Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania

Bulgarian and Macedonian part

12.05.-18.05.2018 and 15.09.-21.09.2018

Day 1.: Arrival in Sofia, 50 km (D)

Arrival at Sofia airport.
Warm welcome from our English-speaking Bulgarian guide.
Transfer to the hotel and city tour of Sofia.
Dinner and overnight in Sofia.

Day 2.: Sofia – Kazanlak – Starosel, 270 km (B,D)

Before noon we will visit a young dairy farm with buffalos, sheep, cows, goats and horses. AWe would not miss tasting the traditional milk products.
Within a short drive we found ourselves in the heart of the Valley of Roses with a visit to a rose-distillery farm.
The day goes on with an afternoon visit to a family-owned company for production, processing and packing of organic and conventional dried fruits and vegetables.
Dinner and overnight in the region, famous for its curative mineral waters.

Day 3.: Starosel – Plovdiv, 90 km (B,D)

In the morning we visit a mixed cow farm for both cattle and dairy cows – about 220 heads in total. The ambitious farmer also manages 240ha of land for pastures and forage production.
Drive to Plovdiv city, where we will enjoy city tour of The Old Town, including the ancient theatre and the well-preserved old houses from the Revival period.
The rest of the afternoon will be at our disposal for further exloring the town or to relax.
Dinner and overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 4.: Plovdiv – Bansko, 180 km (B,D)

Today we visit a a newly-built goat farm that is largest in Europe for Boer breed – 200 goats, as well as a modern boutique winery, that grows 40h of vines. Visit to the vineyards and wine-tasting.
After that we continue with a visit to a carpet factory, producing hand-made carpets of extremely high quality, using organic materials and dyes.
In the late afternoon we will take a ride on the magnificent Rhodopi narrow-gauge railway, passing through marvelous mountain views.
Drive to the town of Bansko – famous winter resort in Bulgaria, for dinner and overnight.

Day 5.: Bansko – Rila Monastery – Kjustendil, 270 km (B, L)

Breakfast.
Morning drive to visit the famous Rila monastery (10-th cent.), situated high in the Rila Mountains, impressive with its imposing architecture.
Lunch. The region of Rila monastery is famous for the fresh mountainous trout.
Departure in north direction for a visit to a bio orchard garden with cherries, plums, peaches and apples.
Overnight in Kjustendil.

Day 6.: Kjustendil – Skopje (Macedonia) – Ohrid, 360 km (B, D)

Morning travel to Skopije, Macedonia and a short tour of the town with time for lunch.
We continue our drive further to reach the emblematic lake town of Ohrid. Short tour of the city with its many Orthodox churches, the Roman Amphitheatre and the medieval fortress of Tsar Samuil (from the outside).
Dinner and overnight.

Day 7.: Beginning of the Albanian part of the journey (B)

Time to farewell your Bulgarian guide and driver. Meet your Albanian (English speaking) guide after breakfast and continue to Albania (see next tab).

Albanian part

18.05.-23.05.2018 and 21.09.-26.09.2018

Day 1.(7.): Ohrid – Elbasan – Berat, 160 km (D)

Your local guide will meet you at your hotel in Ohrid. On our way to Elbasan, we will make a short stop at Struga, which has been inhabitated since neolithic time. Historically, Struga was also called “the city of 100 bridges”. At Elbasan, an important city that was located on the Via Egnatia where the road connected Constantinople with Rome, we will visit the impressive castle and also see the agricultural wholesalemarket, one of the largest in Albania. We will finally reach the beautiful city of Berat – UNESCO heritage site. We will take a walk in the evening to enjoy the view of the illuminated city with its impressive castle and old mansions.

Day 2.(8.): Berat – Lushnja – Ardenica – Durres, 90 km (B,D)

The castle of Berat is unique, because it is the only one still inhabited. During our walk through the narrow alleys with the typical pavement you will enjoy the sight of the houses and daily life of their inhabitants, Byzantine, Ottoman and of course Albanian architecture. We will visit the museum located in a former monastery and dedicated to Onufri, one of the greatest icon artists of all times, after which we will continue to the area of Lushnja, one of the most productive agricultural areas of the country. There, we will see the field production, one of the biggest strawberry production and very modern greenhouses. We will then visit the impressive monastery of Ardenica, which is still active. At the main church you will not only see the beautiful icons, but some of the most impressive wood carvings dating from the 18th century. Dinner and overnight in Durres located on the sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea.

Day 3.(9.): Durres – Kruja – Shkodra, 130 km (B,D)

Continuing on to Lezha, we will visit a dairy farm, where the cattle is free to go out on the green pasture on a special trail, yet the farm is using modern technology for feeding, tracking and keeping health reports. We will then explore Kruja, the first capital of Albania in the 15th century. Visit the castle with architectural elements of the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman period and walk through the ancient, original Bazaar roads and see the ethnographical museum – giving a very good overview of traditional life in the past. Drive northwards through a beautiful landscape to Skhodra, one of the oldest and most historic places of the Balkans. Its mighty Rozafa castle is offering a spectacular view over the city, the rivers of Drini and Buna – uniting just at the foot of the castle hill, as well as Lake Shkoder and the spectacular Albanian Alps. You will notice churches next to mosques, the modern life style and the many bike-riders in the historical city. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4.(10.): Day tour in Northern Albania, 75 km (B,D)

Drive to Koplik to visit one of Albanian’s largest wine producers and also see the production of herbs and medical plants, one of the main products for export. Continue northwards through a beautiful landscape to visit a small family cheesery that produces with traditional methods. Yet, their brand is one of the most sought after in the local market. Return to Shkodra, overnight.

Day 5.(11.): Shkodra – organic farm – Tirana, 100 km (B,D)

Continue to see a bio farm producing grapes, olives, citrus fruits, vegetables, fruits (peaches, pears, pomegranates, etc. for the local market, but partly also for export. You will be amused to see how the owner is using the “left over” bunkers and other military constructions today. After arriving in the capital of Albania, we will get to know the most important sites of Tirana such as the Skanderbeg Square, the Ethem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, Enver Hodja Pyramid, the University quarter and the famous “Blok” – Albanian’s former “forbidden” city, where passage was only allowed to high ranking party members. Enver Hodjas Villa is also located in this area. Today, this area is the most favorite among the locals with it’s modern restaurants, cafes and shops.

Day 6.(12.): Departure (B)

Depending on the time of departure, you might have some more sight seeing in or around Tirana. Transfer to the airport.

Bulgarian/Macedonian part

12.05.-18.05.2018 and 15.09.-21.09.2018

Price: per person in Double or Twin room EUR 998,–
Single room EUR 1.090,–

Sevices included:

Supplement for extra overnight in Sofia at arrival, if needed:
- 40.00 euro per person in DBL
- 65.00 euro in SGL

The package price does NOT include:
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratitude
- Air fare
- Anything else, which is not mention in “The package price includes”
- Travel insurance

Other information:
- The technical visits may change in case of unforeseen situation (alternatives will be provided)

Albanian part

18.05.-23.05.2018 and 21.09.-26.09.2018

Price: per person in Double or Twin room EUR 570,–
Single room EUR 660,–

Sevices included:

** Please note that breakfast and dinner is often served as menu at the hotels, open buffet is available depending on the season and size of the group. Dinners will sometimes be arranged at local restaurants in order to provide a rich diversity for your group.

General information:
- • NO VISA required for EU citizens, Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, Canada, U.S.A., Ukraine, New Zealand, Australia and many more
• The LOCAL CURRENCY is LEK. Current exchange rate is approx. 1€= 136 LEK
• CREDIT CARDS are widely accepted
• VOLTAGE: is 220V, plug system European standard
• CLIMATE: Mediterranean climate in the coastal areas, drier and cooler inland, average temperature 15-20°C in spring and autumn.
• INFRASTRUCTURE: all routes in our itinerary feature a good road infrastructure.
• The POPULATION of Albania is approx. 3 mil., the country being a REPUBLIC
• RELIGION: Christian (mostly orthodox) and Muslim (mostly Bektashi)

Food and drinks:
- Due to its rich historical past, the Albanian cuisine is very rich, not only featuring its own dishes of pastry, fresh sea-food, vegetable and fruits, but also enriched by Ottoman (Turkish), Italian and Mediterranean dishes
- Albania produces excellent beers and wine – you will be enjoying the local “Raki”, Schnapps, cognacs, liquors, herbal teas and fresh fruit juices

Not included:
- International flights
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tipping of drivers and guides
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance

We reserve the right to increase the price in case of changes in taxes, entrance fees, domestic flights etc that we cannot control. The program may be altered but all sights will be covered. The farms will be reconfirmed a couple of weeks before arrival and might be changed against similar farms.

NB: The tours will be operated with a minimum of 6 persons

Optional pre-tour in Romania

07.05.–12.05.2018 and 10.09.–15.09.2018

Day 1.: Arrival in Bucharest, 50 km (D)

Meet the guide and transfer to the hotel in the city centre. Dinner in one of the best known restaurants in Bucharest, “Caru cu Bere”, in the old, historical centre of Bucharest. Accommodation in 4* hotel in the city centre.

Day 2.: Bucharest – Pantelimon – Sibiu (B, L, D), 320 km, ~6 h transfer

In the morning, time for a city tour. The capital of Romania, with its character of the Parisian Bohemianism, is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city, with a unique charm. Named “Le Petit Paris – The Little Paris” in the period between the two world wars, submitted to 50 years of communism and to the megalomania of dictator Ceausescu, Bucharest is today a city of contrasts that surprises the visitor at every step.
Transfer to Pantelimon to visit a dairy farm. Started in 1973 this farm is part of the elite farms for Holstein breed in Romania. Today there are about 500 heads, producing more than 5.000 liters of milk every day. It has several milk dispensers in Bucharest and, in June 2009, they also opened the first “Farm Park” in Romania, close to the dairy farm.
Lunch at the farm.
Transfer to Sibiu, following the beautiful Olt valley. On the way stop to visit Cozia monastery, with its main church dating 14th century and a wonderful blend of styles.
Later in the afternoon we arrive in Sibiu. Sibiu is known to exist from the 12th century, rising in prominence to become an important trading town. It was inhabited by Saxon merchants who formed themselves into guilds, fortifying the town to protect its wealth. Sibiu is packed full of fascinating sites to explore, from its ramparts and towers to its passageways linking the two parts of the town together. Accommodation in a 4* hotel located in the old city centre and then dinner in one of the best restaurants in town.

Day 3.: Sibiu – Cartisoara – Albota – Cobor – Viscri (B, L, D), 170 km, ~3 h 30 min transfer

In the morning transfer to Cartisoara where we get information about an agro-tourist group including: two animal farms, a slaughter house, a small meat production factory, a trout farm, guesthouse and several restaurants. We visit a small farm with Angus beef and guinea fowls and, depending on their activity at the moment, we might also get to see the slaughter house. Transfer towards Albota to visit the trout farm belonging to the same group. They have two Romanian breeds of trout: Curcubeu (Rainbow) and Fantanel.
Lunch at the trout farm with products from their farms.
In the afternoon transfer towards Cobor, where we visit an ecological farm – the land there has never been treated with fertilizers and pesticides. The farm has 55 Angus cows and 17 horses. In the late afternoon transfer to Viscri. Accommodation in a traditional peasant house, renovated to accommodate guests followed by a traditional dinner prepared by our hosts, accompanied by homemade brandy and wine.
During dinner we get to know the local agricultural association and discuss with one of the members.

Day 4.: Viscri – Rotbav – Bran – Brasov (B,L,D), 130 km, 2 h 45 min transfer

In the morning time to discover the village of Viscri – a Saxon village included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Take a ride in horse pulled carriages, visiting the surroundings and seeing some local traditional craftsmen at work.
Transfer to Rotbav to visit an interesting family farm – Catean farm – belonging to three brothers who started their business in 1998 following the family tradition of three generations. Now they have about 1.100 sheep, 100 cows, 9 horses, 100 ha arable land and 150 ha of pastures. They are producing several types of cheese with traditional receipts attested since 1412 and also different type of meat products and are selling in several supermarkets in the area.
Lunch at the farm with products from their own production.
Then we continue to Bran Castle – well known for its connection to Dracula’s legend, and the most visited place in Romania. This imposing structure is guarding the passing point between the two Romanian provinces: Walachia to the south and Transylvania to the north. In the late afternoon, city tour of Brasov, one of Transylvania’s major cities. Also known as Kronstadt due to the presence of German colonists as early as the 12th century, fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and resplendent with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions. As one of the medieval Saxon’s seven walled citadels built in the 12th century – and its location at the intersection of the trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe – Brasov has been a popular destination throughout the ages.Dinner in a famous restaurant in the city centre and accommodation at a 3* hotel – medieval building located in the main square of the city.

Day 5.: Brasov – Azuga – Bucuresti (B,L,D), ~175 km, 3 h and 30 minutes transfer

In the morning we visit a local fruit and vegetables market in Brasov. We leave for Bucharest and on the way we visit the Rhein wine cellars, built in 1892, the ancient wine suppliers of the royal family of Romania, producing sparkling wine by the ‘champenoise” method. Sparkling wine tasting. Meeting with the specialist of the cellar who will explain the whole process of sparkling wine making. We have lunch at the Rhein cellar. In the afternoon we reach Bucharest and visit a local brewery producing one of the finest craft beers in town. Farewell dinner in one of the best restaurants in the historical centre of Bucharest and accommodation in a 4* hotel.

Day 6.: Bucharest – Henri Coanda International Airport (B), ~20 km, 1 h transfer

Depending on the time of your flight, time to discover the city.

Price: per person in Double or Twin room EUR 950,-
Single room EUR 1100,-

Sevices included:

The package price does NOT include:
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratitude
- Air fare
- Anything else, which is not mention in “The package price includes”
- Travel insurance
- Flight Bucharest – Sofia (not included) ~ around 120 Euro/pers

Other information:
The technical visits may change in case of unforeseen situation (alternatives will be
provided)

The tours will be operated with a minimum of 6 persons