BALKAN ROUTE

Arrive at the International Airport of Panama City 3 hours before to take the transatlantic flight TK-900 at 18:45hrs to Bucharest. Overnight on board.

Arrival at Bucharest airport. Assistance to the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. The city of Bucharest was formed in the Middle Ages around a copper market ("bakr" in the local language of the time), which was held several times a year on the banks of the Dâmbovița River. By the 15th century, Bucharest was already a fortified city of great importance to the region.

During our panoramic visit, we will see the beautiful Monastery of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, built next to an inn that supported it. We will also visit the Romanian Parliament Palace, the largest parliamentary building in the world, the Arch of Triumph, and other beautiful and representative structures of the Romanian capital. Accommodation.

Optional Excursion: Transylvania (Dracula’s Road).

Transylvania, which in Latin means “beyond the forests,” is a mountainous region of Romania full of history and cultural treasures.

We will visit Bran Castle, located on the edge of a vertical rock like an eagle’s nest. This castle is full of stories of wars, defeats, victories, and… vampires, starting with the famous Count Dracula. Initially built of wood in 1212, it was destroyed by the Mongols in 1242 and rebuilt in stone in 1377. Later, we will visit Sinaia, where the fabulous Peleș Castle is located, and stroll through its romantic park.

Breakfast, then we will depart for Sofia, the capital and largest city of the Republic of Bulgaria. Upon arrival, we will take a tour of this ancient city, which has three historical levels: the modern level (third), where we will see the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevski, the central square, the National Gallery, the National Theater, and the Banya Bashi Mosque; and the second level, with Roman and medieval ruins. Accommodation.

Optional Excursion: Dinner with Bulgarian folk dance show

Traditional dinner in one of the city’s most famous traditional restaurants, with live music and folk dances.

Breakfast. Free time or the possibility of taking the optional tour to Plovdiv.

Optional Excursion: Plovdiv



Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, is also one of the oldest in the world. We will tour its old town, with monuments ranging from antiquity to the present, such as the Roman Theater, a medieval mosque, and architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Free lunch in one of the picturesque local restaurants.

Breakfast. Afterwards, we head to Skopje, the capital of the Republic of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic tour of this picturesque city located on the banks of the Vardar River. We will see the Gate of Macedonia, Macedonia Square, the sculpture of Alexander the Great, the Stone Bridge, the Archaeological Museum, the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, the Old Turkish Bazaar, and Skopje Fortress. Later, accommodation at the hotel.

Optional Excursion: Matka Canyon

Matka Canyon, west of Skopje, covers 5,000 hectares. It is one of the country’s most popular natural destinations, famous for its beauty and the medieval monasteries integrated into the natural environment.

Optional Excursion: Dinner with Macedonian folk dance show

Traditional dinner at a local restaurant with a four-course menu and Macedonian wines, accompanied by live music and folk dances. Return to the hotel at the end.

Breakfast. Free day for personal activities, with the possibility of taking a full-day optional excursion to Kosovo. Accommodation.

Optional Excursion: Pristina and Prizren – Full day in Kosovo

We will visit Pristina, the capital of the Republic of Kosovo, which declared its independence on February 17, 2008. We will tour its main pedestrian street and see monuments such as the Imperial Mosque of Ottoman Sultan Fatih, the National Library, and the Clock Tower. Then, we will head to the charming city of Prizren, located in the valley of the Prizren River. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Watch Tower, the Stone Bridge, and the Turkish baths, among other historic sites.

Breakfast. Departure to the ancient and picturesque city of Ohrid (also known as Ocrida or Ojrida), located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In our tour of the old town, we will see the Lower Gate, the ancient theater, the Church of St. Sophia, the fortress, and the Ali Pasha Mosque. Accommodation.

Optional Excursion: Boat ride on Lake Ohrid

A relaxing boat ride from which you can enjoy spectacular views of medieval and modern constructions along the coast.

Optional Excursion: Monastery of St. Naum

This monastery, founded by the medieval Bulgarian educator St. Naum, is located on a rock on the lakeshore. Its walls are decorated with valuable medieval frescoes. After the visit, we will take a boat ride to the source of Lake Ohrid

Breakfast. Departure to Tirana, the capital of the Republic of Albania. On the tour of its historic center, we will visit Skanderbeg Square, the Pyramid of Tirana, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower. Then, we will continue to Podgorica or Sutomore (depending on the season). Accommodation.

Optional Excursion: City of Krujë

We will visit Krujë, the former capital of Albania, famous for its mountain location and traditional architecture. We will see Krujë Castle, the Ethnographic Museum, and the old market with unique carpet designs.

Breakfast. Departure to Montenegro. We will visit the medieval city of Kotor, where we will observe its Gothic and Latin architecture, including the North Gate, St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, and Army Square.

We then continue to Dubrovnik, Croatia. This architectural jewel, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the Adriatic coast. We will tour its old town and see the city walls, Orlando’s Column, the Clock Tower, the Rector’s Palace, the Church of St. Blaise, and the Franciscan Monastery (entrance not included).

Later, arrival in Medjugorje, one of the main Marian pilgrimage destinations in Europe. We will visit Apparition Hill and the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace. Accommodation

Breakfast. Departure to Montenegro. We will visit the medieval city of Kotor, where we will observe its Gothic and Latin architecture, including the North Gate, St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, and Army Square.

We then continue to Dubrovnik, Croatia. This architectural jewel, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the Adriatic coast. We will tour its old town and see the city walls, Orlando’s Column, the Clock Tower, the Rector’s Palace, the Church of St. Blaise, and the Franciscan Monastery (entrance not included).

Later, arrival in Medjugorje, one of the main Marian pilgrimage destinations in Europe. We will visit Apparition Hill and the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Free day for personal activities, with the possibility of taking an optional excursion. Accommodation.

Optional Excursion: Split and Trogir (Croatia)

Split, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, was chosen by the Roman emperor Diocletian as his place of retirement. We will tour Diocletian’s Palace, St. Domnius Cathedral, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Riva port. Then, we will visit Trogir, a coastal city with a beautiful mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque styles. We will see St. Lawrence Cathedral, the Cippiko Palace, and the Kamerlengo Tower.

Breakfast. Departure to Mostar, a city located in the deep valley of the Neretva River, famous for its Old Bridge (Stari Most), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will tour its old town, with mosques, markets, and old houses such as the Muslibegović House.

Afterwards, we continue to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will take a walk through the historic center, where we will see the Turkish bazaar, the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the Latin Bridge, and the Cathedral. Accommodation.

Optional Excursion: Kravice Waterfalls

The Kravice waterfalls, 25 meters high, are located on the Trebižat River. They are a popular picnic and swimming area, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Breakfast. Departure to Zagreb, the capital of the Republic of Croatia. Located on the banks of the Sava River and at the foot of Mount Medvednica, Zagreb preserves medieval monuments from its two original settlements. We will visit Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark’s Square, the church of the same name with its colorful roof, and the Old Town Hall. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Free day for personal activities, with the possibility of taking an optional excursion. Accommodation.

Optional Excursion: Ljubljana and Lake Bled (Slovenia)

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is located on the banks of the Ljubljanica River and at the foot of the Kamnik Alps. We will visit its medieval castle, the cathedral, the pedestrian streets, and Roman ruins.

We then continue to Lake Bled, a fairy-tale setting surrounded by alpine forest. From above, you can see Bled Castle with its round tower. In the center of the lake, there is an island with a church. Its history will be revealed by the guide

Breakfast. At the indicated time, transfer to Zagreb airport to take flight TK-1056 at 19:55hrs to Istanbul. Arrival and accommodation. (For passengers departing on February 24, overnight in Istanbul. For passengers on the April 01 departure, only Istanbul in connection without overnight.)

Breakfast. At the indicated time, we get ready to take flight TK-800 at 08:00 returning to Panama, estimated arrival time 17:05.