Overview
This 12 day shared coach tour that takes you across Greece, Bulgaria and Romania, combining guided sightseeing, historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval towns and spectacular mountain scenery. You'll travel on a shared basis with other travellers, making this a well-organised journey through some of the Balkans' most celebrated destinations.
Begin in Athens before travelling north to the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora. Continue into Bulgaria to explore Sofia, Plovdiv, the Rose Valley and Veliko Tarnovo before crossing into Romania to discover Bucharest, Bran Castle, Sighisoara, Turda Salt Mine, Corvin Castle and Sibiu. With comfortable coach travel, guided city tours, selected meals and admission to many of the region's leading attractions.
This package operates on fixed Sunday departures only, and the prices are valid exclusively for Sep 06, 20, 2026 and Oct 04, 18, 2026.
IMPORTANT – Fixed Departure Dates
- Departure airport transfers (available at additional cost upon request)
- This package operates on fixed Sunday departures only, and the prices are valid exclusively for Sep 06, 20, 2026 and Oct 04, 18, 2026. Prices and availability are subject to confirmation at the time of booking
- Travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet all passport, visa and entry requirements before departure
- This package operates on fixed Sunday departures only, and the prices are valid exclusively for Sep 06, 20, 2026 and Oct 04, 18, 2026.
Highlights
Underground Wonders & Gothic Castles Explore Turda Salt Mine and Corvin Castle, two of Romania's most remarkable attractions.
Transylvania's Medieval Legends Visit Bran Castle, Sighisoara and Romania's best preserved medieval towns.
Historic Bulgaria from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo Explore monasteries, Roman heritage, mountain villages and Bulgaria's former royal capital.
Meteora's Cliff Top Monasteries Visit the remarkable monasteries perched high above the dramatic rock formations of Meteora.
Perks Included
- Hotels
- Meals
- Transfers
Itinerary
Highlights: Athens Arrival, Airport Transfer, Hotel Check-in, Tour Briefing, Free Time
Meals: None
- Welcome to Athens, where your Balkan journey begins. Upon arrival, enjoy your included transfer from Athens Airport, Athens City or Larissa Station to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring the Greek capital at your own pace before meeting your fellow travellers.
- Later in the afternoon, information regarding your tour will be provided either by your tour guide or via the information board at the hotel reception.
- Standard hotel check-in is generally from 2:00 PM. Guests who have booked additional nights may check into their rooms upon arrival and will meet the tour guide when scheduled activities begin.
- Optional activities offered during the tour are subject to availability and are recommended to be booked early.
Highlights: Athens City Tour, Presidential Mansion, Panathenaic Stadium, National Library, Acropolis (Outside Visit), Plaka Neighbourhood Evening Transfer
Meals: Breakfast
- This morning, enjoy a guided city tour of Athens with a local expert. Visit some of the city's most important landmarks, including the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the National Library and the lively city centre squares. You'll also pass through neighbourhoods developed for the 2004 Olympic Games.
- The tour concludes near the Acropolis (admission not included), the ancient hilltop citadel that has watched over Athens for centuries.
- In the evening, an included transfer brings you to the historic Plaka district. Situated beneath the Acropolis, Plaka is known for its narrow streets, traditional tavernas and lively atmosphere, providing an enjoyable setting to spend the evening before returning to the hotel.
Highlights: Kamena Vourla, Thermopylae, Kastraki, Meteora UNESCO World Heritage Site, Meteora Monastery, Kalabaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Depart Athens at approximately 8:00 AM, travelling north through pleasant Mediterranean landscapes.
- Arrive in Kamena Vourla around 10:15 AM, a seaside resort overlooking the Gulf of Maliakos. Enjoy time for a short stroll or coffee before continuing your journey.
- Along the route, make a brief stop at Thermopylae, the famous mountain pass where one of ancient Greece's most significant battles took place.
- Reach Kastraki at approximately 1:45 PM, where you'll stop for lunch beneath the towering rock formations of Meteora. Afterwards, visit Meteora, one of Greece's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here, centuries-old Orthodox monasteries stand dramatically atop massive sandstone pillars. Admission to one monastery is included, while the remaining monasteries can be admired from panoramic viewpoints.
- Continue to nearby Kalabaka for dinner and your overnight stay.
- Women are required to wear appropriate clothing when visiting the monastery. Skirts are available if required.
- Comfortable footwear is recommended due to stair climbing and uneven surfaces.
Highlights: Thessaloniki, Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria Border Crossing, Melnik, Sandanski
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Depart Kalabaka at approximately 8:00 AM, travelling through northern Greece with changing scenery of mountains, forests and agricultural landscapes.
- Arrive in Thessaloniki around 11:15 AM, Greece's second largest city, where you'll have free time for a walk and lunch.
- Continue towards the Pirin Mountains, a UNESCO recognised region known for its impressive mountain scenery. Crossing into Bulgaria, your guide will assist through border formalities, although delays may occasionally occur. Passports are required for entry into Bulgaria. Border crossing procedures may occasionally result in delays.
- Arrive in Melnik, Bulgaria's smallest town and a well-known wine-producing region. Wander through its traditional streets and discover its preserved Balkan architecture before continuing to Sandanski, a charming spa town associated with the birthplace of Spartacus.
- Dinner and overnight stay.
Highlights: Rila Monastery, Rila National Park, Sofia City Tour, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Russian Church, Sofia Mosque
Meals: Breakfast
- Leave Sandanski at approximately 8:30 AM and travel through forested mountain scenery towards Rila National Park.
- Visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most important Orthodox monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the monastery is admired for its colourful frescoes, impressive architecture and peaceful setting.
- Continue to Sofia, arriving during the afternoon. Following lunch, enjoy a guided city tour featuring St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the historic Mosque and Sofia's elegant boulevards, reflecting different periods of the city's history. Free time follows for personal exploration.
- Appropriate attire is required for visiting the monastery.
Highlights: Bachkovo Monastery, Plovdiv City Tour, Roman Amphitheatre, Old Pharmacy, Armenian House, Plovdiv Old Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Depart Sofia at approximately 8:30 AM for the scenic drive across Bulgaria's countryside.
- Your first stop is Bachkovo Monastery, founded in the 11th century and regarded as Bulgaria's second most important monastery. Surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery, it remains an active religious centre where visitors can admire its churches and tranquil courtyards.
- Continue to Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. After your included lunch, enjoy a guided panoramic tour featuring the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy and the Armenian House, with admission included. Free time follows to stroll through the Old Town's cobbled streets, colourful houses and charming local shops.
- Appropriate attire is required when visiting the monastery.
Highlights: Rose Valley, Kazanlak, Thracian Tomb Replica, Shipka Memorial Church, Etar Ethnographic Village, Arbanasi, Church of the Nativity, Veliko Tarnovo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Today's journey takes you through the heart of Bulgaria, passing the scenic Rose Valley, particularly well known for its rose oil production during the flowering season in May and June.
- Depart Plovdiv at approximately 8:00 AM and arrive in Kazanlak around 10:00 AM. Visit the replica of the UNESCO-listed Thracian Tomb, one of Bulgaria's most significant archaeological discoveries, and learn about the region's famous rose-based products.
- Continue into the Balkan Mountains to visit the striking Russian Shipka Memorial Church, built to commemorate the Russo-Turkish War and Bulgaria's liberation.
- Arrive in Etar at approximately 1:15 PM. This open-air ethnographic museum recreates a traditional Bulgarian village, where you'll stroll among historic houses, artisan workshops and working water-powered craft displays. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.
- Later, travel to Arbanasi, an ancient merchant settlement renowned for its fortified houses. Visit the Church of the Nativity (admission included), famous for its beautifully preserved frescoes. On certain departures, the visit to Arbanasi may take place on the following morning instead.
- Arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's medieval capital, around 6:00 PM. Enjoy free time to explore its picturesque old town, hillside streets and historic atmosphere.
Highlights: Basarbovski Monastery, Danube River Crossing, Romania Border Crossing, Bucharest City Tour, Palace of Parliament
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Depart Veliko Tarnovo at approximately 8:30 AM and head towards the Romanian border. Passport required for entry into Romania. Border crossing procedures may occasionally result in delays.
- Your first stop is the Basarbovski Monastery, a unique Orthodox pilgrimage site carved directly into the limestone cliffs. Continue towards Romania, crossing the Danube River, one of Europe's great waterways, before completing border formalities.
- Arrive in Bucharest around 12:45 PM, subject to border procedures, with free time for lunch.
- At approximately 3:00 PM, enjoy a guided city tour of Romania's capital. Explore the historic centre and admire the impressive Palace of Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, before enjoying free time to continue exploring independently.
- Dinner is included this evening.
Highlights: Sinaia, Peles Castle Gardens, Pelisor Castle Gardens, Bran Castle, Transylvania, Sighisoara UNESCO World Heritage Site, Count Dracula's Restaurant
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Depart Bucharest at approximately 8:00 AM and travel into the scenic Carpathian Mountains, passing picturesque villages and alpine landscapes.
- Arrive in Sinaia around 10:30 AM, where you'll visit the gardens surrounding Peles Castle and Pelisor Castle. While the castle interiors are closed on Mondays, the beautifully landscaped gardens and mountain setting provide an enjoyable visit. Warm clothing and comfortable footwear are recommended for Sinaia.
- Continue to Bran, arriving at approximately 1:00 PM. Visit the famous Bran Castle (admission included), often associated with the Dracula legend, before enjoying free time for lunch and to explore the surrounding village. Heavy visitor traffic at Bran Castle may occasionally affect arrival times in Sighisoara.
- Travel through the heart of Transylvania, passing villages influenced by early German settlers, before arriving in Sighisoara around 5:45 PM. This beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage medieval citadel is one of Romania's finest historic towns.
- This evening, enjoy a special included dinner at Count Dracula's Restaurant, located in the house traditionally recognised as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
- Due to limited hotel capacity in Sighisoara, accommodation may occasionally be provided in Sibiu. In these instances, the itinerary may be adjusted.
Highlights: Turda Salt Mine, Alba Carolina Citadel, Alba Iulia, Corvin Castle, Hunedoara, Sibiu Historic Centre
Meals: Breakfast
- Depart Sighisoara at approximately 8:00 AM and continue across the heart of Transylvania, where rolling hills, vineyards, villages and medieval towns create one of Romania's most distinctive landscapes.
- Arrive at Turda Salt Mine around 10:00 AM. Originally worked during Roman times, this remarkable underground attraction has been transformed into a unique visitor centre featuring an underground lake, boat rides, a Ferris wheel and vast salt chambers reaching approximately 80 metres high.
- Continue to Alba Iulia, arriving around 12:45 PM. Explore the impressive Alba Carolina Citadel, where Romania's modern unification was proclaimed in 1918. Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing your journey.
- Arrive in Hunedoara at approximately 3:45 PM to visit the magnificent Corvin Castle (admission included), widely regarded as one of Europe's finest Gothic castles with its towers, bridges and medieval architecture.
- Continue to Sibiu, arriving around 6:45 PM, where you'll stay overnight in one of Romania's most attractive historic cities.
- Warm clothing is recommended when visiting Turda Salt Mine due to the consistently cool underground temperature.
Highlights: Sibiu Historic Centre, Great Square, Small Square, Huet Square, Cozia Monastery, Olt River Valley, Bucharest
Meals: Breakfast
- Spend the morning exploring Sibiu, one of Romania's best-preserved Saxon cities. Enjoy free time to wander through the Great Square, Small Square and Huet Square, where colourful buildings, Gothic churches and the city's famous rooftop windows create a distinctive medieval atmosphere. Sibiu was recognised as the European Capital of Culture in 2007.
- Depart at approximately 11:45 AM for Cozia, arriving around 1:15 PM. Visit the historic Cozia Monastery (admission included), one of Wallachia's oldest religious monuments, beautifully positioned beside the Olt River.
- You'll have free time for lunch and a short stroll through this popular Romanian spa town before continuing your journey.
- Arrive back in Bucharest at approximately 6:15 PM, where the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Highlights: Hotel Check-out, Free Time (Subject to Departure Schedule), Departure from Bucharest
Meals: Breakfast
- After breakfast, it's time to check out of the hotel. Standard hotel check-out is generally around 10:00 AM, although luggage storage is available should your departure be later in the day, allowing you to enjoy a little more time in Bucharest before your onward journey.
- Departure transfers are not included and can be arranged at an additional cost if required.
- We hope your journey through Greece, Bulgaria and Romania has introduced you to the region's ancient heritage, medieval towns, mountain scenery and remarkable cultural landmarks. Thank you for choosing Fayyaz Travels. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home and look forward to assisting you with your next holiday.
Inclusions
- Travel by coach with an English-speaking tour guide, basic travel insurance, hotel accommodation and daily breakfast buffet
- Arrival transfer from Athens Airport, Athens City or Larissa Station
- City tours in Athens, Sofia, Plovdiv and Bucharest on SIC basis
- Evening transfer to the Plaka neighbourhood in Athens
- Experiences: Turda Salt Mine
- Admission tickets to Meteora Monastery, Rila Monastery, Sofia Cathedral, Roman Amphitheatre, Old Pharmacy and Armenian House in Plovdiv, Thracian Tomb Replica in Kazanlak, Church of the Nativity in Arbanasi, Basarbovski Monastery, Bran Fortress, Corvin Castle in Hunedoara and Cozia Monastery
- 2 lunches included in Plovdiv and Etar
- 5 dinners included in Kalabaka, Sandanski, Bucharest, Sighisoara and Bucharest
- Shared coach touring and sightseeing on a Seat-in-Coach (SIC) basis
- Travellers who wish to occupy a private room or single room will be subject to a single room supplement
- Solo travellers are welcome, subject to availability and confirmation at the time of booking
- 24-hour local emergency support throughout the tour.
Exclusions
- Acropolis admission in Athens.Visa fees, if applicable (Reach out to us separately if you would like assistance regarding visa arrangements)
- Travel insurance beyond any coverage specifically included under the package (Reach out to us separately if you would like to add comprehensive travel insurance)
- Additional hotel nights before or after the tour (Reach out to us separately if you would like to extend your stay)
- Departure airport transfers (available at additional cost upon request)
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, gratuities and tipping
- Optional tours and activities not mentioned under inclusions
- Solo travellers are welcome, subject to availability and confirmation at the time of booking. Supplement is 1151 SGD per person
- This package operates on fixed Sunday departures only, and the prices are valid exclusively for Sep 06, 20, 2026 and Oct 04, 18, 2026. Prices and availability are subject to confirmation at the time of booking
- Standard hotel check-in is generally from 2:00 PM, while hotel check-out is generally around 10:00 AM
- Passports are required when crossing between Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. Border procedures may occasionally result in delays
- Appropriate attire is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing involving steps and uneven surfaces
- During periods of heavy visitor traffic, delays may occur at Bran Castle, which may affect arrival times later in the day
- Due to limited hotel capacity in Sighisoara, accommodation may occasionally be provided in Sibiu. In such cases, sightseeing arrangements may be adjusted
- Optional activities offered during the tour are subject to availability and may have limited capacity
- All itinerary timings are indicative and may be adjusted by the tour manager according to operational requirements
- Tour routing, attraction order and sightseeing sequence may be adjusted due to weather, local conditions or operational requirements without prior notice
- Travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet all passport, visa and entry requirements before departure
- Please note that no bookings have been made for this package. Availability and pricing are subject to change until the time of booking confirmation.
Tour Prices
| Hotel | Room | Per person | Single add-on |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-star | Twin sharing (2 pax) | SGD 3,275 | SGD 3,275 |
Twin sharing is per person for two in one room. Single add-on is the extra per-person rate for a third guest sharing the same twin room. For other options, email us.
FAQ
- Travel by coach with an English-speaking tour guide, basic travel insurance, hotel accommodation and daily breakfast buffet
- Arrival transfer from Athens Airport, Athens City or Larissa Station
- City tours in Athens, Sofia, Plovdiv and Bucharest on SIC basis
- Evening transfer to the Plaka neighbourhood in Athens
- Experiences: Turda Salt Mine
- Admission tickets to Meteora Monastery, Rila Monastery, Sofia Cathedral, Roman Amphitheatre, Old Pharmacy and Armenian House in Plovdiv, Thracian Tomb Replica in Kazanlak, Church of the Nativity in Arbanasi, Basarbovski Monastery, Bran Fortress, Corvin Castle in Hunedoara and Cozia Monastery
- 2 lunches included in Plovdiv and Etar
- 5 dinners included in Kalabaka, Sandanski, Bucharest, Sighisoara and Bucharest
- Shared coach touring and sightseeing on a Seat-in-Coach (SIC) basis
- Travellers who wish to occupy a private room or single room will be subject to a single room supplement
- Solo travellers are welcome, subject to availability and confirmation at the time of booking
- 24-hour local emergency support throughout the tour.
- Acropolis admission in Athens.Visa fees, if applicable (Reach out to us separately if you would like assistance regarding visa arrangements)
- Travel insurance beyond any coverage specifically included under the package (Reach out to us separately if you would like to add comprehensive travel insurance)
- Additional hotel nights before or after the tour (Reach out to us separately if you would like to extend your stay)
- Departure airport transfers (available at additional cost upon request)
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, gratuities and tipping
- Optional tours and activities not mentioned under inclusions
- Solo travellers are welcome, subject to availability and confirmation at the time of booking. Supplement is 1151 SGD per person
- This package operates on fixed Sunday departures only, and the prices are valid exclusively for Sep 06, 20, 2026 and Oct 04, 18, 2026. Prices and availability are subject to confirmation at the time of booking
- Standard hotel check-in is generally from 2:00 PM, while hotel check-out is generally around 10:00 AM
- Passports are required when crossing between Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. Border procedures may occasionally result in delays
- Appropriate attire is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing involving steps and uneven surfaces
- During periods of heavy visitor traffic, delays may occur at Bran Castle, which may affect arrival times later in the day
- Due to limited hotel capacity in Sighisoara, accommodation may occasionally be provided in Sibiu. In such cases, sightseeing arrangements may be adjusted
- Optional activities offered during the tour are subject to availability and may have limited capacity
- All itinerary timings are indicative and may be adjusted by the tour manager according to operational requirements
- Tour routing, attraction order and sightseeing sequence may be adjusted due to weather, local conditions or operational requirements without prior notice
- Travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet all passport, visa and entry requirements before departure
- Please note that no bookings have been made for this package. Availability and pricing are subject to change until the time of booking confirmation.
12D | 11N
Athens
12 days
Package prices are per person and vary by hotel and room type. For specific inquiries or customized packages, please contact our team.
