Izmir Moving Big Balkan Tour 9 Days 9 Countries (All Tours, Dinner and Balkan Nights Included)
7 Nights 9 Days – 4* Hotels – Dinner Included
The Meeting Point of Civilizations, Cultures and Beliefs,
Greece - Macedonia – Kosovo – Albania – Montenegro
Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – 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
Special Days :
April Semester and Ramadan Feast : March 13 / March 18
April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day : April 18
Kurban Bayramı: May 22 / May 23
July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day: July 10
August 30 Victory Day: August 28
November Semester: November 6
Tour Program
Day 1 İzmir – Kavala
On the first day of our trip, we depart at 16:00 from Üçkuyular Shell Forecourt, 16:30 from Lozan Square, and 17:00 from Girne Yunuslar and arrive at the İpsala border gate. After completing passport and customs procedures, we will reach Kavala via Dedeağac , Gümülcine, and İskeçe.
Day 2 Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola (Manastır) – Resne – Ohrid
After arriving in Kavala, we will take a break to taste the delicious Kavala cookies. After breakfast, we will take a short photo break along the captivating Kavala shores and head towards Thessaloniki. Upon our arrival in Thessaloniki, we will start our panoramic city tour. During our panoramic city tour, we will see Kordon, the White Tower, the Rotunda, the Fair, the Thessaloniki Fortress, Ottoman and Byzantine artifacts. After visiting the Aya Dimitros Church, the largest church in Greece, and the house of our great leader Atatürk, which currently houses the Turkish consulate, we will move towards Bitola. After our arrival, we will visit Şirok Street, the Bedesten, İshak Mosque, the New Mosque, and the Military Academy where Atatürk graduated, where we will experience the most emotional moments of the trip. After our visit to Bitola, we will pass through Resne, the birthplace of Resneli Niyazi, and arrive at Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: will be available at a rest area in Kavala as an extra.
Lunch: will be taken during our free time in Thessaloniki city center as an extra. You can taste all local delicacies. Guide Recommendation: Seafood and Mezes.
Dinner: will be served at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Aqulina or similar – 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 based on customs: 20:00
Day 3 Ohrid – Sveti Naum- Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head towards Ohrid, which is a Mediterranean town in the Balkans after crossing the Mavrovo mountains. We will start our tour of Ohrid city at the Harbor square, mentioning the sculptures we will see as we make our way to the historical Ohrid houses where the series "Elveda Rumeli" was filmed. During our walking tour, we will see historical Ottoman houses, the Church of St. Sophia, and present our famous Ohrid Pearl, the symbol of Ohrid. Those who wish can participate in the Ohrid lake boat activity organized by our guide. (15EUR) After our tour, we will carry out the tour of St. Naum, which has stunning views where Lake Ohrid originated. After that, we will begin our journey to the capital, Skopje. En route, we will visit Tetova (Kalkandelen), the country’s 3rd largest city and the area with the highest Albanian population. We will visit the Alaca Mosque, founded by two sisters, and the Imarethane. We will start our tour in the Macedonian area, where two different cultures separated by the famous Vardar River can be seen, starting with the enormous statue of Alexander the Great, and pass through the historic Stone Bridge of Skopje, where we will witness how cultures change in an instant, and enter the Turkish Bazaar of Skopje, one of the most qualified markets of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. Upon arrival at the bazaar, we will start our tour, starting with the historical Davut Pasha bath and visiting Kapan Han, one of the most important structures of the Ottoman bazaar organization. After our visits, we will have an hour of free time for shopping at the Turkish Bazaar. Some items we can purchase include Shushka pepper, ustrumca peanuts, and shoes. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel and settle into our rooms. Later we will enjoy a traditional Macedonian Night with local dishes and music, a part of the package! Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: will be offered as open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: will be taken as an extra at restaurants serving original flavors on the Ohrid – Skopje route.
Dinner: will be in a venue selected by the guide with local dishes and music for a Macedonian Night, which is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Gold or similar – 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: Tastimate: 20:00
Day 4 Skopje – Prizren – Shkodra or Podgorica
After breakfast at the hotel, we will enjoy a tour of the stunning Matka Canyon (included in the price). Afterwards, we will head towards the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. Upon crossing the Kosovo border we will proceed to Prizren with a panoramic view of Pristina and the Kosovo plain, where the Kosovo War took place, and visit the tomb of Sultan Murat I. Upon arrival in Prizren, we will have a city tour in this authentic town with the highest Turkish population in the country. 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 Fortress. After sightseeing, free time for lunch. After gathering, we will cross into Albania and head towards Podgorica. We will pass through Shkodra and continue our journey to the youngest country in Europe, Montenegro. After crossing the border in Montenegro, we will reach our accommodation. Check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: will be served as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: can be taken at recommended venues in the Shadirvan Square area in Prizren as an extra.
Dinner: will be served at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Oasis or similar – 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:Gümrük geçiş süresine bağlı olarak tahmini: 20:00
Day 5 Podgorica – Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik – Trebinje or Surroundings
After breakfast, our first stop will be to see the stunning St. Stefan - a former fishing settlement that was expropriated and later sold to a multi-billionaire from Singapore, now a vacation spot for the jet-set. (Depending on parking availability) We will proceed along the breathtaking shores of the Adriatic and arrive at Kotor in the Kotor Bay, where we will explore the Old Town, St. Tripun and Nikola Churches, and the historic Clock Tower. After visiting Kotor, we will cross into Croatia, one of the three main states that make up former Yugoslavia, known for its Catholic culture and Mediterranean influence. We will arrive in Dubrovnik, which is recognized for its unique architecture and historical significance, and start our guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore the Old Town Square, the City Walls and Towers, St. Vlah Church, the Rector’s Palace, the famous poet Gundulić's Statue, the historic Fountain and the 14th-century Pharmacy, among others. After the tour, some free time to soak in the enchanting atmosphere of this beautiful city before transferring to our hotel. We will be staying in Trebinje or nearby (the city of accommodation may vary depending on seasonal intensity).
Breakfast: will be served as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: will be taken during our free time in Kotor city center as an extra. You can taste all local delicacies, including seafood, mezes, grills, and local drinks.
Dinner: will be served at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Leotar or similar
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: Gümrük geçiş süresine bağlı olarak tahmini: 21:00:00
Day 6 Trebinje or (Neum) - Blagay – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we will head to Mostar. Before arriving, we will tour the Blagay Tekke. (Included in the price). Upon arrival in Mostar, we will do a walking city tour, starting with the Mostar Bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557. The bridge was destroyed in the war in 1992 by Croatian artillery but was reopened in 2004, thanks to significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. We will explore the old town market. After shopping from the local markets, we will head to Sarajevo. After arrival, we will conduct a panoramic tour of Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries. In 1914, it was where the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated, igniting World War I, and in 1992, it suffered great devastation due to the destructive war among Serbs, Croats, and Bosnians. But it still largely retains its charm, and we will explore the most notable market of Europe, Baščaršija. Our tour will begin at the Sebilj Fountain, which has become a symbol of the city, followed by visiting the Morica Han. We will visit the Hüsrev Bey Mosque, a relative of Suleiman the Magnificent. During our tour, we will also see the Clock Tower, the famous fountain that has become a ritual, and the meeting point of cultures. This street is also notable for the Eternal Flame memorial. After the tour, we will have some free time; those who wish can take photos at the Latin Bridge, where World War I began. After the tour and free time, we will return to our hotel. In the evening, the group will enjoy delicious Bosnian Meatballs at the local restaurant (included in the price). Overnight at our hotel in Sarajevo.
Breakfast: will be served as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: will be taken during our free time in Mostar as an extra. You can taste regional delicacies. Recommended by the guide: Bosnian Pita, Onion Rolls, Meatballs, Bosnian Coffee.
Dinner: will be Bosnian Meatballs at a local restaurant, included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Holiday or similar – 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: Gümrük geçiş süresine bağlı olarak tahmini: 20:00:00
Day 7 Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we will proceed to Belgrade. Before the journey, we will conduct a tour of Vrelo Bosna, the national park and water source of Bosnia located at the foot of Mt. Igman (included in the price). After our journey, we will begin our city tour in Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe and a symbol of vibrant life and movement, starting from the elegant Knez Mihailova Avenue. Then we will visit the Belgrade Fortress, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded and whose conquest was destined for Kanuni Sultan Süleyman. We will see the Key Monument, the French Statue, the Istanbul Gate, Military Museum, Ali Pasha Tomb, Sokullu Fountain, and the terrace area with the best view where the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers can be observed. Guests may also join the riverboat activity organized by the guide (20 EUR). After the tour, we will have some free time. Accommodation in our hotel in Belgrade.
Breakfast: will be served as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: , there will be an extra free time at the rest area determined by the guide on the Sarajevo – Belgrade route.
Dinner: will be served at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel B or similar - Belgrade
Currencies Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark ( Average exchange rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM ), Serbia – Dinar ( Average exchange rate 1 Euro: 115 Dinar )
Route: Sarajevo – Belgrade (284 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 284 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Gümrük geçiş süresine bağlı olarak tahmini: 20:00:00
Day 8 Belgrade – Sofia
After breakfast, we will set out for Sofia. Upon arrival, we will start our panoramic city tour of Sofia. During our panoramic tour, we will see the largest church in the Balkans, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Library, Sofia University, the former royal palace, the National Bulgarian Theater in Neo-Classical style, the Archaeological Museum, the Old Sofia - Union City, and the Rotunda Church. After viewing these sites, we will go to the Banya Bashi Mosque, the symbol of the city, for some panoramic views and photo opportunities. We will see the local traditions after visits, and later we will enjoy a local cuisine with music during the Bulgarian Night, which is included in the tour price. Accommodation is at our hotel in Sofia.
Breakfast: will be served as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: , will be extra during free time in Sofia.
Dinner: will be enjoyed during the Bulgarian Night organized by the guide and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Astoria or similar – Sofia
Currencies:Bulgaria – Lev ( Average exchange 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’: 20:00
Day 9 Sofia – Plovdiv – İzmir
After breakfast, we will head towards Plovdiv. After approximately 2 hours of travel, we will start our city tour. As a city of 4000 years of history, it is a beautiful city that combines modern buildings and the architecture of ancient times. One of the most interesting places in the city is the Old Plovdiv area, located at the Nebet hill. We will see places like the Argır Kuyumcuoglu House, which now serves as an Ethnography Museum, the Balabanov House, noted for its perfect symmetrical example of houses, and housing various cultural activities, the Roman Amphitheater from the Roman era, the Roman Stadium, Hisar Gate, the old city and the Hindliyan Museum, and the Djumaya Mosque, which is of great interest with its Turkish architecture. Afterwards, we will have free time for shopping and exploring the city. After free time, we will depart for Turkey. In the evening, we will arrive and pass through the customs and free shop at Kapıkule border gate before entering Turkey. We will continue via the Çorlu route and arrive at the departure points in İzmir, concluding the program.
Breakfast: will be served as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: ,free time will be taken in Plovdiv city center.
Dinner: will be at a rest area on the Edirne – Istanbul highway.
Currencies: Bulgaria – Lev ( Average exchange 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
Istanbul Arrival Time: Estimated based on customs : 21:00
- To shop and make purchases in all countries included in the tour program, it is sufficient to carry Euros. The guide will assist with currency exchange in areas that use local currency.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers should be preferred during the trip. It is advisable to bring a cardigan or similar clothing for the evening.
- Our tours implement rotation in seat planning daily, and fixed or front seat guarantees are not provided. Seat changes are organized by the vehicle guide.
- To bring items (such as alcohol - cigarettes, etc.) from abroad into Turkey, a minimum stay of 3 days is required.
- The duty-free shopping limits when entering Turkey from abroad are: Cigarettes: 3 cartons, Alcoholic Beverages: 1 liter of alcoholic drink (excluding alcoholic drinks with more than 22% alcohol content, wine, and champagne), Alcoholic Beverages: 2 liters of alcoholic drinks (including wine and champagne with less than 22% alcohol content), Perfume: 600 ml, Makeup or Skin Care Products: 5 items, Chocolate and Confectionery: 2 kg, Coffee: 1 kg, Tea: 1 kg.
- The guides on the tour program may change the itinerary while ensuring they show all specified locations, depending on weather and road conditions.
- Guests who register for the tour have the right to cancel for free up to 30 days before the tour date. In the case of cancellation less than 30 days before the tour date, a 30% penalty will apply; for 20 days or less, a 100% penalty will apply. Documents such as hospital reports or work permit certificates from Turkey presented with the cancellation request are not accepted for cancellations of hotels and services booked outside Turkey.
- Our tour program is organized with a minimum participation of 25 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved for the trip, the final cancellation notification date will be 20 days prior to the tour departure. Tours canceled due to insufficient participation will be notified by Viyatravel.
- In cases where only category information is provided without specifying names in the tour program, or where options are available for the same destination, the hotels will be notified by Viyatravel 2 days before the trip departure.
- During periods like fairs, congresses, concerts, events, or sports tournaments, hotels may be located further than the specified distances. In such cases, Viyatravel will provide information 15 days prior to the departure date.
- Triple rooms can be allocated based on hotel availability, and the bed designated for the 3rd person in such rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 additional bed. Since additional beds consist of folding and coach bed types, participants in triple bookings and/or children agree to accept possible tightness and bed types in the rooms. Child discounts are applicable for one child who stays with two adults meeting the age group criteria.
- The services included in the tour program include breakfasts at the hotel, which are offered as limited menus consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea or coffee, generally referred to as continental breakfast, and may be served in a separate hall designated for the group.
- The panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized as an introduction to the general features of the cities and are conducted from inside the vehicle with guide narration, excluding entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites. The panoramic tours last a maximum of 2-3 hours, and if the local authorities do not permit entering or visiting due to road closures or other activities, or if weather conditions make the tour impossible, Viyatravel is not responsible for the inability to perform these tours. Some tours may be conducted using public transportation or on foot where vehicle access is not allowed.
- The waiting time at customs borders during road travel can exceed standard durations; Viyatravel cannot be held responsible for any adverse conditions arising from these waiting times.
- Extra tours are organized by local Viyatravel with a minimum participation of 20 people. If the necessary number is not achieved, the excursions may not take place or the extra tour prices, content, and vehicles used may vary depending on the number of participants. Additionally, the days and times of the tours may be changed by the guide according to opening/closing status of museums and sites to be visited and weather conditions.
- Extra tours are optional and not mandatory. Passengers who do not wish to join the extra tours organized during the trip accept that they will wait at a convenient rest facility along the route. These passengers will be dropped off at a rest facility before the extra tour begins and will be picked up from the same point after the tour is completed.
- For those participating in air tours, check-in and boarding procedures are personal responsibilities that must be carried out by the guest at the relevant airline counters in the airports or online on the airlines' websites before the flight.
- Viyatravel is not liable for passengers who are not present at the specified airport at the times communicated by Viyatravel, do not complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, or those who complete these procedures on time but do not board the aircraft. All expenses related to purchasing new round-trip tickets and transfers at the destination for those who miss their flight are their responsibility.
- 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 risks of delays in scheduled and charter flights, or changes in times before the trip and flight. Viyatravel is obliged to notify of such changes as soon as possible. Passengers accept the risk of time changes when purchasing the trip. Children aged 0-2 do not have to pay airport taxes and fees.
- The types of vehicles used in our tours are classified according to the number of participants as follows. The vehicle types assigned are determined based on the number of participants for each tour:
Buses: (Used for 25 - 46 participants) *Mercedes Travego/Tourismo *NEOPLAN Cityliner/Tourliner *Temsa Safir/Maraton *Man Fortuna
Midibuses: (Used for 17 - 24 participants) *Isuzu Turkuaz, *Otokar Mega
Minibuses: (Used for up to 16 participants) *VW Volt, *Mercedes Sprinter
- All guests are deemed to have accepted the sales of the tour by accepting the above-mentioned items.
What's Included
* Local professional Turkish guiding services
* 1 Night Accommodation in 4* Hotels in Skopje, 1 Night in Ohrid, 1 Night in Podgorica or Surroundings, 1 Night in Trebinje or Surroundings, 1 Night in Sarajevo, 1 Night in Belgrade, 1 Night in Sofia, totaling 7 Nights with Breakfast included.
* Four dinners taken at hotels or restaurants in Ohrid, Podgorica, Trebinje, and Belgrade
* Traditional Night at Local Restaurant (Balkan Night)
* Bosnian Meatballs at Local Restaurant
* Bulgarian Night at Local Restaurant
* Panoramic City Tours of Thessaloniki, Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid, Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Sofia, Plovdiv
* Monastery Tour
* Dubrovnik Tour
* Matka Canyon Tour
* Prizren Tour
* Blagay Tour
* Vrelo Bosna Tour
* Plovdiv Tour
* Kosovo entrance fee
* Mandatory local guiding services in some cities
* All highway check-point and parking fees
* Customs Taxes
* Panoramic city tours specified in the program.
* Limited water service in the vehicle
Not Included
* Tours organized by the guide
* All personal expenses
* City Taxes (20 EUR per person)
* Lunches
* Beverages consumed during meals
* Tips for drivers and guides
* MULTI SCHENGEN VISA (HOLDERS OF GREEN PASSPORTS ARE EXEMPT FROM VISA).
* Exit fee for leaving the country
* Overseas travel health insurance
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