Our Knowledge & Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years.
Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips.
Authentic & Extraordinary Experiences Our Extraordinary Experiences are different, unusual, and not something easily googled. We also know how important it is to remain authentic. Going beyond the obvious is becoming increasingly important to our guests, and we focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance both head and heart. We also recognize that the obvious sights are still popular, and we make every effort to skip lines whenever possible, therefore maximizing time in each destination.
Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and offer smooth and effortless touring in each destination. Our planning is detailed, and we think of everything, including restaurant reservations. You will also have complete peace of mind on the ground with 24-hour local support.
Quality Vehicles We use late-model luxury vehicles, often Mercedes, Audi, BMW, or Volkswagen, depending on the size of the vehicle you need. The only exception to this is in some Central Asian countries that use vehicles predominantly from Japan.
Upon your arrival into Sofia, you will meet your driver-guide for your transfer to Plovdiv - the second largest city in Bulgaria after the capital. Upon checking into your hotel, you may spend the remainder of your day at your leisure.
Vehicle & Driver-Guide (Up to 8 Hours)
Residence City Garden
Today your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to begin your overview walking tour of the historic Old Town.
The first settlement on this place was founded by the Thracians and was later conquered by Philip of Macedonia – the father of Alexander the Great, who named it after himself – Philipopolis (the town of Philip). The Romans came here around the turn of the first millennia and further fortified the city, also building streets, towers and aqueducts. You will have a chance to see the famous Roman amphitheater and the Roman Stadium, which were also built in that period (2nd Century AD). The amphitheater could seat at that time 6,000 spectators and was probably the site of bloody gladiator fights. It is still used today for performances and cultural events.
You will stroll along the cobble-stoned streets of the Old Town and admire its beautifully restored Baroque houses. Mostly built in the 19th Century, these houses typically feature overhanging upper floors with jutting eaves, porticos with colonnades, and brightly colored facades. The interiors usually include a salon, one or more drawing rooms, and bedrooms featuring finely carved woodwork, wall decorations, ornamental niches, and mid- 19th-Century European furniture.
Vehicle & Driver-Guide (Up to 8 Hours)
Residence City Garden
Continue your journey towards the mountain region and the town of Bansko. On your way, you will visit the majestic Rila Monastery. It is believed that the monastery was founded by the hermit St. John of Rila (Ivan Rilski), whose name it bears, in the 10th Century. The hermit lived in a cave not far from the monastery's location, while the complex was built by his students, who came to the mountains to receive their education. Ever since its creation, the Rila Monastery was supported with large donations by the Bulgarian rulers, gradually turning the monastery into a cultural and spiritual center throughout the centuries under Ottoman authority.
The monastery museum houses a rich collection of valuable ancient manuscripts, coins, and weapons. After visiting the museum’s historic treasures, you will visit the main church.
In the afternoon, continue towards Bansko. Upon arrival, you will enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Vehicle & Driver-Guide (Up to 8 Hours)
Kempinski Bansko
Today you will begin your transfer to Melnik. This journey will take approximately 1.5 hours depending on traffic and the number of stops you make along the way.
Arrive at Zornitsa Estate, where you will spend the rest of your day at leisure. This property offers stunning views of the Melnik Sand Pyramids, as well as the surrounding landscape. The hotel also features one of the best wine collections in the area. We recommend experiencing a special gourmet dinner prepared by a Michelin star chef (payable locally).
Vehicle & Driver - Guide (Up to 8 Hours)
Zornitza Estate
Begin your journey to Skopje today.
Along the way, you will explore the Tikves wine region. Visit the Popova Kula Winery and enjoy the beautiful views. Then, head to the archeological site of Stobi, one of Macedonia’s best-preserved sites.
Afterwards, continue your journey to Skopje. Located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula and Macedonia’s capital, Skopje has been at the crossroads of the region’s history for nearly two millennia. From Roman to Byzantine, Ottoman to Yugoslav and now Macedonian rule, this city has an incredible array of architectural styles and historical sites.
Upon arrival, you will spend the remainder of your day at your leisure.
Vehicle & Driver-Guide (Up to 8 Hours)
Marriott Skopje
Begin your journey to Sofia today. This journey will take approximately 2.5 hours depending on traffic.
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a city with a history that stretches back over 7,000 years and was previously known as Serdika. Sofia grew under the influence of the Roman and the Ottoman Empire until the 19th century. With the assistance of Russia, the Ottoman Empire collapsed, and Bulgaria was able to gain its independence. Shortly after the end of World War II, the country found itself inside the Iron Curtain and was under communist rule until 1991. You can still see the architectural influence from the Romans, Ottomans, and the Soviet Union throughout the city to this day.
Now, Sofia is a modern, laid-back city with a wide variety of museums, restaurants, and art galleries. Scattered throughout the city are large parks and monuments dedicated to recognizing the struggles of its past.
Upon arrival, your guide will take you on an overview tour. You will see Sofia’s signature gold onion-domed landmark, the Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral, built as a tribute to the Russians who liberated Bulgaria from the Turks at the turn of the 19th Century.
The St. Sofia Church stands just across from the Alexander Nevski Church and is in rather modest contrast to the cathedral’s Russian flamboyance. The current building dates as far back as the 6th Century, but excavations have revealed that it stands on the remains of an even older church. The Ottomans who used it as a mosque added minarets to the church in the 16th Century. This graceful monument has inspired the city of Sofia’s coat of arms.
You will continue your exploration of the Bulgarian capital at the famous Rotunda Sveti Georgi (St. George), which was built in the 4th Century as a Roman temple. Later, it was consecutively used as both a church and a mosque, and recent restoration works have revealed magnificent medieval frescoes. The rotunda is considered to be the oldest preserved building in Sofia.
Afterwards, you will spend the remainder of your day at your leisure.
Vehicle & Driver-Guide (Up to 8 Hours)
Intercontinental
Begin your journey today to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. This will take approximately 2 hours depending on traffic.
First you will visit the 2nd or early 3rd century ancient Roman forum. Next you will see the basilica Agios Dimitro, a large 5th century structure that was built to honor Thessaloniki’s patron saint. Today it the home to the cities best church mosaics.
Continue on to the Aristotelous Square and the White Tower, the hallmark of the city. You will also get to enjoy a stroll throughout the markets in the Modiano before exploring the remainder of the city at your leisure.
Vehicle & Driver-Guide (Up to 8 Hours)
Electra Palace
This morning you will begin walking tour of the historical center of the city. On your tour, your guide will take you through Skopje’s Old Bazaar; one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in The Balkans. As the city’s center for commerce and trade since the 12th century, the bazaar’s winding cobblestone streets are a treasure trove of excellently preserved Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. From here, make the short walk to Skopje Fortress, commonly referred to as “Kale” (Turkish for “Fortress”).
Finally, cross the ancient stone bridge over the Vardar into the totally rebuilt Macedonia Square and meet your driver for the transfer to Pristina, capital of Kosovo. Pristina acts as the administrative and cultural hub of Kosovo and, much like Skopje, has been a human settlement since the Paleolithic Age.
This afternoon, you will explore the area outside of Skopje. You will first head to the mountain of Vodno for gorgeous views and scenery. Afterwards, make the drive to Treska Canyon and the Matka Valley and enjoy a walk in the Matka National Park. Here, you may also take a boat ride on the lake and visit the Sveti Andrey Church.
Upon your arrival back into Skopje, you may spend the remainder of your evening at your leisure.
Vehicle & Driver-Guide (Up to 8 Hours)
Marriott Skopje
This morning you will visit the base of the Vitosha Mountain to enter the small Boyana Church. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich collection of medieval murals, some dating back to the mid-13th Century and considered to be among the finest examples of religious art. The east wing of the two-story church was originally constructed in the late 10th or early 11th Century. Later, the central wing was added in the 13th Century during the period of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The whole building was finally finished with a further expansion to the west in the middle of the 19th Century.
Afterwards, you will also visit the National Museum of History before transferring back to Sofia. This afternoon, you may take the time to explore the center of Sofia at your leisure.
Vehicle & Driver-Guide (Up to 8 Hours)
Intercontinental
This morning you will travel to the Meteora Rock Monasteries. Literally meaning “suspended in the air” in Greek, Meteora boasts one of the most impressive and dramatic landscapes of the world. Shaped by the elements, the natural rock formations are home to some of the most breathtaking and distinctive monasteries in all of Greece. It is believed that the natural sandstone towers here were first used as a religious retreat in the 9th century when a local hermit monk settled in one of the caves. Later, more of these inaccessible sandstone peaks were settled by monks who founded the first monasteries.
You will follow your guide up the huge rock formations and enjoy a tour of two of these unique UNESCO world heritage sites.
Afterwards, you will transfer back to Thessaloniki, where you may spend the remainder of your evening at your leisure.
Vehicle & Driver-Guide (Up to 8 Hours)
Electra Palace
Today your driver will transfer you to the airport to board your departing flight onward.
Departure Transfer
Cost of the Program
Options 1 & 2: Bulgaria and Bulgaria & North Macedonia • For Two (2) guests travelling together: From $4,600 per person • For Four (4) guests travelling together: From $3,200 per person
Option 3: Bulgaria & Greece • For Two (2) guests travelling together: From $4,900 per person • For Four (4) guests travelling together: From $3,375 per person
Accommodations Option 1 Plovdiv Two Nights at the Residence City Garden; tax and breakfast included.
Bansko One night at the Hotel Kempinski Bansko; tax and breakfast included.
Melnik One night at the Zornitza Estate; tax and breakfast included.
Skopje Two nights at the Skopje Marriott Hotel; tax and breakfast included.
Option 2 Plovdiv Two Nights at the Residence City Garden; tax and breakfast included.
Bansko One night at the Hotel Kempinski Bansko; tax and breakfast included.
Melnik One night at the Zornitza Estate; tax and breakfast included.
Sofia Two nights at the InterContinental Hotel; tax and breakfast included.
Option 3 Plovdiv Two Nights at the Residence City Garden; tax and breakfast included.
Bansko One night at the Hotel Kempinski Bansko; tax and breakfast included.
Melnik One night at the Zornitza Estate; tax and breakfast included.
Thessaloniki Two nights at the Electra Palace; tax and breakfast included.
Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily.
Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. The timing for each day is noted in your program.
Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request.
Transportation Transportation is included as noted. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Timing for each day is noted in your program.
Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.
Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.
Exeter International Travel Information BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more.
SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at your disposal as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars.
Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events.
OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.
GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Gratuities are at your own discretion. We recommend $15- $20 per person, per day for your guide and $5 - $10 per person, per day for your driver. For your airport or station transfer, a gratuity of $5 - $10 is customary, based on service. Dollars, Euros and any local currency are all accepted.
DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal.
Booking Conditions PAYMENTS Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing are subject to change until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable.
CANCELLATION Written cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour cost • 59-14 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost • 14 or less days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost
REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun.
INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet.
PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary is changed.
The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2020. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.
All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary, until paid in full.
Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com 111 South Dakota Avenue │ Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: (813) 251-5355 │ (800) 633-1008 │ Fax: (813) 251-6685