Balkan Inclusion Tour 3 Nights 5 Days

Tour details
Balkan Trio Tour 3 Nights 5 Days
Balkan Trio 3 COUNTRIES IN 5 DAYS
3 Nights 5 Days 
NO MANDATORY EXTRA PAYMENT
 Greece - Macedonia – Bulgaria
              
9 CITIES  -  2 CAPITALS

 Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola(Manastir)- Resne – Ohrid – Tetova(Kalkandelen)
SkopjeSofia – Plovdiv
 
 
Tour Departure Dates:
January 28 / March 18 / April 22 / May 15 / May 27 / June 17 / July 15 / August 12 / October 28 / November 11

Special Days:
January Semester: January 28
Ramadan Bayram: March 18
April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day: April 22
May 19 Atatürk Memorial Youth and Sports Day: May 15
Kurban Bayram:  May 27
July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day: July 15
Republic Day : October 28
November Semester: November 11
 
 
Day 1 Istanbul – Kavala
On the first day of our tour, we depart at 20:00 from Kadıköy Marriage Office, at 21:00 from Mecidiyeköy Oto Ekspertiz, and at 21:30 from İncirli Ömür plaza, then at 22:00 from Beylikdüzü Marmara Park. We will reach Ipsala border gate via Tekirdağ. After completing the passport and customs procedures, we will arrive in Kavala via Dedeagac, Gumulcine and İskece.

Day 2 Kavala – Thessaloniki – Manastir – Resne - Ohrid
After arriving in Kavala, we stop for breakfast and to taste the delicious Kavala cookies. After breakfast, we take a short photo break at the stunning Kavala beaches and then head towards Thessaloniki. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, we start our city tour. We first visit the Thessaloniki Fortress, where we can see Thessaloniki from above. During our city tour in Thessaloniki, the places to see include Kordon, White Tower, Rotunda, Fair Square, Ottoman and Byzantine artifacts, the largest cathedral in Greece, St. Demetrius Cathedral, Alexander the Great Statue, Rotunda, Bedesten - Hamza Bey Mosque, Ag.Sophia, Ag.Demetrios church, Egnatia and Tsimski boulevards, and the Fortress. At the end of our tour, we visit the home of our Great Leader Atatürk. After the city tour, we move on to Bitola (Manastir) in Macedonia. After our arrival, the places to see include Shirok Street, Bedesten, Ishak Mosque, New Mosque, Haydar Kadı Mosque, and the most emotional moments of the trip will take place at the Military Academy where Atatürk graduated. After our visit in Bitola, our first stop is Resne to visit the Palace of Resneli Niyazi, who became famous due to his contributions to the Turkish-Greek war, and afterwards we transfer to our hotel in Ohrid. Overnight at our hotel.
 Breakfast: Will be taken at the rest area in Kavala at an extra cost.
Lunch: Will be taken extra during the free time in Thessaloniki city center.- You can taste all local delicacies. Guide's recommendation:  Seafood and Appetizers.
Dinner: Will be taken extra during free time.
 Accommodation: Hotel Aqualina etc. – Ohrid
Currencies: Greece - Euro, Macedonia – Denar (Average 1 Euro : 60 Denar)
Route: Istanbul-Kavala (445 km), Kavala – Thessaloniki (136 km), Thessaloniki-Bitola (200 km), Bitola-Resne(32 km), Resne-Ohrid ( 36 km )
Total Distance to be Covered: 849 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated: 20:30 depending on the customs transit time


Day 3 Ohrid – Tetova  - Skopje
After breakfast, we start our city tour of Ohrid, known as the pearl of Macedonia. During our panoramic city tour, we will see St. Panteleymon Church, which is the most important church from the Byzantine period in Ohrid, the Church of St. Sofia still used for concerts, the Roman amphitheater, Samuel's Fortress, St. Bogorodica Perivlerta, 4th-century churches, Keşanlı Imaret, Kuloğlu and Emin Mahmut Mosques, Chinar Square, and Ohrid Halveti Tekke. Guests who wish can join the optional Ohrid Lake Boat Tour (15 EUR) or the St. Naum Tour, known for its breathtaking views (25 EUR). After the city tour, we head to Skopje. On the way, we stop in Tetova (Kalkandelen) to visit Alaca Mosque and the city center. After our visit, we arrive in Skopje and start our city tour; we will do a panoramic tour of Skopje, the birthplace of Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. The places to visit include Eski Train Station, the statue and house of the charity worker Mother Teresa from Skopje, Stone Bridge, Fortress, Old Town from the Ottoman period, Bazaar, and the most beautiful architectural heritage of the Ottomans in the Balkans, such as Mustafa Pasha, Sultan Murad, and Gazi Isa Bey Mosques, Davud Pasha Bath, Kapan, Sulu and Kurşunlu Inns. We will overnight at our hotel. Guests who wish can join the optional Macedonian Night Tour (45 EUR).
Breakfast: Will be served as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken extra in Ohrid city center during the free time.- You can taste all local delicacies. Guide's recommendation: Ohrid Trout, Meatballs, and Beans in Pot.
Dinner: Will be taken extra in Skopje city center during free time. Extra local dishes and music will accompany the Macedonian Evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Gold  etc. – Skopje
Currencies : Macedonia – Denar (Average Rate 1 Euro : 60 Denar)
Route: Ohrid - Tetova (134 km) , Tetova – Skopje (46 km) 
Total Distance to be Covered: 180 km
Hotel Check-in Time: 19:00

Day 4 Skopje – Sofia
After breakfast, we head to Sofia from Skopje. Guests who wish can join the optional tour of the stunning Matka Canyon (20 EUR). After approximately 5 hours of travel, we arrive in Sofia. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the largest church in the Balkans, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the National Library, Sofia University, the Old Royal Palace, the National Theatre in neoclassical style, the Archaeological Museum, Old Sofia - Syndicate City, and Rotunda Church. Then we take a panoramic view of Sofia Monument from the side of the parliament building, and visit the city's symbol, Banya Bashi Mosque. Finally, we head to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Guests who wish can join the optional Bulgarian Tavern Tour (50 EUR).
Breakfast: Will be served as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: , will be at the Turkish restaurant determined by the guide in Sofia during free time.
Dinner: Extra local dishes and music will accompany the Bulgarian Evening at a location determined by the guide.
Accommodation: Hotel Best Western Terminus etc. - Sofia
Currencies: Bulgaria – Leva (Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 Leva)
Route: Skopje - Matka (19 km), Matka – Sofia ( 248 km )
Total Distance to be Covered: 267 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated 20:00 depending on customs transit time

Day 5 Sofia – Plovdiv - Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our journey to Plovdiv. After approximately 2 hours of travel, we start our city tour. With a history of 4000 years; it is a beautiful city that combines modern buildings with ancient architecture. The most notable place in the city is undoubtedly “Old Plovdiv” – located at Nebet Hill, where the oldest section of the city is found. The places to see include Argir Kuyumcuoglu's house, which is now serving as the Ethnographic Museum, Balabanov House, known for its perfect symmetrical house design, which hosts all kinds of cultural activities today, the Roman Theatre from ancient Rome, the Roman Stadium, Hisar Gate, Kaleici Neighborhood, and the Friday Mosque, which is very interesting with its Turkish architecture, as well as Aya Konstantin, Elena, and St. Nedelya churches. After a short free time, we begin our journey towards Istanbul. After passport and customs procedures at the Svilengrad border gate, we reach Istanbul via Edirne and bid farewell until our next tour.
Breakfast: Will be served as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: , during free time in Plovdiv city center.
Dinner: At the rest area on the Edirne – Istanbul highway.
Currencies Bulgaria – Leva (Average Rate 1 Euro: 1.95 Leva)
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: Estimated: 22:30 depending on customs transit time
 
What's included
* Luxurious bus transportation * Local professional Turkish guiding services * 1 Night accommodation in Ohrid at 3 or 4* hotels and breakfast * 1 Night accommodation in Skopje at 3 or 4* hotels and breakfast * 1 Night accommodation in Sofia at 3 or 4* hotels and breakfast * Panoramic city tours in Thessaloniki, Bitola (Manastir), Resne, Ohrid, Tetovo (Kalkandelen), Skopje, Sofia, Plovdiv * Compulsory local guiding services in some cities * All highway check-point and parking fees * City Taxes * Customs Duties * Panoramic city tours specified in the program. * Limited water service in the vehicle
Not included
* Museum and archaeological site entrance fees.  * Extras charged at the hotel.  * All personal expenses  * Breakfast included during the break in Kavala. * Lunch and dinner
* Tips for the driver and guide
* MULTI SCHENGEN VISA (HOLDERS OF GREEN PASSPORTS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE VISA).  * International departure tax.
* International travel health insurance.
Need to Know
- Participants must have a valid Multi (Multiple-Entry) Schengen visa for the entire duration of the tour. (Green Passport holders are exempt from visa requirements.) - For shopping and expenses in all countries included in the program, having euros is sufficient. In regions using local currency, the guide will assist with currency exchange. - During the trip, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers should be preferred. It is advisable to bring a cardigan or similar clothing for the evening. - When entering Turkey from abroad, in order to bring goods (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.), at least 3 days of accommodation abroad is required. - Duty-free shopping limits when entering Turkey from abroad: Cigarettes: 3 cartons, Alcoholic beverages: 1 liter of alcoholic drinks (excluding alcoholic beverages containing more than 22% alcohol, wine, and champagne), Alcoholic beverages: 2 liters of alcoholic drinks (including alcoholic beverages containing less than 22% alcohol, wine, and champagne), Perfume: 600 ml, Makeup or skincare products: 5 items, Chocolate and confectionery: 2 kg, Coffee: 1 kg, Tea: 1 kg - The guide may make changes to the itinerary 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. If the tour date is less than 30 days away, a 30% penalty applies; if 20 days or less remain, a 100% penalty applies. Documents submitted with the cancellation request, such as hospital reports, workplace leave documents, etc. obtained from authorities in Turkey, are unfortunately not accepted for cancellation of hotel and service bookings outside Turkey. - Our tour program is organized with a minimum participation of 25 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved for the trip, the latest cancellation notification date is 20 days before the tour departure. Cancellation due to insufficient participation will be notified by Viyatravel. - In cases where only category information is provided without specifying the hotel name, and/or where options are available 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 farther than the specified distances. In such cases, Viyatravel will inform you 15 days before the departure date. - Triple rooms are provided subject to hotel availability, and in such rooms the bed assigned to the third person is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Since extra beds are foldable 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 apply only for one child in the relevant age group staying with 2 adults. - Breakfasts included in the tour program are served according to the breakfast culture of the country visited and are generally continental breakfasts consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, with a limited menu. For groups, they may be served in a separate hall allocated to the group. - Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are tours organized for general introduction to the cities, conducted from inside the vehicle with guide commentary, and last at most 2-3 hours, excluding museum and archaeological site admissions. Viyatravel is not responsible if panoramic tours, including other tours specified in the program, cannot be carried out on the day and time scheduled due to restrictions by local authorities, closed roads because of any event, or weather conditions making the tour impossible. Some tours may be conducted by public transportation or on foot where roads are closed or vehicle access is not permitted. - Waiting times at border crossings passed by road during the journey may exceed standard limits, and Viyatravel cannot be held responsible for any inconveniences arising from such delays. - Extra tours are organized by the local service provider we work with and require a minimum participation of 20 people. If the required number is not reached, the tours may not be carried out, or the extra tour price, content, and vehicle used may vary 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 historical sites in the places visited 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 again from the point where they were left after the tour is completed. - For those participating in tours with flights, 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 not responsible for passengers who do not arrive at the airport at the times announced by Viyatravel for participation in the tour, who do not complete check-in and boarding on time, or who complete these procedures on time but do not board the aircraft. Passengers who miss the flight are responsible for all costs of new round-trip tickets and transfers in the destination area required for them to join the tour. - Viyatravel acts as 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 delay on scheduled and special flights, or the times of the trip and flights may change before departure. Viyatravel is obliged to notify these 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 following vehicle types are assigned based on the number of people on each tour: Coaches: (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 carried out the tour purchase by accepting the above-mentioned terms.