acropolis

8h
Admission ticket included

A full day dedicated to discovering Athens’ timeless heritage. Explore the Acropolis with its masterpieces — the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike — guided by an expert. Continue to the world-class Acropolis Museum, home to the Parthenon Marbles. Later, stroll through Monastiraki’s bustling flea market and Anafiotika’s whitewashed alleys that echo a Greek island village. The evening is free to sample meze dishes in Psyrri, Athens’ vibrant dining quarter.

Day 3: Athens → Meteora (Kalambaka)

1 stop
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Divani Meteora Hotel (modern, pool, mountain views) Alt. Grand Meteora Hotel (luxury 4★+ feel)

Meteora

Journey north through Central Greece, stopping at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans faced the Persians. Arrive in Meteora, a surreal landscape of vertical cliffs topped with Byzantine monasteries. Visit a selection of these still-active monasteries, marveling at frescoes and serene courtyards. End the day with a sunset viewpoint over the valley, when the rocks glow golden in the fading light. Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 4: Meteora → Thessaloniki

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: City Hotel Thessaloniki (eco-chic, central by Aristotelous Square) or Mediterranean Palace (harbor views, near Ladadika)

Thessaloniki

Rise early for one more breathtaking perspective of Meteora before driving to Thessaloniki, Greece’s youthful cultural capital. On your walking tour, discover the White Tower, the city’s symbol, and UNESCO-listed monuments such as the Rotunda and Arch of Galerius. Wander through Ano Poli (Upper Town) with its Ottoman houses and panoramic views. Finish at the lively seafront promenade, where locals gather at sunset cafés and ouzo bars.

Day 5: Thessaloniki → Sofia, Bulgaria

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Sofia (landmark 4★ superior, central) Alt. Sense Hotel (modern boutique, rooftop views of cathedral)

Rila Monastery

8h
Admission ticket included

Cross into Bulgaria, starting with a scenic drive into the Rila Mountains to visit Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most sacred site. Admire its vivid frescoes, striped arcades, and mountain backdrop. Afternoon arrive in Sofia, a city where Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, Orthodox churches, and Soviet-era boulevards coexist. Explore Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its golden domes, the Roman remains of Serdica, the Ottoman-era Banya Bashi Mosque, and the bustling Vitosha Boulevard. Evening free to try Bulgarian specialties such as banitsa or grilled kebapche with local wine.

Day 6: Day tour to Plovdiv

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Sofia (landmark 4★ superior, central) Alt. Sense Hotel (modern boutique, rooftop views of cathedral)

Plovdiv Old Town

8h
Admission ticket included

One-day tour to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Wander the cobbled Old Town with Bulgarian Revival houses, the Roman Theatre, and the creative Kapana district. Evening return to Sofia for overnight.

Day 7: Sofia → Skopje, North Macedonia

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Solun Hotel & Spa (eco-friendly, central) Alt. Bushi Resort & Spa (stylish, near Old Bazaar)

Skopje

Leave Bulgaria behind as you travel through the Balkan ranges into North Macedonia. Arrive in Skopje, a city of contrasts, where Ottoman bazaars meet modern monuments. Visit Macedonia Square, the Stone Bridge, the Old Bazaar with its caravanserais and hammams, and the Mother Teresa Memorial House. Evening free to enjoy a riverside café or traditional Macedonian dinner with live music.

Day 8: Skopje → Ohrid

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Tino & Spa (lakefront, near Old Town) Alt. Royal View Hotel (modern, lakeside)

Ohrid

Drive to Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. Explore the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” with its 365 churches. Highlights include the Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched dramatically above the water, and the medieval fortress with sweeping views. Visit the ancient Roman amphitheater and stroll the lakeside promenade. Optional boat excursion to St. Naum Monastery, famed for its frescoes and natural springs.

Day 9: Ohrid → Tirana, Albania

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Rogner Hotel Tirana (landmark, gardens, pool) Alt. Xheko Imperial Hotel (stylish boutique, central)

Tirana

Travel into Albania’s lively capital. Tour Skanderbeg Square, framed by the National History Museum and Opera House. Visit the Ethem Bey Mosque with its delicate frescoes, and explore the newly revitalized New Bazaar. In the evening, discover Tirana’s trendy Blloku district, once restricted to communist elites, now buzzing with stylish restaurants and cocktail bars.

Day 10: Tirana → Budva & Kotor, Montenegro

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Avala Resort & Villas (beachfront, by Budva Old Town) Alt. Hotel Cattaro (in Kotor’s UNESCO Old Town walls)

Kotor

A scenic drive takes you to the Adriatic coast. In Budva, stroll through narrow lanes of the Venetian Old Town before continuing to the Bay of Kotor, a fjord-like inlet surrounded by mountains. Walk Kotor’s UNESCO-listed streets and squares, lined with palaces, churches, and cafés. The bay at sunset is unforgettable.

Day 11: Kotor → Dubrovnik, Croatia

1 stop
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik (modern resort, Lapad area) Alt. Hotel Lero (well-rated, good balance price/comfort)

Dubrovnik

Optional boat ride to Perast’s Our Lady of the Rocks islet. Then cross into Croatia and arrive in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Guided walking tour inside the walled Old Town: the Stradun promenade, Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery, and the old harbor. Evening free to soak in the atmosphere of this iconic medieval city.

Day 12: Dubrovnik (full day)

1 stop
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik (modern resort, Lapad area) Alt. Hotel Lero (well-rated, good balance price/comfort)

Dubrovnik

Enjoy a leisurely day in Dubrovnik. Walk the magnificent city walls with Adriatic views, or take the cable car to Mt. Srđ for a bird’s-eye perspective. Optional activities include kayaking around Lokrum Island or a half-day boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands. Evening at leisure — perfect for dining by lantern-lit stone squares.

Day 13: Dubrovnik → Split via Ston & Trogir

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Luxe (boutique, near Diocletian’s Palace) Alt. Cornaro Hotel (modern, central)

Split

Depart Dubrovnik, stopping at Ston to admire its medieval stone walls and salt pans. Optional oyster tasting in Mali Ston. Continue to Split for a guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace, a living UNESCO-listed Roman complex filled with shops and homes. End the day with a stroll in Trogir, a perfectly preserved Venetian town of Romanesque churches and winding lanes.

Day 14: Split → Šibenik → Zadar

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Bastion (boutique, in old town walls) Alt. Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana (modern, seaside resort)

Sibenik

Morning drive to Šibenik, home to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James and charming stone alleys. Continue to Zadar, where Roman ruins and Venetian gates blend with modern art. Visit the Roman Forum and listen to the Sea Organ, an instrument played by the waves, before watching the spectacular solar “Greeting to the Sun” installation at dusk.

Day 15: Zadar → Plitvice Lakes

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Fenomen Plitvice (eco-resort inside park) Alt. Hotel Jezero (classic choice within the park area)

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Head inland to Croatia’s most celebrated natural wonder. Walk wooden paths through terraced turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Explore both the Lower and Upper Lakes before overnighting at a cozy 4★ eco-resort near the park.

Day 16: Plitvice → Opatija → Rovinj

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Eden (walking distance to Old Town) Alt. Hotel Adriatic (boutique, right on the waterfront in Old Town)

Opatija

Drive to Opatija, the “Pearl of the Adriatic Riviera,” with its Belle Époque villas and Lungomare promenade. Continue to Rovinj, one of Croatia’s most picturesque towns. Discover the Old Town’s Venetian architecture, cobbled alleys, and fishing harbor. Climb to St. Euphemia’s Church for sweeping views over the Adriatic and nearby islands. Overnight Rovinj.

Day 17: Rovinj (Relaxed Day in Istria)

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Eden (walking distance to Old Town) Alt. Hotel Adriatic (boutique, right on the waterfront in Old Town)

Rovinj

A full free day to enjoy Rovinj and Istria at your own pace. Options include a boat trip to the Rovinj archipelago, a wine-tasting excursion in the Istrian countryside, or simply relaxing in seaside cafés. Wander the Old Town at leisure, where art galleries, boutiques, and gelato shops line the narrow streets.

Day 18: Rovinj → Zagreb

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Dubrovnik (on Ban Jelačić Square)

Zagreb

Morning departure for Zagreb, Croatia’s lively capital. Guided city tour: Upper Town with St. Mark’s Church and Lotrščak Tower, Dolac Market, and Ban Jelačić Square. Evening farewell dinner with fine Croatian wines, a fitting conclusion to your journey.

Day 19: Zagreb (Departure)

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Not included

Zagreb

Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to Zagreb Airport for your onward flight. End of services.

Location

Activity location

Athens
- Athens, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

Athens
- Athens, Greece

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