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16 Days Grand Balkan Countries Tour

Istanbul, Plovdiv, Sofia, Rila Monastery, Sandanski, Melnik, Thessaloniki, Vergina, Kalambaka, Skopje, Ohrid, Tirana, Budva, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo, Visoko, Travnik, Bihać, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Ljubljana, Bled, Zagreb,
Duration

16 day(s)

Tour type

Private

Group size

10-30 people

Physical Level

relax

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Tour Overview

Embark on a remarkable 16-day journey across the heart of the Balkans, where East meets West, and cultures intertwine across centuries. This comprehensive tour spans 8 countries and 20+ destinations, offering a blend of vibrant cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stunning landscapes, and deep historical roots.

Start your adventure in Istanbul, the crossroad of continents, before exploring the cultural treasures of Bulgaria like Plovdiv and Sofia. Cross into Greece to visit ancient Thessaloniki, mystical Vergina, and the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora (Kalambaka).

Continue to North Macedonia, discovering the capital Skopje and picturesque Ohrid, then into Albania's vibrant capital Tirana. Enjoy the Adriatic charm of Budva and medieval splendor of Dubrovnik, Croatia’s gem.

Journey through the rich heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina, exploring Mostar, Sarajevo, Visoko, Travnik, and Bihac, where East and West have long converged. Your tour concludes with natural wonders and cultural sites in Slovenia and Croatia, including Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and Zagreb.

Activities
Adventure Combined Country Discovery Explorer Family Historical In-depth Cultural Museum Photography Sailing Sightseeing Solo Travel Walking Tour

Tour Features

Duration
16 day(s)

Max Group Size
10-30 people

Tour Code
16DGBCT

Departure Type
scheduled

Tour Category
Combined Country

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In

Age Requirement
11 - 90

Istanbul

Pickup Time:

18:15

----------------

Zagreb

Dropoff Time:

18:15

Highlights
Embarking on a journey from Istanbul, Turkey, through Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and concluding in Zagreb, Croatia, promises a rich exploration of diverse cultures, historical sites, and natural landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Turkey Istanbul Airport. Meet with TravelShop Booking staff and transfer to your hotel. Transfer from airport & check in to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2

(Open buffet breakfast included)
After breakfast, we have Istanbul City Tour. Our first visit will be HIPPODROME. Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Than we will visit SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE. Across from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Our next see will be HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is simply the best of its kind! Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is the greatest surviving example of Byzantine Architecture. For 1000 years, it was once the largest church in the world, decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. Today it is a mosque. You can see it from outside.  After that see TOPKAPI PALACE, the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. You can see it from outside.    The Basilica Cistern Museum is one of the most important cultural assets where we can trace the traces of glorious Istanbul history. With its 80,000-ton water storage capacity, Yerebatan Cistern is the largest covered cistern in the city and stands out with more reclaimed supporting elements compared to other covered cisterns. Covering an area of approximately 10,000 square meters, this colossal structure has a rectangular shape with a length of 140 meters and a width of 70 meters. You can see it from outside.  After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. Dinner at Indian restaurant and Overnight in Istanbul.

I
f you would like to visit with entrance below sites;

Topkapi Palace Museum Entrance Fee. You pay the door price.

The Basilica Cistern Museum Entrance You pay the door price.

Please Note: Please do not forget to carry Scarf with you because of visiting to Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque

Day 3

(Breakfast included)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and Depart for Bulgaria. Arrival in Plovdiv around noon in Bulgaria. Check in to hotel and rest of day is yours. Explore Plovdiv city, shop in the local markets, or enjoy many big party or games in Casinos. Overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 4

(Breakfast included)
Departure for Sofia. Guided sightseeing tour of the city centre, including visit to Alexander Nevski Cathedral - one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction; St. George Rotunda, St. Sophia Church, built by the Roman Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, National Theatre, former Royal Palace, today housing the National Revival Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum, Presidency, etc. Upon request – dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

Day 5

(Breakfast included)
Departure for Rila Monastery - the most exquisite example of the monastery art and architecture in Bulgaria. Guided tour of the monastery complex. Visit to Nativity of the Virgin Church with its miracle icon of the Virgin and splendid gilded iconostasis, the old kitchen, the monastery museum where you can learn about the long and heroic history of the monastery, the wood carved cross made for a period of twelve years by a monk called Rafael, Hrelyo’s Tower and many spectacular views from the mountain and the surrounding nature. Drive to Sandanski in the afternoon. Overnight in Sandanski.

Day 6

(Breakfast included)
Drive to Melnik - the smallest town in Bulgaria famous for its excellent wines and sandstone rocky pyramids. Visit to Kordopulova museum-house. Around noon departure for Greece. It is your free day to explore and enjoy Thessaloniki on your own. Depending on the time of arrival, you can spend the day walking around, doing the shopping or relaxing in one of many cafeterias or Taverns in Thessaloniki down town. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 7

(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Vergina, the most important remains of the monumental palace of the Kingdom of Macedonia, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tombs some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs is identified as that of Philip II, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world. Lunch will be offered at a local restaurant in Vergina. After lunch, drive to Kalambaka. Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 8

(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at hotel and check out to proceed to Ohrid. Arrival at Ohrid City, transfer for City Tour. A visit to Hadzi Turgut Mosque, Old Bazaar, Zeynel Abidin Pasha Tekke, Krst Dazmija. Lunch at a local restaurant in Ohrid. Proceed to Tirana, arrival and On Foot Tour of Tirana. Visit Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower and free time for shopping. Check in to the hotel. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 9

(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at the Hotel and check out to proceed to Montenegro via Shkodra, old town of Shkodra- visit the traditional road built in the XXth Century which bears the distinctive features, stop for taking photos at Molo Promenade, Shetitorja, Skadar Lake, continue to drive to Budva, visiting Sveti Stefan, Old City Budva. Lunch in Tivat, continue drive to Dubrovnik. Check in to the hotel. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 10

(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of this UNESCO protected pearl of the Adriatic and its Cathedral , Rector’s Palace, Fransican Monastery (included Old Pharmacy), Clock Tower, Orlando’s Columns, Sponze Plaza, Dubrovnik City. Lunch in the old City, Free time. Overnight at hotel in Dubrovnik.

Day 11

(Breakfast included)
Breakfast, Check out hotel. Transfer to Mostar), Proceed for city tour – visit Karadjoz Bey mosque and Muslibegovic house – walk through the old town and old bridge listed as UNESCO heritage site. Continue drive to Sarajevo, Lunch at Local Restaurant on the Way at Jablanica, arrive at Sarajevo, Free time at Old City and check-in the hotel. Overnight in Sarajevo.

Day 12

(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for tour to visit Vrelo Bosne – spring of river Bosnia, Tunnel museum – the only means of going in and out during the siege of Sarajevo in last war. On Foot Tour of old town Bascarsija, Latin bridge, place where the Austro Hungarian Archduke was assassinated, what triggered the 1st World War; Brusa bezistan – covered market place; Gazi Husref Bey Mosque- built in 1530 year during the Ottoman era – and Gazi Husref Bey Madrass; Morica Han built in 1551 ; Vijecnica – town hall for the Austro-Hungarian era. Lunch at the local restaurant. Afternoon, free for shopping. Back to hotel. Overnight in Sarajevo.

Day 13

(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at hotel, check-out the hotel to Bihac on the way visit of the Pyramids of Bosnia Visoco, Visoco Mountain,that is the first European pyramid located in the heart of Bosnia. Continue driving to Travnik, visit to the mosque in Travnik including Suleimania. Travnik is located 90 km to the west of the city of Sarajevo, the Bosnian governor from 1697 to 1850 , Lunch at Local Restaurant in Travnik , continue drive to Bihac , Check-in the hotel , Leisure time enjoying the waterfalls and Una river which is best for Rafting. Overnight in Bihac.

Day 14

(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at hotel, Check-Out and proceed to Ljubljana, towards Plitvice National Park, a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour of the 16 crystal - blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Walk on the wooden promenades with magnificent views on the waters where every turn leads to a breathtaking scenery and yet another waterfall. Surrounded by dense woods, Plitvice Lake is a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. Continue drive to Ljubljana, view the Central open-air Market, Baroque Town Hall, Robba's Fountain, the Three Bridges, and Lunch at Local Restaurant, Check-in the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel in Ljubljana.

Day 15

(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at hotel, Check-Out to proceed to Zagreb and drive to Lake Bled, a beautiful glacial lake in the Julian Alps. Lake Bled is set amid forests and mountains and is one of the most picturesque destinations in Europe, Continue drive to Zagreb, arrive Zagreb, City Tour with a wealth of historic monuments. Visit of the highlights including the upper and lower town, the majestic Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, Lunch at Local Restaurant , free time exploring the winding streets of the old town .Proceed to hotel , Check-In , free time. Overnight at the Hotel in Zagreb.

Day 16

(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at hotel. Check-out the hotel. Departure to the airport. We hope this was a memorable tour for you and looking forward to see you again on another tour of ours. Thank you for joining us.

Included

2 Nights’ accommodation in Istanbul - Pullman Hotel or 5 Star La Quinta by Wyndham Istanbul

1 Night accommodation in Plovdiv - Ramada Trimontsium Hotel

1 Night accommodation in Sofia - Princess Hotel Sofia/Jasmin Hotel

1 Night accommodation in Sandanski - Sveti Nikola 4*

1 Night accommodation in Thessaloniki - Ramada Hotel 4*

1 Night accommodation in Kalambaka - Antoniadis 4*

1 Night accommodation in Tirana - Mondial Hotel

2 Nights’ accommodation in Dubrovnik - Neptun Hotel 4*

2 Nights’ accommodation in Sarajevo - Hollywood Hotel 4* /Grand Hotel 3*

1 Night accommodation in Bihac - Kostelski Buk Deluxe 4*

1 Night accommodation in Ljubljana - Plaza hotel 4*

1 Night accommodation in Zagreb - Movie hotel 3*

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group.

If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost

Professional English speaking tour guides

Meals mentioned in above Itinerary

All Airport transfers mentioned in above program

All coach transportation by fully equipped buses

All Guided Sightseeing Trips with entrance fees as above

Excluded

International flights

Insurance: All types

City Tax

Country entry Visas

Optional land excursion

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry

Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section.

Hotel room taxes

Tipping

Tour Booking

Travelers
Departure Month
Private Tour Prices
Start End
Nov 3, 2025 Nov 18, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 4, 2025 Nov 19, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 5, 2025 Nov 20, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 6, 2025 Nov 21, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 7, 2025 Nov 22, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 8, 2025 Nov 23, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 9, 2025 Nov 24, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 10, 2025 Nov 25, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 11, 2025 Nov 26, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 12, 2025 Nov 27, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 13, 2025 Nov 28, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 14, 2025 Nov 29, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 15, 2025 Nov 30, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 16, 2025 Dec 1, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 17, 2025 Dec 2, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 18, 2025 Dec 3, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 19, 2025 Dec 4, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 20, 2025 Dec 5, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 21, 2025 Dec 6, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 22, 2025 Dec 7, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 23, 2025 Dec 8, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 24, 2025 Dec 9, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 25, 2025 Dec 10, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 26, 2025 Dec 11, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 27, 2025 Dec 12, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 28, 2025 Dec 13, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 29, 2025 Dec 14, 2025 €6625
Triple room
Nov 30, 2025 Dec 15, 2025 €6625
Triple room

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