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- Istanbul Dynamic Great Balkan Tour in 9 Days 9 Countries (All Tours, Dinner and Balkan Nights Included)
Istanbul Dynamic Grand Balkan Tour - 9 Days 9 Countries
9 Countries in 9 Days by Bus on the Great Balkan Tour
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 – Plovdiv
7 Nights 9 Days
Accommodation in 4* Hotels – Dinner Included
No Extra Tours – All Inclusive - Kosovo Program
Dubrovnik – Matka Canyon – Blagaj Tekke – Vrelo Bosnia - Sarajevo Bosnian Meatballs and Real Macedonian and Bulgarian Night Programs in Local Restaurants Included
Day 1 Istanbul – Kavala
On the first day of our trip, we arrive at the Ipsala border gate via Tekirdağ with departure at 21:00 from Kadıköy Marriage Office, 21:30 from in front of Mecidiyeköy Auto Expertise, 22:00 from in front of İncirli Ömür Plaza, and 22:30 from in front of Beylikdüzü Marmara Park. After completing passport and customs procedures, we arrive in Kavala via Dedeağaç, Komotini and Xanthi.
Day 2 Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola (Manastir) – Resen – Ohrid
After arriving in Kavala, we take a break for breakfast and to taste the delicious Kavala cookies. After the breakfast break, we set off for Thessaloniki, stopping briefly for a photo break on the beautiful Kavala coastline, which attracts attention with its unique beauty. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, we begin our panoramic city tour. On our panoramic city tour, we see the Waterfront, White Tower, Rotating Tower, Fairgrounds, Thessaloniki Castle, and Ottoman and Byzantine monuments. After visiting the Church of Aya Dimitros, the largest church in Greece, and the house of Great Leader Atatürk, which is now also in the garden of the Turkish consulate, we depart for Bitola. Upon our arrival, there are Şirok Street, Bedesten, Ishak Mosque, New Mosque, and the Military School where Atatürk graduated, where we will experience the most emotional moments of the trip. After our visit to Bitola, we pass through Resen, the hometown of Resneli Niyazi, and arrive in Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken extra at a rest area in Kavala.
Lunch: Will be taken extra during free time in Thessaloniki city center. - You can taste all local flavors. Guide Recommendation: Seafood and Appetizers.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or at a restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Aqulina etc. – Ohrid
Currency: 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 depending on customs crossing time: 20:00
Day 3 Ohrid – Sveti Naum- Tetovo – Skopje
After breakfast at the hotel, we continue by crossing the Mavrovo Mountains and head for an Ohrid tour, a Mediterranean-style town in the Balkans. We begin our tour introducing Ohrid with Liman Square; mentioning the statues we will see in the square, we conclude our tour with a walk through the neighborhood where the historical Ohrid houses, where the TV series Elveda Rumeli was filmed, are located, seeing the historical Ottoman houses, the Church of Hagia Sophia, and a presentation of the famous Ohrid Pearl, the biggest symbol of Ohrid. Guests who wish may join the Ohrid Lake boat activity arranged by our guide. (15 EUR) After our tour, we carry out the St. Naum tour, which is the source of Lake Ohrid and hosts magnificent views. After the tour, we begin our journey to the capital, Skopje. Along our route, we visit Tetovo, the country's 3rd largest city and the city with the highest Albanian population. We visit the Colorful Mosque and Imaret built by two sisters. We begin our tour introducing this city, where two different cultures are separated by the famous Vardar River, with the Macedonian side, which we can call the land of statues; among the statues we will first see is the giant Alexander the Great statue. Then, crossing the historic Skopje Stone Bridge over the Vardar River, we experience how cultures suddenly change and move on to the Skopje Turkish Bazaar, one of the most qualified bazaars of the Balkans during the Ottoman period. We begin our bazaar tour with the historical Davut Pasha Bathhouse, mentioning the statues at the entrance of the bazaar; then we conclude our tour by seeing Kapan Han, one of the most important structures of the Ottoman bazaar organization, and the Murat Pasha Mosque, which has managed to survive despite earthquakes. After our visits, one hour of free time will be given for shopping in the Turkish Bazaar. Among items you can buy are Šuska peppers, Strumica peanuts, and traditional sandals. At the end of our tour, transfer to our hotel and check-in. Afterwards, Macedonian Night with local dishes and music at a place determined by the guide. (Included in the price) Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken extra at facilities offering authentic flavors on the Ohrid – Skopje route.
Dinner: Macedonian Night with local dishes and music at a place determined by the guide. Included in the price.
Accommodation: Hotel Gold etc. – Skopje
Currency: 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 breakfast at the hotel, we carry out the Matka Canyon tour, known for its unique beauty. (Included in the price.) Then we begin our journey to the Kosovo capital, Pristina. After crossing the Kosovo border gate, we continue with a panoramic pass through Pristina and the Kosovo Plain where the Kosovo War took place, visiting the Tomb of Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigar, then continuing on to Prizren. Arrival in Prizren. City tour in Prizren, the most densely populated city in terms of Turkish population in the country. During our panoramic tour in Prizren, one of the loveliest cities in the Balkans, we will see the Turkish Bath from the 17th century, Sinan Pasha Mosque built in 1615, and Prizren Castle. After the visits, free time for lunch. After gathering, we cross into Albania and travel to Podgorica. Journey to the country of Montenegro, one of the youngest states in Europe, via the city pass of Shkodra. With the border crossing and continued journey in Montenegro, arrival at the accommodation point. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Can be taken extra at facilities in the Shadirvan Square area of Prizren recommended by our guide.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or at a restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Oasis etc. – Podgorica
Currency: 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 depending on customs crossing time: 20:00
Day 5 Podgorica - Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik – Trebinje or Surroundings
After breakfast, our first stop is a break where you can see the magnificent St. Stefan from above, a former island used by fishermen that was expropriated and later sold to a Singaporean billionaire, and is now a vacation spot for jet-setters. (Depending on parking availability) We continue along the Adriatic coastline on roads with extraordinary views, arriving in Kotor in the Bay of Kotor via a panoramic Budva pass. In Kotor, the Old Town, the Church of St. Tryphon and the Church of St. Nicholas, and the historic Clock Tower are among the places we will see. After our tour of Kotor, in the afternoon we cross into Croatia, one of the three main states that formed former Yugoslavia, known for adopting the Catholic faith and, due to its geography more dominated by the Adriatic Coast, being closer to Italian-Mediterranean culture than Balkan culture. After a scenic short journey for the Dubrovnik tour (Included in the price), arrival in Dubrovnik, which in Italian is called Ragusa, one of the oldest commercial ports of the Adriatic, and which, having remained under Venetian influence for many years, contains a magnificent synthesis of history and nature with its Italian-style architecture and urban fabric. We begin our tour introducing this beautiful city with the Old Town Square, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The City Towers and Walls, St. Blaise Church, Knez Palace, the statue of the famous poet Gundulic, the historic Fountain, and the Pharmacy dating from the 14th century are some of the other places we will see. Then free time to spend in the magical atmosphere of this beautiful city.
After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel in Trebinje or Surroundings. (Accommodation city may change depending on season intensity)
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken extra during free time in Kotor city center. - You can taste all local flavors. Guide Recommendation: Seafood, Appetizers, Grills, Local Drinks
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or at a restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Leotar etc.
Currency: 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 to be Covered: 230 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated depending on customs crossing time: 21:00
Day 6 Trebinje or (Neum) - Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head to Mostar. Before arriving in Mostar, we carry out the Blagaj Tekke Blagaj tour. (Included in the price). After arriving in Mostar, on our walking city tour we first see the Mostar Bridge. (The bridge, built by architect Hayreddin in 1557, is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.) The bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery in the war that took place in 1992, but it was reopened in 2004 with major contributions from the Republic of Turkey. We walk around the old town bazaar. After free time where you can shop from Mostar's local markets, we depart for Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we carry out our panoramic city tour in Sarajevo, which for centuries was the cultural capital of the Balkans, was the place where World War I broke out after the Austrian-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed here by Serbs in 1914, and was heavily damaged in the 1992 war due to devastating internal wars among Serbs, Croats and Bosniaks, yet still largely preserves its beauty. We stroll through Baščaršija, the most exceptional bazaar in Europe. In our tour introducing this cultural city, we begin with the Sarajevo Sebilj Fountain, which has become almost a symbol of the Bazaar, then we see the Morica Han, one of the most authentic points of the city. Afterwards, we tour the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, a relative of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. In the continuation of our tour, we see the Clock Tower, the famous fountain that has become a ritual, and the meeting point of cultures; this street is also the location of the iconic Eternal Flame monument, after which we move to free time. During free time, guests who wish may photograph the Latin Bridge, where World War I began. After our tour and free time, transfer to our hotel.
Then Bosnian Meatballs at a local restaurant to be determined by the guide. (Included in the price) Accommodation at our hotel in Sarajevo.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken extra during free time in Mostar city center. - You can taste all local flavors. Guide Recommendation: Bosnian Börek, Onion Stuffed, Meatballs, Bosnian Coffee
Dinner: Bosnian Meatballs at a Local Restaurant. Included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Holiday etc. – Sarajevo
Currency Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM )
Route: Trebinje-Poçitelj (108 km), Poçitelj – Blagaj (23 km) ,Blagaj - Mostar (12 km), Mostar– Sarajevo (126 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 269 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated depending on customs crossing time: 20:00
Day 7 Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, journey to Belgrade. Before the journey, we carry out the Vrelo Bosnia tour, located at the foot of Mount Igman, Sarajevo’s water source and Bosnia’s largest national park. (Included in the price.) After our journey, we begin our Belgrade city tour, one of Europe’s oldest cities and the new symbol of vibrancy and movement, with Knez Mihailova Street, the city’s most elegant avenue. Then we move to the Belgrade Fortress, one of the supply centers of the Ottoman navy, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded while fighting for it, but its conquest was achieved by Suleiman the Magnificent. Inside the fortress, we conclude our tour at the terrace area where we will see the Keys Handover Monument, the French statue, Istanbul Gate, Military Museum, Damat Ali Pasha Tomb, Sokullu Fountain, and the confluence point of the Danube and Sava rivers, which offers the city's most beautiful view. Guests who wish may participate in the Danube and Sava river boat activity arranged by our guide. (20 EUR) After the tour, we move to free time. Accommodation at our hotel in Belgrade.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Free time at a rest area to be determined by the guide between Sarajevo and Belgrade.
Dinner: Will be taken at our hotel or at a restaurant and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel B etc. - Belgrade
Currency Bosnia 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 to be Covered: 284 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated depending on customs crossing time: 20:00
Day 8 Belgrade – Sofia
After breakfast, departure for Sofia. Upon arrival, we begin our panoramic city tour of Sofia. Among the places to be seen during our panoramic city tour are the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest church in the Balkans, the National Library, Sofia University, the Old Royal Palace, the National Bulgarian Theater built in neo-classical style, the Archaeological Museum, Old Sofia - Trade Union City, and the Rotunda Church. Then, walking past the parliament building, we stop for a panoramic view and photo break at the Sofia Statue, and visit the Banya Bashi Mosque, the symbol of the city. After our visits and free time, transfer to our hotel. Afterwards, Bulgarian Night with local dishes and music at a place determined by the guide. (Included in the price) Accommodation at our hotel in Sofia.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken extra during free time in Sofia.
Dinner: Bulgarian Night with local dishes and music at a place determined by the guide. Included in the price.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Astoria etc. - Sofia
Currency 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 depending on customs crossing time: 20:00
Day 9 Sofia – Plovdiv – Istanbul
After breakfast, we begin our journey to Plovdiv. After a journey of about 2 hours, we begin our city tour. As a city with a history of 4000 years; it is a beautiful city that combines modern buildings of today and the architecture of ancient times. The most attractive place in the city is undoubtedly located on Nebet Tepe, on the city's oldest part called “Old Plovdiv.” Among the places to be seen are the house of Argir Kuyumcuoğlu, which now serves as the Ethnography Museum, the Balabanov House, a perfect example of a symmetrical house unique to Plovdiv and with its original house layout, which today hosts all kinds of cultural activities, the house of Georgi Mavridi, the Roman Amphitheater from ancient Roman times, the Roman Stadium, Hisar Gate, the Old Town neighborhood and the Hindliyan Museum, the Friday Mosque, which is quite interesting with its Turkish architecture, and the Aya Konstantin, Elena and Aya Nedelya churches, among the oldest churches in Plovdiv, and the Ancient Amphitheater from ancient Roman times, and the Djumaya Mosque, which is quite interesting with its Turkish architecture, are among the places worth seeing. Free time for shopping and exploring the city as you wish. After free time, we depart for Turkey. After passport and customs procedures at the Kapıkule border gate, where we will arrive in the evening, and a duty-free shopping break, we enter Turkey. Proceeding via the Çorlu road, the program ends upon arrival at the Istanbul starting points.
Breakfast: Will be taken as an open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Extra free time in Plovdiv city center.
Dinner: Rest area on the Edirne – Istanbul highway.
Currency 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 depending on customs crossing time : 21:00
What's Included
✅ Transportation by luxury buses
✅ Local professional Turkish-speaking guiding services
✅ Accommodation with breakfast included for a total of 7 nights in 4* hotels: 1 night 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
✅ Four dinners taken at hotels in Ohrid, Podgorica, Trebinje, and Belgrade * Macedonian Night (Balkan Night) at a local restaurant
✅ Bosnian meatballs at a local restaurant
✅ Bulgarian Night at a local restaurant
✅ Panoramic city tours of Thessaloniki, Skopje, Tetova, Ohrid, Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Sofia, and Plovdiv
✅ Bitola Tour
✅ Dubrovnik tour
✅ Matka Canyon tour
✅ Prizren Tour
✅ Blagay Tour
✅ Vrelo Bosne tour
✅ Plovdiv Tour
✅ Kosovo entrance fee
✅ Mandatory local guiding services taken in some cities
✅ All highway check-point and parking fees
✅ Customs Taxes
✅ Panoramic city tours specified in the program
✅ Limited water service on the vehicle
Not Included
❌ Museums and archaeological sites
❌ Tours organized by the guide
❌ All personal expenses
❌ Lunches
❌ Drinks taken with meals
❌ Driver and guide tips
❌ Multi Schengen Visa (Green Passport holders are exempt from the visa)
❌ Foreign departure tax
❌ Overseas travel health insurance
INFORMATION
- Our guests who participate must have a valid Multi (Multiple-Entry) Schengen visa for the entire duration of the tour. (Holders of Green Passports are exempt from visa requirements.)
- During the tour, having Euros is sufficient for shopping and spending in all countries included in the program. In regions where the 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 cardigan or similar clothing item for the night.
- On our tours, a daily rotation (seat change) system is applied in seat planning, and no fixed seat or front-seat guarantee is given. Seat changes are organized by the vehicle guide.
- When entering Turkey from abroad, a minimum stay of 3 days is required in order to bring items (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.).
- Duty-free shopping limit when entering Turkey from abroad: Cigarettes: 3 cartons, Alcoholic Beverages: 1 liter of alcoholic beverage (except alcoholic beverages containing more than 22% alcohol, wine and champagne), Alcoholic Beverages: 2 liters of alcoholic beverage (including alcoholic beverages containing less than 22% alcohol, wine and champagne), Perfume: 600 ml, Makeup or Skincare Products: 5 items, Chocolate and Confectionery: 2 kg, Coffee: 1 kg, Tea: 1 kg
- During the tour program, the Guides may make changes to the flow of the program depending on weather and road conditions, provided that all places stated in the program are shown.
- Our guests who register for the tour have the right to cancel free of charge up to 30 days before departure. If there are fewer than 30 days left until the tour date, a 30% penalty applies; if there are 20 days or less left, a 100% penalty applies. Unfortunately, hospital reports, workplace leave documents, etc. obtained from authorities in Turkey and submitted together with the participant's cancellation request are not accepted for cancellation of the hotel and services they will receive outside Turkey.
- Our Tour Program is arranged with a minimum participation requirement of 25 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved for the trip, the final cancellation notification date is 20 days before the tour departure. The tour canceled due to insufficient participation will be announced by Lidya Tour.
- In cases where only category information is provided in the tour program without specifying names and/or there are multiple options for the same destination, the hotel(s) will be announced by Lidya Tour 2 days before the tour departure.
- During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used at distances greater than the stated km. In such a case, information will be provided by Lidya Tour 15 days before the departure date of the tour
- Triple rooms are provided subject to hotel availability, and the bed assigned to the 3rd person in such rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Since the extra beds are foldable and are called coach beds, tour participants are deemed to have accepted the possible congestion in the rooms and the bed type in 3rd person and/or child reservations. Child discounts apply only to one child in the relevant age group staying with 2 adults.
- Breakfasts included among the services in the tour program are served in accordance with the breakfast culture of the country being visited and generally as a limited menu known as continental breakfast, consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea or coffee, and may be served in a separate hall allocated to the group for groups.
- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are tours lasting at most 2-3 hours, organized for the general introduction of the cities and carried out panoramically from inside the vehicle with guide commentary, excluding museum and archaeological site entries. Lidya Tour is not responsible for the inability to carry out the aforementioned tours, including other tours specified in the program, if they do not take place on the day and time of the tour because local authorities do not permit sightseeing or entry, or due to closed roads because of any event, or if weather conditions make the tour impossible. Some tours may be carried out by public transportation or on foot where possible at closed roads or points where vehicle entry is not allowed.
- Waiting times at border gates crossed by road during the trip may exceed standard times, and Lidya Tour cannot be held responsible for any inconveniences arising from these waiting times.
- Extra tours are organized by the local Lidya Tour agency from which we receive service, subject to a minimum participation of 20 people. If the required number is not reached, the excursions cannot be carried out, or the prices, content, and vehicle used for extra excursions may vary depending on the number of participants. In addition, the days and times of the tours may be changed by the guide according to the opening/closing status of museums and archaeological sites at the destinations and weather conditions.
- Extra tours are optional and not mandatory. Passengers who do not wish to join the extra tours organized during the tour are deemed to have accepted waiting at a suitable rest facility along the route. These passengers are dropped off at a roadside rest facility before the extra tour begins and picked up again from the point where they were dropped off after the tour is completed.
- The check-in and boarding procedures that must be done for those participating in tours by plane are personal procedures and must be completed by the guest before the flight at the relevant airline counters at the airports or online on the airlines' websites.
- Lidya Tour is not responsible for the inability of persons who are not present at the airport at the times announced by Lidya Tour for participation in the tour, who do not complete their check-in and boarding procedures on time, or who complete them on time but do not board the plane, to take the flight. The new round-trip plane tickets required for those who miss the plane to join the tour and all expenses arising from their transfers in the destination region are their own responsibility.
- Lidya Tour is an intermediary institution between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delay on scheduled and special flights, or times may change before the current trip and flight. Lidya Tour is obliged to notify such changes as soon as possible. The passenger has purchased the trip accepting the risk of schedule changes. Children aged 0-2 do not pay airport tax and airport service fees.
- The Types of Vehicles Used in Our Tours are classified as follows according to the number of people. The vehicle types below are assigned according to the number of participants in each tour.
Coaches: (Used for 25 - 46 people) *Mercedes Travego/Tourismo *NEOPLAN Cityliner/Tourliner -*Temsa Safir/Maraton *Man Fortuna
Midibuses: (Used for 17 - 24 people) *Isuzu Turkuaz , *Otokar Mega
Minibuses: (Used for up to 16 people) *Vw Volt , *Mercedes Sprinter
-All guests are deemed to have sold the tour by accepting the above-mentioned items.
- Book Now & Pay Later. · Make your reservation now, pay anytime before the tour starts.