Greece, Bulgaria, and Istanbul
Duration
16 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Athens
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Athens; Ferry Athens Rhodes; Rhodes; Marmaris; Heraklion; Santorini; Kamena Vourla; Kalambaca; Thessaloniki; Melnik; Sandansky; Rila, Kyustendil; Sofia; Istanbul
Video Gallery
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
Day
Welcome to Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
Notes:
-Overnight on board. For your comfort, we recommend packing a small bag with essentials, as you can leave your larger suitcase in the ferry´s hold. Please bring your passport, as it may be required when boarding.
-Depending on the number of passengers, your guide may not accompany you on board. If that´s the case, a new guide will meet you upon arrival on the island.
08:00 a.m. - In the morning, we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens with a local guide. We´ll see the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium—site of the first modern Olympic Games—the National Library, and the bustling downtown squares. The tour will end near the Acropolis. While admission to the Acropolis is not included, our guide will inform you of anything you’d wish to know. You’ll have free time afterward.
In the afternoon, we will head to the Port of Piraeus to board the overnight ferry, equipped with amenities similar to those found on cruise ships. Accommodation will be in a double cabin with a private bathroom. You will spend the night on board.
Ferry departure times are subject to change. The scheduled departure time is at 6:00 p.m. We recommend enjoying the ship´s deck while sailing, dining in the onboard restaurant, and relaxing during the crossing. Please note that breakfast is not included.
-Overnight on board. For your comfort, we recommend packing a small bag with essentials, as you can leave your larger suitcase in the ferry´s hold. Please bring your passport, as it may be required when boarding.
-Depending on the number of passengers, your guide may not accompany you on board. If that´s the case, a new guide will meet you upon arrival on the island.
08:00 a.m. - In the morning, we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens with a local guide. We´ll see the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium—site of the first modern Olympic Games—the National Library, and the bustling downtown squares. The tour will end near the Acropolis. While admission to the Acropolis is not included, our guide will inform you of anything you’d wish to know. You’ll have free time afterward.
In the afternoon, we will head to the Port of Piraeus to board the overnight ferry, equipped with amenities similar to those found on cruise ships. Accommodation will be in a double cabin with a private bathroom. You will spend the night on board.
Ferry departure times are subject to change. The scheduled departure time is at 6:00 p.m. We recommend enjoying the ship´s deck while sailing, dining in the onboard restaurant, and relaxing during the crossing. Please note that breakfast is not included.
Notes:
-The ferry from Rhodes to Marmaris may be subject to schedule changes, which might require adjustments to your itinerary. This could include taking a flight from Athens to Rhodes on Monday afternoon to ensure you visit all the planned destinations. Depending on the number of passengers, your assigned guide may not accompany you on the ferry trip. A new guide will be waiting for you upon arrival in Marmaris.
-Remember that we are entering Turkey, so please bring your passport. You will need to carry your luggage on the ferry.
We’ll arrive in Rhodes early in the morning. Enjoy a tour of the city, including its impressive walled citadel and Old Town, showcasing influences from various cultures such as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, the Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian. The tour will last approximately two hours and will be led by a local guide. Afterward, you´ll have free time to explore this marvelous and vibrant tourist city.
Around 4:00 p.m., we’ll transfer back to the port for border formalities. Our ferry is scheduled to depart at 5:00 p.m., although the schedule may be subject to change. The crossing takes approximately one hour. Upon arrival in Turkey, we’ll go through customs and border formalities.
06:00 p.m. - Marmaris, a beautiful coastal tourist destination featuring a castle, marina, and fountains. Accommodation will be in this region and dinner will be included.
Note: On certain dates, especially during the summer, due to high hotel occupancy, our accommodations may be in Akyaka or another nearby town close to Marmaris.
-The ferry from Rhodes to Marmaris may be subject to schedule changes, which might require adjustments to your itinerary. This could include taking a flight from Athens to Rhodes on Monday afternoon to ensure you visit all the planned destinations. Depending on the number of passengers, your assigned guide may not accompany you on the ferry trip. A new guide will be waiting for you upon arrival in Marmaris.
-Remember that we are entering Turkey, so please bring your passport. You will need to carry your luggage on the ferry.
We’ll arrive in Rhodes early in the morning. Enjoy a tour of the city, including its impressive walled citadel and Old Town, showcasing influences from various cultures such as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, the Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian. The tour will last approximately two hours and will be led by a local guide. Afterward, you´ll have free time to explore this marvelous and vibrant tourist city.
Around 4:00 p.m., we’ll transfer back to the port for border formalities. Our ferry is scheduled to depart at 5:00 p.m., although the schedule may be subject to change. The crossing takes approximately one hour. Upon arrival in Turkey, we’ll go through customs and border formalities.
06:00 p.m. - Marmaris, a beautiful coastal tourist destination featuring a castle, marina, and fountains. Accommodation will be in this region and dinner will be included.
Note: On certain dates, especially during the summer, due to high hotel occupancy, our accommodations may be in Akyaka or another nearby town close to Marmaris.
Notes:
-Remember that we’ll be entering Greece. On the ferry, please ensure you have your luggage and passport readily accessible.
-The ferry schedule between Rhodes and Marmaris is subject to frequent changes and does not operate daily (except during summer months). Therefore, this part of the itinerary may require adjustments.
-For groups of fewer than 10 people, visits to Rhodes may be conducted on a regular service with an alternative schedule, shared with passengers from other companies.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from the hotel to the ferry port. Border procedures.
09:15 a.m. – Departure on the fast ferry. The trip will last approximately one hour. Please note that the schedule may be subject to changes as per the above note.
10:15 a.m. – Rhodes. Border procedures to enter Greece. We’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the remarkable walled city of Rhodes and its historic quarter, which reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences—from Greek and Roman to Byzantine, Knights of Malta, Ottoman, and Italian. The guided tour will last approximately two hours with a local guide. Following the tour, we’ll transfer you to the hotel.
Free afternoon. We recommend enjoying the beaches or exploring this beautiful city at your leisure.
-Remember that we’ll be entering Greece. On the ferry, please ensure you have your luggage and passport readily accessible.
-The ferry schedule between Rhodes and Marmaris is subject to frequent changes and does not operate daily (except during summer months). Therefore, this part of the itinerary may require adjustments.
-For groups of fewer than 10 people, visits to Rhodes may be conducted on a regular service with an alternative schedule, shared with passengers from other companies.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from the hotel to the ferry port. Border procedures.
09:15 a.m. – Departure on the fast ferry. The trip will last approximately one hour. Please note that the schedule may be subject to changes as per the above note.
10:15 a.m. – Rhodes. Border procedures to enter Greece. We’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the remarkable walled city of Rhodes and its historic quarter, which reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences—from Greek and Roman to Byzantine, Knights of Malta, Ottoman, and Italian. The guided tour will last approximately two hours with a local guide. Following the tour, we’ll transfer you to the hotel.
Free afternoon. We recommend enjoying the beaches or exploring this beautiful city at your leisure.
Total distance covered: 115 Km.
Scenery: Mediterranean landscapes and picturesque views over the sea.
Note: Direct flight schedules between Rhodes and Crete are limited and subject to change; sometimes the flight may occur on Friday morning or include a stopover in Athens.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Rhodes city. Today, we’ll embark on an excursion to explore the rest of the island (included).
09:30 a.m. – Filerimos. We’ll explore its small monastery, set amidst stunning landscapes atop a hill.
10:15 a.m. – Departure from Filerimos.
11:30 a.m. – Lindos. We’ll arrive in this historic city boasting a medieval fortress and a Greek Acropolis overlooking the sea. We´ll take you by coach to St. Paul’s Bay, where tradition holds that the apostle arrived by sea in 51 A.D. to spread Christianity. This picturesque setting was also featured in the film "The Guns of Navarone." You can stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets, relax on one of its beaches, or opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Lindos and return to Rhodes. Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule. Direct flight or flight with a stopover in Athens to the island of Crete. Arrival in Heraklion and transfer to the hotel.
Scenery: Mediterranean landscapes and picturesque views over the sea.
Note: Direct flight schedules between Rhodes and Crete are limited and subject to change; sometimes the flight may occur on Friday morning or include a stopover in Athens.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Rhodes city. Today, we’ll embark on an excursion to explore the rest of the island (included).
09:30 a.m. – Filerimos. We’ll explore its small monastery, set amidst stunning landscapes atop a hill.
10:15 a.m. – Departure from Filerimos.
11:30 a.m. – Lindos. We’ll arrive in this historic city boasting a medieval fortress and a Greek Acropolis overlooking the sea. We´ll take you by coach to St. Paul’s Bay, where tradition holds that the apostle arrived by sea in 51 A.D. to spread Christianity. This picturesque setting was also featured in the film "The Guns of Navarone." You can stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets, relax on one of its beaches, or opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Lindos and return to Rhodes. Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule. Direct flight or flight with a stopover in Athens to the island of Crete. Arrival in Heraklion and transfer to the hotel.
Total distance: 145 km.
Scenery: Beautiful Mediterranean landscapes with views of mountains and the sea.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Heraklion. Our route will follow the coastline, offering stunning sea views.
11:00 a.m. - Rethymno. Arrival in this beautiful coastal city of Venetian origin characterized by its medieval castle. You’ll have time to stroll through its historic center and enjoy lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Rethymno.
03:30 p.m. - Chania. Arrival in this captivating city boasting an impressive fortress and stately mansions. Throughout its history, Chania has been contested among Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks. Our guide will highlight the most beautiful points of interest, and you’ll have free time to explore the city.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Chania and return to Heraklion.
Scenery: Beautiful Mediterranean landscapes with views of mountains and the sea.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Heraklion. Our route will follow the coastline, offering stunning sea views.
11:00 a.m. - Rethymno. Arrival in this beautiful coastal city of Venetian origin characterized by its medieval castle. You’ll have time to stroll through its historic center and enjoy lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Rethymno.
03:30 p.m. - Chania. Arrival in this captivating city boasting an impressive fortress and stately mansions. Throughout its history, Chania has been contested among Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks. Our guide will highlight the most beautiful points of interest, and you’ll have free time to explore the city.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Chania and return to Heraklion.
Total distance covered: 180 km.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Heraklion.
09:30 a.m. - Knossos. Our visit includes a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos, offering insights into the Minoan culture that gave rise to Greek civilization four thousand years ago.
11:45 a.m. - Departure from Knossos. We’ll travel through the island´s tall mountains, heading south towards the Libyan Sea.
01:30 p.m. - Agia Galini, a picturesque town with labyrinthine alleys, a charming fishing port, and bustling taverns. Enjoy free time to explore, have lunch, and perhaps take a swim in the sea.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Agia Galini. Return journey to the capital of Crete.
08:00 p.m. - Heraklion. We recommend strolling through its lively historic center, brimming with activity and small restaurants.
Note: From November to April, due to the end of the summer season and business closures, we´ll visit the picturesque town of Matala instead of Agia Galini. Matala is renowned for its beautiful beach and unique landscapes of cliffs with carved caves.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Heraklion.
09:30 a.m. - Knossos. Our visit includes a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos, offering insights into the Minoan culture that gave rise to Greek civilization four thousand years ago.
11:45 a.m. - Departure from Knossos. We’ll travel through the island´s tall mountains, heading south towards the Libyan Sea.
01:30 p.m. - Agia Galini, a picturesque town with labyrinthine alleys, a charming fishing port, and bustling taverns. Enjoy free time to explore, have lunch, and perhaps take a swim in the sea.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Agia Galini. Return journey to the capital of Crete.
08:00 p.m. - Heraklion. We recommend strolling through its lively historic center, brimming with activity and small restaurants.
Note: From November to April, due to the end of the summer season and business closures, we´ll visit the picturesque town of Matala instead of Agia Galini. Matala is renowned for its beautiful beach and unique landscapes of cliffs with carved caves.
Total distance covered: 180 km.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Heraklion. We’ll journey to the east of the island, passing through coastal and mountainous landscapes.
11:00 a.m. - Panagia Kera. Located in a small village amidst a rich agricultural plain, we’ll visit the 13th-century church renowned for some of the best frescoes in Crete (admission included).
12:00 p.m. - Departure from Panagia Kera.
12:15 p.m. - Arrival in Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Agios Nikolaos.
03:00 p.m. - Arrival in Elounda, once a city-state and now a beautiful tourist enclave. Enjoy some leisure time for a stroll. Here, we’ll include a boat trip (either from Elounda or nearby port of Plaka) and admission to the Fortress of Spinalonga. This ancient Venetian fortress later served as a leprosarium for many years. The boat trip takes about 15 minutes each way, with time to explore the fortress before returning by boat. Afterwards, we´ll visit the picturesque coastal town of Plaka for coffee and a stroll.
06:00 p.m. - Departure from Plaka.
07:30 p.m. - Heraklion.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Heraklion. We’ll journey to the east of the island, passing through coastal and mountainous landscapes.
11:00 a.m. - Panagia Kera. Located in a small village amidst a rich agricultural plain, we’ll visit the 13th-century church renowned for some of the best frescoes in Crete (admission included).
12:00 p.m. - Departure from Panagia Kera.
12:15 p.m. - Arrival in Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Agios Nikolaos.
03:00 p.m. - Arrival in Elounda, once a city-state and now a beautiful tourist enclave. Enjoy some leisure time for a stroll. Here, we’ll include a boat trip (either from Elounda or nearby port of Plaka) and admission to the Fortress of Spinalonga. This ancient Venetian fortress later served as a leprosarium for many years. The boat trip takes about 15 minutes each way, with time to explore the fortress before returning by boat. Afterwards, we´ll visit the picturesque coastal town of Plaka for coffee and a stroll.
06:00 p.m. - Departure from Plaka.
07:30 p.m. - Heraklion.
Total distance covered: 50 km.
Note: The schedules and frequencies of the ferries for this day’s program will vary depending on the time of year. Sometimes, the journey from Santorini to Athens may be by plane.
Early in the morning, we´ll transfer to the port. Our ferry usually departs around 07:00 or 08:00 a.m. We travel on modern, high-speed ferries, so we should reach the island of Santorini in less than two hours.
Arrival in Santorini is scheduled for 08:50 a.m. (if the ferry leaves at 07:00) or 09:50 a.m. (if it leaves at 08:00). From there, we´ll travel by bus through breathtaking landscapes to Oia, unquestionably the most spectacular town on the island: lively white streets, breathtaking views of cliffs, remnants of a castle, and windmills. You´ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch.
Next, we´ll visit Fira, the island´s capital. Those interested can descend to the port either by cable car or by donkey and admire the cruise ships.
Later, we´ll proceed to the ferry port to board another high-speed ferry departing around 03:30 p.m. We should arrive in Athens just before midnight.
Important note: From November to mid-April, we won’t visit Santorini due to the suspension of the high-speed ferry service from Heraklion. During this period, we’ll travel from Heraklion to Athens by plane.
Note: The schedules and frequencies of the ferries for this day’s program will vary depending on the time of year. Sometimes, the journey from Santorini to Athens may be by plane.
Early in the morning, we´ll transfer to the port. Our ferry usually departs around 07:00 or 08:00 a.m. We travel on modern, high-speed ferries, so we should reach the island of Santorini in less than two hours.
Arrival in Santorini is scheduled for 08:50 a.m. (if the ferry leaves at 07:00) or 09:50 a.m. (if it leaves at 08:00). From there, we´ll travel by bus through breathtaking landscapes to Oia, unquestionably the most spectacular town on the island: lively white streets, breathtaking views of cliffs, remnants of a castle, and windmills. You´ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch.
Next, we´ll visit Fira, the island´s capital. Those interested can descend to the port either by cable car or by donkey and admire the cruise ships.
Later, we´ll proceed to the ferry port to board another high-speed ferry departing around 03:30 p.m. We should arrive in Athens just before midnight.
Important note: From November to mid-April, we won’t visit Santorini due to the suspension of the high-speed ferry service from Heraklion. During this period, we’ll travel from Heraklion to Athens by plane.
Total distance covered: 410 km.
Scenery: Sea views and fantastic landscapes of the Meteora and Orthodox monasteries.
Note: Wear appropriate clothing (women will be provided with skirts upon arrival at the monastery). Also, wear comfortable footwear as you will need to climb many steps!
08:00 a.m. Departure from Athens. We’ll head north and travel through pleasant Mediterranean landscapes.
10:15 a.m. Kamena Vourla. This charming seaside tourist center offers magnificent scenery. You´ll have time for a stroll and a coffee.
11:15 a.m. Departure from Kamena Vourla. Continuing through the Greek hinterland, we’ll make a brief stop at the mountain pass where the Battle of Thermopylae took place.
01:45 p.m. Kastraki. We´ll stop for lunch in this picturesque town at the foot of the Meteora, where the views are magnificent! After lunch, we´ll visit the Meteora, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site with monasteries that seem to "hang" from the rocks. We´ll stop to visit one of the monasteries (admission included) and see the remaining ones perched atop immense rock formations.
Accommodation will be in Kalabaka, a small town in the center of the Meteora region. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Sea views and fantastic landscapes of the Meteora and Orthodox monasteries.
Note: Wear appropriate clothing (women will be provided with skirts upon arrival at the monastery). Also, wear comfortable footwear as you will need to climb many steps!
08:00 a.m. Departure from Athens. We’ll head north and travel through pleasant Mediterranean landscapes.
10:15 a.m. Kamena Vourla. This charming seaside tourist center offers magnificent scenery. You´ll have time for a stroll and a coffee.
11:15 a.m. Departure from Kamena Vourla. Continuing through the Greek hinterland, we’ll make a brief stop at the mountain pass where the Battle of Thermopylae took place.
01:45 p.m. Kastraki. We´ll stop for lunch in this picturesque town at the foot of the Meteora, where the views are magnificent! After lunch, we´ll visit the Meteora, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site with monasteries that seem to "hang" from the rocks. We´ll stop to visit one of the monasteries (admission included) and see the remaining ones perched atop immense rock formations.
Accommodation will be in Kalabaka, a small town in the center of the Meteora region. Dinner will be included.
Total distance: 395 km.
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of northern Greece and on the way to Bulgaria, featuring mountains, secluded areas, and lush forests.
Note: Remember to have your passport ready; you´ll need it to enter Bulgaria.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kalabaka. We’ll travel through northern Greece, enjoying pleasant landscapes, including agricultural regions and high mountain areas.
11:15 a.m. - Thessaloniki. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch in Greece’s second-largest city.
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Thessaloniki. We’ll make our way towards the Pirin Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site historically contested by regions influenced by Greek, Slavic, and Turkish cultures. We’ll then cross the border into Bulgaria. Please note that this part of the journey may experience delays due to border procedures.
04:45 p.m. - Melnik. We’ll visit this picturesque museum-town, set in a beautiful wine-producing region. We’ll explore the traditional Balkan way of life.
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Melnik.
06:15 p.m. - Sandanski - Arrival in this charming spa town, known as the birthplace of Spartacus. Dinner and accommodation will be provided.
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of northern Greece and on the way to Bulgaria, featuring mountains, secluded areas, and lush forests.
Note: Remember to have your passport ready; you´ll need it to enter Bulgaria.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kalabaka. We’ll travel through northern Greece, enjoying pleasant landscapes, including agricultural regions and high mountain areas.
11:15 a.m. - Thessaloniki. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch in Greece’s second-largest city.
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Thessaloniki. We’ll make our way towards the Pirin Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site historically contested by regions influenced by Greek, Slavic, and Turkish cultures. We’ll then cross the border into Bulgaria. Please note that this part of the journey may experience delays due to border procedures.
04:45 p.m. - Melnik. We’ll visit this picturesque museum-town, set in a beautiful wine-producing region. We’ll explore the traditional Balkan way of life.
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Melnik.
06:15 p.m. - Sandanski - Arrival in this charming spa town, known as the birthplace of Spartacus. Dinner and accommodation will be provided.
Total distance covered: 225 km.
Scenery: Mountains and forests as we approach Rila.
Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Rila Monastery.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sandanski.
10:30 a.m. - Rila Monastery – You’ll have time to visit this beautiful walled Orthodox monastery nestled among forests and mountains within a National Park.
11:45 a.m. – Departure from Rila Monastery.
03:00 p.m. - Sofia. After lunch, we’ll include a city tour of Bulgaria´s capital, featuring St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city´s squares and avenues showcasing Stalinist architecture. Free time follows.
Scenery: Mountains and forests as we approach Rila.
Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Rila Monastery.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sandanski.
10:30 a.m. - Rila Monastery – You’ll have time to visit this beautiful walled Orthodox monastery nestled among forests and mountains within a National Park.
11:45 a.m. – Departure from Rila Monastery.
03:00 p.m. - Sofia. After lunch, we’ll include a city tour of Bulgaria´s capital, featuring St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city´s squares and avenues showcasing Stalinist architecture. Free time follows.
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport to take a regular flight to Turkey (included; departure times may vary). Upon arriving in Istanbul, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You’ll receive detailed information about this part of your trip in the afternoon, either directly from our team or on the information signs at the hotel reception.
08:00 a.m. - We´ll embark on a panoramic tour of the city, during which we´ll visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, explore the ancient walls, take in views of the Golden Horn and the fishing district, and marvel at the exterior of Hagia Sophia. After, we’ll head to Topkapi Palace (tickets included), the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, renowned for its magnificent courtyards and pavilions. In the afternoon, you´ll have free time to explore this city spanning two continents.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.
We’ll embark on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers for a two-hour trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included). If there are few travelers, the boat trip may be on a regular excursion boat. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Afterward, we’ll return to central Istanbul for some free time.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
From
USD 3,787.00