Great Balkan Tour 9 COUNTRIES IN 9 DAYS
2026
7 Nights 9 Days – 4* Hotels – Including Dinners
NO EXTRA TOURS – ALL INCLUSIVE!!!! KOSOVAN PROGRAM
DUBROVNIK – MATKA CANYON – BLAGAJ TEKKESI – VRELO BOSNA SARAJEVO BOSNIAN MEATBALLS AND REGIONAL RESTAURANT PROGRAMS INCLUDED WITH A DIFFERENCE
Of Civilizations, Cultures, and Beliefs,
A Journey to the Heart of the Balkans at the Meeting Point
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 – Tetova - 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 Feast : 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 Istanbul – Kavala
On the first day of our trip, we depart from Kadıköy Marriage Office at 21:00, from Mecidiyeköy Oto Ekspertiz in front of 21:30, and from Incirli Ömür plaza in front of 22:00, then we will continue to the Beylikdüzü Marmara Park where we will depart at 22:30, moving through Tekirdağ to reach İpsala border gate. After completing passport and customs procedures, we arrive in Kavala via Dedeağaç, Gümülcine, and İskeçe.
Day 2 Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola (Manastır) – Resne – Ohrid
Arriving in Kavala, we take a break to enjoy breakfast and delicious Kavala cookies. After breakfast, we take a short photo break at the beautiful Kavala shores and head towards Thessaloniki. Once we arrive in Thessaloniki, we start our panoramic city tour. During our panoramic city tour, we see the Waterfront, White Tower, Rotunda, Fair, Thessaloniki Fortress, and Ottoman and Byzantine artifacts. After visiting the largest church in Greece, the Church of Saint Demetrius, and Ulu Önder Atatürk's house, which is now part of the Turkish consulate's garden, we head towards Bitola. Upon arrival, Shirok Sokak, Bedesten, Ishak Mosque, Yeni Mosque, and the most emotional moments of the trip await us at the Military High School where Atatürk graduated. After our visit to Bitola, we pass through Resne, the hometown of Resneli Niyazi, and reach Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. We will transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Breakfast: Extra will be taken at a rest area in Kavala.
Lunch: Lunch will be taken during free time in the center of Thessaloniki.- You can taste all the local delights. Guide's Recommendation: Seafood and Mezes.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or restaurant, 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- Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast at the hotel, we head towards Ohrid, a Mediterranean town in the Balkans, passing over Mavrovo mountains. We begin our Ohrid tour starting with the Harbor Square, and while discussing the statues we can see, we walk through the historical Ohrid houses featured in the Elveda Rumeli series.
During our walk, we will see the historical Ottoman houses, the Church of Ayasofya, and conclude our tour with a presentation of the famous Ohrid Pearl, which is the greatest symbol of Ohrid. Guests who wish can join the boat activity at Ohrid lake organized by our guide. (15 EUR)After our tour, we head to St. Naum, known for its magnificent views. After our tour, we begin our journey to the capital Skopje. On our route, we visit Tetova (Kalkandelen), the country’s third largest city and home to the densest Albanian population. Here we visit the Alaca Mosque and Imaret. We start our tour of Skopje with the Macedonian side often referred to as the "land of statues". One of the first things we will see is the giant statue of Alexander the Great, then proceed to the Historic Stone Bridge built over the Vardar River and get a glimpse of how the cultures change drastically, before visiting the most significant structures of the Ottoman market in Skopje, such as the historic Davut Pasha Bathhouse, Kapan Han and Murat Pasha Mosque which survived despite earthquakes. There will be an hour of free time for shopping at the Turkish Bazaar. Among what you can purchase are Shushka pepper, Ustrumca peanuts, and traditional shoes. After our tour, we will transfer back to the hotel and check in. In the evening, we will have an extra Macedonian Night where traditional dishes and music will be offered. (INCLUDED!). Overnight stay at our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken in an open buffet at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken at places serving traditional flavors on the Ohrid – Skopje route.
Dinner: An extra Macedonian Night with local dishes and music will be held at a location determined by the guide. 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: Estimated: 20:00
Day 4 Skopje – Prizren – Shkodra or Podgorica
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will realize the Matka Canyon tour, famous for its unique beauty (INCLUDED!!!). Following that, we will depart for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After crossing the Kosovo border, we continue on with a panoramic view of Pristina and the Kosovo Plain where the Kosovo War occurred, visiting the tomb of Sultan Murat Hüdavendigar, before proceeding to Prizren. Upon arrival in Prizren, we embark on a city tour in the most authentic city with the highest Turkish population in the country. During our panoramic tour in Prizren, we will see the Turkish Bath from the 17th century, the Sinan Pasha Mosque built in 1615, and the Prizren Fortress. After our visits, we will have free time for lunch, followed by a journey to Podgorica through Albania. We travel through Shkodra while passing by and then arrive at our accommodation location in Montenegro with a border crossing. Check-in at the hotel and have dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast: Will be taken in an open buffet at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Can be taken at the recommended restaurants in Shadirvan Square in Prizren during free time.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or restaurant, 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 will be a panoramic view of the spectacular St. Stefan, which was once a fishermen's settlement and later sold to a multimillionaire from Singapore, currently a vacation spot for the jet set. (Depending on availability at the parking area) We will then proceed along the extraordinary scenic roads of the Adriatic coastline, entering Budva with a panoramic view, then arriving at Kotor, situated in the Kotor Bay. In Kotor, we will see the Old City, St. Tripun and Nikola Churches, and the historical Clock Tower. After our Kotor tour we will head to Croatia, known for its nature and Mediterranean culture, after a short scenic drive, arriving at Dubrovnik for a tour (INCLUDED!!!).
We will start our tour in Dubrovnik at the Old City Square which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After visiting the city walls and towers, St. Blaise Church, Rector's Palace, the statue of famous poet Gundulic, historic fountain, and pharmacy from the 14th century, we will have free time to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this beautiful city.
After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Accommodation in Trebinje or surrounding areas. (Accommodation city may change depending on seasonal density)
Breakfast: Will be taken in an open buffet at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Can be taken during free time in the center of Kotor. - You can taste all the local delights. Guide's Recommendation: Seafood, Mezes, Grills, Local Drinks.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or restaurant, included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Leotar etc.
Currencies :Montenegro – Euro, Croatia – Euro, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (Average exchange 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 towards Mostar. Before arriving at Mostar, we will have Blagay Tekke tour. (INCLUDED!!!). After arriving in Mostar, during our walking city tour, we will first see the Mostar Bridge (which was built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557; the bridge is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture). The bridge was destroyed by Croat artillery during the war in 1992, but it was reopened in 2004, thanks to the significant contributions of the Republic of Turkey. We will then explore the old town bazaar. After some free time to shop at Mostar's local market, we will proceed to Sarajevo. After arriving, we will conduct a panoramic city tour in Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and was the place where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs triggered World War I, and damaged heavily during the war in 1992 among the Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks but still retains much of its beauty. We will stroll through the most famous bazaar in Europe, Baščaršija. Our tour of this cultural city will start with the very symbol of Baščaršija – the Sebilj Fountain, continue with the most authentic parts, seeing Morica Han, then visit the mosque of Husein Bey, a relative of Suleiman the Magnificent. Our visit will also include the Clock Tower, the famous fountain, and the meeting point of cultures, which is also home to the Eternal Flame monument, after which we will have free time. Interested guests can photograph the Latin Bridge, where World War I was triggered during the free time. After our tour and free time, we will proceed to our hotel.
In the evening, we will be having Bosnian meatballs at a local restaurant as determined by our guide, which is INCLUDED!!! Overnight stay at our hotel in Sarajevo.
Breakfast: Will be taken in an open buffet at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Can be taken during free time in the center of Mostar.
Dinner: Bosnian Meatballs at a local restaurant. Included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Holiday etc. – Sarajevo
Currencies: Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (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 to be Covered: 269 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated based on customs passing: 20:00
Day 7 Sarajevo – Belgrade
After our breakfast we set off towards Belgrade. Before our journey, we will conduct the Vrelo Bosna tour, a national park located at the foothill of Mt. Igman, which is the largest national park of Bosnia. After our journey, we begin our city tour in Belgrade, the new symbol of vibrancy and liveliness, one of the oldest cities in Europe. We begin our city tour from Knez Mihailova street, the most beautiful street in the city. Then we proceed to the Belgrade Fortress where Fatih Sultan Mehmet was injured, but it was ultimately in the hands of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman that the conquest of the fortress happened, seeing inside the fortress the Key Monument, the French statue, the Istanbul Gate, Military museum, Tomb of Damat Ali Pasha, Sokullu fountain, and finishing our tour at the terrace overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava river, which presents the most beautiful view of the city. Guests interested can join the boat activity on the Danube and Sava river arranged by our guide. (20 EUR). After our tour, we will have free time, and we will have an overnight stay at our hotel in Belgrade.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel in an open buffet included in the tour price.
Lunch: During the journey from Sarajevo to Belgrade, we will have free time at a rest area determined by the guide.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or restaurant, included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel B, etc. - Belgrade
Currencies: Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (Average currency rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM), Serbia – Dinar (Average currency rate 1 Euro : 115 Dinar)
Route: Sarajevo – Belgrade (284 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 284 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated based on customs passing: 20:00
Day 8 Belgrade – Sofia
After breakfast, we set off for Sofia. Upon arrival, we will start our panoramic city tour in Sofia.During our tour, we will see the largest church in the Balkans, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National Library, Sofia University, the Old Royal Palace, the National Bulgarian Theater built in neo-classical style, the Archaeological Museum, Old Sofia - the city of unions, Rotonda Church among other sights. After visiting the parliament building, we will take a panoramic view of the Sofia Statue, followed by a visit to Banya Başı Mosque, the symbol of the city, and after our visits and free time, we will transfer back to our hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy local meals and entertainment offered by a restaurant selected by our guide during the Bulgarian Night. (INCLUDED!!!) Accommodation will be at our hotel in Sofia.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel in an open buffet included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be extra during free time in Sofia.
Dinner: Will be local meals at a location selected by our guide during the Bulgarian Night. INCLUDED!!!!
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: Estimated based on customs passing: 20:00
Day 9 Sofia – Plovdiv – Istanbul
After breakfast, we head towards Plovdiv. After approximately 2 hours of journey, we begin our city tour. As a city with a history of 4000 years, it integrates modern buildings with the architecture of ancient times. The most interesting place in the city is undoubtedly the Old Plovdiv located at the Nebet Hill. The places to be seen include the house of Argir Kuyumcuoglu, which now serves as the Ethnographic Museum, Balabanov House, known for being a perfect example of symmetrical houses unique to Plovdiv and hosts various cultural activities today, the Roman Amphitheater from ancient Rome, Roman Stadium, Hisar Gate, the Kaleiçi neighborhood, and Hindlian Museum, the Djumaya Mosque, which is very appealing with its Turkish architecture, and the churches of St. Konstantin, Elena and St. Nedelya Morgan as well as the ancient Roman amphitheater are among the must-see spots. Free time is provided for shopping and wandering in the city center. After this free time, we will return to Turkey. In the evening, we will arrive at the Kapıkule border gate for passport and customs procedures and a free shop shopping break before entering Turkey. We will arrive at Istanbul starting points via the road to Çorlu and conclude the program.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel in an open buffet included in the tour price.
Lunch: During free time in Plovdiv, you will have extra options available.
Dinner: Will be at the 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
Istanbul Arrival Time: Estimated based on customs passing: 21:00