About this trip
This is a 10-day overland route through six countries, starting in Istanbul and finishing in Athens, with stops in Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Ohrid and Meteora along the way. It's a fast-moving journey through the capitals and landscapes of Southeast Europe, mixing city history with a few standout natural and religious sites.
Expect guided time in each city plus travel days between them, with local guides and drivers handling the route. The group is small, though as this runs as part of a wider circuit, some travellers may join or leave partway through.
It ends with a guided tour of Athens, but the real shape of the trip is the string of lesser-visited capitals in between — Sofia, Skopje and Tirana aren't places most people tick off on a standard Europe trip.
What you'll do
- Explore Istanbul's historic centre and markets
- Visit the capitals of Sofia, Skopje and Tirana
- See Lake Ohrid and its old town
- Optional excursion to Matka Canyon
- Optional visit to Sveti Naum Monastery
- Guided tour of Meteora's monasteries and Athens' landmarks
- Multi-country route, so expect land border crossings and some long travel days
- Standards vary between countries — accommodation, roads and English-speaking staff won't be uniform throughout
- Small group format, but other travellers may join or depart partway through the route
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Getting there
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Where to stay
A night before your tour in Istanbul · 21 Jul – 22 Jul
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