BULGARIA – MACEDONIA – ALBANIA – Discover the beauty of the Balkans

BULGARIA – MACEDONIA – ALBANIA – discover the beauty of the Balkans (Bulgarian/Macedonian part, 12.05.-18.05.2018 & 15.09.-21.09.2018)

Day 1 :    Arrival in Sofia, 50 km (D)
Arrival at Sofia airport. Warm welcome from our English-speaking Bulgarian guide. Transfer to the hotel and city tour of Sofia, which includes visits to the largest Orthodox Church on the Balkan Peninsula – Alexander Nevski cathedral and other places of interest in the historic centre of Sofia as the “Ivan Vazov” National Theatre, The National Assembly, and The Central Baths, the “Kliment Ohridski” University of Sofia, the “St. Nikolai” Russian Church, the “St. Nedelya” Church and others. Visit to an open-air market for local products, if time allows. Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

Day 2 :    Sofia – Kazanlak – Starosel, 270 km (B,D)
We head east on a picturesque road, passing along the southern foot of the Balkan mountain. We will visit a small Balkan village, where we will be welcomed by the owners of a young dairy farm, who will tell us the story of their hobby and work. There we see buffalos, sheep, cows, goats and horses. We will also watch the full process of dairy and cheese production and have a chance to taste. Within a short drive we will arrive in the heart of the Valley of Roses with a visit to a rose-distillery farm, where we will be introduced into the cultivation of oil roses and processing them to the so-called rose attar. Only few countries produce such attar. The oil rose grows in Bulgaria only in this region – the Thracian Valley. We will observe the process of distilling of the rose attar, followed by a tasting of rose honey amidst the garden of the distillery.  In the region of Hissarya, we will visit a family-owned company for production, processing and packing of organic and conventional dried fruits and vegetables. A significant part of the raw material comes from their own orchards and fields. It enables to ensure full traceability of the ready-to-eat product. Dinner and overnight in the region, famous for its curative mineral waters

Day 3 :    Starosel – Plovdiv, 90 km (B,D)
In the morning we visit a mixed cow farm for both cattle and dairy cows – about 220 heads in total. The farm applies methods of free cattle breeding: during the summer period the animals are brought out at grass high in the mountain Sredna Gora. Apart from the animal breeding the ambitious farmer also manages 240ha of land for pastures and forage production, a hunting reserve, vines and a holiday complex.

Drive to Plovdiv city, where we will enjoy city tour of The Old Town.  The city is one of the most ancient towns in Europe. Being almost a contemporary of Troy, Plovdiv is a town built upon layers of towns and a culture developed upon layers of cultures. It is a place where Thracian, Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Bulgarian Revival art meet. During the city-tour we will see the Ethnographical museum, the ancient theatre, the ancient Roman stadium, the old fortified walls and the well-preserved old houses from the Revival period.The rest of the afternoon will be at our disposal for further exloring the town or to relax. Dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 4 :    Plovdiv – Bansko, 180 km (B,D)
Short drive to make a couple of morning technical visit in the region: A newly-built goat farm that is largest in Europe for Boer breed. At the moment the farm has about 200 goats and its capacity is for 300. The roof of the central shed is equipped with photovoltaics, completely meeting the needs of the farm for electricity. Thereafter, we will visit a modern boutique winery with wine-tasting. It processes grapes from its own vineyards (40 ha) into terroir wines. The capacity is about 300 tons of grapes. It has an underground cellar for wine aging and can hold up to 600 barrels.

Continue further into the Rhodopi Mountain for the town of Kostandovo. Here we will visit a carpet factory. It provides work for a number of women in the region. Hand-made carpets of extremely high quality from organic materials and dyes, using the largest loom in Europe are woven here. The British Royal Family, Tony Blair, “Albert” museum in Vienna, the Dutch Queen Beatrix, Mick Jagger are just a few of their customers.
Drive to the town of Velingrad to take a ride on the magnificent Rhodopi narrow-gauge railway, passing through marvelous mountain views, tunnels and curves and arriving at the highest railway station on the Balkan Peninsula – Avramovo, 1267 m above sea level. Afternoon drive to the town of Bansko – famous winter resort in Bulgaria. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5 :    Bansko – Rila Monastery – Kjustendil, 270 km  (B, L)
The Rila monastery (10-th cent.) is situated high in the Rila Mountains and is impressive with its imposing architecture, arcade entrances, numerous staircases and bay-windows, beautiful frescoes, mural paintings and wood-carvings, awesome mountain wings that surround it. The Rila monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The region of Rila monastery is famous for its fresh mountainous trout, which we will enjoy during lunch. Continue north towards  the region of Kjustendil, where the traditional agricultural activity is fruit-growing. Here we will visit a bio orchard garden with cherries, plums, peaches and apples. The size of the garden in total is about 15ha. Overnight in Kjustendil.

Day 6 :    Kjustendil – Skopje – Ohrid, 360 km (B, D)
Morning travel to the capital of Macedonia Skopije, free time for lunch. The city-tour of Skopije includes the Memorial house of Mother Teresa, the Macedonia Square with the grand fountain of Alexander the Great, the Old Stone Bridge across river Vardar, the Old Town of Skopje etc. We will continue our drive and reach the emblematic lake town of Ohrid. Short tour of the city with its many Orthodox churches, the Roman Amphitheatre and the medieval fortress of Tsar Samuil (from the outside). Dinner and overnight.

Day 7 :    Beginning of the Albanian part of the journey (B)
Time to farewell your Bulgarian guide and driver. Meet your Albanian (English speaking) guide after breakfast and continue to Albania (seel below).

Price:
Per person in Double or Twin room                               EUR    998,–
Single room                                                                          EUR 1.090,–

Including:
6 overnights in excellent 4-5* hotels (3star in Bansko) incl.breakfast
5 dinners in the hotels or local restaurants
1 lunch (day 5) near the Rila Monastery
All transfers (group transfers, for private transfer surcharge may apply)
All sightseeing, entrance fees according to the itinerary
Technical visits and tastings according to the itinerary
Ride on the regular Rhodopi narrow-gauge
English speaking, licensed guide
Transport by a/c car, minivan or bus (depending on the group size)

The tours will be operated with a minimum of 6 persons.

Supplement for extra overnight in Sofia at arrival, if needed:

40.00 Euro per person in DBL

65.00 Euro in SGL

The package price does NOT include:

• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratitude
• Air fare
• Anything else, which is not mention in “The package price includes”
• Travel insurance

Other information:
The technical visits may change in case of unforeseen situation (alternatives will be provided)

BULGARIA – MACEDONIA – ALBANIA – discover the beauty of the Balkans (Albanian part, 18.05.-23.05.2018 & 21.09.-26.09.2018)

Day 1 :    Ohrid – Elbasan – Berat, 160 km (D)
Your local guide will meet you at your hotel in Ohrid. On our way to Elbasan, we will make a short stop at Struga, which has been inhabitated since neolithic time. Historically, Struga was also called “the city of 100 bridges”. At Elbasan, an important city that was located on the Via Egnatia where the road connected Constantinople with Rome, we will visit the impressive castle and also see the agricultural wholesalemarket, one of the largest in Albania. We will finally reach the beautiful city of Berat – UNESCO heritage site. We will take a walk in the evening to enjoy the view of the illuminated city with its impressive castle and old mansions.

Day 2:     Berat – Lushnja – Ardenica – Durres, 90 km (B,D)
The castle of Berat is unique, because it is the only one still inhabited. During  our walk through the narrow alleys with the typical pavement you will enjoy the sight of the houses and daily life of their inhabitants, Byzantine, Ottoman and of course Albanian architecture. We will visit the museum located in a former monastery and dedicated to Onufri, one of the greatest icon artists of all times, after which we will continue to the area of Lushnja, one of the most productive agricultural areas of the country. There, we will see the field production, one of the biggest strawberry production and very modern greenhouses. We will then visit the impressive monastery of Ardenica, which is still active. At the main church you will not only see the beautiful icons, but some of the most impressive wood carvings dating from the 18^th century. Dinner and overnight in Durres located on the sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea.

Day 3:     Durres – Kruja – Shkodra, 130 km (B,D)
Continuing on to Lezha, we will visit a dairy farm, where the cattle is free to go out on the green pasture on a special trail, yet the farm is using modern technology for feeding, tracking and keeping health reports. We will then explore Kruja, the first capital of Albania in the 15th century. Visit the castle with architectural elements of the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman period and walk through the ancient, original Bazaar roads and see the ethnographical museum – giving a very good overview of traditional life in the past. Drive northwards through a beautiful landscape to Skhodra, one of the oldest and most historic places of the Balkans. Its mighty Rozafa castle is offering a spectacular view over the city, the rivers of Drini and Buna – uniting just at the foot of the castle hill, as well as Lake Shkoder and the spectacular Albanian Alps. You will notice churches next to mosques, the modern life style and the many bike-riders in the historical city. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4:     Day tour in Northern Albania, 75 km (B,D)
Drive to Koplik to visit one of Albanian’s largest wine producers and also see the production of herbs and medical plants, one of the main products for export. Continue northwards through a beautiful landscape to visit a small family cheesery that produces with traditional methods. Yet, their brand is one of the most sought after in the local market. Return to Shkodra, overnight.

Day 5:     Shkodra – organic farm – Tirana, 100 km (B,D)
Continue to see a bio farm producing grapes, olives, citrus fruits, vegetables, fruits (peaches, pears, pomegranates, etc. for the local market, but partly also for export. You will be amused to see how the owner is using the “left over” bunkers and other military constructions today. After arriving in the capital of Albania, we will get to know the most important sites of Tirana such as the Skanderbeg Square, the Ethem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, Enver Hodja Pyramid, the University quarter and the famous “Blok” – Albanian’s former “forbidden” city, where passage was only allowed to high ranking party members. Enver Hodjas Villa is also located in this area. Today, this area is the most favorite among the locals with it’s modern restaurants, cafes and shops.

Day 6:  Departure (B)
Depending on the time of departure, you might have some more sight seeing in or around Tirana. Transfer to the airport.

Price:
Per person in Double or Twin room                               EUR 570,–
Single room                                                                           EUR 660,–

Including:
5 overnights in 4-5* hotels
Meals as mentioned (**)
All transfers (group transfers, for private transfer surcharge may apply)
All sightseeing, entrance fees according to the itinerary
Technical visits
English speaking, licensed guide
Transport by A/C car, minivan or bus (depending on the group size)

The tours will be operated with a minimum of 6 persons.

** Please note that breakfast and dinner is often served as menu at the hotels, open buffet is available depending on the season and size of the group. Dinners will sometimes be arranged at local restaurants in order to provide a rich diversity for your group.

General information:

• NO VISA required for EU citizens, Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, Canada, U.S.A., Ukraine, New Zealand, Australia and many more
• The LOCAL CURRENCY is LEK. Current exchange rate is approx. 1€= 136 LEK
• CREDIT CARDS are widely accepted
• VOLTAGE: is 220V, plug system European standard
• CLIMATE: Mediterranean climate in the coastal areas, drier and cooler inland, average temperature 15-20°C in spring and autumn.
• INFRASTRUCTURE: all routes in our itinerary feature a good road infrastructure.
• The POPULATION of Albania is approx. 3 mi, the country being a REPUBLIC
• RELIGION: Christian (mostly orthodox) and Muslim (mostly Bektashi)

Food and drinks:

• Due to its rich historical past, the Albanian cuisine is very rich, not only featuring its own dishes of pastry, fresh sea-food, vegetable and fruits, but also enriched by Ottoman (Turkish), Italian and Mediterranean dishes
• Albania produces excellent beers and wine – you will be enjoying the local “Raki”, Schnapps, cognacs, liquors, herbal teas and fresh fruit juices

Not included:

• International flights
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Tipping of drivers and guides
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance

We reserve the right to increase the price in case of changes in taxes, entrance fees, domestic flights etc that we cannot control. The program may be altered but all sights will be covered. The farms will be reconfirmed a couple of weeks before arrival and might be changed against similar farms.