UNKNOWN BALKANS

Unknown Balkans: Macedonia, Bulgaria & Greece - From Ancient Roots to Modern Day

Overview

Unknown Balkans: Macedonia, Bulgaria & Greece - From Ancient Roots to Modern Day

This 11-day journey through eastern Macedonia, western Bulgaria, and northern Greece blends history, gastronomy, and natural beauty. Highlights include wine tastings at boutique wineries, visits to ancient and medieval sites like Kokino, Rila Monastery, and Philippi, and unique culinary experiences like sheep cheese-making and a Greek cooking class. With tailored itineraries, local expertise, and authentic cultural immersion, this tour is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path exploration of the Balkans.

Highlights

Trip highlights

Inclusions

What's included

Days 1 - 3

Macedonian Marvels: A Culinary and Cultural Journey Through Skopje, Tikveš, and Beyond

The tour begins in Skopje with a visit to the Old Bazaar with its green markets, and the city’s oldest bakery, followed by a home-cooked dinner with Your host. The next days take you to the Tikveš wine region for wine tasting at small batch wine makers in Kavadarci and Negotino, guided by a local wine expert, concluding with dinner in a traditional setting. We also explore Kokino megalithic observatory, the stone formations of Kuklica, and the medieval mining town of Kratovo, capped with dinner at a local family home featuring traditional delicacies and homemade wine.
Journey around Eastern Macedonia to visit the Lesnovo Monastery, followed by a feast of local dishes at a remote sheepfold near the Macedonia-Bulgarian border. We also include a trip to Bulgaria’s Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site, wine tasting at a winery near Blagoevgrad, and an evening exploring Sofia’s culinary scene. On the sixth day, discover Sofia’s historic sites, then travel to Melnik for wine tastings at an underground cellar and a leading boutique winery, with lunch in a unique hillside setting.

Days 4 - 6

Monastic Treasures and Vineyard Pleasures: Macedonia to Bulgaria

Days 7-11

Greek Odyssey: From Lake Kerkini to Thessaloniki's Vineyards

In Northern Greece, embark on a boat trip at Lake Kerkini to observe its vibrant birdlife, tour the Alistrati Cave, and explore Kavala’s old town. On day eight, visit the ancient site of Philippi, walk through the charming streets of Xanthi, and enjoy a traditional dinner in the village of Koryfes. Another day takes you to Halkidiki’s wine region for tastings, a seafood lunch in Nea Potidea, and a hands-on Greek cooking class in Thessaloniki. We also enjoy guided tour of Thessaloniki’s historic center, wine tasting at a local boutique wine cellar, and a farewell dinner in Skopje, wrapping up with an airport transfer on the last day.
Note: This tour itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to meet the specific preferences and needs of the clients. Arrival and departure airports, as well as meal and activity inclusions, can be adjusted accordingly. Please let us know your preferences to create the perfect travel experience for you.

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Unknown Balkans: Macedonia, Bulgaria & Greece – From Ancient Roots to Modern Day