24 Days Europe Balkan Countries Tour
|24 Days, 29 Destinations |Starts from Istanbul
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Earn €20 in travel credits

Duration
24 days

Max Group Size
30

Tour Code
24DEBCT

Tour Type
Request as private tour

Departure Type
Scheduled

Age Requirement
12 - 99 Ages

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In
English

Physical level
relax

Tour route map

Istanbul

Pickup Time:

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Zagreb

Dropoff Time:

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Activities

AdventureCanyoningCombined CountryDiscoveryExplorerFamilyHistoricalIn-depth CulturalSightseeingSolo TravelWalking TourPhotographySee Itinerary

Tour Overview

This exclusive tour is consisted of many different countries to include Turkey, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Greece with an exciting itinerary to let you enjoy the Adriatic coast and the Balkans entirely where you will also get to see Aegean Region and experience a journey through Greece. TOUR ROUTE: Istanbul – Bursa (Uludag) - Kusadasi - Troy - Canakkale - Gallipoli - Edirne - Turkey - Plovdiv - Sofia - Sandaski - Melnik - Bulgaria - Thessaloniki - Vergina - Thermopylae - Athens - Kalambaka - Greece- Ohrid - Macedonia - Tirana - Albania - Budva - Montenegro - Dubrovnik - Croatia - Mostar - Sarajevo - Travnik - Bihac - Bosnia - Ljubljana - Slovenia - Zagreb - Croatia

Highlights

  • Embark on a journey from Istanbul to Zagreb, immersing yourself in the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Croatia.
  • Istanbul, Turkey: Explore iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square. Bursa (Uludağ), Turkey: Take a cable car ride to Uludağ Mountain for breathtaking views. Explore the historic sites and Ottoman architecture in Bursa.
  • Kuşadası, Turkey: Visit the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Enjoy the beaches and nightlife of Kuşadası. Troy, Turkey: Explore the legendary ancient city of Troy and its archaeological site. Learn about the Trojan War and the famous Trojan Horse. Çanakkale and Gallipoli, Turkey: Pay homage to the soldiers who fought in the Gallipoli Campaign. Visit the battlefields, memorials, and cemeteries of Gallipoli.
  • Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Explore the charming old town of Plovdiv with its Roman ruins and colorful architecture. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre and the Ethnographic Museum. Sofia, Bulgaria: Discover Bulgaria's capital city, Sofia, and its blend of ancient and modern attractions. Visit landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture. Sandanski and Melnik, Bulgaria: Relax in the spa town of Sandanski known for its thermal springs. Explore the wine-producing region of Melnik and its sandstone pyramids.
  • Thessaloniki, Greece: Explore Greece's second-largest city with its rich history and cultural heritage. Visit landmarks such as the White Tower, Rotunda, and Arch of Galerius. Vergina and Thermopylae, Greece: Discover the royal tombs of Vergina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the legendary Battle of Thermopylae and visit the memorial. Athens, Greece: Explore the ancient ruins of Athens including the Acropolis and Parthenon. Visit the Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the National Archaeological Museum.
  • Kalambaka, Greece: Marvel at the breathtaking rock formations and monasteries of Meteora. Ohrid, North Macedonia: Explore the historic town of Ohrid and its beautiful lake. Visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo and the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid. Tirana, Albania: Discover the vibrant capital city of Albania, Tirana. Visit Skanderbeg Square, the National Museum, and the Et'hem Bey Mosque.
  • Budva, Montenegro: Relax on the beaches of Budva and explore its medieval old town. Visit the Citadel, Church of St. John, and the Budva City Walls. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Walk along the city walls, visit the Old Town, and take in panoramic views.
  • Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Admire the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and the historic old town of Mostar. Visit the Old Bridge Museum and the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Discover the diverse culture and rich history of Sarajevo. Visit landmarks such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. Travnik and Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Explore the charming town of Travnik and its medieval fortress. Discover the natural beauty of Bihac and the Una National Park.
  • Ljubljana, Slovenia: Explore the picturesque capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Visit Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, and Tivoli Park. Zagreb, Croatia: Conclude your journey in the Croatian capital, Zagreb. Explore the historic Upper Town, visit St. Mark's Church, and stroll along Tkalciceva Street.

Itinerary

Meet at the airport and Transfer to your hotel. You will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast included)

Pick up at 08:30am from your hotel for the daily tour of old Istanbul city. Visit to TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Murtis Tour will then take you to the GRAND SPICE BAZAAR for Shopping. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. Free Evening and optional Istanbul Evening Shows or Bosphorus Dinner Cruise incluing traditional Turkish entertainment and dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast and Dinner included)

After breakfast, at 08:00 am, we depart for Bursa; the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and one of the great treasure houses of Islamic architecture. Visit the Green Mosque and the neighboring Green Mausoleum, both world-renowned for their superb tile decoration. See Great Mosque, which has the largest indoor space within all the mosques in Ottoman architecture. Visit Kozahan, once the center of silk trade. Textile fabrics of silk obtained from cocoons of Bursa has played an important role in Bursa’s being the center of textile. After that, drive to the village of Cumalikizik. This is one of the best-preserved Ottoman villages in Turkey with scores of picturesque houses built in the traditional style. The historical texture of the village has been well protected and the civilian countryside architectural structures of the early Ottoman period are still intact. After the tour, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Bursa.

(Breakfast and Dinner included)

After breakfast and at 08:00, we have 5 Hour drive to Ephesus. We have lunch in Ephesus and then we will do a Turkish Village Tour. Sirince's construction style today belongs to Anatolian Greeks. The houses on the slope are all original with their white paints. Sirince Village also has a fantastic reputation for making some of the best wines in Turkey - especially fruit wines. We will visit the vineyards and it is time to learn how to make fruit wine with Turkish wine makers. In the evening you will be tested about your knowledge of making fruit wine. On the way we will visit one of the famous leather production centers of the region, where you will have the opportunity to get a good factory rate. After the art tour, we drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast and Dinner included)

After breakfast and at 08:00 We will visit to Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient sites in the world en - route, visiting the Temple of Artemis, Curates street, famous Roman baths, Celsus Library and Grand theatre. After the tour, we will visit the place of one of our sponsors which continues to perform one of the oldest arts of Turkey in a carpet weaving center. During our visit, we will have a chance to see the Turkish women who are working in the factory. After the art tour, we drive to back to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast and Dinner included)

We depart at 08:30 and drive around 3 hours to Pergamon. Lunch break around 13:00pm and after the lunch, we depart for tour of the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre at that times. Bergamon is a famous city for its jewellery, stones and silver. So on the way, we will visit a jewellery center for 30 minutes, after lunch, drive to ancient sight of Troy. Visit the famous archeological and mythological site of Troy, home of the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. After Troy tour, Arrival to Canakkale by 18:00pm. Overnight in Canakkale.

(Breakfast and Dinner included)

At 07:30am, we depart for Gallipoli to visit the battle fields. Two hours later, we will give you 20 minutes to relax in a restaurant area. We arrive Gallipoli around 12:00am and we have lunch break, relax a little bit and then depart for the battle fields. Visit Gabatepe Museum. Start visiting the fields with Ariburnu Cemetery and Anzac Cove because these are the places where the war had started. Then Beach Cemetery, Shrapnel Valley and Plugges Plateau. Afterwards, we drive towards to border. Overnight in Edirne.

(Breakfast included)

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and Depart for Bulgaria. Arrival in Plovdiv around noon in Bulgaria. Check in to hotel and rest of day is yours. Explore Plovdiv city, shop in the local markets or enjoy many big parties or games in Casinos. Overnight in Plovdiv.

(Breakfast included)

Departure for Sofia. Guided sightseeing Tour of the city center including visit to Alexander Nevski Cathedral - one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction; St. George Rotunda, St. Sophia Church, built by the Roman Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, National Theatre, former Royal Palace, today housing the National Revival Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum, Presidency, etc. Upon request - dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

(Breakfast included)

Departure for Rila Monastery - the most exquisite example of the monastery art and architecture in Bulgaria. Guided tour of the monastery complex. Visit to Nativity of the Virgin Church with its miracle icon of the Virgin and splendid gilded iconostasis, the old kitchen, the monastery museum where you can learn about the long and heroic history of the monastery, the wood carved cross made for a period of twelve years by a monk called Rafael, Hrelyo’s Tower and many spectacular views from the mountain and the surrounding nature. Drive to Sandanski in the afternoon. Dinner at hotel and overnight in Sandanski.

(Breakfast included)

Drive to Melnik - the smallest town in Bulgaria famous for its excellent wines and sandstone rocky pyramids. Visit to Kordopulova museum-house. Around noon departure for Greece. It is your free day to explore and enjoy Thessaloniki on your own. Depending on the time of arrival, you can spend the day walking around, doing the shopping or relaxing in one of many cafeterias or Taverns in Thessaloniki down town. Dinner in Thessaloniki

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Vergina, the most important remains of the monumental palace of the Kingdom of Macedonia, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tombs some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs is identified as that of Philip II, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world. Lunch will be offered at a local restaurant in Vergina.After lunch, drive back to Athens. On the way, make a short stop at Thermopylae where a fierce battle took place between the Persians and Greeks during the Persian invasion of 480-479 BC. The Greek force (300 strong) was very small but was determined to make a stand against the huge Persian army. Overnight in Athens.

(Breakfast included)

After Breakfast Athens full day city tour starts for a visit to Acropolis, Parthenon, Olympic Stadium, Olympian Zeus Temple, Lycabettus Hill and Greek Ancient Market. Lunch and Shopping afterwards at Syntagma Square, Monastiraki. Back to hotel, Dinner and overnight at hotel.

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast. Proceed to Kalambaka. Lunch at arrival. Half day city tour with a visit to Meteora, Theopetra Cave. Check in hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Kalambaka

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast. Proceed to Ohrid. Arrival, lunch. Half day city tour with a visit to Hadzi Turgut Mosque, Old Bazaar, Zeynel Abidin Pasha Tekke, Krst Dazmija. Check in and Dinner at hotel

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast. Proceed to Tirana. Half day city tour: Mosque of Ethem Bay, Clock Tower, National Museum. Lunch. Proceed to Budva. Arrival, check in hotel. Dinner at hotel. Overnight in Budva

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast. Half day city tour: Old town Budva. Lunch at arrival. Proceed to Dubrovnik. Arrival, check in the hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Dubrovnik.

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast at hotel , city tour of this UNESCO protected pearl of the Adriatic and its Cathedral , Rector’s Palace, Fransican Monastery (included Old Pharmacy), Clock Tower, Orlando’s Columns, Sponze Plaza, Dubrovnik City. Lunch in the old City, Free time, Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Dubrovnik.

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast, Check out hotel. Transfer to Mostar), Proceed for city tour – visit Karadjoz Bey mosque and Muslibegovic house – walk through the old town and old bridge listed as UNESCO heritage site. Continue drive to Sarajevo, Lunch at Local Restaurant on the Way at Jablanica, arrive at Sarajevo, Free time at Old City and check-in the hotel, Dinner and Overnight in Sarajevo.

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for tour to visit Vrelo Bosne – spring of river Bosnia, Tunnel museum – the only means of going in and out during the siege of Sarajevo in last war. On Foot Tour of old town Bascarsija, Latin bridge, place where the Austro Hungarian Archduke was assassinated, what triggered the 1st World War; Brusa bezistan – covered market place; Gazi Husref Bey Mosque- built in 1530 year during the Ottoman era – and Gazi Husref Bey Madrass; Morica Han built in 1551 ; Vijecnica – town hall for the Austro-Hungarian era. Lunch at the local restaurant. Afternoon, free for shopping. Back to hotel, Dinner and Overnight in Sarajevo

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast at hotel, check-out the hotel to Bihac on the way visit of the Pyramids of Bosnia. Continue driving to Travnik, visit to the mosque in Travnik including Suleimania. Travnik is located 90 km to the west of the city of Sarajevo, the Bosnian governor from 1697 to 1850 , Lunch at Local Restaurant in Travnik , continue drive to Bihac , Check-in the hotel , Leisure time enjoying the waterfalls and Una river which is best for Rafting , Dinner and Overnight in Bihac .

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast at hotel, Check-Out and proceed to Ljubljana, towards Plitvice National Park, a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour of the 16 crystal - blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Walk on the wooden promenades with magnificent views on the waters where every turn leads to a breathtaking scenery and yet another waterfall. Surrounded by dense woods, Plitvice Lake is a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. Continue drive to Ljubljana, view the Central Open-air Market, Baroque Town Hall, Robba's Fountain, the Three Bridges, and Lunch at Local Restaurant, Check-in the hotel, Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

(Breakfast included)

Proceed to city visit of the highlights after the breakfast including the upper and lower town, the majestic Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, Lunch at Local Restaurant, free time exploring the winding streets of the old town, free at leisure for the rest of the day, Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast at hotel. Check-out the hotel. Departure to the airport. We hope this was a memorable tour for you and looking forward to see you again on another tour of ours. Thank you for joining us.

Trip includes

Included

2 Nights’ accommodation in Istanbul - Pullman Hotel or Ramada Golden Horn Hotel

1 Night accommodation in Bursa Uludag - Bursa Sheraton Hotel

2 Nights’ accommodation in Kusadasi - Suhan 360 Hotel

1 Night accommodation in Canakkale - Troia Tusan Hotel

1 Night accommodation in Edirne - Ramada Hotel Edirne

1 Night accommodation in Plovdiv -Ramada Trimontsium Hotel

1 Night accommodation in Sofia - Princess Hotel Sofia - Jasmin Hotel

1 Night accommodation in Sandanski - Sveti Nikola Hotel 4*

1 Night accommodation in Thessaloniki - Ramada Hotel Thessaloniki

2 Nights’ accommodation in Athens - Polis Grand Hotel 4*

1 Night accommodation in Kalambaka - Antoniadis Hotel 4*

1 Night accommodation in Ohrid - Tino Hotel

1 Night accommodation in Budva - Miracle Hotel

2 Nights’ accommodation in Dubrovnik - Neptun Hotel 4*

2 Nights’ accommodation in Sarajevo - Hollywood Hotel 4* - Grand Hotel 3*

1 Night accommodation in Bihac - Kostelski Buk Deluxe 4*

1 Night accommodation in Ljubljana - Plaza hotel 4*

1 Night accommodation in Zagreb - Movie hotel 3*

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group.

If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost

Hotel

Professional English speaking tour guides

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

Meals mentioned in above Itinerary

Vegetarian Halal Meat

All Tour & Airport transfers mentioned in above program

All coach transportation by fully equipped buses

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

All Guided Sightseeing Trips with entrance fees as above

Excluded

International or Domestic flights

Insurance: All types

City Tax

Country entry Visas

Optional land excursion

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry

Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section.

Hotel room taxes

Tipping

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