DAY 1

Aankomst op de internationale luchthaven van Sofia.

Afhankelijk van de aankomsttijd:

Stadstour door het centrum of vrije tijd.
De stadstour begint meestal bij de Alexander Nevski kathedraal, gaat dan verder naar de St. Sophia kerk, langs het Gele plein en met uitzicht op alle emblematische gebouwen eromheen, naar het presidentschap, de St. George Rotunda en eindigt met een mooie wandeling langs de Vitoshka voetgangersstraat naar het Nationale Paleis van Cultuur.

Vergeet hierna niet om aan de rand van Sofia de Boyana-kerk te bezoeken; een UNESCO-erfgoed.

Overnachting in Sofia.

DAY 2

We move south to Melnik.

Stob-piramides

Verlaat de hoofdweg richting Stob en al gauw ziet u links in de verte het oranjeroze gebergte.

Zelfs nu zijn de piramides een klein vlekje, maar maak je geen zorgen, dat is slechts een illusie. Navigeer door het ietwat verlaten dorpje Stob en kom aan onderaan de uitlopers van het Rilagebergte. Wandel 35 minuten over het kronkelende pad dat je, hoe hoger je komt, naar een adembenemend panoramisch uitzicht zal leiden.

Rila klooster

Verscholen in de diepe vallei van de rivier de Rilska en tussen de bossen van het omliggende Nationaal Park, rijst het Rilaklooster majestueus voor je op! Het werd in de 10e eeuw gesticht door de heilige kluizenaar Sint Ivan Rilski en is uitgegroeid tot het beroemdste klooster van Bulgarije en wordt als zodanig beschouwd als de Schat van Bulgarije.

Niet alleen het beroemdste, maar ook een van de oudste, het grootse en nog steeds functionerende klooster, kortom de National Bulgaarse trots, dat volgens de inwoners de kracht van een natie vertegenwoordigt

Met behoud van haar geloof, tradities en haar schrift, kortom geen wonder dat het in 1983 als UNESCO wereldefrgoed werd erkend

Melnik

Melnik is in vele opzichten een unieke plaats in Bulgarije.

Omgeven door de reeds beschreven zandpiramiden van Melnik, is het officieel de kleinste stad van Bulgarije, met, volgens de laatste telling, slechts 325 inwoners; vroeger woonden hier meer dan 10.000 mensen.

Melnik, dat midden in een beroemde wijnstreek ligt, is nu een populaire toeristische bestemming. Vroeger was het een beroemd handelscentrum met rijke kooplieden die honderden kamelen bezaten (ja, er waren hier kamelen!) om het nabije en verre land te doorkruisen.

Here not all roads lead to Rome as the saying goes, but all roads lead to the imposing Kordopulova House – a 250-year-old and large Bulgarian National Revival house, with a still-functioning basement in cave-like underground tunnels.

De stad wordt beschouwd als het Mekka van de Bulgaarse wederopbouwarchitectuur, meer dan 100 van de oorspronkelijke gebouwen zijn aangewezen als historische monumenten. Daarom moeten alle reconstructies of zelfs nieuw gebouwde huizen voldoen aan de Bulgaarse Revival architectuur.

Melnik ligt van oudsher midden in een wijngebied en het is dan ook geen wonder dat het een robuuste en gevierde wijnbouwtraditie heeft ontwikkeld. Sir Winston Churchill bestelde naar verluidt 500 liter Bulgaarse Melnik-wijn per jaar in de aanloop naar en tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog.

Of the city’s more than 70 original churches, only 3 are still in operation, the most important being St. Anthony’s Church. The walls in this church are not covered with biblical scenes, but with more tranquil paintings of flowers and plants, this is in great contrast to what is common in Orthodox churches.

Een wandeling naar het Sint-Nicolaasplateau is bijna een verplichting, daar vindt u de prachtige ruïnes van verschillende kerken, kloosters en de oude vestingmuren. Van hieruit is ook het uitzicht op de magische Melnikse zandaardepiramiden adembenemend.

Accommodation in Melnik

DAY 3

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city after Athens and is situated on the shores of the Thermaikos Gulf of Macedonia.
The city has a rich history and culture. As well as being an excellent base for exploring northern Greece, it also acts as a commercial, business and transport hub for this part of the country. It’s one of the liveliest places to visit, with all kinds of facilities and a great promenade.

Discover the city  – with visits to the White Tower, the statue of Alexander the Great, the church of St. Alexander the Great, the church of St. Peter and the church of St. Paul.
Alexander the Great, the church of St. Demetrius on the Agora and Aristotle Square.
Perhaps the next morning, continue to the Heptapirgion fortress and pass by the Trigonion tower with a magnificent view of the city, the Rotunda – one of the most important Roman monuments, also known as the church of Agios Georgios.

End of the day we will find our accommodation for 2 nights in Katerini. */

KATERINI

Katerini. Famed for its walkable city center and lively gastronomic scene, Katerini is an up-and-coming tourist destination of northern Greece. Its strategic position between the mountain of Olympus and the city of Thessaloniki has contributed to the recent rise in tourism and urban development. From the countless beaches found within a short drive away, to famous attractions in the surrounding areas, there are many things to do and see in Katerini.

DAY 4

Spent your time at will, for instance in the morning a short drive south to explore Mount Olympus not only renowned for its rich mythology but also for its majestic summits that dominate the landscape. As the highest mountain in the country, it offers a variety of peaks that attract hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Exploring the peaks of Mount Olympus is an opportunity to connect with the natural wonders of Greece, immerse yourself in the mythical history of the region, and witness awe-inspiring vistas that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you conquer the highest peak of Mytikas or choose to admire the beauty from a lower elevation, Mount Olympus offers a truly unforgettable experience for those who seek the heights of adventure.

In the afternoon relax and catch some of the beautiful Greece sunbeams one of the exceptional beaches in Katerini.

DAY 5

Meteora Monasteries

Today, Meteora is the largest archaeological site in Greece. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989 and an official Greek holy site since 1995.
This huge collection of gigantic rock pillars and monasteries, built centuries ago on sandstone cliffs, creates a surreal landscape that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!

Since the earliest times of Christianity, the Meteora cliffs have been considered the ideal place to achieve absolute seclusion. A place where one could find peace and harmony and which supported humanity’s eternal struggle for spiritual ascent.
The six active monasteries of Meteora form a truly inspiring and sensational backdrop of impressive rock formations on whose peaks these ancient monuments are located.

At its peak in the 16th century, Meteora had 24 monasteries in Greece. They were established to serve the monks and nuns who followed the teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Ioannina

We continue to our hotel in Ioannina, the capital of Epirus region, and one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. The city lies in the middle of a plain, surrounded by mountains of abundant natural beauty. The historic old centre lies trapped within the walls of its castle and the modern city spreads out along Lake Pamvotis, the lake of Ioannina with its picturesque little island, the only inhabited lake island in Europe.

DAY 6

Our real adventure starts today as we head to Albania, destination for today is Sarande.

Possible D-tour to Butrint; 18 kilometres south of Saranda, is undoubtedly the most romantic and beautiful, if not the largest, of Albania’s ancient sites.

The ruins are located in a fantastic natural setting and are part of a 29 square kilometre national park. They date from different periods spanning a period of 2500 years. Although the site was inhabited much earlier, the Greeks from Corfu settled on the hill of Butrint (Butrotum) in the 6th century BC. Within a century, Butrint became a centre of attraction for tourists. Within a century, Butrint developed into a fortified trading town with an acropolis.

to Gjirokaster; located in the south of Albania, on the steep slopes of the Drino Valley and dominates a landscape steeped in history.

It is the “city of a thousand steps” with hundreds of houses – Ottoman towers with stone roofs, wooden balconies and stone walls. With its majestic castle on a steep hill, Gjirokastra is a magical city with an eventful past that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

We arrive in Sarandë for our accomodation.

Saranda or Sarande is the capital of the Sarande district in Albania and one of the main tourist attractions on the Albanian Riviera. The town is situated in an open bay in the Ionian Sea in the Mediterranean, 2 nautical miles from the Greek island of Corfu.
Due to its coastal location and Mediterranean climate, Saranda became a major tourist attraction after the fall of communism in Albania. Saranda and the rest of the Albanian Riviera are becoming the new “unexplored jewel” of the overcrowded Mediterranean.

DAY 7

Already got a taste of Albania? More beauty today as we head north to Durres.

Not tired from driving yet? Visit on the road Berat, also known as the “city of one window over another”.  Known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, Berat offers you a glimpse into Albania’s fascinating past and a sense of hospitality.Since 2008, the 2400-year-old city, the pride of Albanian architecture, a cultural treasure and a symbol of religious coexistence, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is divided into two distinct parts: Kala (the old town) and Mangalem (the new town). Both have the Tomori Mountains as a backdrop, and the Osum River meanders through the valley, creating enchanting views. The white houses from the Ottoman period in the old town centre with their many windows form a unique architectural sight, to which Berat owes its nickname.

Durrës

Durres is the oldest and second largest city in Albania and has the most important port and seaside resort in the entire country. Located on the Adriatic coast, it attracts many tourists. It’s not just the beaches, but also the historical monuments and lively atmosphere that make Durres such a popular tourist destination. Read our article for useful tips for visiting Durres.
The country’s largest seaport is located here, 34 km from Tirana. With a history stretching back almost 3,000 years, it is the oldest city in Albania. It was founded in 627 BC. BC. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corkyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulantians. The city is home to many ancient archaeological sites and discoveries. Durres’ most notable tourist attraction is the 15,000-seat Roman Emperor Hadrian’s Amphitheater, the second largest amphitheater in the Balkans.

DAY 8

Day for relaxing on one of the beaches or visiting Tirana, Shkoder or Kruje?

DAY 9

*/ if occupancy wont allow in Katerini , an accommodation in the vicinity will be provided.