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.