Set out on a captivating journey through the Balkans with the ‘Four Days, Four Countries’ tour. Over four days, you’ll explore the vibrant cities of Skopje, Niš, Thessaloniki, and Sofia, enjoying their rich histories and diverse cultural heritage. From the iconic Mother Teresa Museum to the serene Boyana Church, each destination offers a unique perspective on the region’s past and present. With a small group and personalized attention, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more of the Balkans’ hidden gems.
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Nis.
Key Points
- A 4-day guided tour covering 4 cities across 3 countries: Thessaloniki (Greece), Skopje (North Macedonia), Niš (Serbia), and Sofia (Bulgaria).
- Tour price starts at $930.91 per person, with a daily schedule of 12 hours and 3.5-4 hours of driving between destinations.
- The tour includes shared transportation, a professional driver, and a licensed tour guide, but entry fees and meals are excluded.
- Group size is limited to 5 participants, with the tour offered in English, Spanish, and Russian.
- Participants are responsible for obtaining valid passports and necessary visas for Serbia and North Macedonia, as these countries are not part of the EU.
Tour Overview
The four-day guided tour covers four cities across three countries – Skopje in Macedonia, Niš in Serbia, Thessaloniki in Greece, and Sofia in Bulgaria.
The tour is priced from $930.91 per person and runs daily for 12 hours, with approximately 3.5-4 hours of driving between destinations.
The group size is limited to 5 participants, and the tour is offered in English, Spanish, and Russian.
Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, and a reserve now and pay later option is available.
Travelers should note that Serbia and Macedonia aren’t part of the European Union, so proper documents are required for border crossings.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nis.
Itinerary: Day 1 – Thessaloniki
Departing Sofia at 7:00 a.m., the tour travels 2 hours and 20 minutes to the border before reaching Thessaloniki in an additional 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The first stop is the St. Dimitar Church, a historic site dating back to the 4th century AD. Next, the group visits the White Tower, an iconic landmark housing an art museum.
After exploring these attractions, the participants enjoy 2 hours of free time for lunch and additional walking around the city.
Finally, the tour departs Thessaloniki and heads back to Sofia, a 4-hour journey.
Throughout the day, the guide provides commentary and insights into the history and culture of the region.
Itinerary: Day 2 – Skopje
After visiting Thessaloniki on the previous day, the tour departs Sofia at 7:00 a.m. and makes the 2-hour journey to the border before arriving in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, 2 hours later.
In Skopje, the group will visit the Mother Teresa Museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of the famous humanitarian. They’ll also explore the city’s main square, churches, mosques, and the old bazaar. A highlight is the Kale Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city.
With 2 hours set aside for lunch and further exploration, the tour then departs Skopje and returns to Sofia, a 4-hour drive away.
Itinerary: Day 3 – Niš
On the third day, the tour departs Sofia at 7:30 a.m. and, in about an hour and twenty minutes, reaches the border before arriving in Niš, Serbia an hour later. In Niš, the group will visit the Constantine the Great residence, the Skull Tower, and the Nazi camp. Visitors will have 2 hours of free time to explore the city on their own.
Destination | Key Attractions |
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Constantine the Great Residence | Ancient Roman imperial palace ruins |
Skull Tower | Grim monument made from Ottoman soldiers’ skulls |
Nazi Camp | Remnants of a former WWII concentration camp site |
After the visit, the tour will return to Bulgaria, with the border crossing potentially extending the travel time.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyItinerary: Day 4 – Sofia
The tour then heads back to Sofia, departing around 10:00 a.m. to visit the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church is renowned for its stunning 13th-century frescoes that cover the interior walls.
After exploring the church, the group will move on to the National History Museum, spending around 2 hours discovering Bulgaria’s rich past.
The day culminates with a walking tour of Sofia’s city center, allowing participants to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and admire the architectural gems that dot the streets.
While museum entry fees aren’t included in the tour price, travelers can pay these separately on-site as they visit each location.
Travel Considerations
It’s important to note that Serbia and Macedonia aren’t part of the European Union, so you will require appropriate documents for border control when traveling to these countries. Plus, summer border crossings may take longer due to increased traffic.
Some key travel considerations for this tour include:
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Proper documentation: Travelers must have valid passports and any necessary visas for entering Serbia and Macedonia.
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Increased border wait times: During peak summer travel season, border crossings may experience longer wait times due to higher traffic volume.
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Budgeting for entry fees: While the tour includes transportation and a guide, museum entry fees at each destination must be paid separately on-site.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes shared transportation and a professional driver as well as a licensed guide to accompany participants throughout the journey. However, the tour doesn’t cover museum entry fees, meals, and drinks. Participants will need to pay for these additional costs separately at each destination. To help visualize the inclusions and exclusions, here’s a table:
Included | Excluded |
---|---|
Shared transportation | Museum entry fees |
Professional driver | Food and drinks |
Licensed tour guide | – |
– | – |
– | – |
This ensures travelers know exactly what’s covered by the tour price and what they’ll need to budget for separately.
Booking and Meeting Point
To reserve the tour, participants simply select their preferred travel date and number of people on the booking page.
The meeting point for the tour is in front of Coffee La Cathedralle, with directions available on Google Maps to ensure an easy arrival.
Booking the tour is straightforward and convenient:
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Choose the tour date and group size.
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Provide traveler information and confirm the reservation.
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Pay the required deposit to secure the booking.
The tour operator offers a flexible payment option, allowing participants to reserve their spot and pay the remaining balance later.
With clear instructions and a centrally located meeting point, getting started on this exciting four-country adventure has never been easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Specific Departure Time?
Yes, participants can request a specific departure time when booking the tour. The tour operator is typically flexible and accommodating, within reason, to meet the needs and preferences of each group or individual.
How Often Do the Tours Run per Week?
The tours run daily, with departures typically at 7:00 AM or 7:30 AM. Guests have the flexibility to select their desired departure date when booking the tour. The schedule is designed to accommodate a range of traveler preferences.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
Yes, the tour operator offers group discounts. For groups of 3 or more people, there is a 10% discount per person. The more people in the group, the higher the potential savings on the tour price.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink on the Tour?
Participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though the tour price does not include meals. Bringing snacks and water can help save money and provide more flexibility during the long days of sightseeing.
Do You Provide Any Recommendations for Accommodations in the Cities?
The tour company does not provide accommodation recommendations. However, they suggest participants research and book their own hotels or hostels in the visited cities based on their preferences and budget, as accommodations are not included in the tour package.
Recap
This immersive four-day tour through the Balkans promises an unforgettable adventure.
Travelers will explore the vibrant cities of Skopje, Niš, Thessaloniki, and Sofia, discovering rich history and culture at iconic landmarks.
With a small group and personalized attention, the tour offers a deeper connection to each destination.
Flexible booking options and a thorough itinerary ensure a memorable journey through this captivating region.
You can check if your dates are available here: