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- Izmir Moving Great Balkan Tour 9 Countries in 9 Days (All Tours, Dinner, and Balkan Nights Included)
Izmir Moving Great Balkan Tour 9 Countries in 9 Days (All Tours, Dinner, and Balkan Nights Included)
7 Nights 9 Days – 4* Hotels – Dinners Included
With Civilizations, Cultures, and Faiths,
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 Holiday: 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 Izmir – Kavala
On the first day of our trip, at 16:00 we depart from Üçkuyular Shell, at 16:30 from Lozan Square, at 17:00 from Girne Yunuslar and proceed to the İpsala border gate via Tekirdağ. After completing passport and customs procedures, we reach Kavala via Dedeağac, Gümülcine, and İskeçe.
Day 2 Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola (Manastır) – Resne – Ohrid
Upon arriving in Kavala, we take a break for breakfast and to taste the delicious Kavala cookies. After our breakfast break, we head towards Thessaloniki, making a brief photo stop at the beautiful Kavala shores. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, we start our panoramic city tour. During our panoramic city tour, we will see Kordon, White Tower, Round Tower, Fair, Thessaloniki Fortress, and Ottoman and Byzantine monuments. After visiting the Basilica of St. Dimitrios, which is the largest Church in Greece, and the home of Great Leader Atatürk located in the garden of the Turkish consulate, we head to Bitola. Upon arrival, we will visit Shirok Sokak, Bedesten, Ishak Mosque, New Mosque, and the military academy, where we will experience some of the most emotional moments of the trip, where Atatürk graduated. After visiting Bitola, we arrive at Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans, passing through Resne, the hometown of Resneli Niyazi. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: will be taken extra at the rest area in Kavala.
Lunch: will be taken extra in Thessaloniki city center during the free time. - 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 price.
Accommodation: Hotel Aqulina 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
Hotel Check-in Time: Estimated according to Customs: 20:00
Day 3 Ohrid – Sveti Naum- Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Ohrid for a tour of the Mediterranean-style town located in the Mavrovo mountains. We start our city tour with the Harbor Square, where we will talk about the statues, followed by a walk in the area of historic Ohrid houses that were used as filming locations for the TV series Elveda Rumeli, where we will see historical Ottoman houses, the Church of Aya Sofya, and we will end the tour with a presentation of the famous Ohrid Pearl, which is the biggest symbol of Ohrid city. Those who wish can join the boat activity on Ohrid Lake organized by our guide. (15 EUR) After this, we will perform a tour of St. Naum, which is known as the birthplace of Ohrid Lake and boasts stunning landscapes. Following the tour, we commence our journey to Skopje, stopping in Tetova (Kalkandelen), the third-largest city in the country with a significant Albanian population, to visit the historical Alaca Mosque and the Imarethane. We will start our tour of this city of two different cultures with the Macedonian part, viewing the impressive statue of Alexander the Great first, followed by passing through the historical Stone Bridge built over the Vardar River and witnessing the drastic cultural shift as we enter one of the most qualified bazaars of the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish Bazaar in Skopje. Starting our bazaar tour by talking about the statues at the entrance of the bazaar, we will proceed to see the historic Davut Pasha Hammam, and the Kapan Han, one of the essential structures of the Ottoman bazaar organization, and the Murad Pasha Mosque, which survived the earthquakes of the past. After our visits, there will be a one-hour free time for shopping in the Turkish Bazaar. Pepper, ustrumca peanuts, and shoes can be among the things we can buy. At the end of our tour, we will transfer to our hotel and settle into our rooms. After that, we will have a traditional Macedonian Night with local dishes and music at a place determined by the guide. (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!!). Overnight at our hotel.
Breakfast: will be served as open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: will be served extra at restaurants offering traditional flavors along the route from Ohrid to Skopje.
Dinner: will be a traditional Macedonian Night with local dishes and music at a place determined 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
Hotel Check-in Time: Tahmini: 20:00
Day 4 Skopje – Prizren – Shkodra or Podgorica
After breakfast at the hotel, we will perform the tour of the stunning Matka Canyon (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!). After this, we head towards Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo. After crossing the Kosovo border, we will pass through the plains where the Kosovo War occurred, visit Sultan Murat Hüdavendigar Tomb after Panoramic Transition of Pristina, and continue our journey to Prizren. Upon arrival in Prizren, the city with the highest Turkish population in the country, we will perform a city tour. In Prizren, one of the possibly the most charming cities in the Balkans, we will conduct a panoramic tour visiting Turkish Bath from the 17th century, Sinan Pasha Mosque built in 1615, and Prizren Fortress. After these visits, we will have free time for lunch. After gathering, we will cross into Albania and head toward Podgorica. We pass through the city of Shkodra and continue our journey into Montenegro, one of Europe's youngest states. After crossing the border and continuing our journey in Montenegro, we arrive at our accommodation point. Check-in at the hotel.Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast: will be served as open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: will be taken extra in Prizren city at restaurants recommended by our guide.
Dinner: will be taken at our hotel or restaurant, and is included in the tour price.
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
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 a panoramic view of St. Stefan, a place now known as a vacation spot for the jet set, previously a fishing area that was expropriated and sold to a millionaire from Singapore. (Depending on parking availability) We will continue our journey along the stunningly scenic coastal roads, making a panoramic pass through Budva, arriving at Kotor, which is located within the Bay of Kotor. In Kotor, we will visit the Old Town, St. Tripun and Nikola Churches, and the historical Clock Tower, which are among the many beautiful places we will see. After touring Kotor, we will pass into Croatia, which has a closer connection to the Italian-Mediterranean culture compared to the Balkan culture, due to being one of the three main states forming former Yugoslavia and following along the scenic route, we will arrive at Dubrovnik, which is referred to as Ragusa in Italian, one of the oldest trade ports on the Adriatic, has a fantastic blend of history and nature as it has always been influenced by Venice. We will start our tour of this beautiful city at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town Square. The city’s towers and walls, the Church of St. Blaise, the Duke's Palace, the famous poet Gundulic's Statue, the city fountain and the pharmacy from the 14th century are among the places we will visit. Afterwards, you will have free time to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this beautiful city.
After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Accommodation will be in Trebinje or nearby hotel. (The city of accommodation may change depending on the season’s occupancy)Breakfast: will be served as open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: We will have free time in Kotor city center to enjoy local flavors. You can taste all local flavors. Guide Recommendation: Seafood, Mezes.
Dinner: will be taken at our hotel or restaurant, and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Leotar etc.
Currencies :Montenegro – Euro, Croatia – Euro, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM )
Route:Shkodër-Budva (86 km), Budva – Kotor (23 km), Kotor - Dubrovnik (90 km), Dubrovnik – Trebinje (31 km)
Total Distance Covered: 230 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Gümrük geçiş süresine bağlı olarak tahmini: 21:00
Day 6 Trebinje or (Neum) - Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we will head to Mostar. On the way to Mostar, we will perform a tour of Blagaj Tekke. (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!). Upon arrival in Mostar, we will have a walking city tour where 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 during the war in 1992, but was rebuilt in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. We will wander through the old city bazaar. After shopping at the local markets of Mostar, we will continue to Sarajevo. After arriving, we will perform a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has long served as the cultural capital of the Balkans and was the site where the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated, leading to the outbreak of World War I. The city endured significant devastation during the 1992 war among the Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks but still largely retains its beauty. We will take a stroll through Europe’s most special bazaar, Baščaršija. The tour will begin with a visit to the Sebil Fountain, which has become a symbol of this cultural city, followed by a visit to Morica Han, one of the most authentic spots in the city. Then, we will visit the Hüsrev Bey Mosque, a relative of Suleiman the Magnificent. During our tour, we will see the Clock Tower, the essential fountain called the ritual of the city, and the intersection of cultures, which is also the location of the Eternal Flame monument, and then we will have some free time. Guests may take the opportunity during free time to photograph the Latin Bridge, where World War I began. After the tour and free time, we will transfer to our hotel.
Later, we will have Bosnian Meatballs at a local restaurant determined by the guide. (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!!) Overnight at our hotel in Sarajevo.
Breakfast: will be served as open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: will be taken extra in Mostar city center during the free time. - You can taste all local flavors. Guide Recommendation: Bosnian Börek, Onion Dolma, Meatballs, Bosnian Coffee.
Dinner: will be Bosnian Meatballs at a local restaurant. Included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel Holiday etc. – Sarajevo
Currencies Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 KM)
Route:Trebinje – Počitelj (108 km), Počitelj – Blagaj (23 km), Blagaj – Mostar (12 km), Mostar – Sarajevo (126 km)
Total Distance Covered: 269 km
Hotel Check-in Time:Gümrük geçiş süresine bağlı olarak tahmini:20:00
Day 7 Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we will set off for Belgrade. Before the journey, we will perform a tour of Vrelo Bosna, the biggest national park in Bosnia located at the foot of Mount Igman, which is the water source of Sarajevo. (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!!) Afterward, we will embark on our journey to Belgrade, which is one of the oldest cities in Europe and a symbol of vibrancy and liveliness. We will start our city tour along the city's finest street, Knez Mihailova Street, followed by Belgrade Fortress, where Fatih Sultan Mehmet was wounded, but the conquest was realized by Suleiman the Magnificent. We will visit the fortress, which includes the Key Monument, the French statue, Istanbul Gate, Military Museum, the Tomb of Damat Ali Pasha, Sokullu Fountain, and the terrace area where we will see the beautiful view of the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Guests who wish can join the organized boat activity on the Danube and Sava rivers for an additional fee (20 EUR). After the tour, we will have free time before heading to our hotel in Belgrade.
Breakfast: will be served as open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: During the trip from Sarajevo to Belgrade, there will be a break at a rest area determined by the guide for free time.
Dinner: will be taken at our hotel or restaurant, and is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel B etc. – Belgrade
Currencies 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 Covered: 284 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Gümrük geçiş süresine bağlı olarak tahmini:20:00
Day 8 Belgrade – Sofia
After breakfast, we will depart for Sofia. Upon arrival, we will start our panoramic city tour of Sofia. During our panoramic city tour, the notable places we will see include Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the National Library, Sofia University, the Old Royal Palace, the Neo-Classical National Bulgarian Theatre, the Archaeological Museum, Old Sofia - trade cities, and the Rotunda Church. Afterwards, we will walk past the Parliament building to pan around Sofia Monument for a photo stop, and visit the Banya Başı Mosque, which is a symbol of the city. After our visits and free time, we will transfer to our hotel. Later, we will enjoy an extra local meal with music at a place determined by the guide during the Bulgarian Evening. (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!!) Accommodation will be in Sofia at our hotel.
Breakfast: will be served as open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: will be taken extra in Sofia during free time.
Dinner: will be taken at a place determined by the guide with extra local dishes and music during Bulgarian Evening. (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE !!!!)
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Astoria etc. - Sofia
Currencies Bulgaria – Lev ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 Lev )
Route: Belgrade - Sofia (393 km)
Total Distance Covered: 393 km
Hotel Check-in Time: Gümrük geçiş süresine bağlı olarak tahmini : 20:00
Day 9 Sofia – Plovdiv – Izmir
After breakfast, we will head towards Plovdiv, and after approximately 2 hours, we will start our city tour. A city with a history spanning over 4000 years; it beautifully combines modern buildings with the architecture of ancient times. One of the most noteworthy places in the city is undoubtedly "Old Plovdiv," which is situated at Nebet Hill. Some of the places to be seen include the house of Argır Kuyumcuoğlu, which now serves as an Ethnographic Museum, a perfect example of symmetrical houses specific to Plovdiv, the beautifully arranged original Balabanov House, Georgi Mavridis’ house, the Ancient Roman Amphitheater from the Roman era, the Roman Stadium, Hisar Gate, Old Town, and the Djumaya Mosque, which is notable for Turkish architecture. After shopping and having free time to explore the city, we will head back to Turkey. In the evening, after completing passport and customs procedures at the Kapıkule border crossing and a shopping break at the free shop, we will enter Turkey. After traveling through Çorlu, we will arrive back at the starting points in Izmir, concluding our program.
Breakfast: will be served as open buffet at the hotel and is included in the tour price.
Lunch: will be taken during free time in Plovdiv city center.
Dinner: will be at a resting place on the Edirne – Istanbul highway.
Currencies Bulgaria – Lev ( Average Rate 1 Euro : 1.95 Lev )
Route: Sofia – Plovdiv (145 km) , Plovdiv – Kapıkule (155 km) , Kapıkule – Istanbul ( 258 km)
Total Distance Covered: 558 km
Istanbul Arrival Time:Estimated according to customs: 21:00
What's Included
* Local professional Turkish guiding services
* 7 Nights accommodation including breakfast in 4* hotels: 1 Night in Skopje, 1 Night in Ohrid, 1 Night in Podgorica or surrounding area, 1 Night in Trebinje or surrounding area, 1 Night in Sarajevo, 1 Night in Belgrade, 1 Night in Sofia.
* Four dinners at hotels or restaurants in Ohrid, Podgorica, Trebinje, and Belgrade.
* Traditional Restaurant - Macedonian Night (Balkan Night)
* Traditional Restaurant - Bosnian Meatballs
* Traditional Restaurant - Bulgarian Night
* 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 as specified in the program.
* Limited water service inside the vehicle
Not Included
* Tours organized by the guide
* All personal expenses
* City Taxes (20 EUR per person)
* Lunches
* Beverages during meals
* Tips for the driver and guide
* MULTI SCHENGEN VISA (HOLDERS OF GREEN PASSPORTS ARE EXEMPT FROM VISAS).
* Foreign exit fee
* International travel health insurance
- 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 cardigan or similar clothing for the evenings.
- On our tours, a seat rotation system is applied daily, so there is no guarantee of a fixed seat or front seats. Seat changes are organized by the vehicle guide.
- When entering Turkey from abroad, a minimum stay of 3 days is required 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 containing more than 22% alcohol, wine, and champagne); Alcoholic beverages: 2 liters of spirits (excluding spirits containing less than 22% alcohol, including wine and champagne); Perfume: 600 ml; Makeup or skin care products: 5 items; Chocolate and confectionery: 2 kg; Coffee: 1 kg; Tea: 1 kg
- Guides may make changes to the program flow while ensuring that all sites listed in the program are visited, depending on weather and road conditions.
- 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 submitted with a participant's cancellation request, such as hospital reports or work leave certificates obtained from Turkish authorities, are unfortunately not accepted for cancellations of accommodation and services booked outside Turkey.
- Our tour program is organized subject to a minimum participation of 25 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved, the final cancellation notification date is 20 days before the departure date. Tours cancelled due to insufficient participation will be notified by Viyatravel.
- 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 notified by Viyatravel 2 days prior to the tour departure.
- During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be located at distances exceeding the specified kilometers. In such cases, information will be provided by Viyatravel 15 days before the tour departure date.
- Triple rooms are subject to hotel availability. In such rooms, the third bed is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed plus 1 extra bed. Since these extra beds are foldable or known as coach beds, participants booking triple rooms for a 3rd person and/or children are deemed to have accepted any potential crowding in the room and the type of bed involved. Child discounts apply only to one child accompanying two adults within the appropriate age group.
- Breakfasts included in the tour program are served according to the local country's breakfast culture, typically as a limited continental menu consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee. For groups, this may be served in a separate room assigned specifically for the group.
- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are tours lasting a maximum of 2–3 hours, organized for general city introduction and conducted via vehicle with guide commentary. They do not include entry to museums or historical sites. Viyatravel is not liable for the inability to conduct such panoramic tours if they cannot be carried out due to restrictions imposed by local authorities on the day and time of the tour (including other scheduled tours), closures due to events, inaccessible roads, or impossible weather conditions. Some tours may be conducted using public transport or on foot where vehicle access is restricted, to the extent possible.
- Waiting times at customs checkpoints crossed by road during travel may exceed standard limits. Viyatravel cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences arising from such waiting times.
- Extra tours are organized by the local Viyatravel partner subject to a minimum participation of 20 people. If sufficient numbers are not met, the excursions may not take place, or extra tour prices, content, and vehicles used may vary based on the number of participants. Additionally, the days and times of tours may be changed by the guide depending on whether museums and historical sites are open or closed, and weather conditions.
- Extra tours are optional and depend on the participant's preference. 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 again from that point after the main tour is completed.
- Check-in and boarding procedures for flights are personal responsibilities for those joining flight-inclusive tours. Guests are required to complete these procedures either at airline counters in airports before the flight or online via the airline's website.
- Viyatravel is not responsible for flight failures resulting from guests failing to appear at the designated airport at the notified time, failing to complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, completing them on time but failing to board the aircraft. All costs associated with new round-trip flight tickets and transfers to/from the destination area for passengers who miss their flight are their own responsibility.
- Viyatravel acts as an intermediary between the passenger and the airline and is subject to the 1955 Hague Protocol dated 28 September. There may be risks of delays in scheduled and special flights, or flight times may change prior to the existing tour and flight. Viyatravel 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 airfare and related service fees.
- Vehicle types used in our tours are classified according to the number of passengers as follows. The specific 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.