Ankara Active Head-to-Head Balkan Tour 8 Countries (All Day Tours, Dinner and Balkan Nights Included)

8 November 2026 – 13 November 2026 | 5 Nights, 7 Days
Tour details
BALKANS TOUR FROM BEGINNING TO END 8 COUNTRIES
2026 
ALL DAY TOURS AND EVENING DINNERS INCLUDED
VRELO BOSNA NATIONAL PARK – POČITELE TOUR – SVETI NAUM TOUR – MATKA CANYON TOUR – BLAGAJ TOUR SARAJEVO BOSNIA MEATBALLS AND REAL MACEDONIAN PROGRAMS AT LOCAL RESTAURANTS INCLUDED IN DIFFERENCE

 
Meeting Point of Civilizations, Cultures, and Faiths,
Journey to the Heart of the Balkans
A Meeting Point of History and Civilizations.

Bulgaria – Serbia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Croatia
 Montenegro – Albania – Macedonia - Greece


Sofia – Belgrade – Sarajevo – Konjic - Mostar – Blagay - Počitel - Trebinje – Dubrovnik – Herceg Novi - Kotor – Budva – Shkodra – Tirana – Ohrid – Struga – Tetovo – Skopje – Thessaloniki
 
 
Tour Departure Dates :
April 19 / April 26 / May 17 / May 24 / May 31 / June 7 / June 14 / June 21 / June 28 / July 5 / July 12 / July 19 / July 26 / August 2 / August 9 / August 16 / August 23 / August 30 / September 13 / September 27 / October 11 / October 25 / November 8
 
 
Special Days :
April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day : April 19
May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk Youth and Sports Day : May 17
Eid al-Adha :  May 24
July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day : July 12
Republic Day : October 25
November Semester : November 8
 
Day 1 Ankara - Sofia
On the first day of our trip, we depart from the Milli Kütüphane location at 14:30, Ümitköy Bridge at 15:00, and Eryaman Optimum at 15:45 to the Kapıkule border crossing. After customs, passport and border crossing procedures, we head towards Sofia.
 
Day 2 Sofia – Belgrade
After arriving in Sofia early in the morning, we start our panoramic city tour. Notable sites include St. Nedelya Church, Russian Church, Rotunda Church, Aya Sofya Church, Parliament, National Library, Old Royal Palace, Sofia University, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Presidency, Prime Ministry, and Banya Bashi Mosque. We will also have the opportunity to see the army house where the founder M. Kemal Atatürk participated in a ball wearing a janissary uniform. After the tour and some free time, we proceed towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.
Upon arrival in Belgrade, we start our panoramic city tour in the lively and dynamic Knez Mihailova Street, the most elegant street in the city. Then we head to Belgrade Fortress, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded but the conquest was granted to Suleiman the Magnificent. Inside the fortress, we will see the Key Monument, the French statue, Istanbul Gate, Military Museum, Damat Ali Pasha's tomb, Sokullu Fountain, and conclude our tour at the terrace area with the best view where the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers can be seen. Guests can join the boat activity on the Danube and Sava rivers organized by our guide (20 EUR). After the tour, we have free time. Lunch is at our hotel or a restaurant and is included in the tour fee.
Breakfast: To be taken at the rest area extra.
Lunch: At a Turkish restaurant designated by the guide in Sofia during free time.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour fee.
Accommodation: Hotel Abba, etc. – Belgrade
Currencies: Bulgaria – Lev (Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 Lev )
Route: Istanbul-Sofia (551 km), Sofia – Belgrade (392 km)
Total Distance Covered: 943 km
Estimated Check-in Time at the Hotel:: Estimated: 19:00 depending on customs crossing time
 
 
Day 3 Belgrade – Sarajevo – Vrelo Bosna
After breakfast, we head towards Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries, was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbs in 1914, leading to the outbreak of World War I, and it suffered significant destruction during the 1992 war among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks; however, Sarajevo retains much of its beauty. We will conduct a panoramic city tour here. We will stroll through Baščaršija, Europe’s most remarkable bazaar. Our tour starts at the Sebilj Fountain, the symbol of Baščaršija, followed by visits to the Morica Han, an authentic spot in the city. Next, we will visit the Husein Pasha Mosque, a relative of Suleiman the Magnificent. During the tour, we will see the Clock Tower, the famous ritual fountain, and the location of the Eternal Flame monument, which serves as a meeting point of cultures. Afterward, we will have some free time where guests can take photos at the Latin Bridge, the site of the beginning of World War I. After our tour and free time, we will transfer to our hotel.
Afterward, we will have Bosnian Meatballs at a local restaurant designated by the guide. (INCLUDED !!!!)Accommodation will be at our hotel in Sarajevo.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: At a rest area designated by the guide between Belgrade and Sarajevo during free time.
Dinner: Will be Bosnian Meatballs at a local restaurant and is included in the tour fee.
Accommodation:  Hotel Homestory, etc. – Sarajevo
Currencies: Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Marka (Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM), Serbia – Dinar (Average Rate 1 Euro : 115 Dinar)
Route: Belgrade-Sarajevo (294 km)
Total Distance Covered: 294 km
Estimated Check-in Time at the Hotel:: Estimated 19:00 depending on customs crossing time

Day 4 Sarajevo – Blagay - Mostar – Trebinje (Dubrovnik)
After breakfast, we move to Mostar. First, we visit Blagay and then arrive in Mostar (INCLUDED!!!). Upon arriving in Mostar, we will start our walking city tour by first seeing the Mostar Bridge (a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin). The bridge was destroyed by Croat artillery during the 1992 war, but it was reopened in 2004 thanks to significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. We will stroll through the old town market. After some free time for shopping at the local markets, we will continue to the city where we will be staying. First, we will stop at Počitelj, an Ottoman village with structures from the 15th century that remains unchanged. (INCLUDED!!!) After visiting this authentic village where even the small children speak Turkish, we will proceed to Trebinje. Accommodation may vary based on regional density. Overnight at our hotel. Guests may join the Dubrovnik evening tour optional (45 EUR).
During the Dubrovnik panoramic tour, we will explore the old city square, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on foot. Towers, magnificent walls, and the Franciscan Monastery from the 14th century, which houses the world’s oldest pharmacy, the Rector's Palace, city gates, towers, and other important buildings will be featured. After the tour, we will transfer back to our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: Will be taken as an extra in Mostar at your own leisure time. You can try all local flavors. Guide recommendation: Bosnian Pie, Stuffed Onions, Meatballs, Bosnian Coffee.
Dinner: Dinner will be at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour fee.
Accommodation: Hotel Leotar, etc. – Trebinje or surrounding area
Currencies: Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Marka (Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM)
Route: Sarajevo – Mostar (126 km), Mostar – Trebinje (116 km)
Total Distance Covered: 242 km
Estimated Check-in Time at the Hotel:: Estimated at 18:00 depending on road conditions
 
 
Day 5 Trebinje – Kotor – Budva – Tirana – Ohrid
After breakfast, we will cross into Montenegro, one of the youngest countries in the world. Our first stop is Kotor, an important historical and natural beauty, and a touristic attraction. Here, during the city walking tour in StariGrad (Old Town-Castle), you will get to know this beautiful town. After our tour in Kotor, we will pass through Budva and have a panoramic view of the magnificent Sveti Stefan, a former fishing settlement bought by a Singapore billionaire and undergoing restoration. We will finally reach Ohrid through Tirana, Albania. Overnight at our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: Will be taken in the city center of Kotor during free time. You can enjoy all local flavors. Guide recommendation: Seafood, Appetizers, Grilled Dishes, Local Drinks.
Dinner: Will be taken at a rest stop during the route and is included in the tour fee.
Accommodation: Hotel Village v.b, Ohrid
Currencies : Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Marka (Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM), Montenegro – Euro, Macedonia – Denar (Average Rate 1 Euro : 60 Denar)
Route: Trebinje-Kotor (81 KM), Kotor-Budva (22 KM), Budva – Tirana (180 KM), Tirana – Ohrid (134 KM)
Total Distance Covered: 417 km
Estimated Check-in Time at the Hotel:: Estimated: 23:30 depending on customs crossing time
 
 
 
Day 6 Ohrid – St.Naum - Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast at the hotel, we will move to Ohrid for a tour of this Mediterranean town, crossing the Mavrovo mountains. Our Ohrid city tour will begin at the Harbor Square, where we will talk about the statues we will see during our walk in this historical neighborhood known for its houses shot during the filming of the Elveda Rumeli series, where we will see historical Ottoman houses, the Ayasofya Church, and the presentation of the famous Ohrid Pearl, the symbol of Ohrid. Guests may wish to join the optional boat tour on Lake Ohrid organized by our guide (15 EUR). After the tour, we will perform the visit of St. Naum, which is the starting point for finding the lake waters and has beautiful views. We will then head towards Skopje, the capital. On our way, we will visit Tetova (Kalkandelen), the third largest city in the country with the highest Albanian population. Here we will visit the Alaca Mosque and the Imaret established by two sisters. Afterward, we will start our tour of Skopje from the Macedonian side, where we will see the enormous statue of Alexander the Great among others, and then pass through the Historic Skopje Stone Bridge to the Turkish Bazaar, the most important marketplace of the Ottoman era. Starting our tour from the historical Davut Pasha Hamam, we will visit the Kapan Han and the Murad Pasha Mosque, which survived earthquakes. After our visits, we will have an hour of free time for shopping in the Turkish Bazaar where items like Shushka pepper, ustrumca peanuts, and traditional shoes can be found. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel, and guests can enjoy the local cuisine with music during the traditional Macedonian Night hosted by our guide. (INCLUDED !!!!) Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: Will be taken in Ohrid city center during free time. You can try all local flavors. Guide recommendation: Ohrid Trout, Meatballs, and Beans in Pot.
Dinner: Will be at a designated location chosen by the guide, with traditional local meals and music during the Macedonian Night. INCLUDED !!!!
Accommodation: Hotel Gold, etc. – Skopje
Currencies: Macedonia – Denar (Average Rate 1 Euro : 60 Denar)
Route: Ohrid-Tetova (Kalkandelen) (133 KM), Tetova - Skopje (45 KM)
 Total Distance Covered: 178 km
Estimated Check-in Time at the Hotel:: 19:00
 

Day 7 Skopje – Matka Canyon - Thessaloniki - Ankara
After breakfast, we will visit the stunning Matka Canyon (INCLUDED!!!). After that, we will head towards Thessaloniki. Upon arrival, our tour in Thessaloniki begins. Key sites include the promenade, White Tower, Rotunda, fairgrounds, Ottoman and Byzantine monuments, Greece's largest cathedral, Hagios Dimitrios Cathedral, Alexander the Great Statue, Hamza Bey Mosque, and the Vardar, Macedonia, Aristotle, and Eleftherios squares will be visited. We will conclude our Thessaloniki tour with a visit to the house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born, followed by our bus ride through İskeçe, Dedeağaç, and the Ipsala route, arriving at the Ipsala border gate. After customs and passport procedures, we'll head to Ankara via Tekirdağ.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: During free time in Thessaloniki, it will be extra.
Dinner: Will be an extra at a rest area on the way from Keşan to Istanbul.
Currencies Greece - Euro
Route: Skopje – Thessaloniki (234 km), Thessaloniki – Kavala (153 KM), Kavala – Istanbul (443 KM)
Total Distance Covered: 830 km
Estimated Arrival Time in Istanbul: Estimated: 02:00 depending on customs crossing time
 
What's included
* All transportation services throughout the program
* Local professional Turkish guiding services
* Accommodation including breakfast for 1 night in Belgrade, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Trebinje or surroundings, 1 night in Ohrid, 1 night in Skopje in 3 or 4* hotels.
* Makedonian Night (Balkan Night) at a local restaurant
* Bosnian Meatballs at a local restaurant
* Three dinners taken at hotels or restaurants in Belgrade, Trebinje, and Ohrid
* Vrelo Bosna National Park Tour
* Blagay Tour
* Počitelj Tour
* Sveti Naum Tour
* Matka Canyon Tour
* Thessaloniki Tour
* Compulsory 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 inside the vehicle
Not included
*Museum and archaeological site entrances*
* Tours organized by the guide
* All personal expenses 
* City Taxes (20 EUR per person, paid to the guide during the tour)
* Lunches
* Drinks taken during meals
* Tips for the driver and guide
* MULTI SCHENGEN VISA OR MULTIPLE ENTRY BULGARIAN VISA (HOLDERS OF GREEN PASSPORTS ARE EXEMPT FROM VISA). 
* Exit tax from abroad
* International travel health insurance
Need to Know
- All participating guests must possess a valid Multi-Entry Schengen visa or a multiple-entry Bulgarian visa for the entire duration of the tour. (Green passport holders are exempt from visa requirements.)
- To enable shopping and spending in all countries included in the program during the tour, it is sufficient to carry Euros. In regions where local currency is used, the guide will assist with currency exchange.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers should be preferred during the trip. It is advisable to bring a sweater or similar clothing for the evening.
- On our tours, seat rotation is applied daily in the seating plan; therefore, fixed seats and front-seat guarantees are not provided. Seat changes are organized by the vehicle guide.
- When entering Turkey from abroad, there is a mandatory minimum stay of 3 days to be eligible to bring goods (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.).
- Duty-free shopping limits when entering Turkey from abroad: Cigarettes: 3 cartons; Alcoholic Beverages: 1 liter of spirits (excluding spirits with more than 22% alcohol, wine, and champagne); Alcoholic Beverages: 2 liters of spirits (including spirits with less than 22% alcohol, wine, and champagne); Perfume: 600 ml; Makeup or Skin Care Products: 5 items; Chocolate and Confectionery: 2 kg; Coffee: 1 kg; Tea: 1 kg
- During the tour, guides may make changes to the program flow due to weather and road conditions, while ensuring that all locations specified in the program are visited.
- Guests who register for the tour have the right to cancel free of charge up to 30 days before the tour date. If cancellation occurs less than 30 days before the tour date, a 30% penalty applies; if 20 days or less remain, a 100% penalty applies. Documents such as hospital reports or work permission letters obtained from Turkish authorities submitted along with a participant's cancellation request are unfortunately not accepted for cancellations of accommodation and services booked outside Turkey.
- Our tour programs are organized subject to a minimum participation of 25 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved for the trip, the final cancellation notification date is 20 days prior to the tour departure. Tours cancelled due to insufficient participation will be notified by Holitera Turizm.
- In cases where the tour program provides only category information without specifying names and/or offers options for the same destination, the hotel(s) will be announced by Holitera Turizm 2 days before the tour departure.
- During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be located at distances greater than those specified. In such cases, information will be provided by Holitera Turizm 15 days prior to the tour departure date.
- Triple rooms are subject to hotel availability. In these 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-style beds, participants booking triple rooms for the 3rd person and/or children are deemed to have accepted potential crowding and the type of bed in the room. Child discounts apply only to one child accompanying two adults within the applicable age group.
- Breakfasts included in the tour package are served according to the breakfast culture of the country visited, typically as a limited continental menu consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate hall allocated for the group.
- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are short tours (maximum 2-3 hours) designed for general city introduction, conducted via vehicle with guide commentary, and do not include entry to museums or historical sites. Holitera Turizm is not responsible for the inability to conduct these panoramic tours, or other scheduled tours on the same day and time, if they cannot be visited or entered due to restrictions imposed by local authorities, closures due to events, closed roads, or if the tour becomes impossible due to weather conditions. Some tours may be conducted on foot or using public transport where vehicle access is restricted or not permitted, within available possibilities.
- Waiting times at customs checkpoints crossed by road during travel may exceed standard limits; Holitera Turizm cannot be held liable for any negative consequences arising from such waiting times.
- Extra tours are organized by the local Holitera Turizm partner with a minimum participation requirement of 20 people. If this number is not met, the excursions may not take place, or the prices, content, and vehicles used for extra tours may vary depending on the number of participants. Additionally, the days and times of the tours may be changed by the guide based on the opening/closing status of museums and historical sites at the destinations and weather conditions.
- Extra tours are optional and not mandatory. Passengers who choose not to participate in extra tours organized during the trip are deemed to have agreed to wait at a suitable rest facility along the route. These passengers will be dropped off at the roadside rest facility before the extra tour begins and picked up from that point after the main tour is completed.
- For participants joining air-inclusive tours, check-in and boarding procedures are personal responsibilities and must be completed by the guest either at the airline counters at the airport before the flight or online via the airline company websites.
- Holitera Turizm is not responsible for flights not being realized by guests who fail to arrive at the designated airport at the times specified by Holitera Turizm for tour participation, fail to complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, or complete them on time but do not board the aircraft. All costs for new round-trip flight tickets required for missed passengers to join the tour, as well as all transfer expenses in the destination area, shall be borne by the individuals themselves.
- Holitera Turizm acts as an intermediary between the passenger and the airline and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be risks of delays in scheduled and special flights, or flight times may change prior to the current tour and flight. Holitera Turizm is obligated to notify such changes as soon as possible. By purchasing the tour, the passenger accepts the risk of schedule changes. Children aged 0-2 years are exempt from paying airport taxes and airport service fees.
- The types of vehicles used in our tours are classified according to the number of passengers as follows. The vehicle type for each tour is determined based on the number of participants:
Buses: (Used for groups of 25 - 46 people) *Mercedes Travego/Tourismo *NEOPLAN Cityliner/Tourliner -*Temsa Safir/Maraton *Man Fortuna
Midibuses: (Used for groups of 17 - 24 people) *Isuzu Turkuaz , *Otokar Mega
Minibuses: (Used for groups up to 16 people) *Vw Volt , *Mercedes Sprinter
- All guests are deemed to have accepted the above terms upon completing the purchase of the tour.