Ankara Dynamic Great Balkan Tour in 8 Days 9 Countries (All Tours, Dinner and Balkan Nights Included)

Tour details
6 Nights 8 Days – 4* Hotels – Dinner Included
NO EXTRA TOUR – ALL INCLUSIVE!!!! KOSOVAR PROGRAM
DUBROVNIK – MATKA CANYON – BLAGAJ TEKKESI – VRELO BOSNA SARAJEVO BOSNIAN MEATBALLS AND LOCAL RESTAURANT PROGRAMS INCLUDED WITH DIFFERENCE
Meeting point for the Journey to the Heart of the Balkans
The Meeting Point of Civilizations, Cultures, and Beliefs.
The Meeting Point of History and Civilizations.
 Greece - Macedonia – Kosovo – Albania – Montenegro
Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Serbia   – Bulgaria

23 CITIES – 5 CAPITALS
 Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola–Resne-Ohrid – Struga – Tetovo - SkopjePristina – Prizren  – Shkodra – Bar – Petrovac – Budva – Kotor – Herceg Novi – Trebinje – Dubrovnik – Mostar – SarajevoBelgradeSofia
 
 
Tour Departure Dates:
January 24 / March 14 / March 18 / April 4 / April 11 / April 18 / April 25 / May 2 / May 9 / May 16 / May 23 / May 24 / June 6 / June 13 / June 20 / 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 5 / September 12 / September 19 / September 26 / October 3 / October 10 / October 17 / October 24 / October 31 / November 7 / November 28 / December 12


Special Days:
January Semester: January 25
Ramadan Holiday and April Semester: March 14 / March 18
April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day: April 18
May 19 Atatürk's Memorial Youth and Sports Day: May 16
Kurban Bayramı: May 23 / May 24
July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day: July 10 / July 11
August 30 Victory Day: August 28 / August 29
Republic Day : October 24
November Semester: November 7
 
 
Day 1 Ankara – Kavala
On the first day of our trip, we set off from in front of the National Library at 14:30, Ümitköy Bridge at 15:00 and Eryaman Optimum at 15:45 to reach İpsala border gate via Tekirdağ. After completing passport and customs procedures, we proceed to Kavala via Dedeağaç, Gümülcine and İskeçe.

Day 2 Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola (Manastır) – Resne – Ohrid
Upon arrival in Kavala, we will have a break to taste the delicious Kavala cookies. After the breakfast break, we take a short photo stop at the beautiful Kavala beaches and head towards Thessaloniki. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, we start our panoramic city tour. During our panoramic tour, we will see the Kordon, White Tower, Round Tower, Fair, Thessaloniki Fortress, Ottoman and Byzantine artifacts. After visiting the Church of St. Dimitrios, which is the largest church in Greece, and the house of the founding leader Atatürk, which is currently situated in the garden of the Turkish consulate, we head to Bitola. After our arrival, we will visit Shirok Sokak, Bedesten, Ishak Mosque, New Mosque and Atatürk’s alma mater, Military High School. After visiting Bitola, we cross through Resne, the hometown of Resneli Niyazi, and reach Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Breakfast: It will be taken at a resting facility in Kavala at an extra cost.
Lunch: It will be taken during free time in the city center of Thessaloniki at an extra cost. - You can taste all local flavors. Guide Tip:  Seafood and Mezze.
Dinner: It will be held at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Aqulina etc. – Ohrid
Currencies: Greece - Euro, Macedonia – Denar ( Average 1 Euro : 60 Denar )
Route: İstanbul-Kavala (445 km), Kavala – Thessaloniki (136 km), Thessaloniki-Bitola (219 km), Bitola – Ohrid (70 km)
Total Distance Travelled: 870 km
Hotel Check-In Time: Estimated: 20:00
 
Day 3 Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our tour of Ohrid, a Mediterranean town after crossing the Mavrovo mountains. We start our tour in Ohrid with a visit to the Port Square, where we will talk about the statues and take a walk in the neighborhood where the historical Ohrid houses, which served as the shooting locations for the Elveda Rumeli series, are located, while experiencing the historical Ottoman houses, St. Sophia Church, and the presentation of the famous Ohrid Pearl, which is the symbol of the city. Guests can also participate in the boat activity on Ohrid Lake organized by our guide (15 EUR). After the tour, we will visit St. Naum, born of Ohrid Lake and home to magnificent views. Following the tour, we will start our journey to the capital Skopje. On our route, we will visit Tetovo, the country’s third-largest city with a high Albanian population (Kalkandelen). We will visit the Alaca Mosque and Imaret, built by two sisters. In this city, where two different cultures meet at the Vardar River, we will start our tour from the Macedonian side, known as the land of statues, starting with the Statue of Alexander the Great. After that, we will witness how cultures change at once as we cross the Historic Stone Bridge built over the Vardar River and proceed to the Skopje Turkish Bazaar, one of the most qualified markets of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. We will start our tour by talking about the statues at the entrance to the Bazaar, then we will visit the historical Davut Paşa Hammam, continue with Kapan Han, one of the most important structures of the Ottoman Bazaar organization, and the Murat Pasha Mosque, which managed to survive despite earthquakes. After the visits, there will be a one-hour free time for shopping in the Turkish Bazaar. Shushka pepper, ustrumca peanuts, and chariks are among the things we can buy. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Then, at a location designated by the guide, we will experience local dishes and music during the Macedonian Night. (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!!). Overnight stay at our hotel.
Breakfast: It will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken at unique facilities offering authentic tastes along the Ohrid-Skopje route at an extra cost.
Dinner: It will be held at a location designated by the guide with extra local dishes and music during the Macedonian Night. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!!!
Accommodation: Hotel Gold etc. – Skopje
Currencies: Macedonia – Denar ( Average 1 Euro : 60 Denar )
Route: Ohrid – Skopje (175 km)
Total Distance Travelled: 170 km
Hotel Check-In Time: Tentative: 20:00
 
Day 4  Skopje – Prizren – Shkodra or Podgorica
After breakfast at the hotel, we will perform the Matka Canyon tour, known for its unique beauty (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!!). Afterwards, we will start our journey to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After passing through the Kosovo border, we will have a panoramic view as we pass through the Kosovo Valley, where the Kosovo War took place, and visit the I.Sultan Murat Hüdavendigar Tomb before continuing to Prizren. Arrival in Prizren. In this authentic city with the highest Turkish population in the country, we will have a city tour. During our panoramic tour in Prizren, we will visit the 17th-century Turkish Bath, the Sinan Pasha Mosque built in 1615, and the Prizren Fortress. After the visits, we will have free time for lunch. After regrouping, we will cross into Albania and head towards Podgorica. With a pass through Shkodra city, we will travel to Montenegro, one of the youngest states in Europe. After the border crossing, we continue our journey to the hotel for accommodation. Check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: It will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Can be taken at extra cost at the recommended facilities in the Shadervan Square area in Prizren.
Dinner: It will be held at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Oasis etc. – Podgorica
Currencies: Kosovo - Euro, Montenegro - Euro
Route: Skopje – Pristina (92 km), Prizren – Podgorica (238 km)
Total Distance Travelled: 415 km
Hotel Check-In Time: Estimated: 20:00
 
 
Day 5 Podgorica - Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik – Trebinje or Surroundings
After breakfast, our first stop will be a panoramic view of St. Stefan, a place known for its beauty, which was once a fishing village that was later expropriated and sold to a Singaporean billionaire and is now a vacation spot for the Jet Set. (Subject to parking space availability) We will continue our journey along the extraordinary scenic roads of the Adriatic. After a panoramic passage through Budva, we will arrive in Kotor, located in the Bay of Kotor. In Kotor, we will see the Old Town, Saint Tripun and Nikola Churches, and the Historical Clock Tower. After our visit to Kotor, in the afternoon, we will transition to Croatia, which is one of the three main states that formed the former Yugoslavia, known for being Catholic due to its geographic location predominantly along the Adriatic Coast, thus being closer to Italian-Mediterranean culture. We will arrive in Dubrovnik after a scenic and picturesque journey (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!!). First, we will start our tour of this beautiful city at the Old Town Square, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. We will see the City Walls and Towers, the Church of St. Blaise, the Kneze's Palace, the statue of the famous poet Gundulic, the historic Fountain and the 14th-century Pharmacy, which are some of the other places we will visit. After that, we will have free time to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this beautiful city.
After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Accommodation will be at our hotel in Trebinje or its surroundings. (The city of accommodation may change depending on the seasonal intensity).

Breakfast: It will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: It will be taken during free time in Kotor at an extra cost. - You can taste all local flavors. Guide Tip: Seafood, Mezze, Grills, Local Drinks.
Dinner: It will be held at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Leotar  etc.
Currencies:Montenegro – Euro, Croatia – Euro, Bosnia and 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 Travelled: 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 arriving in Mostar, we will conduct the Blagay tour, a visit to the Blagai Tekke (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!!). Upon arrival in Mostar, we will have a walking city tour where we will first see the Mostar Bridge. (The bridge was built by architect Hayreddin in 1557 and is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.) The bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992, but thanks to the significant contributions of the Republic of Turkey, it was reopened in 2004. We will stroll through the old town market. After shopping at the local markets of Mostar, we will head to Sarajevo. Following our arrival, we will conduct a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries, the place where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary took place in 1914, leading to the outbreak of World War I, and was devastated by the destructive wars among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in 1992. Despite this, Sarajevo has preserved much of its beauty, and we will have a city tour of this cultural city. We will explore the famous Baščaršija, the most distinguished bazaar in Europe. In this cultural city tour, we will start at the Sebilj Fountain, which symbolizes the bazaar, and proceed to see the Morica Han, one of the most authentic points of the city. Then we will visit the Husrev Bey Mosque, relative of Suleiman the Magnificent. During our tour, we will see the Clock Tower, the famous fountain turned into a ritual, and the meeting point of cultures, which is also the location of the Eternal Flame monument. After this tour, we will have free time, and those who wish may take photos of the Latin Bridge, where World War I broke out. After our tours and free time, we will transfer to our hotel. Afterwards, at a local restaurant designated by the guide, we will have Boršak Meatballs. (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!!!) Accommodation will be at our hotel in Sarajevo.
Breakfast: It will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: It will be taken during free time in Mostar at an extra cost. - You can taste all local flavors. Guide Tip: Bosnian Pastry, Onion Stuffed, Meatball, Bosnian Coffee.
Dinner: At a local restaurant, we will have Bosnian Meatballs. 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-Poçitel (108 km), Poçitel – Blagay (23 km), Blagay - Mostar (12 km), Mostar– Sarajevo (126 km)
Total Distance Travelled: 269 km
Hotel Check-In Time: The estimated time depends on the customs crossing: 20:00

Day 7 Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we will set off for Belgrade. Before the journey, we will perform the Vrelo Bosna tour, which is the largest national park in Bosnia, located at the foot of the Igman mountain, known as the water source of Sarajevo. After this tour, we will continue our journey to Belgrade, the new symbol of liveliness and activity, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Our city tour will start with Knez Mihailova Street, the most elegant street in the city. Next, we will visit the Belgrade Fortress, where Fatih Sultan Mehmet was wounded, but his conquest was ultimately achieved by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Here, we will see the Key Monument, the French Statue, the Istanbul Gate, the Military Museum, the Tomb of Damat Ali Pasha, Sokullu Fountain, and the terrace area that offers the best view of the point where the Danube and Sava rivers meet. Guests wishing to take part in the boat activity on the Danube and Sava rivers may do so, organized by our guide (20 EUR). After this tour, we will have some free time. Accommodation will be at our hotel in Belgrade.
Breakfast: It will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: On the route from Sarajevo to Belgrade, there will be free time at a resting facility determined by the guide at extra cost.
Dinner: It will be held at our hotel or restaurant and 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 Travelled: 284 km
Hotel Check-In Time: The estimated time depends on the customs crossing: 20:00


Day 8 Belgrade – Sofia – Ankara
After breakfast, we will set off for Sofia. Upon arrival, we will begin our panoramic city tour of Sofia. During this tour, we will see the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Library, Sofia University, the Old Royal Palace, the National Bulgarian Theatre built in Neo-Classical style, the Archaeology Museum, the Old Sofia - Syndicate City, and the Rotunda Church. After that, we will have a panoramic view of Sofia from the side of the Parliament building and take a photo break at the Sofia Statue, and visit the Banya Başı Mosque, which is a symbol of the city. After these visits and free time, we will begin our journey back to Turkey. We will arrive at the Kapıkule border gate in the evening, where we will complete passport, customs procedures and have a break for shopping at the free shop before entering Turkey. We will proceed towards Ankara starting points, marking the end of our program.
Breakfast: It will be taken at the hotel as an open buffet and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: It will be taken during free time in Sofia at an extra cost.
Dinner: It will be taken at a resting facility on the Edirne-Istanbul highway at an extra cost.
Currencies: Bulgaria – Lev ( Average Rate: 1 Euro : 1.95 Lev )
Route: Belgrade - Sofia (393 km) Sofia-Istanbul ( 553 km)
Estimated Arrival Time in Istanbul: Based on customs crossing: 02:00
 
 
 
What's included
* Transportation with Luxury Buses
* Local professional Turkish guiding services
* Accommodation for a total of 6 nights with breakfast included: 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Ohrid, 1 night in Podgorica or its surroundings, 1 night in Trebinje or its surroundings, 1 night in Sarajevo, and 1 night in Belgrade.
* Four dinners taken at hotels or restaurants in Ohrid, Podgorica, Trebinje, and Belgrade
* Local Restaurant Balkan Night
* Local Restaurant Bosnian Meatballs
* Panoramic City Tours of Thessaloniki, Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid, Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Sofia
* Monastery Tour
* Dubrovnik tour
* Matka Canyon tour
* Prizren Tour
* Blagay Tour
* Vrelo Bosna tour
* Kosovo entry fee
* Mandatory local guiding services in some cities
* All highway check-point and parking fees
* Customs Taxes
* Panoramic city tours mentioned in the program.
* Limited water service on the bus
Not included
*Museum and archaeological site entrances
* Tours organized by the guide
* All personal expenses
* City tax (20 EUR per person)
* Lunches
* Drinks taken during meals
* Tips for the driver and guide
* MULTI SCHENGEN VISA (HOLDERS OF GREEN PASSPORTS ARE EXEMPT FROM VISA).
* International exit fee
* International travel health insurance
Need to Know
- Our guests participating in the tour must have a valid Multi-Entry Schengen visa for the entire duration of the tour. (Green passport holders are exempt from visa requirements.) - For shopping and spending in all countries included in the program during the tour, having Euro is sufficient. In areas where the 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 vehicle seating plan; fixed seats and front-seat guarantees are not provided. Seat changes are organized by the tour guide. - 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 beverages (excluding alcoholic drinks containing more than 22% alcohol, wine and champagne), Alcoholic beverages: 2 liters of alcoholic beverages (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. - The guides may make changes to the program flow depending on weather and road conditions, provided that all places specified 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 there are less than 30 days remaining until the tour date, a 30% penalty applies; if there are 20 days or less remaining, a 100% penalty applies. Documents submitted with the cancellation request, such as hospital reports, work leave documents, etc. issued by authorities in Turkey, are unfortunately not accepted for the cancellation of hotel and service arrangements outside Turkey. - Our tour program is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 25 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved, the latest cancellation notification date is 20 days before the departure date. The tour canceled due to insufficient participation will be announced by Viyatravel. - In cases where only category information is provided without naming the hotel, and/or where there are multiple options for the same destination, the hotel(s) will be announced by Viyatravel 2 days before departure. - During fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used at a distance greater than the stated kilometers. In such cases, information will be provided by Viyatravel 15 days before the departure date. - Triple rooms are provided 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 opening/closing beds or coach beds, participants making third-person and/or child reservations are deemed to have accepted the possible cramped conditions in the room and the bed type. Child discounts are valid only for one child in the relevant age group staying with 2 adults. - Breakfasts included in the tour program are served in accordance with the breakfast culture of the country visited and generally consist of a limited menu known as continental breakfast, made up of butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee. For groups, it may be served in a separate hall allocated to the group. - Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are tours organized for the general introduction of the cities, lasting at most 2-3 hours, conducted from the vehicle with guide commentary and not including museum or archaeological site entrances. If, on the day and time specified in the program, the panoramic tours or other tours included in the program cannot take place because local authorities do not allow visits/entry, roads are closed due to any event, or weather conditions make the tour impossible, Viyatravel is not responsible for the inability to carry out such tours. Some tours may, where possible, be conducted by public transport or on foot at points where vehicle access is not permitted or roads are closed. - Waiting times at border crossings passed by road during the trip may exceed standard durations; Viyatravel cannot be held responsible for any inconveniences arising from such delays. - Extra tours are organized by the local Viyatravel service provider with a minimum participation requirement of 20 people. If the required number is not reached, the excursions cannot be held, or the prices, content, and vehicles 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 depending on the opening/closing status of museums and archaeological sites at the destination and weather conditions. - Extra tours are optional and not mandatory. Passengers who do not wish to participate in extra tours organized during the trip are deemed to have accepted waiting at a suitable rest stop along the route. These passengers will be dropped off at a roadside 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 through the airline’s website. - Viyatravel is an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol dated 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delays on scheduled and special flights, or times may change before the trip and flight. Viyatravel is obligated 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 or airport service fees. - The types of vehicles used in our tours are classified as follows according to the number of participants. Depending on the number of people in each tour, the vehicle types below will be assigned. 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/purchased the tour by accepting the above-mentioned terms.