Set off on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Balkans, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the lively streets of Sofia and Belgrade to the serene beauty of Lake Ohrid and the spiritual depths of Rila Monastery, this tour offers a captivating blend of iconic landmarks, ancient ruins, and authentic local experiences. Indulge in traditional cuisine, admire UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and uncover centuries-old traditions as you travel through Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia. This carefully crafted itinerary promises an immersive adventure filled with cultural discovery, stunning scenery, and warm Balkan hospitality.
Enjoy an extended stay in Bulgaria's vibrant capital - Sofia. Delve even further into Sofia's rich history and discover ancient ruins, old churches, and stories from centuries past that shaped the city into what it is today.
Fly from the UK to Bulgaria, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
Breakfast & Dinner
Spend the day discovering the vibrant heart of Bulgaria’s capital on a guided tour through Sofia’s most iconic landmarks. Marvel at the grand Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the ancient Rotunda of St. George, the ornate Russian St. Nicholas Church, the historic Banya Bashi Mosque, and the remarkable Roman ruins of Serdica. In the afternoon, delve into Bulgaria’s rich past at the National Historical Museum and admire the exquisite frescoes of the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church. Enjoy an afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. This evening, savour a memorable welcome dinner at a traditional Bulgarian tavern, where you’ll indulge in authentic local cuisine and be enchanted by lively folk music and cultural performances.
Breakfast
Embark on a scenic drive to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Explore its rich heritage on a guided tour that showcases the impressive Roman Forum, Stadium, and Amphitheatre, all dating back to the 2nd century AD. Stroll through the beautifully preserved cobbled streets of the Old Town, where history comes alive at every turn. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, set within a magnificent 19th-century mansion, offering a glimpse into Bulgaria’s cultural traditions. In the evening, return to Sofia and enjoy free time.
Breakfast
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Niš, Serbia. On arrival, begin a guided city tour of Niš, exploring this historically rich city known as the birthplace of Emperor Constantine the Great. Visit Niš Fortress, a well-preserved Ottoman structure offering panoramic views and insight into the city’s strategic past, continuing to Skull Tower (Ćele Kula), one of Serbia’s most unique and sobering monuments, built by the Ottomans using the skulls of Serbian rebels as a warning.
Finish a day of touring at the poignant Nazi Concentration Camp "Red Cross," a powerful reminder of World War II’s dark history in the region. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax or further explore Niš at your own pace.
Breakfast
This morning starts with a road trip north to Belgrade, the vibrant Serbian capital and cultural heart of the country since 1403. On arrival, embark on a guided city tour, beginning with a visit to the Memorial Complex of Josip Broz Tito, the legendary former president of Yugoslavia. Continue to the impressive St. Sava Church, one of the largest Orthodox churches in Europe, before heading into the city centre. Enjoy a leisurely stroll with the group along Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade’s bustling pedestrian boulevard, renowned for its elegant architecture, lively cafes, and lively atmosphere.
Breakfast & Dinner
Set out on a guided city tour of Belgrade, where centuries of history and modern life blend seamlessly. Begin with a guided city tour of Belgrade, meander through the streets of the old part of town arriving at the Kalemegdan Fortress, the city's enduring symbol, majestically perched at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. As you stroll through the Upper Fortress area you can take in sweeping views over the rivers and the city skyline. Next, you will discover the House of Flowers, the peaceful resting place of Josip Broz Tito, former president of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and his wife, Jovanka Broz. Located within the Museum of Yugoslav History, this site offers fascinating insights into the country’s past.
Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore Belgrade at your own pace, followed by an evening river cruise along the Danube and Sava rivers, with dinner on board, you can admire the illuminated beauty of Belgrade from the water.
Breakfast
Today you head to Kosovo, crossing the Merdare border, this scenic route will arrive at the Gračanica Monastery. A stunning Serbian Orthodox treasure built in 1321 by King Stefan Milutin. Renowned for its exceptional medieval architecture and exquisite frescoes, the monastery stands as a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance and is proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its peaceful setting and profound historical significance offer a moment of quiet reflection. Following the visit, we continue to Pristina, where the afternoon is free for you to unwind and explore at your own pace.
Breakfast
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Pristina’s city centre, where layers of history unfold before your eyes. Stroll through the old town, where Ottoman architecture stands alongside remnants of the Yugoslav communist era. Visit the striking Imperial Mosque, a 15th-century masterpiece, and the impressive Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa, the largest Roman Catholic church in the Balkans. Pause at the symbolic Newborn Monument, a powerful tribute to Kosovo's independence.
Continue with a panoramic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of Mavrovo National Park, passing along the edge of the Sharr Mountains. Mavrovo is a pristine haven of alpine meadows, ancient forests, and glacial lakes. Home to over 1,000 plant species and 140 bird species, including majestic birds of prey like eagles and vultures, the park also boasts the Korab Waterfall, the tallest in the Balkans.
Our day ends on arrival in the lakeside town of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its crystal-clear waters and rich cultural heritage. Enjoy the evening at leisure and settle into your hotel for a restful overnight stay.
Breakfast
The day starts with a captivating tour of Ohrid’s Old Town, often called the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’ for its deep historical and religious significance. One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, Ohrid was once a thriving centre of Slavic culture and spirituality. Stroll through its charming cobblestone streets and visit remarkable landmarks including St. Perivlepta Church, St. Sophia Church, and the hilltop Fortress of Samuel, offering sweeping views over the city and lake. Later, embark on a serene boat tour across Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, renowned for its stunning clarity and UNESCO World Heritage status. From the water, admire the breathtaking panorama of Ohrid and the iconic St. Jovan Kaneo Church, perched on a cliff above the lake and one of the most photographed sites in North Macedonia. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace, before retiring for an overnight stay at your hotel.
Breakfast
This morning, depart Ohrid and travel towards Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Along the way, stop in Stobi, one of the country’s most renowned wine regions, where you’ll enjoy a delightful wine tasting experience paired with light snacks at the esteemed Stobi Winery. Set amidst rolling vineyards, the winery offers the perfect setting to relax and sample some of the region’s finest vintages. Afterward, continue your journey with a scenic drive to Skopje, arriving in the early afternoon. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city at your leisure, whether strolling through its lively streets, discovering hidden cafes, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere.
Breakfast
A short drive from Skopje is the breathtaking Matka Canyon. Here, you will take a scenic boat tour across the serene lake, taking in views of the canyon’s rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The highlight is a visit to Vrelo Cave, a captivating natural wonder where you’ll have about 20 minutes to explore its enchanting rock formations—be sure to wear sturdy footwear. Your next stop is Tetovo, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, where you'll enjoy a guided tour including the stunning Sarena Mosque, famously adorned with vivid colours and intricate patterns, a true gem of regional architecture.
Return to Skopje for an afternoon tour of North Macedonia’s radiant capital. Discover the city’s rich history with visits to the Mother Teresa Memorial House, the iconic Stone Bridge, and the magnificent Daut Pasha Hamam, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Conclude your day with a stroll through Skopje’s charming old town and bustling bazaar.
Breakfast & Dinner
Your penultimate day starts with a scenic drive to the magnificent Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and one of Bulgaria’s most treasured spiritual and cultural landmarks. Explore the monastery’s breathtaking architecture, vibrant frescoes, and peaceful mountain surroundings, soaking in the serene atmosphere of this historic sanctuary. After a leisurely lunch break amidst the tranquil beauty, continue your journey back to Sofia. In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where traditional Bulgarian dishes are accompanied by lively folklore music, creating an enchanting and heartfelt finale to your Balkan adventure.
Breakfast
Today marks the end of your tour, and the beginning of your extended stay in Sofia. Use this time to explore the city further at your own pace. Whether it's revisiting favuorite spots or discovering new corners.
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
Use discount code TOUR200 at the checkout to save £200 per person on selected tours departing in May 2026 and June 2026
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
It is your responsibility to check your passport validity.
Serbia - Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you plan to leave Serbia. You can visit Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 6-month period, for business or tourism. Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Bulgaria - Bulgaria follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Bulgaria, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.
Kosovo - To enter Kosovo, your passport must be undamaged and valid for the duration of your stay. You do not need an additional period of validity beyond this. You can visit Kosovo without a visa for up to 90 days, for business or tourism.
North Macedonia - To enter North Macedonia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you arrive. You can visit North Macedonia for up to 3 months without a visa.
We strongly advise you to check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding required passport validity and/or the FCDO https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Please note that final flight details, including terminal, airline and baggage allowance, will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport and boarding pass to the staff at the desk.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org. uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility but not to people with walking difficulties. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability. All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. The tour pace for this tour is intermediate. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, and may be getting on and off coaches, trains and boats and climbing steps which may be steep and irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in Serbia is Serbian Dinar. It is a closed currency which means you cannot buy it outside of Serbia, in this instance, taking GBP and changing up locally is recommended.
The currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev, you can buy this currency in the UK before you travel.
The currency in Kosovo is Euro, you can buy this currency in the UK before you travel.
The currency in North Macedonia is the Macedonian denar. It is a closed currency which means you cannot buy it outside of North Macedonia, in this instance, taking GBP and changing up locally is recommended.
We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour to withdraw money in your local currency. Otherwise, cash machines will be available in larger cities.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £500-£600 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.
Tipping
It is at your customary/discretion to tip both your driver and guide. At restaurants it is recommended to tip 10% on the final bill, housekeepers and porters etc £ is acceptable. Tips are accepted in the local currency.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 15, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely event there are less than 15 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met on arrival by your Local guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip ensuring that you always have first-hand knowledge. Attraction specific guides may also be used if required at some attractions.
Your stay in Sofia is not escorted by a tour guide and your time will be free to explore the area at your own pace. Transfers are included.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Gluten Free, Vegetarian and vegan meals can be catered for. Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way, so to ensure your comfort and well-being, two bottles of drinking water will be provided on touring days.
On your arrival in Bulgaria, you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Albtours d holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/ Albtours d representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:
Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Albtours D (24hrs):
Email: reservation@albtoursd.al / opmanager@albtoursd.al
Mob: +355 69 400 2224
