Big Italy Greece Balkan Tour - Istanbul
LARGE ITALY & GREECE & BALKAN TOUR
7 Nights – 9 Days
Sofia – Belgrade – Ljubljana – Verona – Milan – Venice – Florence – Pisa
Siena – Rome – Pompeii – Igoumenitsa – Thessaloniki
7 Nights – 9 Days
Sofia – Belgrade – Ljubljana – Verona – Milan – Venice – Florence – Pisa
Siena – Rome – Pompeii – Igoumenitsa – Thessaloniki
Tour Departure Dates :
January 23 / March 14 / April 17 / April 24 / May 15 / May 22 / May 23 / June 5 / June 12 / June 19 / June 26 / June 27 / July 3 / July 4 / July 10 / July 11 / July 17 / July 18 / July 24 / July 25 / July 31 / August 1 / August 7 / August 8 / August 14 / August 15 / August 21 / August 22 / August 28 / August 29 / September 4 / September 18 / September 25 / October 9 / October 16 / October 23 / November 6 / November 7
January 23 / March 14 / April 17 / April 24 / May 15 / May 22 / May 23 / June 5 / June 12 / June 19 / June 26 / June 27 / July 3 / July 4 / July 10 / July 11 / July 17 / July 18 / July 24 / July 25 / July 31 / August 1 / August 7 / August 8 / August 14 / August 15 / August 21 / August 22 / August 28 / August 29 / September 4 / September 18 / September 25 / October 9 / October 16 / October 23 / November 6 / November 7
Special Days :
January Semester : January 23
April Semester and Ramadan Feast: March 14
April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day: April 17
May 19 Atatürk Memorial Youth and Sports Day: May 15
Kurban Bayramı (Feast of Sacrifice): May 22 / May 23
July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day: July 10 / July 11
Republic Day: October 23
November Semester: November 6 / November 7
Kurban Bayramı (Feast of Sacrifice): May 22 / May 23
July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day: July 10 / July 11
Republic Day: October 23
November Semester: November 6 / November 7
Day 1/2 – Istanbul – Sofia – Belgrade
On the first day of our trip, we will depart at 22:00 from Kadıköy Marriage Office, 22:30 from Mecidiyeköy Oto Ekspertiz front and 23:00 from Incirli Ömür Plaza front, reaching Kapıkule through Edirne. After customs and passport procedures, we will enter Bulgaria. Then we will arrive in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. After arrival, we will have a panoramic city tour of Sofia. The places to be seen include St. Nedelya Church, Rotunda Church, Russian Church, St. Sophia Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Prime Ministry, Parliament, Sofia University, and Banya Bashi Mosque. After our Sofia tour, we will head towards the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. After arrival, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Belgrade- Venice
After breakfast, we will check out of the rooms and head towards Venice. Guests who wish can join an optional excursion organized by the guide to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, which won the 2016 European Green Capital award (Extra €45). During our panoramic city tour, we will see the Ljubljana River, the Parliament building, Ljubljana University, the Old Square, the Dragon Statue, the Dragon Bridge, Tivoli Park, St. Nicholas Cathedral, and Prešeren Square. After leaving the city, we will arrive in Venice. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will check out of the rooms and head towards Venice. Guests who wish can join an optional excursion organized by the guide to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, which won the 2016 European Green Capital award (Extra €45). During our panoramic city tour, we will see the Ljubljana River, the Parliament building, Ljubljana University, the Old Square, the Dragon Statue, the Dragon Bridge, Tivoli Park, St. Nicholas Cathedral, and Prešeren Square. After leaving the city, we will arrive in Venice. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Venice- (Milan & Verona)
After breakfast, we will have free time. Guests who wish can join an optional full-day excursion organized by the guide to Milan & Verona (Extra €95). On our trip, we first arrive in Verona, known for its marble and the house where the world's most famous love story occurred, that of Romeo and Juliet. We will have the chance to see the historic Arena where concerts still take place, the Senior Palace, Dante's statue, and Erbe Square. After leaving Verona, we will proceed to Milan, the city of Industry and Fashion. During our Milan city tour, we will walk through the chic streets to reach the famous Duomo Square. In the square, we will see the Duomo Cathedral, which is one of Italy's most important and architecturally magnificent structures. We will shop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the famous Buenos Aires Boulevard before completing our time in Milan. We head back to Venice and arrive. Night at our hotel.
After breakfast, we will have free time. Guests who wish can join an optional full-day excursion organized by the guide to Milan & Verona (Extra €95). On our trip, we first arrive in Verona, known for its marble and the house where the world's most famous love story occurred, that of Romeo and Juliet. We will have the chance to see the historic Arena where concerts still take place, the Senior Palace, Dante's statue, and Erbe Square. After leaving Verona, we will proceed to Milan, the city of Industry and Fashion. During our Milan city tour, we will walk through the chic streets to reach the famous Duomo Square. In the square, we will see the Duomo Cathedral, which is one of Italy's most important and architecturally magnificent structures. We will shop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the famous Buenos Aires Boulevard before completing our time in Milan. We head back to Venice and arrive. Night at our hotel.
Day 5: Venice - Florence
After breakfast, we will move to the center of Venice. Upon arrival, we will proceed to San Marco Square on foot. If the guests approve, we will reach the historic San Marco Square by private water taxis (Extra €15). The places to be seen include the Square and San Marco Cathedral, the Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, and the Rialto Bridge with our guide. Guests who wish can also join the optional Gondola ride arranged by the guide (Extra €45). This will allow us to experience the romantic and historic canals in more detail on gondolas. After visiting Venice, we will head to Florence. Guests who wish can join a tour to Pisa. In Pisa, we will see the Leaning Tower and Campo dei Miracoli (Duomo Square) along with the round Baptistery (Extra €55). Transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will move to the center of Venice. Upon arrival, we will proceed to San Marco Square on foot. If the guests approve, we will reach the historic San Marco Square by private water taxis (Extra €15). The places to be seen include the Square and San Marco Cathedral, the Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, and the Rialto Bridge with our guide. Guests who wish can also join the optional Gondola ride arranged by the guide (Extra €45). This will allow us to experience the romantic and historic canals in more detail on gondolas. After visiting Venice, we will head to Florence. Guests who wish can join a tour to Pisa. In Pisa, we will see the Leaning Tower and Campo dei Miracoli (Duomo Square) along with the round Baptistery (Extra €55). Transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Florence – Rome
After breakfast and checking out of the rooms, upon arrival in the city, we will carry out a city tour of Florence. During this tour, we will see the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Uffizi Art Gallery, San Giovanni Baptistery, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, and Signoria Palace Panoramic. After the tour, guests will have free time to get to know the city better and shop. After the tour, we will proceed to Rome. Guests who wish can join an optional tour of Siena, an important historical city in the Tuscany region. We will travel through the medieval streets from the Etruscans to the present, seeing the Piazza del Campo and examples of Gothic-Roman architecture (Extra €65). Transfer to our hotel, room assignments, and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast and checking out of the rooms, upon arrival in the city, we will carry out a city tour of Florence. During this tour, we will see the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Uffizi Art Gallery, San Giovanni Baptistery, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, and Signoria Palace Panoramic. After the tour, guests will have free time to get to know the city better and shop. After the tour, we will proceed to Rome. Guests who wish can join an optional tour of Siena, an important historical city in the Tuscany region. We will travel through the medieval streets from the Etruscans to the present, seeing the Piazza del Campo and examples of Gothic-Roman architecture (Extra €65). Transfer to our hotel, room assignments, and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Rome
After breakfast, we will have a city introduction tour of Rome. Places to see include; Vatican, considered the center of Christianity, the San Pietro Cathedral, and the famous Venice Square designed by architect Bernini. Afterwards, we will visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trajan's Forum, Circus Maximus race course, the square where Mussolini addressed the public, Vittoriano Monument, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Free time in the city. Overnight at your hotel. After a brief rest, guests who wish can join an optional evening tour organized by the guide, "Rome Under Lights (By Night)" (Extra €45). In this tour, we'll have the chance to capture images of Rome lit up from the highest point, the Janiculum Hill, and also visit Navona Square, the Pantheon, Colosseum, Via Del Corso, and Piazza Del Popolo under the evening lights. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Rome – Brindisi (Bari)
After breakfast, we will head towards Italy's port city of Bari or Brindisi. Our guide will arrange an optional visit to the ancient city of Pompeii at a discounted price (Extra €80). During this tour, we will see the remnants of the shops, houses where villagers lived, amphitheater, and city square of Pompeii, a well-preserved ancient city located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius that has retained its ancient condition due to the volcanic eruption. After the tour, we will head to the port, complete customs procedures and at 23:30 we will set sail. Our night will be spent on the ferry.
After breakfast, we will head towards Italy's port city of Bari or Brindisi. Our guide will arrange an optional visit to the ancient city of Pompeii at a discounted price (Extra €80). During this tour, we will see the remnants of the shops, houses where villagers lived, amphitheater, and city square of Pompeii, a well-preserved ancient city located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius that has retained its ancient condition due to the volcanic eruption. After the tour, we will head to the port, complete customs procedures and at 23:30 we will set sail. Our night will be spent on the ferry.
Day 9: Igoumenitsa – Thessaloniki – Istanbul
In the morning, we will arrive at Igoumenitsa port and head towards Thessaloniki. Next, we will have a city tour of Thessaloniki. During the city tour, we will see the Waterfront, White Tower, Rotunda, Fair Square, Ottoman and Byzantine works, and the largest Cathedral in Greece, the Church of St. Demetrius, as well as the statue of Alexander the Great. At the end of the tour, we will visit the house of our great leader Atatürk. After a short break, we can stroll along the waterfront, famous for its cafes, and taste the famous Greek coffee, Frappe. After the city tour, there will be free time. At the time specified by our guide, we will meet and travel through Xanthi, Gümülcine, and Dedeağaç to arrive at İpsala. After customs procedures, we will arrive in Istanbul via Tekirdağ. Our trip ends here. We hope to see you on another Tour organization. (The estimated arrival time on the next day is 02:30, depending on the customs passes.)
In the morning, we will arrive at Igoumenitsa port and head towards Thessaloniki. Next, we will have a city tour of Thessaloniki. During the city tour, we will see the Waterfront, White Tower, Rotunda, Fair Square, Ottoman and Byzantine works, and the largest Cathedral in Greece, the Church of St. Demetrius, as well as the statue of Alexander the Great. At the end of the tour, we will visit the house of our great leader Atatürk. After a short break, we can stroll along the waterfront, famous for its cafes, and taste the famous Greek coffee, Frappe. After the city tour, there will be free time. At the time specified by our guide, we will meet and travel through Xanthi, Gümülcine, and Dedeağaç to arrive at İpsala. After customs procedures, we will arrive in Istanbul via Tekirdağ. Our trip ends here. We hope to see you on another Tour organization. (The estimated arrival time on the next day is 02:30, depending on the customs passes.)
INFORMATION
- Participants must have a valid Multi-entry Schengen visa for the entire duration of the tour. (Green passport holders are exempt from the visa requirement.)
- In order to shop and spend in all countries included in the program during the tour, it is sufficient to have Euros. In regions where local currency is used, the guide will assist with currency exchange.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sports shoes should be preferred during the trip. It is advisable to bring a cardigan or similar clothing for the evening.
- On our tours, seat rotation is applied daily in the seating arrangement; fixed seats and front seat guarantees are not provided. Seat changes are organized by the tour guide.
- In order to bring goods (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.) into Turkey from abroad, a minimum stay of 3 days is required.
- Duty-free shopping limits when entering Turkey from abroad: Cigarettes: 3 cartons, Alcoholic beverages: 1 liter of alcoholic beverage (for alcoholic drinks containing more than 22% alcohol, excluding wine and champagne), Alcoholic beverages: 2 liters of alcoholic beverage (for alcoholic drinks containing less than 22% alcohol, including wine and champagne), Perfume: 600 ml, Makeup or skincare products: 5 items, Chocolate and confectionery: 2 kg, Coffee: 1 kg, Tea: 1 kg
- During the tour program, the guides may make changes to the itinerary depending on weather and road conditions, provided that all places listed in the program are shown.
- Guests who register for the tour have the right to cancel free of charge up to 30 days before the tour date. If the cancellation is made less than 30 days before the tour date, a 30% penalty will apply; if it is made 20 days or less before the tour date, a 100% penalty will apply. Documents such as hospital reports or workplace leave certificates obtained from authorities in Turkey submitted with the cancellation request are unfortunately not accepted for cancellation of hotel accommodations and services outside Turkey.
- Our tour program is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 25 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved, the latest cancellation notice date is 20 days before departure. The cancellation of the tour due to insufficient participation will be notified by Viyatravel.
- When hotel names are not specified in the tour program and only category information is provided and/or there are options for the same destination, the hotel(s) will be announced by Viyatravel 2 days before departure.
- During trade fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used at distances greater than those stated in kilometers. In such cases, information will be provided by Viyatravel 15 days before the departure date of the tour.
- Triple rooms are allocated subject to hotel availability, and the bed assigned to the third person in such rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Since extra beds are folding beds or coach beds, tour participants making reservations for the 3rd person and/or children are deemed to have accepted the possible cramped conditions in the rooms and the type of bed. Child discounts apply only to a single child in the relevant age group staying with 2 adults.
- Breakfasts included in the tour package are served in accordance with the breakfast culture of the country visited and are generally offered as a limited continental breakfast menu consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate hall allocated to the group.
- Panoramic city tours included in the package are tours organized for the general introduction of the cities, conducted by the guide from the vehicle, lasting at most 2-3 hours, and do not include museum or archaeological site entrance fees. Panoramic tours, as well as other tours mentioned in the program, are not the responsibility of Viyatravel if they cannot be carried out because the places cannot be visited or entered by local authorities at the relevant day and time of the tour, or because the tour is impossible due to closed roads caused by any event or weather conditions. Some tours may be carried out by public transport or on foot where roads are closed or vehicle access is not permitted.
- Waiting times at border crossings passed by road during the trip may exceed standard times, and Viyatravel cannot be held responsible for any inconveniences arising from these delays.
- Extra tours are organized by Viyatravel’s local service providers with a minimum participation requirement of 20 people. If the required number is not reached, the excursions cannot be carried out, or the price, content, and vehicle used for extra tours may change depending on the number of participants. In addition, the days and times of the tours may be changed by the guide according to the opening/closing status of museums and archaeological sites in the destinations and weather conditions.
- Participation in extra tours is optional and not mandatory. Passengers who do not wish to join extra tours organized during the tour are deemed to have accepted waiting at a suitable rest stop along the route. These passengers will be dropped off at a rest area before the extra tour begins and picked up from the same point after the tour is completed.
- For those joining air tours, check-in and boarding procedures are personal responsibilities and must be completed by the guest before the flight at the relevant airline counters at the airport or online on the airlines’ websites.
- Viyatravel is not responsible for those who are not present at the airport at the times announced by Viyatravel for participation in the tour, who do not complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, or who complete check-in and boarding procedures on time but do not board the plane. Passengers who miss the flight are responsible for all costs of new round-trip tickets required to join the tour and all transfer expenses in the destination region.
- Viyatravel acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delay on scheduled and special flights, and times before the current trip and flight may change. Viyatravel is obliged to notify such changes as soon as possible. The passenger has purchased the trip accepting the risk of schedule changes. Children aged 0-2 do not pay airport taxes and airport service fees.
- The types of vehicles used in our tours are classified as follows according to the number of participants. The vehicle types below are assigned according to the number of people in each tour.
Buses: (Used for 25-46 people) *Mercedes Travego/Tourismo *NEOPLAN Cityliner/Tourliner *Temsa Safir/Maraton *Man Fortuna
Midibuses: (Used for 17-24 people) *Isuzu Turkuaz, *Otokar Mega
Minibuses: (Used for up to 16 people) *VW Volt, *Mercedes Sprinter
- All guests are deemed to have sold the tour by accepting the above-mentioned terms.
What's Included
*Bus transportation services between Istanbul – Sofia - Belgrade - Venice - Florence - Rome - Bari - Igoumenitsa - Thessaloniki
*City tours to be conducted in Rome - Florence - Venice - Thessaloniki - Belgrade - Sofia.
*1 Night Bed and Breakfast accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Belgrade.
*2 Nights Bed and Breakfast accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Venice (surroundings).
*1 Night Bed and Breakfast accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Florence (surroundings).
*2 Nights Bed and Breakfast accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Rome.
*Ferry ride between Bari (Brindisi) - Igoumenitsa.
*Professional Turkish guiding services.
*Limited bottled water service during the trip.
*All highway check-point and parking fees.
*Customs Duties.
*City tours to be conducted in Rome - Florence - Venice - Thessaloniki - Belgrade - Sofia.
*1 Night Bed and Breakfast accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Belgrade.
*2 Nights Bed and Breakfast accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Venice (surroundings).
*1 Night Bed and Breakfast accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Florence (surroundings).
*2 Nights Bed and Breakfast accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Rome.
*Ferry ride between Bari (Brindisi) - Igoumenitsa.
*Professional Turkish guiding services.
*Limited bottled water service during the trip.
*All highway check-point and parking fees.
*Customs Duties.
Not Included
*Visa fee and service charge (Multiple Entry Schengen Visa)
*Departure tax,
*Travel Health Insurance
*Extra tours.
*City Accommodation Taxes, Italy Headphone Service, Venice Entry Fee (50 EUR per person, paid to the guide during the tour)
*Museum, archaeological site, etc. entrance fees
*Lunch and Dinner,
*Extra tours organized by the guide
*All personal expenses,
*Voluntary driver tips
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