Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Rumania

After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic city tour with a local guide, including views of the "Albanians" mosaic on the facade of the National History Museum, the Skanderbeg Statue in Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Mosque with its clock tower, the Mother Teresa Monument, and other city landmarks. The rest of the day is free, or you can take an optional excursion (to Durrës).

Today we travel along the ancient Egnatian Road to Elbasan to visit the castle. After a brief visit, we continue to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its natural, cultural, and historical significance. This afternoon, we'll explore Ohrid, strolling past the Robev Family House, St. Kliman's Cathedral, St. Sophia Church, the fortress, and Palosnik Monastery, enjoying views of the city and the lake. Overnight in Ohrid.

In the morning, depart for Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour including the Old Bazaar, the Stone Bridge, and the Mother Teresa Memorial Centre. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Skopje.

Free day in Skopje or optional full-day excursion to Kosovo (Prishtina).

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Niš. Visit Niš and the famous Skull Tower, which was built by the Ottoman Turks in 1809 after a bloody battle. The Turks adorned the tower with the severed heads of Serbian soldiers who rebelled against Turkish rule. Continue to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. Overnight stay.

Today we'll enjoy a comprehensive tour of Sofia and discover the highlights of the capital. Among the most iconic landmarks are the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which dominates the city; the Church of St. George, considered the best-preserved Byzantine church; the Russian Church of St. Nicholas; the Banya Bashi Mosque; and the ruins of ancient Serdica, among others. We'll then travel to the Rila Mountains to visit one of Bulgaria's most famous sites – Rila Monastery. This monastery is a sanctuary of Bulgarian literature and spiritual life. Founded in the mid-10th century by St. Ivan of Rila, it played a key role in preserving Bulgarian culture and language for centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit the monastery church with its stunning frescoes, painted by some of Bulgaria's most renowned artists since the 19th century, and the museum, which houses a collection of exhibits related to the history of the monastery and the spread of Christianity in Bulgaria. Return to Sofia. Overnight stay.

Leaving Sofia behind, we head to Bulgaria's second-largest city, Plovdiv. This city boasts a history spanning millennia, with well-preserved ruins from the Roman, Ottoman, and Bulgarian National Revival periods. During our city tour, we'll see the Roman Forum and stadium, as well as the Roman amphitheater. We'll stroll along the cobblestone streets of this small, ancient town, lined with charming houses and churches. We'll visit the Church of St. Constantine and St. Helena, as well as the Ethnographic Museum, housed in the former residence of a wealthy merchant from the 19th century BC. After the museum visit, we'll cross the Balkan Mountains via the historic Shipka Pass, which played a pivotal role in the Russo-Turkish War of Bulgarian Liberation. We'll then arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Overnight stay. (*On certain occasions, the night will be spent in Arbanassi, and the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.)

In the morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Veliko Tarnovo, including a walk to Tsarevets, the former residence of Bulgarian kings. We will stroll along the city's oldest street, Samovodska Charshia. Afterward, we will travel to Arbanassi, a small Bulgarian village located 4 km from Veliko Tarnovo. Arbanassi is notable for its architecture. In the village, we will see the Konstancalieva House and the Church of the Nativity, whose murals are a true work of art. Return to Veliko Tarnovo. Overnight stay. (*On certain occasions, the night will be spent in Arbanassi, and the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.)

Today we travel to Romania, passing through the city of Russe, where we will meet our local Romanian guide. In the afternoon, we arrive in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Overnight stay.

We will explore the Romanian capital, once known as "Little Paris." During the tour, we will visit the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon, and the People's Museum. We will hear how the Romanian people finally succeeded in overthrowing the last communist dictator in Eastern Europe in Revolution Square. The trip will also take us to the Romanian Athenaeum, the Opera House, the Military Club of the Nation, the Military Academy, and the Arch of Triumph. Overnight stay.

Transfer to Bucharest airport for your return flight.