Overview

This dynamic 8-day journey is a cultural and historical odyssey that bridges two worlds, starting in the transcontinental metropolis of Istanbul and creating a grand loop through the heart of the Balkans. The adventure covers four distinct countries—Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, and Bulgaria—offering a rich tapestry of imperial history, ancient landmarks, and diverse landscapes. The tour kicks off in Istanbul with an immediate immersion into its most iconic sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the opulent Topkapi Palace. From there, you’ll travel westward into Greece, visiting the coastal city of Kavala before arriving in Thessaloniki, a city rich in Byzantine history.

The journey continues north into Macedonia, exploring the historic town of Bitola and the serene beauty of St. Naum Monastery before reaching the picturesque city of Ohrid. A day is dedicated to discovering the natural wonder of Matka Canyon and the historical layers of the capital, Skopje. The itinerary also includes an immersive day trip into Kosovo, exploring the capital Pristina and the historic city of Prizren, adding another layer to the Balkan experience. The route then turns east towards Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, for a tour of its grand cathedrals and historic buildings. The final leg of the journey brings you back towards Turkey, with stops in Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second city, and Edirne, the second capital of the Ottoman Empire, before concluding this epic circular journey back in Istanbul.

Highlights

Historic Istanbul: Begin the tour by visiting the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.
Coastal Greece: Stop in Porto Lagos and tour the Old Town and Castle of Kavala before an overnight stay in Thessaloniki.
Macedonia's Treasures: Explore Bitola's Turkish Bazaar and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Museum, visit St. Naum Monastery, and tour the historic city of Ohrid.
Skopje & Matka Canyon: See the capital of Macedonia, including the Stone Bridge and Mother Theresa Memorial House, and experience the nature of Matka Canyon.
Kosovo Day Trip: Journey to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, to see the Sultan Murad Mosque and Ottoman Houses, and then visit Prizren to see its Castle and Sinan Pasha Mosque.
Sofia, Bulgaria: Tour the Bulgarian capital, visiting The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Library, and Banya Basi Mosque.
Plovdiv & Edirne: Discover Plovdiv, the second biggest city in Bulgaria, with its Rome Amphitheatre, and Edirne, the 2nd capital of the Ottoman Empire, with its magnificent Selimiye Mosque.

Day 01 :

Istanbul (L/D)

Upon arrival at İstanbul Airport, you will meet your English-speaking guide. The tour starts with viewing the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. After the city tour, you will be transferred to a restaurant for dinner and then back to the hotel for the night.

Day 02 :

Istanbul – Porto Lagos – Kavala - Thessaloniki (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will leave the hotel for Kavala. The first stop will be for a photo in Porto Lagos, after which you will proceed to Kavala. The Kavala sightseeing tour includes the Old Town of Kavala (Panagia) and Kavala Castle. Afterwards, you will go to your Thessaloniki hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03 :

Thessaloniki – Bitola – St Naum – Ohrid (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will leave the hotel for sightseeing in Thessaloniki, including the Sea side of Thessaloniki, the White Tower, and the Turning Tower. The tour then goes to Bitola for a city tour of Shirok main street, St. Dimitrija, the Turkish Bazaar, Isak Pasha Mosque, Haydar Kadi Mosque, and the Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Museum. After lunch, the journey will take you to St. Naum Monastery, an Eastern Orthodox Monastery in the Republic of Macedonia. After the tour, you will transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 04 :

Ohrid – Matka – Skopje (B/L/D)

After breakfast, the tour continues with an Ohrid city tour, including the Lower Gate "Houses of Robevci", Cathedral Church Saint Sophia, the Antique Theater, Church Saint Holy Mother Peribleptos, the Upper Gate, Tsar Samuil Fortress, and Church Saint John Kanoe. After lunch, the tour goes to Matka Canyon. You will then continue to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, to view The Stone Bridge, The Fortress, The Mustafa Pasha Mosque, The Mother Theresa Memorial House, and The old Bazaar of the City. After the city tour, you will transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 05 :

Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje (B/L/D)

After breakfast, the journey will take you to Pristina, the biggest and capital city of Kosovo. Sightseeing in Pristina includes the Watch Tower, Sultan Murad Mosque, Ottoman Bath, Yasar Pasha Mosque, and Ottoman Houses. After the Pristina city tour, you will leave for Prizren for lunch, then view Prizren Castle, Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Turkish Bath, and an Orthodox Church. After the city tour, you will transfer back to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 06 :

Skopje – Sofia (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Sofia. After lunch in Sofia, sightseeing includes The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Library, Sofia University, the Old Kingdom Palace, the National Theater, the Archaeology Museum, Old Sofia city, and Banya Basi Mosque. After the city tour, you will transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 07 :

Sofia – Plovdiv – Edirne – Istanbul (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will leave for Plovdiv, the second biggest city in Bulgaria. Sightseeing in Plovdiv includes Old Plovdiv in Nebet hill, Balabanov and Georgi Mavridi House, St. Konstantin Church, Elena Church, the Rome Amphitheatre, Rome Stadium, Citadel Door, Castle streets, and St. Nedelya Church. After lunch, the tour goes to Edirne, which was the 2nd capital city of the Ottoman Empire from 1365 to 1453. You will enjoy sightseeing in Edirne, visiting Arasta Bazaar, Selimiye Mosque, and Meric Bridge. After dinner on the road, you will transfer to Istanbul for an overnight stay.

Day 08 :

Depart Istanbul (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport.

Turkey & Balkan Tour 4 Countries

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

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