Great Balkan Tour 9 Countries in 9 Days
2026
7 Nights 9 Days – 4* Hotels – Dinner Included
NO EXTRA TOURS – ALL INCLUSIVE !!!! KOSOVAR PROGRAM
DUBROVNIK – MATKA CANYON – BLAGAJ TEKKESI – VRELO BOSNA SARAYBOSNA BOSNIAN MEATBALLS AND REGIONAL RESTAURANTS WITH REAL MACEDONIAN AND BULGARIAN EVENING PROGRAMS INCLUDED WITH DIFFERENCE
Journeys of Civilizations, Cultures, and Beliefs,
A Journey to the Heart of the Balkans at the Meeting Point
The Meeting Point of Dates and Civilizations.
Greece - Macedonia – Kosovo – Albania – Montenegro
Croatia – Bosnia Hersek – Serbia – Bulgaria
23 CITIES – 5 CAPITALS
Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola – Resne – Ohrid – Struga – Tetovo - Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra – Bar – Petrovac – Budva – Kotor – Herceg Novi – Trebinje – Dubrovnik – Mostar – Sarajevo – Belgrade – Sofia – Plovdiv
Tour Departure Dates:
March 13 / March 18 / April 10 / April 24 / May 15 / May 22 / May 23 / June 12 / June 19 / June 26 / July 3 / July 10 / July 17 / July 24 / July 31 / August 7 / August 14 / August 21 / August 28 / September 4 / September 18 / October 9 / October 23 / November 6
Special Days:
April Semester and Ramadan Holiday : March 13 / March 18
April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day : April 18
May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk Youth and Sports Day : May 15
Kurban Bayramı : May 22 / May 23
July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day : July 10
August 30 Victory Day : August 28
Republic Day : October 23
November Semester : November 6
Tour Program
Day 1 Ankara – Kavala
On the first day of our trip, we will depart from the front of the National Library at 14:30, Ümitköy Bridge at 15:00 and Eryaman Optimum at 15:45, and arrive at İpsala border gate via Tekirdağ. After completing passport and customs procedures, we will arrive at Kavala via Dedeağac, Gümülcine, and İskeçe.
Day 2 Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola (Manastır) – Resne – Ohrid
After our arrival in Kavala, we take a break to taste the delicious Kavala cookies with breakfast. After the breakfast break, we will take a short photo break at the stunning Kavala beaches and head towards Thessaloniki. Upon our arrival in Thessaloniki, we will start our panoramic city tour. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the Kordon, White Tower, Rotunda, Fair, Thessaloniki Castle, Ottoman and Byzantine artifacts. After visiting the Tomb of Atatürk, where the largest church in Greece, the Church of Aya Dimitros, is located, we will proceed to Bitola. After our arrival, we will visit Širok Street, the Bazaar, İshak Mosque, Yeni Mosque, and the moments that will be the most emotional of the tour, the Military Academy where Atatürk graduated. After our visit to Bitola, we will arrive at Ohrid through Resne, the hometown of Resneli Niyazi. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken at a rest area in Kavala as an extra.
Lunch: It will be taken during free time in Thessaloniki city center.- You can taste all regional flavors. Guide's recommendation: Seafood and Mezes.
Dinner: It will be taken at our hotel or in the restaurant, it is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Aqulina etc. – Ohrid
Currencies: Greece - Euro, Macedonia – Denar ( Average 1 Euro : 60 Denar )
Route: Istanbul-Kavala (445 km), Kavala – Thessaloniki (136 km) , Thessaloniki-Bitola (219 km), Bitola – Ohrid (70 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 870 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated: 20:00
Day 3 Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast taken at the hotel, we proceed to Ohrid, which is a Mediterranean town in the Balkans by crossing the Mavrovo Mountains. We start our tour of Ohrid, introducing the town with the Port Square. During our walk in the neighborhood with the historical Ottoman houses and along the historical Ohrid houses where the TV series Elveda Rumeli was filmed, we will talk about the famous Ohrid Pearl and end our tour.
Daring guests can join the Lake Ohrid boat activity organized by our guide (15 EUR). After the tour, we will visit St. Naum, the birthplace of Lake Ohrid, which hosts amazing views. After the tour, we will head towards the capital Skopje. On our way, we will visit Tetovo (Kalkandelen), the country's third largest city, which has the largest concentration of Albanian population. We will visit the Alaca Mosque and the Soup Kitchen established by the two sisters. We will continue our tour, starting from the Macedonian side that can be referred to as the land of statues, we will first see the Giant Alexander statue with enormous size, and then pass through the Historical Stone Bridge over the Vardar River. We will experience a moment of how cultures can change instantly at the Historic Turkish Bazaar in Skopje. After describing the statues at the entrance of the bazaar, we begin our bazaar tour with the historical Davut Pasha Hammam, finally seeing the Kapan Inn and Murat Pasha Mosque, which has managed to survive despite the earthquakes. After our visits, one hour of free time will be allocated for shopping in the Turkish Bazaar. The Shushka pepper, Ustrumca peanuts, and slippers are among the likes we can buy. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel and check into the rooms.After a local meal and music at the place designated by the guide, the Macedonian Night! (Included in the price!!!!) Overnight at our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet, included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken at unique taste establishments during the Ohrid – Skopje route as an extra.
Dinner: At a place specified by the guide, traditional local dishes and music will be accompanied by the Macedonian Night. It is INCLUDED !!!!
Accommodation: Hotel Gold etc. – Skopje
Currencies: Macedonia – Denar ( Average 1 Euro : 60 Denar )
Route: Ohrid – Skopje (175 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 170 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Theoretical: 20:00
Day 4 Skopje – Prizren – Shkodra or Podgorica
After breakfast taken at the hotel, we will take the Matka Canyon tour, which is known for its unique beauty (Included in the price!!!). Then we head to the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. After crossing the Kosovo border, during our journey we will have a panoramic view of Pristina and visit the site of the Kosovo War, the Tomb of I. Sultan Murat Hüdavendigar, followed by our trip to Prizren. Upon arrival at Prizren, the most authentic settlement in the country with the highest density of Turkish population, we will have a city tour. During our panoramic tour of Prizren, we will see the Turkish Bath from the 17th century, the Sinan Pasha Mosque built in 1615, and Prizren Castle.After our visits, we will have free time for lunch. After assembling, we will enter Albania and head towards Podgorica. During our passage through the city of Shkodra, we travel to Montenegro, one of Europe’s youngest states. After border crossing and on our way through Montenegro, we will arrive at our accommodation point. Check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet, included in the tour price.
Lunch: In the city of Prizren, extra can be taken at the recommended establishments by the guide.
Dinner: It will be taken at our hotel or in the restaurant, it is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Oasis etc. – Podgorica
Currencies: Kosovo - Euro, Montenegro – Euro
Route: Skopje – Pristina (92 km), Pristina – Prizren (85 km), Prizren – Podgorica (238 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 415 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated: 20:00
Day 5 Podgorica - Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik – Trebinje or Surroundings
After breakfast, our first stop is a break where we can see the magnificent view of St. Stefan, which used to be a settlement area for fishermen, but after being confiscated and sold to a multimillionaire from Singapore, is now known as a holiday destination for high society. After a break for our vehicles (depending on parking availability), we will proceed along the stunning panoramic Adriatic coastline towards Budva and reach Kotor, located in the Kotor Bay. In Kotor, we will see the Old Town, St. Tripun and Nikola churches, and the historical Clock Tower. After our visit to Kotor, we will cross into Croatia, a country that was one of the three main states forming the former Yugoslavia, known for its proximity to Italian-Mediterranean culture due to its Catholic denomination and geographic location along the Adriatic coast. From here, we will arrive at Dubrovnik (Included in the price!!!) after a scenic short drive, where we will start our city tour. With its historic trade harbor and architectural style shaped by the long-lasting influence of Venice, the Italian name Ragusa preserves a wonderful blend of history and nature. We will start our tour at the Old City Square, which is included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will see the city's Towers and Walls, St. Blaise Church, Knez Palace, the statue of famous poet Gundulic, the historical Fountain and 14th-century Pharmacy. Afterward, we will have free time to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this beautiful city.
After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Accommodation will be in Trebinje or surrounding areas. (Depending on seasonal density)
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet, included in the tour price.
Lunch: It will be taken during free time in Kotor city center.- You can taste all local flavors. Guide's recommendation: Seafood, Mezes, Grilled dishes, Local drinks.
Dinner: It will be taken at our hotel or in the restaurant, it is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Leotar etc.
Currencies:Montenegro – Euro, Croatia – Euro, Bosnia Herzegovina – Convertible Marka ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM)
Route:Shkodra – Budva (86 km), Budva – Kotor (23 km), Kotor – Dubrovnik (90 km), Dubrovnik – Trebinje (31 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 230 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated: 21:00
Day 6 Trebinje or (Neum) - Blagay – Mostar – Sarajevo
After our breakfast, we will head to Mostar. Before our arrival in Mostar, we will visit Blagay Tekke (Included in the price!!!). After arriving in Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge during our walking tour. (Built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557, this bridge is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.) The bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992, but was reopened in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. We will wander through the Old Town Bazaar. After shopping in the local markets of Mostar, we will head towards Sarajevo. After arrival, we will conduct a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has historically been the cultural capital of the Balkans, and witnessed the assassination that led to World War I, on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian, during which many dilapidated buildings were lost during the war, but it has preserved much of its beauty. We will start our tour at the Başçarşı, the most distinguished bazaar in Europe. During this cultural city tour, we will first see the fountain that is the symbol of the city, followed by Morica Han. Afterward, we will visit the Hüsrev Bey Mosque, a relative of Suleiman the Magnificent. As part of our tour, the Clock Tower and the famous ritual fountain will be seen, and this street is where the Eternal Flame monument is also located. We will have free time afterwards. During free time, guests may photo the Latin Bridge, where World War I started. After our tour and free time, we will transfer to our hotel.In the evening, we will enjoy Bosnian meatballs at a local restaurant, (Included in the price!!!!) Accommodation at our hotel in Sarajevo.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet, included in the tour price.
Lunch: It will be taken in the city center of Mostar during free time as an extra.- You can taste all local flavors. Guide's recommendation: Bosnian pies, Stuffed onions, Meatballs, Bosnian coffee.
Dinner: Bosnian meatballs at a local restaurant. It is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Holiday etc. – Sarajevo
Currencies:Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Marka ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM).
Route:Trebinje – Počitel (108 km), Počitel – Blagay (23 km), Blagay – Mostar (12 km), Mostar – Sarajevo (126 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 269 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Depending on customs crossing duration, estimated: 20:00
Day 7 Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we head to Belgrade. Before our journey, we will take the Vrelo Bosna tour, located at the foot of Mount Igman, which is the largest national park in Bosnia. After arrival, we will start our Belgrade city tour, beginning with its most elegant street, Knez Mihailova. Then we will visit the Belgrade Fortress, known for the incident where Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was injured while charging into the city; the fort contains several historical sites including the Key Monument, a French statue, the Istanbul Gate, the Military Museum, Damat Ali Pasha’s tomb, the Sokullu fountain and the terrace that gives the best view of where the Danube and Sava rivers meet. Guests who wish may join a boat activity on the Danube and Sava rivers organized by our guide (20 EUR). After the tour, we will have free time. Accommodation will be at our hotel in Belgrade.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet, included in the tour price.
Lunch: , Free time for lunch at a rest area determined by the guide during the Sarajevo – Belgrade journey as an extra.
Dinner: It will be taken at our hotel or in the restaurant, it is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel B etc. – Belgrade
Currencies:Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Marka ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM), Serbia – Dinar ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 115 Dinar).
Route: Sarajevo – Belgrade (284 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 284 km
Hotel Check-in Time: GümrükDepending on customs crossing duration, estimated: 20:00
Day 8 Belgrade – Sofia
After breakfast, we will head to Sofia. After arrival, we will start our panoramic city tour in Sofia. During the panoramic city tour, places to see include the largest church in the Balkans, the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the National Library, Sofia University, the Old Royal Palace, the National Bulgarian Theater built in Neo-Classical style, the Archaeological Museum, Old Sofia - Trade City, Rotunda Church. We will also visit the Banya Bashi Mosque, which is a symbol of the city. After our visits and free time, we will transfer to our hotel. Later, dinner at a place determined by the guide accompanied by traditional local dishes and music in a Bulgarian Night. (Including in the price!!!!)Accommodation in our hotel in Sofia.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet, included in the tour price.
Lunch: , Free time after arrival in Sofia - Lunch will be taken at a place chosen as an extra.
Dinner: It will be taken at a place determined by the guide with local dishes and music during a Bulgarian Night. It is included in the price!!!!
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Astoria etc. - Sofia
Currencies:Bulgaria – Lev ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 Lev)
Route: Belgrade - Sofia (393 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 393 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Depending on customs crossing duration, estimated: 20:00
Day 9 Sofia – Plovdiv – Ankara
After breakfast, we will proceed to Filibe. After a two-hour journey, we will start our city tour. With a history of 4000 years, it is a beautiful city that combines modern buildings with ancient architecture. One of the highlights of the city is, of course, “Old Plovdiv” located at Nebet Hill. Places to see will include the house of Argır Kuyumcuoğlu which currently serves as an Ethnographic Museum, Balabanov House which is a prime example of symmetrical houses unique to Plovdiv and hosts various cultural activities today, as well as Georgi Mavridi's house. We will also see the Ancient Roman Amphitheater, the Roman Stadium, Hisar Gate, Kaleiçi Neighborhood and Hindlian Museum, as well as Cuma Mosque, which is quite remarkable with Turkish architecture, and the oldest churches of Plovdiv; St. Constantine, Elena, and St. Nedelya churches and the Ancient Amphitheater from the Roman era. After shopping and free time, we will head towards Turkey. In the evening we will pass through the Kapıkule border gate, complete passport and customs processes, as well as a free shop shopping break before entering Turkey. We will reach Ankara via the Çorlu road and conclude the program.
Breakfast:: Will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet, included in the tour price.
Lunch: , In the city center of Plovdiv during free time, it can be taken as an extra.
Dinner: At a rest area on the Edirne – Istanbul highway.
Currencies: Bulgaria – Lev ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 Lev ).
Route: Sofia – Plovdiv (145 km), Plovdiv – Kapıkule (155 km), Kapıkule – Istanbul ( 258 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 558 km
Estimated Arrival Time in Istanbul:Depending on customs crossing duration, estimated: 21:00