Grand Balkan Tour 8 Days in 9 Countries
2026
6 Nights 8 Days – 4* Hotels – Dinner Included
NO EXTRA TOURS – ALL INCLUSIVE !!!! KOSOVAR PROGRAM
DUBROVNIK – MATKA CANYON – BLAGAY TEKKE – VRELO BOSNA SARAJEVO BOSNIAN MEATBALLS AND LOCAL RESTAURANTS WITH REAL MACEDONIAN NIGHT PROGRAMS INCLUDED AT A DIFFERENCE
The Meeting Point of Civilizations, Cultures and Beliefs,
Journey to the Heart of the Balkans
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–Resen-Ohrid – Struga – Tetovo - Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra – Bar – Petrovac – Budva – Kotor – Herceg Novi –Trebinje – Dubrovnik – Mostar – Sarajevo – Belgrade – Sofia
Tour Departure Dates :
24 January / 14 March / 18 March / 04 April / 11 April / 18 April / 25 April / 02 May / 09 May / 16 May / 23 May / 24 May / 06 June / 13 June / 20 June / 26 June / 27 June / 03 July / 04 July / 10 July / 11 July / 17 July / 18 July / 24 July / 25 July / 31 July / 01 August / 07 August / 08 August / 14 August / 15 August / 21 August / 22 August / 28 August / 29 August / 04 September / 05 September / 12 September / 19 September / 26 September / 03 October / 10 October / 17 October / 24 October / 31 October / 07 November / 28 November / 12 December
Special Days :
January Semester Break : 25 January
Ramadan Bayram and April Semester Break : 14 March / 18 March
23 April National Sovereignty and Children's Day : 18 April
19 May Ataturk Commemoration, Youth and Sports Day : 16 May
Eid al-Adha (Curban Bayrami) : 23 May / 24 May
15 July Democracy and National Unity Day : 10 July / 11 July
30 August Victory Day : 28 August / 29 August
Republic Day : 24 October
November Semester Break : 7 November
Tour Program
Day 1 Istanbul – Kavala
On the first day of our tour, at 21:00 from the Kadiköy Marriage Office, at 21:30 in front of Mecidiyeköy Auto Expertise, at 22:00 in front of Incirli Omur Plaza, and at 22:30 in front of Marmara Park Beylikdüzü, we depart towards Ipsala border crossing via Tekirdag. After completing passport and customs procedures, we arrive at Kavala via Dedeağaç, Gümülcine, and Iskeçe.
Day 2 Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola (Monastir) – Resen – Ohrid
After arriving in Kavala, we stop for breakfast and taste the exquisite Kavala cookies. After the breakfast break, we take a short photo stop on the unique beaches of Kavala with its stunning beauty and then head towards Thessaloniki. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, we begin our panoramic city tour. During our panoramic city tour, we see the Promenade, White Tower, Rotunda, Fairground, Thessaloniki Fortress, and Ottoman and Byzantine monuments. After visiting the Church of Agios Dimitrios, the largest church in Greece, and the house of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which is currently located in the garden of the Turkish consulate, we depart for Bitola. Upon arrival, we visit Şirok Street, the Bedesten, Ishak Mosque, Yeni Mosque, and the Military High School where Atatürk graduated, which will provide the most emotional moments of the trip. After our visit to Bitola, we pass through Resen, the hometown of Niyazi of Resne, and arrive in Ohrid, the Pearl of the Balkans. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Morning Breakfast: Will be taken additionally at a rest facility in Kavala.
Lunch: Will be taken additionally during free time in Thessaloniki city center.- You can taste all local flavors. Guide Recommendation: Seafood and Mezes.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour fee.
Accommodation: Hotel Aquilina 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 Covered: 870 km
Check-in Time to Hotel: Estimated: 20:00 depending on customs transit time
Day 3 Ohrid – Sveti Naum- Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the Ohrid tour, passing through the Mavrovo mountains towards Ohrid, an Aegean-style town in the Balkans. We start our tour introducing the city of Ohrid at the Port Square, talking about the statues we will see there. During the walk in the neighborhood where the historical Ohrid houses featured in the series "Goodbye Rumelia" are located, we see historical Ottoman houses, the Hagia Sophia church, and conclude our tour with the presentation of the famous Ohrid Pearl, the greatest symbol of the city of Ohrid. Guests who wish may participate in the Ohrid Lake boat activity organized by our guide (15 EUR). After our tour, we realize the St. Naum tour, the birthplace of Ohrid Lake and home to magnificent views. After the tour, we begin our journey to the capital Skopje. On our route, we visit Tetovo (Kalkandelen), the country's 3rd largest city and the city with the highest Albanian population. We visit the Alaca Mosque and Imaret, built by two sisters. We begin our tour introducing this city, separated by the famous Vardar River of two different cultures, with the side of Macedonia, which could be called a kingdom of statues. First, among the statues we will see, the colossal statue of Alexander the Great will catch our attention. Then, crossing the Historical Stone Bridge over the Vardar River, we experience a moment witnessing how cultures change instantly as we move to the Skopje Turkish Bazaar, one of the most qualified bazaars of the Ottomans in the Balkans. At the entrance of the bazaar, after talking about the statues, we begin our bazaar tour with the historic Davut Pasha Hamam. Continuing, we see Kapan Han, one of the most important structures of the Ottoman bazaar organization, and the Murat Pasha Mosque, which managed to survive despite earthquakes, concluding our tour. After our visits, one hour of free time will be given for shopping in the Turkish Bazaar. Among the items we can buy are Shushka peppers, ostrich peanuts, and çarıklar (traditional shoes). After the end of our tour, we transfer to our hotel and settle into our rooms. Afterwards, a Macedonian Night with extra local meals and music at a place designated by the guide. (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!!). Overnight at our hotel.
Morning Breakfast: Will be taken as a buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: Will be taken additionally at facilities offering original tastes on the Ohrid – Skopje route.
Dinner:: Extra local meals and music with a Macedonian Night at a place designated by the guide. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!!
Accommodation: Hotel Gold etc. – Skopje
Currencies : Macedonia – Denar (Average 1 Euro : 60 Denar)
Route: Ohrid – Skopje (175 km)
Total Distance Covered: 170 km
Check-in Time to Hotel: Estimated: 20:00
Day 4 Skopje – Prizren – Shkodra or Podgorica
After breakfast at the hotel, we realize the Matka Canyon tour, known for its unique beauty (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!). Afterwards, we begin our journey to the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. With the crossing of the Kosovo border, we continue our journey with a panoramic passage of Pristina and the Kosovo Field where the Kosovo War took place, and after visiting the Tomb of Sultan Murat I Hüdavendigar, we continue the journey to Prizren. Arrival in the city of Prizren. City tour in the authentic city of Prizren, where the Turkish population is the most dense in the country. During our panoramic tour in Prizren, perhaps one of the loveliest cities of the Balkans, places to be seen include the Turkish Bath dating back to the 17th century, Sinan Pasha Mosque built in 1615, and Prizren Fortress. After visits, free time for lunch. After meeting, we cross into Albania and continue to Podgorica. Passing through Shkodra, we travel to Montenegro, one of Europe's youngest states. After border crossing and continuing the journey in Montenegro, we arrive at our accommodation point. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Morning Breakfast: Will be taken as a buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: Can be taken additionally at facilities recommended by our guide in the Şadırvan Square area of Prizren city.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour fee.
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 Covered: 415 km
Check-in Time to Hotel: Estimated: 20:00 depending on customs transit time
Day 5 Podgorica - Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik – Trebinje or Surroundings
After breakfast, our first stop is a brief pause where you can see the magnificent St Stefan from above, an island that was once a fishing village, expropriated, and later sold to a Singaporean multimillionaire, now a holiday destination for the jet set. (Subject to vehicle parking availability). We continue our way along roads with extraordinary views of the Adriatic coast, passing panoramically through Budva and arriving in Kotor, located within the Kotor Bay. In Kotor, some of the places we will see are the Old Town, St. Tryphon and St. Nicholas Churches, and the historical Clock Tower. After our tour of Kotor, in the afternoon, we move to Croatia, one of the three main states that formed former Yugoslavia, which adopted the Catholic denomination and is known more for its proximity to Italian-Mediterranean culture due to its geography dominating the Adriatic coast rather than Balkan culture. For the Dubrovnik tour (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!!), after a scenic, short journey, we arrive in Dubrovnik, whose Italian name is Ragusa. It is one of the oldest trade ports of the Adriatic, held under Venetian influence for many years, featuring Italian-style architecture and urban fabric, containing a magnificent synthesis of history and nature. To introduce this beautiful city, we start our tour with the Old Town Square, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some of the other places we will see are the City Towers and Walls, St. Blaise Church, Rector's Palace, the Statue of the famous poet Gundulić, the historical Fountain, and the Pharmacy dating back to the 14th century. Afterwards, free time to spend in the magical atmosphere of this beautiful city.
After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel in Trebinje or surroundings. (The accommodation city may vary depending on season intensity)
Morning Breakfast: Will be taken as a buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: Will be taken additionally during free time in Kotor city center.- You can taste all local flavors. Guide Recommendation: Seafood, Mezes, Grills, Local Drinks
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour fee.
Accommodation: Hotel Leotar etc.
Currencies :Montenegro – Euro , Croatia – Euro , Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (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 Covered: 230 km
Check-in Time to Hotel: Estimated: 21:00 depending on customs transit time
Day 6 Trebinje or (Neum) - Blagay – Mostar – Sarajevo
After our morning breakfast, we depart for Mostar. Before arriving in Mostar, we realize the Blagay Tekke Blagay tour (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!). Upon arrival in Mostar, we begin our walking city tour by first seeing the Mostar Bridge. (The bridge built by architect Hayreddin in 1557 is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.) The bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992, but reopened for service in 2004 with the significant contribution of the Republic of Turkey. We walk around the old town bazaar. After free time for shopping at Mostar's local markets, we depart for Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we carry out our panoramic city tour in Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries, became the place where World War I broke out after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbs in 1914, suffered great destruction in the 1992 war due to destructive wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but still largely preserves its beauty. We stroll through Baščaršija, Europe's most exceptional bazaar. In our tour introducing this cultural city, we start with the Sarajevo Sebilj Fountain, which has become almost a symbol of the bazaar. Then we see Morića Han, one of the most authentic points of the city. Afterwards, we visit the Hüsrev Bey Mosque, a relative of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman. Continuing our tour, we see the Clock Tower, the famous fountain that has become a ritual, and the meeting point of cultures, which is also the location of the symbolically immortal Flame monument. Then we move to free time. Guests who wish can photograph the Latin Bridge, where World War I began, during free time. After our tour and free time, we transfer to our hotel.
Subsequently, Bosnian Meatballs at a local restaurant designated by the guide (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!!). Accommodation at our hotel in Sarajevo.
Morning Breakfast: Will be taken as a buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: Will be taken additionally during free time in Mostar city center.- You can taste all local flavors. Guide Recommendation: Bosnian Börek, Stuffed Onions, Meatballs, Bosnian Coffee,
Dinner: Bosnian Meatballs at a local restaurant. Included in the tour fee.
Accommodation: Hotel Holiday etc. – Sarajevo
CurrenciesBosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM)
Route:Trebinje-Počitelj (108 km), Počitelj – Blagay (23 km) ,Blagay - Mostar (12 km), Mostar– Sarajevo (126 km)
Total Distance Covered: 269 km
Check-in Time to Hotel: Estimated: 20:00 depending on customs transit time
Day 7 Sarajevo – Belgrade
After our morning breakfast, we depart for Belgrade. Before the journey, we realize the Vrelo Bosna tour, located at the foot of Igman mountain, the water source of Sarajevo, and the largest national park in Bosnia (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!!). After our journey, we begin our city tour of Belgrade, one of Europe's oldest cities and the new symbol of liveliness and movement, starting with Knez Mihailova street, the city's most stylish avenue. Then we move to Belgrade Fortress, a supply center of the Ottoman navy where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded but whose conquest was granted to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman. Inside the fortress, we will see the Handover Monument, the French statue, Istanbul Gate, Military Museum, Damat Ali Pasha Mausoleum, Sokullu Fountain, and conclude our tour in the terrace area where we will see the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, offering the most beautiful view of the city. Guests who wish may participate in the Danube and Sava river boat activity organized by our guide (20 EUR). After our tour, we move to free time. Accommodation at our hotel in Belgrade.
Morning Breakfast: Will be taken as a buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: , Free time at a rest facility designated by the guide between Sarajevo – Belgrade.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or restaurant and is included in the tour fee.
Accommodation: Hotel B etc. - Belgrade
CurrenciesBosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM) , Serbia – Dinar (Average Rate 1 Euro : 115 Dinar)
Route:Sarajevo – Belgrade (284 km)
Total Distance Covered: 284 km
Check-in Time to Hotel: Estimated: 20:00 depending on customs transit time
Day 8 Belgrade – Sofia – Istanbul
After our morning breakfast, we depart for Sofia. Upon arrival, we begin our panoramic city tour of Sofia. Places to be seen during our panoramic city tour include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest church in the Balkans, the National Library, Sofia University, the Old Royal Palace, the National Bulgarian Theatre built in Neoclassical style, the Archaeology Museum, Old Sofia-Sindika district, and the Rotonda Church. Afterwards, we walk past the parliament building to have a panoramic view and photo stop at the Sofia Statue. We visit the Banya Bashi Mosque, the symbol of the city. After our visits and free time, we depart for Turkey. In the evening, after passport and customs procedures at the Kapıkule border crossing reached and a free shop shopping break, we enter Turkey. We proceed via the Çorlu road and arrive at Istanbul starting points, concluding the program.
Morning Breakfast: Will be taken as a buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour fee.
Lunch: , Will be taken additionally during free time in Sofia.
Dinner: Will be taken additionally at a rest facility on the Edirne-Istanbul highway.
CurrenciesBulgaria – Lev (Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 Lev)
Route:Belgrade - Sofia (393 km) Sofia-Istanbul ( 553 km)
Istanbul Entry Time: Estimated : 02:00 depending on customs transit time