Balkan & Hellenic Treasures

Arrive at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation tour of Romania's dynamic capital, including Revolution Square, where the 1989 anti-Communist revolution began, and the massive Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Romanian cuisine and folk music. Overnight in Bucharest.

After breakfast, full day discovering Bucharest, once known as the "Paris of the East." Visit the fascinating Village Museum, an open-air ethnographic museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with historic houses from all regions. Continue to the Old Town (Lipscani district) with its medieval streets, preserved buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the beautiful Romanian Athenaeum, a spectacular concert hall and prominent landmark. Afternoon at leisure for shopping or personal exploration. Evening at leisure to enjoy Bucharest's emerging culinary scene. Overnight in Bucharest.

After breakfast, journey north to Transylvania, traveling through the scenic Carpathian Mountains. En route, stop in Sinaia, the "Pearl of the Carpathians," to visit the magnificent Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of Romanian kings and considered one of Europe's most beautiful royal palaces. Continue to the medieval city of Brasov, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening orientation walk around the beautiful Council Square (Piața Sfatului) and the imposing Black Church. Dinner at a local restaurant featuring Transylvanian specialties. Overnight in Brasov.

Full day exploring the legendary castles of Transylvania. Visit the imposing Bran Castle, commonly known as "Dracula's Castle" due to its association with Vlad the Impaler and Bram Stoker's novel. After lunch in the charming village of Bran, continue to the spectacular Râșnov Fortress, a medieval citadel built as a defense against invading Tartars. Return to Brasov for a guided walking tour of the historic center, including the narrowest street in Europe (Strada Sforii) and the old city walls. Evening at leisure for personal exploration or shopping for local crafts. Overnight in Brasov.

After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport for a flight to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization (flight included). Upon arrival in the Greek capital, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. After check-in, enjoy an evening orientation walk through the historic Plaka district, the oldest part of Athens with its narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and lively tavernas. Dinner at a traditional Greek taverna featuring mezedes (small dishes) and live bouzouki music. Overnight in Athens.

Morning dedicated to exploring the iconic Acropolis, the ancient citadel perched above Athens containing several significant buildings including the magnificent Parthenon. Visit the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum, showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis archaeological site. After lunch, continue to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, and Hadrian's Arch. Evening free to explore the vibrant neighborhood of Monastiraki with its flea market and views of the illuminated Acropolis. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, visit the impressive National Archaeological Museum housing the world's finest collection of Greek antiquities. Continue to Syntagma Square to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Hellenic Parliament. Afternoon at leisure for shopping along Ermou Street or relaxing at a café in one of Athens' charming squares. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon dramatically perched on the cliffside (extra charge). Evening at leisure. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, transfer to Piraeus port to board a high-speed ferry to Santorini, the jewel of the Aegean Sea (ferry ticket included). Upon arrival at this spectacular volcanic island, transfer to your hotel with its typical Cycladic architecture. Afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the caldera. Evening walk through the charming village of Fira, the island's capital, perched on the cliff edge with spectacular sunset views. Overnight in Santorini.

Full day exploring the magical island of Santorini. Visit the picturesque village of Oia, famous for its blue-domed churches, windmills, and stunning sunset views. Continue to Pyrgos, a medieval hilltop village with panoramic views of the entire island. After lunch at a local taverna, visit a traditional winery to sample Santorini's distinctive wines, produced from grapes grown in the island's volcanic soil. Afternoon at leisure to relax at your hotel or perhaps visit one of Santorini's unique beaches with black, red, or white volcanic sand. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Santorini.

Morning at leisure to enjoy your last day on this beautiful island. Optional boat excursion to the volcanic hot springs and the neighboring island of Thirassia (extra charge). Afternoon transfer to Santorini port to board a ferry back to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, transfer to your hotel. Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the illuminated Acropolis. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your flight time, enjoy some last-minute shopping in the Plaka district or visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Transfer to Athens International Airport for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories of your Romanian and Greek adventure.