The Balkans, Greece and Turkey
18 Nights Featuring Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey
October 13, 2026
Journey to the hidden gems of the Balkan Peninsula, where ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions await. After exploring Sofia’s historic sites, Ohrid’s serene lake, and Delphi’s legendary ruins, arrive in Athens to board the Azamara Quest, ready to set sail through the enchanting Greek Isles. As the cruise unfolds, indulge in sun-drenched beaches, charming coastal villages, and the timeless beauty of islands like Santorini and Mykonos, creating the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.
Oceanview from $8,899 per person
Journey Highlights
Memorable Experiences, Scenic Views, and Exciting Moments
At a Glance
Take the Road Less Traveled
Venture off the beaten path with your local tour guide and uncover the untouched landscapes, ancient wonders, and local traditions of Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and northern Greece.
Marvel at Ancient Wonders
Unravel the mysteries of history as you explore sites like Ohrid’s medieval monasteries, Delphi’s sacred oracle, and Athens’ legendary Acropolis, where ancient civilizations have left their mark on the world.
Set Sail Onboard the Azamara Quest
Enjoy personalized service, elegant design and immersive cultural experiences onboard a boutique ship with premier service and complimentary beverages.
Sail to the Iconic Greek Isles
Enjoy seven nights of stunning sunsets, picturesque beaches, and ancient historical sites. From the iconic blue-domed churches of Santorini to vibrant Mykonos and the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of Crete, the Greek Isles promise a captivating and memorable Journey.
Day 1 – Arrive Sofia
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Sofia
Discover the vibrant heart of Bulgaria with a sightseeing tour of Sofia, where ancient ruins, grand cathedrals, and bustling streets blend seamlessly to showcase the city's rich history and dynamic culture.
Day 3 – Sofia to Skopje
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and enjoy a scenic trip from Sofia to Skopje. Enroute, we will enjoy a tour of one of Bulgaria’s most treasured landmarks, Rila Monastery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 10th-century site is nestled within the Rila Mountains and is celebrated for its vivid frescoes, intricate wood carvings, and breathtaking scenery.
Day 4 – Skopje
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Skopje with a guided morning walk, exploring landmarks like St. Spas Church, before venturing to the breathtaking Matka Canyon, where the serene St. Andrea Church awaits amid stunning natural beauty. End the day with a delicious dinner and wine tasting, savoring local flavors in an elegant countryside setting.
Day 5 – Skopje to Ohrid
Check out of your hotel in Skopje and head to Bitola, a historic and cultural hub in North Macedonia, known for its elegant neoclassical architecture, vibrant streets, and rich Ottoman and European influences. After a guided tour of the town, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing to the lakeside town of Ohrid.
Day 6 – Ohrid
Explore the timeless beauty of Ohrid with a guided sightseeing tour, uncovering its medieval churches, vibrant streets, and breathtaking lakeside scenery. Then, set sail on a panoramic cruise to St. Naum Monastery, set on a cliff overlooking the serene waters of Lake Ohrid. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Day 7 – Ohrid
Today you will have the day at leisure to explore Ohrid on your own. Both a cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is nestled along the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes. Often called the "Jerusalem of the Balkans," Ohrid boasts a wealth of historic churches, medieval architecture, and vibrant traditions. The city also offers delicious local cuisine, influenced by Mediterranean and Turkish flavors.
Day 8 – Ohrid to Kalabaka
Depart from the picturesque Ohrid, enjoying a relaxing lunch along the journey before arriving in the charming town of Kalabaka, known for its breathtaking rock formations and serene atmosphere. Experience the town’s rich history and awe-inspiring landscape with a visit to one of the famous Meteora Monasteries, where centuries-old traditions and stunning panoramic views await.
Day 9 – Kalabaka to Athens
Journey from Kalabaka to Delphi, where ancient ruins and fascinating exhibits bring Greece’s legendary past to life at the archaeological site and museum. After a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Athens for hotel check-in.
Day 10 – Athens
Experience the wonders of Athens with a city sightseeing tour, featuring a visit to the legendary Acropolis and its fascinating museum.
Day 11 – Athens
Today you will have the day at leisure to explore Athens on your own. Perhaps you’ll explore the charming Plaka neighborhood, stroll through the bustling Monastiraki Flea Market, enjoy breathtaking sunset views from Lycabettus Hill, or indulge in authentic Greek flavors at a traditional taverna. The day is yours to do as you wish!
Day 12 – Athens Embarkation
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the port, where you will board the Azamara Quest.
Day 13-18 – Cruising onboard the Azamara Quest
Ports of call include Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Patmos and Mykonos, Greece; and Ephesus, Turkey.
Day 19 – Athens Disembarkation
Enjoy breakfast onboard, then disembark the Azamara Quest and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
For meals not included in your land programs, all hotels chosen include a restaurant on property where you may relax and enjoy a meal. In addition, your guide is available to make suggestions on nearby dining, shopping or sightseeing.
Royal Olympic
A 5 Star Hotel located in the center of Athens, the Royal Olympic lays just in front of the famous Temple of Zeus and National Garden. It is also underneath the Acropolis and only 2 minutes walk to the new Acropolis Museum.
Unique Hotel
Unique Hotel is inspired by the nature surrounding the Ohrid Lake. It is a peaceful place with lots of outdoor facilities, so you can enjoy the sun, fresh air and the landscape.
Solun Hotel
Solun Hotel & Spa welcomes you to the first ECO hotel on the Balkans. Situated steps from the main square, the hotel is an inspired fusion of art elegance with contemporary energy.
Hyatt Regency Sofia
Hyatt Regency Sofia is a 5 Star hotel located within the heart of the city on Vasil Levski Square. It is ideal for exploring a modern city surrounded by authentic Eastern European history.
Azamara Quest
Like her sister ships, this mid-sized beauty has a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers. Staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings and European linens.
Please note this list is preliminary and subject to change. Although we contract for hotels a year or more in advance, unforeseen circumstances do occasionally require a change of hotel. Should it be necessary to change a hotel, one of equal quality or value will be substituted and you will receive confirmed hotel information with your final itinerary.
Special Offer
Limited Time Bonus $400 Gift Card
Journey on Azamara Cruises with a $400 Limited Time Bonus on us plus may be eligible for additional special promotions. Beer, Wine and Spirits, Signature AzAmazing Evenings on most departures, Tips and more included.
This Journey
11-night pre-cruise land program in Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Greece
8 guided tours
20 meals on tour (11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 2 dinners) and all meals onboard
7-night sailing aboard the Azamara Quest
Always Included
International airfare, including transfers and baggage handling
English-speaking Local Guide during land program on most departures
Guaranteed early hotel check-in on arrival day (pre-cruise tours only)
Centrally located four- and five-star hotels
Inclusive pricing: includes airfare, land program, cruise, transfers, and all taxes and fees
Exclusive amenities onboard your cruise (see special offers)
10% off shore excursions
Ultimate Mediterranean: The Balkans, Greece & Turkey
Discover ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures on this incredible 18 Night Journey!
Extend Your Journey
More time to relax, explore and make the most of your trip.
Extension
Want an extra day to adjust to the new time zone? With this optional extension you will arrive to Sofia a day early and have one extra day to relax at the hotel before the tour starts. Price of $180 per person is based on double occupancy and includes 1-night hotel accommodations in Sofia with daily breakfast and private transfer from airport to hotel (applicable when air is booked through Enrichment Journeys). Note: tours are not included.
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More Information
What to Know Before You Go
The land portion of the trip should be considered active and includes a considerable amount of walking.
Enrichment Journeys will do everything in our power to ensure comfort through our third-party providers, including air-conditioned buses and comfortable accommodations where applicable. However, some areas cannot be accessed by coach, so our drivers will get you as close to sites as is legally allowed. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended. Historical sites often do not have elevators, escalators, or ramps due to the age of the building/structure. Steps can be steep and uneven. Based on crowds and traffic, order of visits may be changed. You may have to walk a moderate distance to transfer to coach stations and airport terminals. Time spent on the road and traveling can be long, so you will need to be prepared for stretches of down time in between destinations.
Wheelchair access at many sites is limited. A fold-up wheelchair may be able to be stored on the bus but requires prior arrangements. Guests must be able to transfer from their chair to the transportation. Guides/drivers are not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, so guests requiring physical assistance must travel with a companion who can assist. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this group program.
Included airfare is from select airports only. To inquire about a different airport, please contact your Personal Vacation Manager.
Enrichment Journeys is committed to providing remarkable experiences at extraordinary value. As a result, airlines and routes are selected to maximize that value and may involve multiple stops and extended layovers versus non-stop or direct flights. Passengers wishing to utilize specific carriers, direct/non-stop flights, Business Class upgrades, or to extend their time in any of our beginning or ending destination cities may do so by contacting Enrichment Journeys and inquiring about the Custom Airfare Program. There is a $100 per person charge for this service, however this charge will be applied toward any flights or upgrades you choose to purchase. The $100 charge must be paid prior to receiving a custom air quote.
To travel internationally, you must have a passport in good condition, and it must be valid for at least 6 months after the last day of your trip. Visa requirements change frequently and for various reasons. As a result, our Personal Vacation Managers are not always able to provide visa information. The best way to obtain up-to-date information regarding visa requirements is to visit the official US government website for Americans traveling abroad, Travel.State.Gov (Canadian citizens should visit https://travel.gc.ca/, for all other countries please visit your government website or local embassy), which details specific information on the countries you would like to visit, including visa requirements. You may also use a third-party visa service, such as Expedited Travel. These services require an additional service fee but make the process of applying for a visa much simpler.
To extend a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your Journey, please speak to a Personal Vacation Manager for assistance in making those arrangements.
If you are interested in customizing your Journey, pairing it with a different cruise, or arranging a private tour for your party, you may be interested in our Private Journeys program. You can learn more about this program here, or speak to a Personal Vacation Manager for more information.
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