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9 days, Athens to Sofia
Your holiday at a glance
Nine days across Greece and Bulgaria. You sleep 2 nights in Athens, 1 night in Kalambaka, 1 night in Sandanski, 2 nights in Sofia and 2 more stops. The route also calls at Kamena Vourla, Thessaloniki, Melnik, Rila and Bachkovo and 6 more. 8 UNESCO listed sights sit on the itinerary, among them Arch of Galerius and Rotunda and Ano Poli (Upper Town).
Travel is by coach with an English speaking guide, and hotels and breakfast are included, along with your arrival transfer.
The experience
Pick a day. See where you go, what you do and where you stay.
We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. You will receive information about the start of your tour in the afternoon, either directly or through the information board located at the reception of the hotel.
The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them to enhance the trip experience.
Athens, city tour and evening transfer.
We´ll embark on a city tour guided by a local expert, covering prominent sites such as the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the National Library, and the bustling squares of the city center. We´ll also explore the newer neighborhoods that developed after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour will conclude at the Acropolis (admission not included). In the evening, we´ll provide a transfer to the historical neighborhood of Plaka, renowned for its charming Greek tavernas and vibrant atmosphere where you can experience the rich folklore of this country.
Sea views and fantastic landscapes of the Meteora and Orthodox monasteries.
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.
Departure from Kalabaka. We’ll travel through northern Greece, enjoying pleasant landscapes, including agricultural regions and high mountain areas.
Thessaloniki. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch in Greece’s second-largest city.
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.
Melnik. We’ll visit this picturesque museum-town, set in a beautiful wine-producing region. We’ll explore the traditional Balkan way of life.
Departure from Melnik.
Sandanski - Arrival in this charming spa town, known as the birthplace of Spartacus. Dinner and accommodation will be provided.
Beautiful landscapes of northern Greece and on the way to Bulgaria, featuring mountains, secluded areas, and lush forests.
395 km.
Remember to have your passport ready; you´ll need it to enter Bulgaria.
Departure from Sandanski.
Rila Monastery – You’ll have time to visit this beautiful walled Orthodox monastery nestled among forests and mountains within a National Park.
Departure from Rila Monastery.
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.
Mountains and forests as we approach Rila.
Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Rila Monastery.
Departure from Sofia.
Bachkovo Monastery - Arrival at Bulgaria’s second most important monastery, founded in the 11th century. This site, with its three churches, offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can observe the monks´ way of life.
Departure from Bachkovo Monastery.
Plovdiv - After lunch (included), we’ll go on a panoramic tour of this city, one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Our tour includes admission to the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House. You´ll then have free time to explore the beautiful historic streets and charming small shops.
Expansive agricultural plains.
Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Bachkovo Monastery.
Departure from Plovdiv. We’ll travel along charming small roads through the interior of Bulgaria, reaching the Rose Valley.
Kazanlak. Admission is included to see the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll also learn about the local production of rose-based products.
Departure from Kazanlak. Amidst the mountains, we’ll visit the Russian Shipka Memorial Church, a reminder of the strong ties between Bulgarians and Russians, and the support Bulgaria received from Russia during its war for independence against the Ottomans.
Etar - Arrival at this charming village and ethnographic museum. We’ll stroll among its traditional houses and artisan workshops. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.
Departure from Etar.
Arbanasi - Arrival in this ancient trading city known for its fortress-houses. We’ll visit the Nativity Church (admission included). 05:45 p.m. Departure from Arbanasi.
Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, featuring a picturesque medieval center and historic hilltop sites. You’ll have time to explore.
Rose Valley, which bursts with vibrant colors during the flowering season (May and June), and the beautiful Balkan Mountains.
Occasionally, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on Sunday morning.
08:00 a.m.
Veliko Tarnovo – Departure. We leave the former medieval capital and head into the mountain region toward Tryavna. 09:00 a.m. Tryavna – Arrival. This small town has preserved its center with great authenticity. We will visit the Museum of the Old School (admission included), where we’ll discover how classes were conducted in the 19th century, and the Daskalov House (admission included), famous for its Bulgarian National Revival architecture and intricately carved wooden ceilings. We’ll also stroll through the Clock Tower Square and across the Stone Bridge, landmarks of the town. 11:00 a.m. Tryavna – Departure. 01:00 p.m. Troyan Monastery – Arrival. In a beautiful natural setting, we will visit this 16th-century monastery, the third largest in Bulgaria, renowned for its frescoes, carved iconostasis, and spiritual atmosphere. After the visit, we’ll enjoy an included lunch. 03:00 p.m. Troyan Monastery – Departure. We cross mountains and valleys on our way to the Bulgarian capital. 05:30 p.m. Sofia – Arrival. Accommodation and free time to explore the city at your own pace.
The route runs through the mountains and valleys of the Balkan heartland, with lush forests and picturesque villages that reflect the most traditional side of Bulgaria.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
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.
Timings are from the operator's itinerary and may change on the day.
Know your package
A clear view of what your tour covers and what to budget for separately.
More choice, less planning
Ways to personalise a Europamundo tour. Ask us what is available for your route and dates before booking.
Short on time? Ask to join only the days and stops you want.
Request extra hotel nights before or after the tour. These cost extra.
On eligible routes, stay longer in a city and join a later group. Extra charges apply.
Some circular routes let you join at a different stop, subject to the tour schedule.
Fly from your preferred Indian city. International flights are separate from the tour price.
These are requests for an expert to arrange, not instant changes to this tour. We will confirm availability and the revised quote.
A little more discovery
Inspiration for your free time. Only visits listed in the day-by-day plan are included in the tour.
Impressive Roman structures from the 4th century, showcasing intricate carvings and a monumental circular building with diverse historical uses.
Free entry listed · check before visitingThe charming historic upper town with Byzantine walls, traditional houses, and stunning views, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Free entry listed · check before visitingA captivating labyrinth of cobblestone streets, colorful Bulgarian Revival houses, and ancient ruins, offering a journey through centuries of history.
Free entry listed · check before visitingThe enduring symbol of ancient Greece and Athenian democracy, this magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Athena dominates the Acropolis.
A tiny, picturesque neighborhood built in the 19th century by builders from the Cycladic island of Anafi, resembling a Greek island village right in the heart of Athens.
early morning or late afternoon
Wander without a map; get lost in its charm. Be respectful as people live here.
The world's first meteorological station, an octagonal marble clocktower from the 1st century BC, intricately carved with wind deities and sundials.
daytime
Take time to observe the detailed friezes and understand its astronomical function.
A stunning 11th-century Byzantine monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its magnificent golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes.
morning
Check opening hours as they can be variable. The mosaics are breathtaking.
A beautifully preserved Ottoman bathhouse, now often used for cultural events or simply admired from the outside. Its intricate architecture is stunning.
daytime for photography
Check local listings for any temporary exhibitions or events taking place inside.
The route
Numbered pins are where you sleep and match the stops above. Small dots are places the coach passes through. Lines join the stops point to point, not along the road.
Before you book
Prices, paperwork and practical questions. Find what matters to you.
The operator's hotel options. Your exact hotel is confirmed closer to departure.
43 KIFISSIAS AVE, 11523
3, Marikas Kotopouli Str, Athina 104 31, Grecia, 104 31 ATHENS
Veranzerou 26, Athina 104 32, Grecia, 10432
42200, Theopetra Kalambaka Grecia
From ₹1,64,264 per person for the tour itself (per person on triple, land only, excludes flights), and from ₹2,19,643 per person with flight from bengaluru, the airport transfer and travel insurance. An NxVoy consultant confirms the exact figure for your dates and rooms and sends you a quote reference.
9 days and 8 nights across Greece, Bulgaria, athens to Sofia.
1 departure date are published, 1 with seats open; the next is 18 October 2026. Seats must be confirmed before you book flights. Published availability is not a seat hold.
Your written quote will state the deposit, balance due date, payment currency, taxes and any agency charges. Review these before paying. Wait for confirmed tour seats before buying separate flights.
This tour runs in September, October. Its peak season is September, October.
Indicative amounts in US dollars from NxVoy destination research.
General services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet. Includes arrival transfer City tour in: Athens, Sofia, Plovdiv, Sofia Flights from India, visa assistance, airport transfers and separate travel insurance can be requested in your NxVoy quote. They are additional unless expressly included in the confirmed price.
Hotel check-in is usually from 2pm. An early arrival does not guarantee access to your room. Ask your consultant about an extra night and confirm where to meet the group before you travel.
Excursions marked optional are paid for separately. Ask your NxVoy consultant which ones can be arranged in advance and which are booked with your guide.
Ask NxVoy to confirm the current entry requirements for your passport, including transit stops, and quote any visa assistance you need. Visa approval is not guaranteed.
-Children under 3 years: free of charge (some shows may not admit children).. -From 3-8 years: 60% of the price of the tour.. -From 9-15 years: these children are eligible for a discount of 10% on the value of the tour.. One adult per child.
Cancellation charges depend on the policy assigned to your tour and when you cancel. Non-refundable services can add costs. Ask NxVoy for the policy number, deadlines and all charges in writing before paying. A cancellation request needs operator confirmation; sending a message alone does not complete it.
Talk it through with a travel expert.
Payment & cancellation
Know the total, payment dates and cancellation charges for your exact trip. Keep your written quote and booking confirmation together.
Your written quote will state the deposit, balance due date, payment currency, taxes and any agency charges. Review these before paying. Wait for confirmed tour seats before buying separate flights.
Cancellation charges depend on the policy assigned to your tour and when you cancel. Non-refundable services can add costs. Ask NxVoy for the policy number, deadlines and all charges in writing before paying. A cancellation request needs operator confirmation; sending a message alone does not complete it.
Only listed services are included. International flights, visas and optional outings usually cost extra. Check your quote for transfers and other additions.
Basic assistance cover applies during the tour. Check its limits and arrange any additional cover you need. You remain responsible for passport and entry documents.
Unused services may qualify for a future-trip credit, subject to conditions and deductions. A cash refund is not automatic.
Ask for an itemised total covering your chosen tour, room type, flights and extras, including any applicable Indian taxes, agency charges and currency-conversion terms. Confirm the exact payment dates and cancellation policy before you commit.
Your quote should distinguish Europamundo's tour conditions from any additional agency terms. If two documents differ, ask us to resolve the difference in writing before paying.
A short guide to the operator's 2026–27 conditions, checked 1 October 2026. Ask NxVoy for the full conditions with your written quote before booking.
From your door, and back again
Need flights, visa assistance or airport transfers? Tell us where you are starting. We will bring the pieces together in one personalised quote.
Tour reference 10059 · Prices are per person in the currency shown. Tour-only prices exclude flights.