Contrastes del Este
Duration
13 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Zagreb
Available
April 2025 / March 2026
Cities to visit:
Zagreb; Banja Luka; Jajce; Sarajevo; Mostar; Dubrovnik; Kotor; Budva; Tirana; Struga; Ohrid; Kastoria; Kalambaca; Thessaloniki; Melnik; Sandansky; Rila, Kyustendil; Sofia; Istanbul
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
Day
Welcome to Zagreb! Transfer to your hotel.
If you begin your trip in Zagreb, our guide will arrive in the city on Wednesday at approximately 3:00 p.m. You will have free time until the guide arrives.
3:00 p.m. - To join the city tour, please come to the hotel reception.
4:00 p.m. - City tour of Zagreb with a local guide. We will explore the highlights of the Croatian capital, including its two hills, the old quarter, the upper city, and the newer neighborhoods. The tour will last about two hours. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own. Dinner is included.
Note: The schedules in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust the timings based on the situation or season to enhance the quality of the tour.
If you begin your trip in Zagreb, our guide will arrive in the city on Wednesday at approximately 3:00 p.m. You will have free time until the guide arrives.
3:00 p.m. - To join the city tour, please come to the hotel reception.
4:00 p.m. - City tour of Zagreb with a local guide. We will explore the highlights of the Croatian capital, including its two hills, the old quarter, the upper city, and the newer neighborhoods. The tour will last about two hours. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own. Dinner is included.
Note: The schedules in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust the timings based on the situation or season to enhance the quality of the tour.
Total distance covered: 415 km.
Scenery: Mountains, ancient castles.
Note: Please bring your passport as we will cross into Bosnia. Occasionally, this journey may experience delays due to traffic or border procedures.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Zagreb. We’ll travel through hilly and forested areas in central Croatia on our way to Bosnia.
09:30 a.m. - Border crossing procedures entering Bosnia (delays are possible). We’ll journey through regions marked by the remnants of war and ethnic conflict that took place in Bosnia during the 1990s.
11:30 a.m. - Banja Luka. Time to explore the capital of the autonomous entity of Republika Srpska and the second-largest city in Bosnia, after Sarajevo. Highlights include its boulevards, gardens, fortress, and Orthodox cathedral.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Banja Luka. We’ll continue through densely wooded regions.
03:00 p.m. - Jajce. Arrival in what is perhaps the most beautiful town in Bosnia, known for its cultural mix, mosque, fortress, and impressive waterfall (admission included). Enjoy time for a walk and lunch.
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Jajce. We’ll continue our journey to the capital of Bosnia.
07:45 p.m. - Sarajevo. We’ll have time to explore the historic center, where you can stroll through the charming Bazaar, an old Ottoman market famous for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Mountains, ancient castles.
Note: Please bring your passport as we will cross into Bosnia. Occasionally, this journey may experience delays due to traffic or border procedures.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Zagreb. We’ll travel through hilly and forested areas in central Croatia on our way to Bosnia.
09:30 a.m. - Border crossing procedures entering Bosnia (delays are possible). We’ll journey through regions marked by the remnants of war and ethnic conflict that took place in Bosnia during the 1990s.
11:30 a.m. - Banja Luka. Time to explore the capital of the autonomous entity of Republika Srpska and the second-largest city in Bosnia, after Sarajevo. Highlights include its boulevards, gardens, fortress, and Orthodox cathedral.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Banja Luka. We’ll continue through densely wooded regions.
03:00 p.m. - Jajce. Arrival in what is perhaps the most beautiful town in Bosnia, known for its cultural mix, mosque, fortress, and impressive waterfall (admission included). Enjoy time for a walk and lunch.
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Jajce. We’ll continue our journey to the capital of Bosnia.
07:45 p.m. - Sarajevo. We’ll have time to explore the historic center, where you can stroll through the charming Bazaar, an old Ottoman market famous for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included.
Total distance: 280 km.
Scenery: spectacular landscapes featuring mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik includes stunning seascapes.
Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.
In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its coexistence of several religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich religious diversity. We’ll explore the old town´s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent mosque over 500 years old and a beautiful fountain.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Sarajevo. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys along the way.
02:00 p.m. - Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.
05:00 p.m. - Departure from Mostar. We’ll continue our journey to Croatia.
08:00 p.m. - Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Dinner included.
Note: Depending on the dates, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik.
Scenery: spectacular landscapes featuring mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik includes stunning seascapes.
Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.
In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its coexistence of several religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich religious diversity. We’ll explore the old town´s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent mosque over 500 years old and a beautiful fountain.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Sarajevo. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys along the way.
02:00 p.m. - Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.
05:00 p.m. - Departure from Mostar. We’ll continue our journey to Croatia.
08:00 p.m. - Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Dinner included.
Note: Depending on the dates, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik.
09:00 a.m. - We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide in the morning. We will undoubtedly be in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, perched on a cliff, surrounded by walls and kissed by the Adriatic Sea. Its intact historic center is a jewel of world architectural heritage. We’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of the city from a scenic viewpoint along the road. The tour includes tickets to the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral. We’ll also take a boat trip to Lokrum, a small island just 15 minutes away that is home to the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, a popular setting for the series Game of Thrones . Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be included.
Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.
Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.
Total distance covered: 295 km
Scenery: stunning landscapes along the Adriatic coast. The Bay of Kotor features some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, with picturesque villages along the way. Albania offers a glimpse of a more rural and unique country.
Note: Have your passports ready. We will cross the borders into Montenegro and Albania.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Dubrovnik. We’ll set off early for Montenegro and go through border procedures (which can sometimes take a while). After, we’ll take a ferry to cross the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
09:30 a.m. – Kotor (time of arrival may vary). Take time to stroll through this beautiful walled town with a strong Venetian influence, set against a magnificent scenic backdrop.
11:00 a.m. - Departure from Kotor. We’ll continue along stunning coastal landscapes.
11:45 a.m. - Budva, a picturesque walled enclave. Enjoy time for a stroll, take photos, and have lunch.
01:45 p.m. - Departure from Budva. We’ll travel along the coast towards Albania. Arrival at the border for procedures, which can sometimes be lengthy. There will be time at the border to have a coffee and exchange money. We’ll continue along small roads until we reach the capital of Albania.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival in Tirana for accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: stunning landscapes along the Adriatic coast. The Bay of Kotor features some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, with picturesque villages along the way. Albania offers a glimpse of a more rural and unique country.
Note: Have your passports ready. We will cross the borders into Montenegro and Albania.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Dubrovnik. We’ll set off early for Montenegro and go through border procedures (which can sometimes take a while). After, we’ll take a ferry to cross the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
09:30 a.m. – Kotor (time of arrival may vary). Take time to stroll through this beautiful walled town with a strong Venetian influence, set against a magnificent scenic backdrop.
11:00 a.m. - Departure from Kotor. We’ll continue along stunning coastal landscapes.
11:45 a.m. - Budva, a picturesque walled enclave. Enjoy time for a stroll, take photos, and have lunch.
01:45 p.m. - Departure from Budva. We’ll travel along the coast towards Albania. Arrival at the border for procedures, which can sometimes be lengthy. There will be time at the border to have a coffee and exchange money. We’ll continue along small roads until we reach the capital of Albania.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival in Tirana for accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 160 km.
Scenery: Mountain roads in Albania offer interesting views throughout the journey. The area around Lake Ohrid is particularly beautiful, with its crystal-clear waters.
Note: Please have your passport with you. We will be crossing the border into Macedonia. Ensure you do not need a visa to enter.
After breakfast, we’ll take a city tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, featuring its mosques, Clock Tower, and ministries. Our local guide will share insights about this small country. Enjoy some free time before we continue our journey. (This tour may alternatively take place in the evening upon arrival in Tirana, depending on daylight and the guide’s decision.)
11:15 a.m. - Departure from Tirana. We’ll travel through mountain scenery, arriving at Lake Ohrid, which forms the border with Macedonia and offers picturesque landscapes. We’ll cross the border (there may sometimes be delays) and enter Macedonia.
02:30 p.m. - Struga. This picturesque town on the lake shore offers time for a stroll and lunch.
03:30 p.m. - Departure from Struga.
04:15 p.m. - Ohrid. This town, with its strong Ottoman influence, is a World Heritage Site. Enjoy time to explore the town center, after which we’ll head to the hotel by the lake on the outskirts of town. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Mountain roads in Albania offer interesting views throughout the journey. The area around Lake Ohrid is particularly beautiful, with its crystal-clear waters.
Note: Please have your passport with you. We will be crossing the border into Macedonia. Ensure you do not need a visa to enter.
After breakfast, we’ll take a city tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, featuring its mosques, Clock Tower, and ministries. Our local guide will share insights about this small country. Enjoy some free time before we continue our journey. (This tour may alternatively take place in the evening upon arrival in Tirana, depending on daylight and the guide’s decision.)
11:15 a.m. - Departure from Tirana. We’ll travel through mountain scenery, arriving at Lake Ohrid, which forms the border with Macedonia and offers picturesque landscapes. We’ll cross the border (there may sometimes be delays) and enter Macedonia.
02:30 p.m. - Struga. This picturesque town on the lake shore offers time for a stroll and lunch.
03:30 p.m. - Departure from Struga.
04:15 p.m. - Ohrid. This town, with its strong Ottoman influence, is a World Heritage Site. Enjoy time to explore the town center, after which we’ll head to the hotel by the lake on the outskirts of town. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 283 km.
Scenery: Beautiful Balkan and northern Greek landscapes, with stunning mountain views in Greece and breathtaking scenery around the Meteora area.
Notes: Keep your passport handy as we’ll be entering Greece (Schengen zone). We’ll visit the Meteora Valley, stopping at the most important Orthodox monasteries and touring one of them. Please wear appropriate clothing (skirts will be provided for women upon arrival at the monastery) and comfortable shoes for the climb.
07:45 a.m. – Departure from Ohrid. We’ll travel through pleasant agricultural plains towards the border.
09:15 a.m. - Bitola. You’ll get to know this charming city with its rich historical heritage, known for its Ottoman and neoclassical architecture, and have time to take a stroll down Širok Sokak, a pedestrian area lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
10:15 a.m. – Departure from Bitola. We’ll head towards the border, where we’ll complete formalities to enter Greece. Northern Greece, with its rugged geography, shows a strong Slavic and Ottoman influence. We’ll continue towards the Meteora region.
02:00 p.m. - Kalabaka. Just outside the city, in Kastraki, we’ll stop at a picturesque village offering beautiful valley views. You’ll have time for lunch before we explore the awe-inspiring Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll tour the valley and include entry to one of the most famous monasteries, perched high on the rocks. Arrival in Kalabaka, with dinner included.
Scenery: Beautiful Balkan and northern Greek landscapes, with stunning mountain views in Greece and breathtaking scenery around the Meteora area.
Notes: Keep your passport handy as we’ll be entering Greece (Schengen zone). We’ll visit the Meteora Valley, stopping at the most important Orthodox monasteries and touring one of them. Please wear appropriate clothing (skirts will be provided for women upon arrival at the monastery) and comfortable shoes for the climb.
07:45 a.m. – Departure from Ohrid. We’ll travel through pleasant agricultural plains towards the border.
09:15 a.m. - Bitola. You’ll get to know this charming city with its rich historical heritage, known for its Ottoman and neoclassical architecture, and have time to take a stroll down Širok Sokak, a pedestrian area lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
10:15 a.m. – Departure from Bitola. We’ll head towards the border, where we’ll complete formalities to enter Greece. Northern Greece, with its rugged geography, shows a strong Slavic and Ottoman influence. We’ll continue towards the Meteora region.
02:00 p.m. - Kalabaka. Just outside the city, in Kastraki, we’ll stop at a picturesque village offering beautiful valley views. You’ll have time for lunch before we explore the awe-inspiring Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll tour the valley and include entry to one of the most famous monasteries, perched high on the rocks. Arrival in Kalabaka, with dinner included.
Total distance: 395 km.
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of northern Greece and on the way to Bulgaria, featuring mountains, secluded areas, and lush forests.
Note: Remember to have your passport ready; you´ll need it to enter Bulgaria.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kalabaka. We’ll travel through northern Greece, enjoying pleasant landscapes, including agricultural regions and high mountain areas.
11:15 a.m. - Thessaloniki. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch in Greece’s second-largest city.
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Thessaloniki. We’ll make our way towards the Pirin Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site historically contested by regions influenced by Greek, Slavic, and Turkish cultures. We’ll then cross the border into Bulgaria. Please note that this part of the journey may experience delays due to border procedures.
04:45 p.m. - Melnik. We’ll visit this picturesque museum-town, set in a beautiful wine-producing region. We’ll explore the traditional Balkan way of life.
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Melnik.
06:15 p.m. - Sandanski - Arrival in this charming spa town, known as the birthplace of Spartacus. Dinner and accommodation will be provided.
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of northern Greece and on the way to Bulgaria, featuring mountains, secluded areas, and lush forests.
Note: Remember to have your passport ready; you´ll need it to enter Bulgaria.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kalabaka. We’ll travel through northern Greece, enjoying pleasant landscapes, including agricultural regions and high mountain areas.
11:15 a.m. - Thessaloniki. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch in Greece’s second-largest city.
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Thessaloniki. We’ll make our way towards the Pirin Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site historically contested by regions influenced by Greek, Slavic, and Turkish cultures. We’ll then cross the border into Bulgaria. Please note that this part of the journey may experience delays due to border procedures.
04:45 p.m. - Melnik. We’ll visit this picturesque museum-town, set in a beautiful wine-producing region. We’ll explore the traditional Balkan way of life.
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Melnik.
06:15 p.m. - Sandanski - Arrival in this charming spa town, known as the birthplace of Spartacus. Dinner and accommodation will be provided.
Total distance covered: 225 km.
Scenery: Mountains and forests as we approach Rila.
Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Rila Monastery.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sandanski.
10:30 a.m. - Rila Monastery – You’ll have time to visit this beautiful walled Orthodox monastery nestled among forests and mountains within a National Park.
11:45 a.m. – Departure from Rila Monastery.
03:00 p.m. - Sofia. After lunch, we’ll include a city tour of Bulgaria´s capital, featuring St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city´s squares and avenues showcasing Stalinist architecture. Free time follows.
Scenery: Mountains and forests as we approach Rila.
Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Rila Monastery.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sandanski.
10:30 a.m. - Rila Monastery – You’ll have time to visit this beautiful walled Orthodox monastery nestled among forests and mountains within a National Park.
11:45 a.m. – Departure from Rila Monastery.
03:00 p.m. - Sofia. After lunch, we’ll include a city tour of Bulgaria´s capital, featuring St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city´s squares and avenues showcasing Stalinist architecture. Free time follows.
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport to take a regular flight to Turkey (included; departure times may vary). Upon arriving in Istanbul, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You’ll receive detailed information about this part of your trip in the afternoon, either directly from our team or on the information signs at the hotel reception.
08:00 a.m. - We´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. During our tour, we´ll visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul. We´ll explore the ancient walls, take in views of the Golden Horn and the fishing district, and marvel at the exterior of Hagia Sophia. After, we’ll head to Topkapi Palace (tickets included9, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, renowned for its magnificent courtyards and pavilions. In the afternoon, you´ll have free time to explore this city spanning two continents.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.
We’ll embark on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers for a two-hour trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included). If there are few travelers, the boat trip may be on a regular excursion boat. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Afterward, we’ll return to central Istanbul and have some free time.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
From
USD 2,421.00