Trail of the Ancients: Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Romania
Experience the beginnings of modern Democracy, understand the origins of Modern Europe and society as we know it commencing in the land of the Greeks. Island hop and experience local customs, great Mediterranean foods that reveal the bounties of land, sea and sun. From Greece we head to northern neighbour Bulgaria, the longest continually named country in Europe. With thousands of years of culinary tradition, vinification and human civilization, you will not be disappointed by what this fascinating land conquered by many can offer. It has the oldest city in Europe, great plains, the Black Sea and the stunning Balkan mountains amongst much, much more to whet the appetite.
Finally we head to the territories of Alexander the Great's father, Philipp II. It can only be Macedonia, one of Europe's oldest and simultaneously new countries. The cultural blend of Jewish, Orthodox Christian, Muslim and others creates one of the best melting pots in the world.
You simply must come to this part of South East Europe and experience the riches and bounties offered up to the modern traveller. Nowhere does real experiences, nature and local contact like the Balkans! We invite you to join our small group, sustainable and luxury trip so you too return further cultivated, more enlightened and probably a kilo or two above your starting point.
Fear not, we will be walking, exploring, getting into the nitty gritty and discovering the best part of Ancient Europe together!
Itinerary and Specifics
Highlights
- Experience the Ancient World better than anyone - we have tremendous contacts and experience to achieve whatever you're looking for.
- Go wine tasting and meet the winemakers in Europe's oldest vineyards.
- See the highest mountains in the Balkans and breathe the purest air in Europe
- Try the finest Greek Ouzo, Bulgarian Reikia and many more beverage delights
- Experience some of the world's most scenic landscapes
- Get off the beaten track, we are known for this and you're going to see eclectic Hellenic Gems
- Meet the locals - engage in humour and share stories
- Learn some of the local Ancient languages - pick up a few phrases and practice Slavic as well as Ancient Greek influenced lingos.
- Connect with your Ancestors - many people from all over the world have links to Greece and the Balkans.
- Return relaxed, informed and in love with Greece and the Balkans
Included:
- 4 Star Acccomodation or equivalents on a Bed and Breakfast Basis
- Meet and Greet at Airport
- Transfers to and from hotel
- Expert driver/guide
- Comfortable touring vehicle
- Local knowledge, recommendations and help with any bookings you want to make
- Porterage - 1 piece per person in and out of hotels
Not included
- Flights - purchase your own flights in/out of destination
- Gratuities minimum recommended $10 per person per day
- Lunches and Dinners - we like our guests to be able to choose their own dining options
- Any entrances to museums, attractions and concerts - most of what you're looking for will be free entrance anyway.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive to Athens and walk off the jetlag with a short walking tour and panoramic of the city. Dinner in a local restaurant near the hotel if you wish.
Day 2
Our local city guide will hit the main spots with you this morning and in the afternoon give you options according to your tastes and preferences. Any history and culinary lovers will be in 7th heaven here.
Day 3/4
Today we are on a short flight to Crete with two nights on this famous large island. Expore the cultural jems, beaches and engage with locals in a cooking class or one of many activities we can put together for you.
Day 5
Take a short flight to Mykonos and explore the island with a local guide. One night here is enough to get a flavour for this fascinating and scenic location.
Day 6
Today we return to the mainland with a ferry and onwards to Thessalonki, a famous port city that has played very important roles in ancient as well as modern cities. Those familiar with American author Alan Furst will be familiar with the ancient culture offered up here. A major transport and train intersection, this is a true melting pot of Balkans, Ottomon, Bulgarian and Middle Eastern. A fantastic food destination and a lot of things to see, you're spoiled for choice. You'll spend two nights here to catch your breath.
Day 7
Morning city tour with local guide and afternoon at leisure to explore. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 8
We leave the Hellenic Republic, aka Greece, and voyage into hospitable Macedonia, the homeland and birthplace of both Philipp II and Alexander the Great, the greatest military mind of all time. Spend two nights exploring this mountainous region and some time in the capital Skopje to catch up on culture. Numerous activities and options await according to your taste and interests.
Day 9
Enjoy Skopje with our local guide and experience what it means to be Macedonian with the locals. Afternoon at leisure to explore the tremendous cultural and dining opportunities. Why not pick up a book and relax in one of the best cafe scences in Europe.
Day 10
We cross into larger neighbouring country Bulgaria today and start by visiting historic mountaintop Orthodox monasteries. With excellent food, you'll enjoy the highest peaks of Europe and the secluded and stunning landsapes provided by the high forests and lakes. It's a discovery of Rila National Park today. Sleep in the high altitude serenity afforded by the serene and comforting mountain peoples.
Day 11
Today we're off to one of the best preserved millenary churches in Eurpoe - UNESCO Boyana Orthodox Church of Bulgaria is a UNESCO cultural gem for it's famous icons and perfectly preserved structures, 1,000 years on. This is a sure winner and highlight of the trip, whether you're into ecclessiastical painting or not. We descend from the mountains and spend two nights in capital of Bulgaria, Sofia.
Day 11
Today you'll explore this ancient city and enjoy all the cultural gems afforded by a blend of cultures. The musuems, galleries, sights and sounds will delight with the most open-minded and friendly Europeans you will find. English is widely spoken so impromptu chats will be had as you peruse the offerings on the high street with snow-capped Vitosha Mountain in the background. Famous markets, synagogues, churches and much more are yours to enjoy.
Day 12
We head to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second city and OLDEST CITY IN EUROPE. In 2019 it was selected as European Capital of Culture for it's Roman Amphitheatre, Roman stadium and much, much more. This is without a shadow of a doubt one of the greatest small cities in the world, built around 7 famous hills. Thracians, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans all played their hand in the historymaking here. Overnight here for two nights and enjoy all the cultural marvels on offer, unchanged since the beginning of European Civilisation.
Day 13
Enjoy the foods, wines and Thracian tombs that can be uncovered in the area. Some of them date from 5 Centuries BC. The Thracians were a highly organised Bulgarian tribe that covered the whole of the Thracian Plain. Wine Tasting and lunch at a vineyard today. Free late afternoon and evening to occupy as you wish. There's great pedestrianised streets and stunning architecture to admire.
Day 14
We head north to Bucharest in Romania for those wishing to combine our Castles and Dacian Tribe tour of Romania and for those who wish to enjoy the fruits of the Black Sea, there's a Post-Tour option that continues to UNESCO Nessebar, Varna, Burgas and the Black Sea coast.
Fly out of Bucharest in Romania or Varna in Bulgaria depending on your decision to combine, extend or cut short your trip in the Valleys and Plains of the Romans, Ottoman, Greek, Thracian and Balkan Ancient Cultures.
NOTE: We only work with the highest quality partners in the region and ensure total quality control at all times in our coveted relationships with experienced locals on the ground. We endeavour to use as many Sustainable options for our Small Group Luxury Groups and select only accomodations that are fully respectful of this. They have actions matching their policies and work with locals at all time, not large international hotels employing people not in the circular economy respecting the triple line ecology of tourism.