Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Departure from Sofia at 6.30 from Serdika bus station, at 7.00 from Studena — Shell/Mc Donald's petrol station, at 7.30 from Dupnitsa, at 8.00 from Blagoevgrad and at 9.00 from Sandanski, via Kulata to Thessaloniki. Panoramic tour of Thessaloniki with a local guide: the White Tower, the city’s symbol; the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius; Navarino Square with the Palace of Galerius; the Arch of Galerius, built in 305 to celebrate Emperor Galerius Maximian’s final victory over the Persians; Heptapyrgion Fortress with wonderful panoramic views of the city and Thermaic Gulf; St Demetrius Church, an exceptionally beautiful pink-brick church holding the saint’s relics. Departure for Paralia Katerini. Check-in. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 2
Breakfast. Free day. Optional, booked in advance: full-day excursion to Meteora. Arrival in the Meteora area, a unique place often called the eighth wonder of the world, combining natural beauty with centuries-old Christian traditions. The complex comprises giant rocks shaped into unusual forms over time, becoming a refuge for monks who dedicated their lives to worshipping God. The monasteries built atop them are fine examples of Byzantine art. Visit the Zindros icon workshop. Visit two of the six functioning monasteries. Departure for the Olympic Riviera. In the evening, festive New Year’s dinner with a Bulgarian DJ and folklore programme at the Yakinthos Hotel restaurant! Overnight.
Day 3
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Breakfast. Free day. At noon, transfer to Katerini for a walk and free time for lunch in a local taverna. In the evening, festive dinner with a Bulgarian DJ at the Yakinthos Hotel restaurant! Overnight.
Day 4
Breakfast. Free day or optional full-day excursion to Vergina and Edessa. Vergina was the first capital of the ancient Macedonian kingdom. Visit the tomb museum of Philip II of Macedon with a local guide (about 45–50 minutes). Departure for Edessa, one of Greece’s most beautiful towns, built between four mountains. Photo stop at the beautiful waterfalls. Free time in the town centre. Return to the hotel towards evening. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 5
Breakfast. 10.00 — departure for Bulgaria. Arrival in Melnik, Bulgaria’s smallest town, with original post-medieval houses and fortress remains. It is famous for wine cellars producing the country’s finest red wine and Bulgaria’s largest rock pyramids. Free time. Departure for Sofia. Arrival at Serdika bus station in Sofia in the evening.
Tour duration: 5 days.
Travel type: organised trip.
Transport: coach.
Accommodation — validity (from–to): —; price
Twin room (not guaranteed): included in the basic price.
Double room with one double bed (not guaranteed): included in the basic price.
Single room: 170 EUR.
Extra bed in a double room for a third adult: discount of 35 EUR off the basic price.
Extra bed in a double room for a fourth adult: discount of 35 EUR off the basic price.
Extra bed in a double room for child 2, up to 11.99 years: discount of 85 EUR off the basic price.
Extra bed in a double room for child 1, up to 11.99 years: discount of 85 EUR off the basic price.
Additional services — age group / prices
Full-day Meteora excursion (monastery admission excluded) — minimum 15 tourists: ages 2–11 / 17 EUR; ages 12–100 / 35 EUR.
Full-day Vergina and Edessa excursion (15 EUR admission to Philip of Macedon’s tomb museum in Vergina excluded) — minimum 15 tourists: ages 2–11 / 17 EUR; ages 12–100 / 35 EUR.
Two coach seats for one tourist: ages 2–100 / 80 EUR.
Early booking until 31.07.2026!
Notes:
To ensure that the additional services and activities in the itinerary can take place, please request them when signing the package travel contract: they depend on a minimum number of participants and advance reservations.
The following admission discounts apply to museums and archaeological sites in Greece: children under 18 — free upon presentation of ID; persons over 65 — 50% off admission upon presentation of ID; students holding an international ISIC student card — free upon presentation of the card.
Local time: Bulgaria — 12:00; Greece — 12:00.
Departure and return points: Studena — Shell/McDonald's petrol station / Pernik — Lukoil petrol station (Yuri Gagarin Street, next to Kaufland); Dupnitsa — OMV petrol station; Blagoevgrad — Gazprom petrol station at the exit from the town / Lukoil petrol station at the entrance to the town; Sandanski — Happy Bar & Grill restaurant.
The tour operates with a minimum of 24 registered tourists.
The trip as a whole is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility!
Fuel surcharges if fuel prices rise: the diesel price is based on 1.30 EUR per litre. The company will absorb increases of up to 9.99% at its own risk. For an increase of 10% or more, the company reserves the right to introduce a fuel surcharge. For an increase of 10% to 19.99% over the stated base, the surcharge per tourist for this itinerary is 8 EUR. The amount is multiplied accordingly for each further 10% increase.
There are no medical or health requirements associated with this trip.
Bulgarian citizens travelling to the country must hold a passport or ID card valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry.