Classic Greece & Balkan Odyssey LUXURY

Meet the unparalleled cultural heritage of ancient Greece on an epic adventure in comfort and style. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a Ciconia representative at the airport. In the afternoon, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Greet the sophisticated and delicious Greek cuisine tonight on a group dinner, make sure to leave room for amazing desserts.

Let’s start our tour in Greece’s capital, Athens, which is one of the world’s oldest cities with history spanning back over 3000 years and is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization. Take a step back in time and explore an amazing array of historical and cultural sites in our city tour including: the National Library, the Academy, Constitutional Square and Parliament, The Temple of Zeus, and of course, the iconic Parthenon and Acropolis. The night is free for you to explore more of this incredible city.

Indulge in a delectable Greek breakfast before embarking on a picturesque journey toward Corinth. Accompanied by your knowledgeable Tour guide, traverse the storied landscapes of the great Greek kingdom of Mycenae, discovering its wonders such as the Atreus Tomb, the iconic Lion Gate, and the renowned Agamemnon’s Royal Palace. The day’s crowning jewel awaits in Epidaurus, where you’ll be captivated by the colossal ancient amphitheater. Still a venue for local performances, this amphitheater boasts exceptional acoustics. Marvel at the Sanctuary of Asclepius, whose serpent-entwined staff remains an enduring symbol of medicine. Moving on to Nafplion, a charming Venetian town, treat your taste buds to a wine-tasting expedition at a local winery in Nemea. Immerse yourself in the rich Greek wine culture, savoring the diverse flavors of regional wines and spirits. As the day concludes, return to Nafplion for a delightful dinner, followed by a restful night at the hotel, recharging for the next chapter of your enriching journey.

Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast before delving into the charm of Nafplion on a guided city tour. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of the city’s highlights, basking in the medieval ambiance of the old town. Traverse its picturesque streets as you absorb the rich tales that unfold at every corner. Embark on a scenic drive through the enchanting Arcadia Mountains, making your way towards ancient Olympia, the hallowed grounds where the inaugural Olympics took place in the 8th century BC. Allow the historical significance of this site to wash over you as you explore its remnants. As the evening descends, partake in a unique and heartwarming experience by joining a local family at their olive farm and vineyard. Indulge in a friendly dinner accompanied by the soulful strains of traditional music and dances. Immerse yourself in the spirit of “philoxenia,” the ancient Greek custom of hospitality, as you savor freshly prepared local recipes. Let this evening be a celebration of shared moments and cultural exchange in the true spirit of Greek tradition.

Commence your day with a delightful Greek breakfast before embarking on a journey into ancient history led by our local expert, accompanied by your Travel Director. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of mythology and explore extraordinary sights, including the original Olympic Site and the majestic Temple of Hera and Zeus. As you travel along the charming coastline, arrive in the vibrant city of Patras, the regional capital of Western Greece. Crossing inland, you’ll encounter the timeless glory and legends of Delphi, where we will spend the night. Take advantage of the opportunity to tailor your evening by making dinner plans at a local restaurant of your choosing. This allows you to fully embrace the enchanting ambiance of Delphi and make the most of this memorable visit to the ancient site.

Trace the footsteps of ancient Greeks in pursuit of the profound wisdom of the Oracle of Delphi, a figure of immense importance and influence in the classical world, renowned for offering counsel to those who sought it. Having served its realm for a millennium, the oracle stood as one of the most powerful women of ancient times. Delve deeper into history as you explore the remarkable ruins of the Temple of Apollo, adorned with statues commemorating athletes who participated in the Pythian Games in his honor. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to reach the renowned site of Spartan defense, where King Leonidas led a valiant effort to thwart Persian invaders. Traverse the verdant fields of inland Greece, and continue your journey toward the charming village of Kalambaka, where the tales of ancient heroism and landscapes of historical significance converge.

Meteora is famous for its breath-taking scenery and ageless monasteries, almost suspended between the earth and sky. The town hosts one of the largest and steepest complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, literally named as “middle of the sky”. The World Heritage-listed site is out-of-this-world with its unique landscape of immense monolithic pillars and huge rounded boulders hosting monasteries on top, and one of the most visited locations in Greece. Each monastery has a central courtyard surrounded by chapels and living cells of monks, who have inhabited the region since the 11th century – for far less than the first inhabitants from 50,000 years ago. After your visit, continue your journey with a transfer to Athens, where you’ll settle in for the evening.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Athens to Sofia, marking the beginning of the Balkans leg of your adventure. Sit back and enjoy the journey as you leave Greece behind and head towards Bulgaria’s vibrant capital.

Upon arrival in Sofia, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some time to settle in. The rest of the day is yours to relax, take a first stroll through the city, or ease into the new atmosphere as your Balkan journey begins.

After a substantial breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Sofia, Bulgaria’s vibrant capital and one of the Balkans’ most fascinating cities. Discover a rich blend of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, Ottoman influences, grand boulevards, and modern city life as your guide introduces you to Sofia’s layered history and local character. Then, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade.

After breakfast, set out on a guided city tour of Belgrade, Serbia’s lively capital where history, culture, and riverside views come together. Begin near the mighty Belgrade Fortress, taking in stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers, before continuing into the heart of the city.

Stroll along Knez Mihailova, Belgrade’s vibrant pedestrian street lined with cafés, shops, elegant buildings, and local energy. As your guide leads the way, discover the city’s key landmarks, fascinating stories, and layered past, from medieval heritage to modern Balkan life.

After the tour, enjoy free time to explore Belgrade at your own pace. You may choose to relax at a café, browse local shops, revisit the fortress, wander through atmospheric streets, or enjoy the city’s famous food and nightlife scene.

Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.

Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.

Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the “King’s Landing”, the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night’s rest.

Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time. Departure to Albania, which is our final destination for the day. Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania. Walking tour through the centre. Overnight in Shkoder.

Hit the road after breakfast! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.

After breakfast, set out on a guided orientation walk through Ohrid, one of the Balkans’ most enchanting lakeside towns. Wander through cobbled streets, historic quarters, local shops, and scenic viewpoints as your guide introduces you to the town’s rich heritage, charming atmosphere, and beautiful setting beside Lake Ohrid.

Optionally, continue to the Monastery of St. Naum, one of the region’s most peaceful and picturesque landmarks. Set near the lake’s southern shore, this beautiful site is known for its spiritual atmosphere, lakeside views, and natural surroundings. After time to explore and soak up the scenery, return to Ohrid and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the beautiful lakeside town of Ohrid and begin your journey to Skopje, North Macedonia’s lively capital. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as you travel from the calm shores of Lake Ohrid towards the energy of the city.

Upon arrival in Skopje, enjoy a guided orientation walk to get your first feel for the capital. Discover its mix of historic streets, grand squares, Ottoman-era charm, riverside views, and modern landmarks as your guide introduces you to the city’s unique character. Afterwards, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, depart Skopje and make your way to the beautiful Matka Canyon, a peaceful natural escape just outside the city. Take in the dramatic cliffs, calm waters, and fresh mountain scenery as you enjoy time to explore, relax, and soak up one of North Macedonia’s most scenic spots.

After your visit, continue towards Sofia, crossing into Bulgaria as the journey through the Balkans continues. Upon arrival in Sofia, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, with time to unwind or take a first stroll through Bulgaria’s lively capital.

Have your final breakfast on us and start bidding farewells to your travel mates before checking out of the hotel (11:00). Time to start counting days for your next adventure with Travel Talk!