Balkan & Bosphorus Tour

Overview

This epic 11-day “Balkan and Bosphorus Tour” is a grand circuit that begins and ends in the historic city of Istanbul, embarking on a sweeping journey through the heart of nine distinct countries. The adventure kicks off with an immersion into Istanbul’s imperial past, exploring the iconic landmarks of Sultanahmet square, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace. From there, the tour travels overland into Greece, visiting the coastal city of Kavala with its 15th-century castle before reaching Thessaloniki. The route then pushes north into North Macedonia, where you will discover the capital, Skopje, the natural beauty of Matka Canyon, and the UNESCO-listed lakeside city of Ohrid. The journey continues through Albania, with stops in the capital, Tirana, and the historic town of Kruja, before proceeding along the stunning Adriatic coast.

You will experience the ancient Illyrian town of Budva and the medieval marvel of Kotor in Montenegro, followed by a visit to Croatia’s famed UNESCO World Heritage site, Dubrovnik. The tour then ventures inland into Bosnia and Herzegovina to see the historic city of Mostar and its iconic bridge, as well as the resilient capital, Sarajevo. The expedition continues to Serbia to explore its vibrant capital, Belgrade, and the magnificent Kalemegdan Fortress. The final leg of the journey takes you through Bulgaria, with visits to the capital, Sofia, and the second city, Plovdiv, before re-entering Turkey to see the Ottoman capital of Edirne and returning to Istanbul for a concluding Bosphorus tour, completing a truly comprehensive and unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

  • Istanbul: Explore the old town's Sultanahmet square, visiting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace, and conclude with a Bosphorus tour and a walk on Istiklal Street.
  • Greece & Macedonia: Visit the old town and castle of Kavala in Greece. Explore Skopje, the natural Matka Canyon, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ohrid in North Macedonia.
  • Albania & Montenegro: See the capital Tirana and the Castle of Kruja in Albania. Discover Montenegro's coast with visits to Budva, a photo stop at Sveti Stefan, and the medieval old town of Kotor.
  • Croatia & Bosnia and Herzegovina: Tour the old town of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Mostar to see its 16th-century Stone Bridge and explore Sarajevo's Bascarsija street.
  • Serbia & Bulgaria: Discover Belgrade and its Kalemegdan Park and Fortress. Tour Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, and its second city, Plovdiv, with its Roman Amphitheatre.
  • Historic Edirne: Visit Edirne, the 2nd capital city of the Ottoman Empire, and see the magnificent Selimiye Mosque.

Itinerary

Day 01 :
Arrive to Istanbul (Dinner)

Upon arrival, you will meet your guide for a city tour of Istanbul, the former capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. The walking tour in the old town's Sultanahmet square includes the Hippodrome, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Basilica Cistern. After lunch, you will have time in the Grand Bazaar before dinner and transfer to the hotel.

Day 02 :
Istanbul – Porto Lagos – Kavala – Thessaloniki (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, you will depart for Thessaloniki. You will make a photo stop in Porto Lagos, then proceed to Kavala for a sightseeing tour of its old town (Panagia) and Kavala Castle, built in the 15th century. You will also visit the Imaret, an architectural monument from the Ottomans. After free time, you will transfer to Thessaloniki.

Day 03 :
Thessaloniki - Skopje (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, you will have a sightseeing tour of Thessaloniki, including the Sea Side, the White Tower, and the Turning Tower. Upon arrival in Skopje, you will view The Stone Bridge, The Fortress, The Mustafa Pasha Mosque, The Mother Theresa Memorial House, and the old Bazaar. After the city tour, you will transfer to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 04 :
Skopje – Matka – Sveti Naum – Ohrid (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, you will depart for Ohrid, first visiting Matka Canyon, a popular outdoor destination. Later, you will proceed to St. Naum Monastery on the banks of Lake Ohrid. You will then transfer to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage city, for a sightseeing tour that includes the Lower Gate, Tsar Samuel’s Fortress, and Ali Pasha Mosque before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 05 :
Ohrid – Tirana – Kruja – Podgorica (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, you will depart for Albania. The first stop is the capital, Tirana, for a walking tour of Skanderbeg Square. The tour will continue to Kruja to visit the Castle of Kruja and the Ethnographic Museum building. You will then continue to Shkoder for a walking tour of the old city before transferring to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 06 :
Podgorica – Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik – Trebinje (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, the tour goes to Budva, an ancient Illyrian town. There will be a photo stop for Sveti Stefan Island. After touring Budva, you will visit the medieval Old Town of Kotor. After lunch, you will proceed to Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a walking tour of the ancient city walls, Rector's Palace, and other landmarks. You will then transfer to Trebinje for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 07 :
Trebinje - Mostar - Sarajevo (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, you will depart for Mostar to see the Turkish Quarter and the 16th-century old Stone Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After shopping, you will continue to Sarajevo for a walking tour starting from Bascarsija street, which includes The Turkish Bazaar, Husrev Bey Mosque, and the Latin Bridge. You will then transfer to your Sarajevo hotel.

Day 08 :
Sarajevo – Belgrade (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, you will drive to Belgrade for a tour of its main sites, including Belgrade City Hall, Serbian Parliament, and Knez Mihailova Street. The tour continues to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. After lunch, you will visit Zemun, one of the oldest parts of Belgrade, before returning to the hotel.

Day 09 :
Belgrade - Sofia (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, you will leave for Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The city tour includes the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Church of Saint George, and Banya Bashi Mosque. You will have time to walk and shop on Vitosha street before transferring to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 10 :
Sofia – Plovdiv – Edirne – Istanbul (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, you will leave for Plovdiv, the second biggest city in Bulgaria, for a sightseeing tour that includes the Old Plovdiv in Nebet Hill and the Rome Amphitheatre. After lunch in Edirne, the 2nd capital of the Ottoman Empire, you will enjoy sightseeing, including the Arasta Bazaar and Selimiye Mosque, before transferring to your Istanbul hotel.

Day 11 :
Istanbul (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to a private boat for a Bosphorus tour. After the one-hour boat tour, you will visit Istiklal Street for a walking tour and shopping time. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the Istanbul airport.

Costs

Including Services

  • 10 Night accomodation in 4 star hotels with bed and breakfast
  • All transportations with A/C coach
  • City tours & sightseeings as written in the itinerary
  • English speaking guide and city guides
  • 10 Dinner including water
  • All Parking and Permits and Road taxes etc
  • Driver meals and accommodation
  • Vat, city taxs and check points
  • Entraces are; Alexander Nevsky Cathedral,Matka Canyon,
  • St.Naum Monastery, Kruja, Kotor , Belgrade Kalemegdan .

Exlude Services

  • Travel insurance, visa and porterage
  • International & Domestic flight tickets
  • Soft drinks in restaurants and hotels
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guide & drivers
  • Lunch

Map

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Balkan & Bosphorus Tour

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