✓ Intimate group experience, with no more than 20 people
✓ Return international airfares with Qatar Airways
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ 19 nights in mostly four-star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Fully escorted tour with English-speaking guides throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing with entry fees included – See ancient UNESCO sites, visit traditional villages like Kalambaka and well-known islands like Santorini
✓ Comfortable, dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Today, board your international flight bound for Athens! Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.
Please note: some flights might depart the night prior.
This morning you’ll be transferred by high-speed ferry to the breathtakingly beautiful island of Santorini. Here you can soak up the sun and relax on the beach or perhaps explore the picturesque capital, Fira.
Santorini was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century that has shaped its rugged landscape. The whitewashed, cube-shaped houses of its two principal towns cling to the island's cliffs and provide a beautiful contrast to the shimmering turquoise waters below.
Today is free to spend as you wish – perhaps soak up the sun from one of the island's black sand beaches, or explore Santorini's charming small towns.
Optional tour: Boat Cruise
Take a boat trip in the Santorini Caldera, a large, mostly submerged volcanic crater, where you can swim in the warm thermal waters and take a therapeutic mud bath.
Today is another free day to enjoy Santorini as you please.
Today you’ll be transferred to Santorini's port, from where you'll catch a high-speed ferry back to the Greek mainland.
Upon arrival in Athens you'll be collected from the port and driven to your hotel where the remainder of your day is free to explore this storied capital city at your own pace.
Today, enjoy a city tour of Athens. We'll start at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis visit, the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon.
Today we'll visit the incredible sandstone pillars of Meteora, where Christian monasteries, which date back to the 14th century, are perched on top. It's fascinating to explore the interiors of these monasteries – where a handful of nuns and monks still reside – but also to enjoy the amazing views across the valleys. We'll spend the evening in the nearby traditional Greek village of Kalambaka.
Today we leave Greece behind and head towards the Albanian border. En route we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Gjirokastra, a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town complete with a 13th-century castle and many Byzantine churches and mosques. Later, we'll continue on to the capital, Tirana. A beguiling mix of Ottoman-, Fascist- and Soviet-era architecture, Tirana is also a surprisingly leafy city full of cafes and historic monuments. Pastel coloured buildings surround the city's focal point, Skanderbeg Square, which is named for its equestrian statue of a national hero. On the square's north end is the modernist National History Museum, covering prehistoric times through to communist rule and the anti-communist uprisings of the 1990s.
After breakfast, we'll take a walking tour of the city, visiting the Clock Tower, Et'hem Bey Mosque, St Paul's Cathedral, the National History Museum, Piramida (a local monument to communism), the National Gallery of Arts and Mother Teresa Square. Later we say goodbye to Albania and make our way to Budva, Montenegro. Aside from boasting natural beauty in spades – think beautiful sandy beaches and a bay freckled with islands – Budva is rich in historic monuments. Budva Old Town lies on a small peninsula and represents a treasure chest of culture heritage. Crossed with arrow streets and squares are famous buildings, such as the Sveti Trojica church, which houses the tomb of writer Stjepan Mitrov Ljubisa, as well as the Churches of St. Ivan, St. Bogorodica and St. Sava. Next we continue on to the jewel in Montenegro's crown, Kotor, which is set on the beautiful Bay of Kotor and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This morning set out to see the sights at Kotor including the well-preserved Old Town and its city walls, along which you can walk, and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (built in 1166). We continue along beautiful southern coast of Croatia to Dubrovnik, a city legendary for its well-preserved stone walls, and is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. On arrival, head out on a guided walk along the city walls, enjoying views of the Adriatic Sea. You'll also visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, built by the European architect Onofrio della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city, the 13th century Franciscan monastery and the Sponza and Rector's Palaces.
After breakfast, we'll drive along the Adriatic coastline towards to Split. On the Croatian Dalmatian Coast, it is known for its beaches and the fortress-like complex at its centre. In the afternoon we'll enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Diocletian Palace, a Roman imperial palace and UNESCO World Heritage site. We will walk the southern part of palace, the Bronze Gates, through the Vestibul of the Emperor's Palace, The Mausoleum, St. Dujam's Cathedral, Cathedral Treasury, Temple of Jupiter, St. Martin's Church (Golden Gate) and conclude the tour at the fruit square and visit the Venetian castle, Milesi Palace and the Monument of Marko Marulic.
Today we depart for Sarajevo via Mostar, a town situated in a beautiful valley in the high mountains of Herzegovina. The city was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war, but it has since been rebuilt and now features on UNESCO's World Heritage list. On the way, we visit the famous Stari Most Bridge, built by the Ottomans in 156. It was the great architect Mimar Hajrudin who succeeded with the impossible mission to cross the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. Afterwards, we drive to Sarajevo, which is Bosnia and Herzegovina's small but vibrant capital. Twenty years after the end of a devastating war, Sarajevo is slowly asserting itself as one of Europe's most beautiful and interesting cities. The city mixes east and west dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a simple but delicious meal in Bascarsija, Sarajevo's old bazaar and you must try the local specialty of 'bosanski cevapi' (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices).
This morning, after breakfast, we depart for Serbia's capital, Belgrade, which is famous for its grand Orthodox churches and museums. Its most significant landmark is the Beogradska Tvrđava, an imposing fortress at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava rivers. The fort is a testament to the city’s strategic importance to the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Serbian and Austrian empires, and it's now the site of several museums as well as Kalemegdan. In the evening, head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and enjoy the lively atmosphere, in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to fashionable nightclubs.
Today, we will visit the city's wide boulevards and squares, and the historic and green heart of Kalemegdan Park. Kalemegdan Park, split in two as the Great and Little Parks, was developed in the area that once was the town field. It provides places of rest and entertainment. Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park together represent a cultural monument of exceptional importance (from 1979), the area where various sport, cultural and arts events take place, for all generations of Belgraders and numerous visitors of the city. The park is home to Kelmegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River here for centuries.
Departure for Skopje via Nis, the third largest city in Serbia. After a sightseeing in Nis, visiting remnants of its Ottoman past, we cross the border into Macedonia and proceed to the capital, Skopje, arriving in the afternoon. Skopje is the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, in the centre of the Balkan Peninsula. Over time it has experienced Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule. The 15th-century Stone Bridge connects the Ottoman Old Bazaar (Čaršija) on the Vardar River‘s north bank with Macedonia Square and a statue of Alexander the Great to the south.
This afternoon we head out for a gentle walking tour of the centre of town. We begin with a visit to the Kale Fortress. Dominating the skyline of Skopje, is the Game of Thrones–worthy 6th-century AD Byzantine (and later, Ottoman) fortress. After we continue on to the Church of the Holy Savior. Built in the late seventeenth century or early eighteenth century by a seemingly simple construction, dug in the ground, the Church of the Holy Saviour hides a fantastic iconostasis and iconography and one of the finest samples of traditional walnut woodcarving. We finish our tour with a visit to the Old Bazaar and Stone Bridge.
This morning, we drive to Ohrid, this UNESCO world heritage site is known as the 'Macedonian Jerusalem' due to its large number of churches. In the city’s compact old town, medieval churches, monasteries and open-air ruins stand alongside traditional houses with red-tiled roofs. Nestled on the shores of a large lake which is renowned for the clarity of its water. Here we discover the highlights of Ohrid, The church of St. Sofia (11th century), the most eminent mediaeval monument in Macedonia with magnificent Byzantine fresco paintings and St. Clement Church with its icon of Annunciation.
Today we set off towards Thessaloniki, famous for its UNESCO listed Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments and the foreshore lined with cafes, cocktail lounges, bars and restaurants. The city is home to the ruins of Roman Emperor Galerius’ 4thcentury palace include the Rotunda that has been both a church and a mosque. Much of the city center was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1917. The rebuilt 20th-century city has a modern European layout. Enjoy free time on arrival.
This morning we drive to Delphi where we will explore the incredible site and museum of Delphi. The museum houses extensive artifacts unearthed during excavations at the Delphi oracle and its vicinity and it is one of the top must-see museums in Greece. Explore the sanctuary of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke. Located amidst breathtaking scenery in central Greece, the Sanctuary of Apollo at Ancient Delphi was the most important sacred site in the Greek world. Revered as early as 1500 BC, the sacred precinct was home to the famous Oracle, in which the god himself counseled his people through the mouth of an intoxicated priestess. We then continue to Athens where on arrival is at leisure.
Today marks the end of our grand adventure. At the appropriate time you'll be transferred to the airport to board your homeward flight.
Arrive home today with memories to last a lifetime.
Deposits & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount (if booking your own flights)
A $1300 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the booking process, under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included.
How to extend your stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
Please note, a supplement of $150 per person (plus any applicable fare and tax differences) applies to deviate from the standard itinerary. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,799 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.
Australian passport holders to not require a visa for travel to the countries as part of this tour, for travel less than 90 days.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-20 people
Children
Children must be 8 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Entry Fees
Entry fees are not included in your package to allow you to choose what you see. Some sights are free of charge, others incur a entry fee. If you choose not to enter you'll be able to view the sight from the outside. Please CLICK HERE for a full list of entry costs payable locally.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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