The Ultimate Balkans Itinerary: From Bulgaria to Beyond

Sofia (4 days) with day trips to Plovdiv, Bulgaria and Rila Monastery

When visiting Sofia, I did not know what to expect. I was delighted to find a great diversity of things to do, eat, and explore! The walking tours that I went on were also a very great addition to the trip. I highly recommend the “Sofia Graffiti tour” as a tour guide/agency provider.

Link: https://sofiagraffititour.com/; I am in no way sponsored / supported by this company; I just really liked my tour with them!

Another shout out: https://freesofiatour.com/

This company’s free walking tour was great. The same company also has a Communism tour for a reasonable rate. Additionally, they offer a free Plodviv tour, but please remember to tip your guides.

Graffiti walking tour to learn about Bazko and his influence on the art form
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Learn about the city’s Communist past / history
Rotunda Church of St George
Boyana church
Church of St. Nicholas the Miraclemaker
The National Palace of Culture (NDK)
Regional History Museum of Sofia
Central Mosque of Sofia
Vitosha Boulevard
National Art Gallery
The City Garden

My favorite thing about Sofia was the street art, NDK and the iconic church with the teal and golden colors!

Notes on the recommended day trips

Why visit Rila Monastery?

The fresco are some of the best I have seen across Europe. The frescos display beautiful colors and intricate designs with varied religious meanings/connotations.

Why visit Plovdiv?

As one of Bulgaria’s most historical and culturally significant, this city is both fun and a cannot miss!

Your next stop is Skopje, Macedonia, which is reachable from Sofia in about 3 hours)

Skopje (2 days with day trip to Kosovo

I had previously wanted to serve in the Peace Corps and I’d strongly looked at Skopje/Macedonia to do so. Upon visiting (as a tourist), I wanted to learn more about the place that I’d previously wanted to work. The wonder and amazement that I’d somewhat anticipated was all 100% there during and after my visit. Skopje is amazing!

I cannot praise for my tour guide highly enough who took me to Kosovo, Ohrid, and even into Gjirokaster, Albania! All legs of the tour were well-organized, fun, and customizable within reason. Skopje Daily Tours (IG: https://www.instagram.com/skopjedailytours / Website: https://www.skopjedailytours.com/) – the parent company is also in no way sponsoring this opinion. I just think the work of Zlatko, my guide was phenomenal! Ask for him if you go to Skopje, want to visit Kosovo or beyond. qe

As for Skopje itself, you will see the strong Ottoman influence within the city. During your time there, you can read and learn about the history of the city and country. It is likewise interesting to learn about its relationship to other Balkan countries.

Old Bazaar – spend a half day, then another, and another as you won’t want to leave!
Skopje Fortress (Kale)
Try the food! Eat as much as you can!
Go shopping for souvenirs in the Old Bazaar
Check out the bridges
Walk toward Macedonia Square
Have lunch or dinner near the waterfront promenade
Millennium Cross via cable car

Note about the day trip

Why visit Kosovo?

As one of the world’s youngest countries, this country provides a great historical and cultural insight into the region! The food, places, and atmosphere make a visit worth it. However, you will want to read up on travel to Kosovo. Kosovo is not a recognized country in all parts of Europe.

Now, take a bus ride to Ohrid (see details at the local bus terminal in Skopje) – your trip should take around 3 hours

Ohrid (2 days)

Ohrid is a lovely small town known for culture and Lake Ohrid. The city is quite popular among locals and tourists alike. I think it is well-deserved praise, but you might want to check the weather before visiting. Down pours can be fun, but it also makes the cobblestone slippery.

Ohrid boardwalk
Samoil’s Fortress
Old Town / waterfront
Plaoshnik
The Church of Saint John the Theologian
Ancient Macedonian Theater of Ohrid
Church of Saint Sofia

Tirana (2 days)

I was not here long enough time to gain a strong sense of the city. However, if I go back to Albania, I will plan for time in Tirana. Here are some of the recommendations I was given pre-Tirana.

Skanderbeg Square
Pyramid of Tirana
BUNK’ART
Et’hem Bej Mosque
BUNK’ART 2
Tirana Castle
Tanner’s Bridge
Skanderbeg Statue

It is now time to head down south to Gjirokaster. However, if you have time add Berat. Short on time? If you had to choose, I’d pick the Gjirokaster (just my opinion).

Gjirokaster (2 days)

Instead of staying in Tirana, I opted to come directly to Gjirokaster, Albania with my tour guide mentioned above. He dropped me off at my hotel. I was on my way shortly thereafter to walk up (read: mini hike…) to see the Castle of Gjirokaster. The day turned out to be clear. The mountains were a magnificent backdrop to an already amazing place. They provided sweeping views of this stone city.

Castle of Gjirokaster (meals around the castle are a bit less costly than Old Bazaar area)
Zekate House
Old / Gjirokaster Bazaar
Ethnographic Museum
Skënduli House
Get lost wandering the wonderful streets – I promise, you won’t regret it!

2 days are up? You can head to your next destination or extend your stay. Whatever you decide, please note that you can change/modify this itinerary in any way that feels suitable to you. After my time in Gjirokaster, I took a bus to Sarande, it took approximately 1 hour.

Sarandë (1 day) – Corfu (1 day) – fly out

This will be a packed day, but it is doable as I did something very similar! It is preferable to arrive in Sarande in the morning for your day trip. You can also arrive a day or two prior to your last day in Albania. Then, head to the ferry terminal. On your way, buy a ticket and prepare to go to the line to have your passport checked. Ticket prices are reasonable. I found all ferry lines and agencies selling tickets to be similar. Go with the time that best suits you wishes and schedule. If you stay in Sarande, check out the promenade, admire the views, and enjoy some Albanian eats.

Take the ferry to Corfu and explore as long as you can. Alternatively, head to their international airport. Flights to other parts of Europe or the world can be more cost effective than flying out of Tirana, Albania. Be sure to check your specific itinerary.

Countries: 4 countries in 2 weeks

—————————————————–

If 3 weeks: Add ons

Nis, Serbia (1 to 2 days) (from Skopje)

From Skopje, the journey to Nis is a possible day trip or overnight. With a travel time of slightly upwards of 2 hours, going via a tour or with the bus is possible. Nis, Serbia is located in the southern part of Serbia and is historically interesting.