- Explore colourful & ancient churches in all cities
- Admire the Sofia Synagogue, the largest in south-eastern Europe
- Shop for souvenirs at the outdoor bazaar in Skopje
- Taste the best macchiato in the world in Prishtina
Balkan Capitals Tour: Sofia-Skopje-Prishtina
Combine the three lively capitals of Sofia, Skopje and Prishtina - an unusual combination but an interesting one nevertheless!
An ideal holiday for the intrepid traveller. Start in Sofia, an attractive and still relatively unknown European city of tree lined boulevards and balconied buildings designed by 19th century Russian and Viennese architects, before moving on to Skopje.
North Macedonia’s capital is an ideal city to explore on foot. Stroll across the Stone Bridge, built in the 15th century upon Roman foundations, into the old town, where national restaurants, museums, galleries and bars await exploration. The final stop is Prishtina, Kosovo’s young, friendly and dynamic capital. See 15th-century Fatih Mosque in the Old Town and visit Kosovo Museum. Join the locals and explore the paths and forest trails of leafy Germia in the hills to the east of town.
Price based on 3/4-star hotels and travel between each city on local coaches. For upgrades, private transfers by car or to extend the trip in Tirana, please speak to one of our Travel Specialists.
Tour Itinerary
Fly to Sofia. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check in for 3 nights.
Free day to explore Sofia. Bulgaria's capital city has retrieved its historic charm and position as an exotic, less visited corner of Eastern Europe. Sofia boasts a colourful and ancient collection of churches, mosques and synagogues; the most famous of which is the Alexander Nevski Church, which has magnificent frescoes and Sofia Synagogue, one of the most beautiful in the world. (B)
Today you may like to visit the Central Mineral Baths and Sofia History Museum, followed by a visit to the lively Central Market Hall. Later, head to Boyana Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to see its medieval frescoes. If time permits, continue into Vitosha Mountain for an easy walk or viewpoints over the city. (B)
Morning at leisure depending on time of bus to Skopje (there are four departures daily and journey time is around 5 hours). Arrive Skopje and make your way to the hotel on foot or local taxi, for a 3 night stay. (B)
Free day to explore Skopje, where you can spend hours meandering in the narrow streets of the Old Town exploring little shops, mosques with ceramic tiled interiors, and the outdoor bazaar and Hamam that date back to the Ottoman period. (B)
Today you may like to head up to Skopje Fortress (Kale) for views over the city, then visit the Church of the Holy Saviour, known for its carved wooden iconostasis. Later, head to Mount Vodno and take the cable car to the Millennium Cross for sweeping views. Return to Skopje for a relaxed riverside dinner.(B)
Morning at leisure depending on time of the bus to Prishtina (there are daily departures and journey time is around 4 hours). Arrive Prishtina, make your way to the hotel on foot or by local taxi and check in for 3 nights. (B)
Free day to explore Prishtina, a young, vibrant capital, where English is one of the three official languages. Some of Prishtina's highlights are the jewellery and costumes on show at the Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum, a beautifully preserved Ottoman town house in the centre, as well as the coffee, the best macchiato in the world can be found in Prishtina or so they say! (B)
Today you may like to start your day at the Newborn Monument, symbol of Kosovo’s independence, then explore the nearby Kosovo Museum. Visit the Green Market to experience local food culture. In the afternoon, take a short trip to Gračanica Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site), just outside the city, known for its medieval frescoes. (B)
Free morning before transfer to Prishtina Airport for flight back to the UK, or opt to extend the trip into Albania and spend time in Tirana. (B)
Pricing Information
Price Includes
- Return international flights from the UK
- Hotel accommodation in three-star hotels with breakfast
- Bus tickets: Sofia to Skopje and Skopje to Prishtina
- Private airport transfers
Price Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Transfers between hotels and bus stations (local taxi's recommended for these journeys)
- Optional excursions
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Price Notes
Price is based on two people travelling flying with Wizz Air from Luton
This is an example itinerary staying at our preferred three/four star hotels, accompanied by a guide price. If you would like alternative options staying at three or five star hotels, or if you have a higher or lower budget than the guide price, please ring one of our travel specialists on 0207 666 1244 and we can tailor this trip to suit your precise requirements e.g. If you would prefer private transfers by car, or to extend the trip in Tirana.
Tour Route Map
- Bulgaria, Sofia
- North Macedonia, Skopje
- Kosovo, Prishtina
- Albania, Tirana
Image Gallery