Frontiers of Europe - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrival day.

The capital city of Greece is a famous centre of culture, philosophy and art. Today we have free time to explore some of the many ancient sites including the Acropolis and the charming Plaka district, or just soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant city. (B)

After breakfast we depart for Thessaloniki, an important economic, industrial and commercial centre. On arrival we will enjoy a walking tour, before catching our afternoon train to Skopje in Macedonia. (B)

Skopje is a city with a turbulent past, from its takeover by the Ottoman Empire to its time as a part of the former Yugoslavia. Now it is the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, and home to a quarter of the country’s population. We spend the day in the old town, perhaps visiting the Daud Pasha Baths, once the largest Turkish baths in the Balkans and now the City Art Gallery, the imposing Mustafa Pasha Mosque, or the bustling old market area. (B)

Today we travel by bus to Lake Ohrid, on the border between Macedonia and Albania. (B)

This beautiful lake was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and is possibly the oldest lake in Europe. We have a full free day to discover the area. (B)

There is time to do some hiking around Lake Ohrid before we board our overnight train to Sofia. (B)

Arrive in the Bulgarian capital and check in to our hotel. Sofia sits on a high plateau at the foot of Mount Vitosha and is famous for its impressive architecture. As you wander through the city you will see numerous beautiful buildings, such as the former royal palace which is now the National Art Gallery. This evening we could visit a Mehana, a traditional Bulgarian tavern. (B)

An optional visit to Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria. The monks of this monastery were instrumental in preserving traditional Bulgarian culture when this area was under Ottoman rule. Now, we can marvel at its sheer size, with 300 rooms and a magnificent, three-domed church. (B)

We take a bus to the charming city of Veliko Târnovo, where the river Yantra winds through a gorge in the centre of the city and the houses cling precariously to the cliffs at either side. (B)

Today we could visit the town of Svishtov to see the famous Danube river, or explore other neighbouring areas. (B)

This morning we take a train to Plovdiv, one of the most ancient cities in Europe. (B)

Older than Rome, Carthage, Athens and Constantinople, Plovdiv is famous for its ancient and diverse culture. We have the chance to explore this historic town, with its archeological sites and museums. Tonight we take an overnight train to Istanbul. (B)

Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads between the east and the west. Later there is free time to visit the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, the Aya Sophia mosque and all the highlights of the old city, or pick up some last minute souvenirs in the mazelike Grand Bazaar.

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)