NORTHERN GREECE, MACEDONIA, BULGARIA AND ROMANIA…THE LAND OF THE THRACIANS
September 14 - September 29, 2023
Led By Local Guides
The focus of this tour will be the dramatic mountain scenery and exquisite jewel-like villages, farms, churches and monasteries of the four countries visited. This simple, agrarian way-of-life is a vestige of the culture that once dominated the continent but has virtually disappeared in Western Europe. Expect to be entertained by craft traditions, folk music and dance. The towns are equally impressive; most of the overnight stops are in medieval walled burgs built by Saxon settlers. Romania is noted for its vineyards and interesting cuisine, heavily influenced by Hungarian specialties. Continue on to Bulgaria, one of the smallest countries of the Old Continent but with a wealthy history in the Balkan region. From settlement on top of settlement Bulgaria is a repository of ancient sites from many civilizations that inhabited the region through millennia. Buffeted by Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences and dotted with beautiful lakes, threaded together by a network of rivers, Macedonia is a repository of history surrounded by beautiful scenery. In Northern Greece, you will discover grandiose archaeological sites, picturesquely labyrinthine villages and the great city of Thessaloniki, famous for its dazzling Byzantine heritage, outshone only by that of Constantinople (Istanbul) itself.
Tour Cost (Land Only): $5,995.00
per person sharing in double occupancy
Single supplement: $695.00
Price based on group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 12 participants
Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: ***-****
Tour Includes
Meeting and assistance on all arrival and departure days.
Travel by modern & air-conditioned motor coach.
Accommodation at Hotels mentioned or similar on bed and breakfast basis.
Accompanying expert English-speaking local guides during all tours.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: breakfast, L: lunch and D: dinner).
Bottled mineral water on vehicle during touring.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites and museums.
All activities described in the tour. All Porterage, Gratuities to guide, Drivers, and Porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare USA-Thessaloniki / Bucharest-USA.
Entry Visas (US citizens do not require visas).
Beverages with or without meals.
Camera or video fees at museums and sites.
Any cost increase due to currency fluctuation.
Any required pre arrival & pre departure PCR tests.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees, laundry, phone calls, emails, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on scheduled flights/tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel protection insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Trip Grade:
II Active – Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides.
LODGING Level:
*** Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service, and comfort level acceptable to the western standards. (3 or 4 stars)
****Luxury: Regular style- usually large- hotels, typical western standard with ample venues, and full amenities. (4 or 5 stars)
