Duration: 19 days

Tour language: English

Guiding type: Fully Guided

Group size: 10 – 30

Tour overview

Experience the rich history, cultural treasures, and stunning landscapes of Southeast Europe on this immersive 19-day Balkan tour. Spanning 8 countries, this journey takes you through ancient empires, Byzantine churches, Ottoman towns, coastal paradises, and alpine beauty.

Begin your adventure in Istanbul, the vibrant gateway between Europe and Asia. Travel through the historical heart of Bulgaria, from Plovdiv’s Roman ruins to the charming town of Melnik. In Greece, explore Thessaloniki, the sacred site of Vergina, legendary Thermopylae, the classical majesty of Athens, and the breathtaking Meteora monasteries in Kalambaka

Continue north to Ohrid, Macedonia’s lakeside gem, before discovering the spirited city of Tirana in Albania. Enjoy the Adriatic beauty of Budva and the walled city of Dubrovnik, before moving through Bosnia and Herzegovina, with cultural stops in Mostar, Sarajevo, Travnik, and Bihac. End your journey in Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana and the charming old town of Zagreb, Croatia.

Itinerary

Day 1: Turkey – Istanbul – Arrival Day

(Dinner included)

Welcome to Turkey Istanbul Airport.

Meet with TravelShop Booking staff and transfer to your hotel. Transfer from the airport & check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: Turkey – Istanbul City Tour

(Breakfast included)

After breakfast, we have an Istanbul City Tour. Our first visit will be HIPPODROME. The ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races and features three monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Then we will visit SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE. Located across from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet and is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration with blue Iznik tiles.

Our next stop is HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE. Previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, it is simply the best of its kind! Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is the greatest surviving example of Byzantine architecture. For 1000 years, it was the largest church in the world, adorned with stunning 6th-century golden mosaics. Today it serves as a mosque, which you can admire from the outside.

After that, we will see TOPKAPI PALACE, the grand palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. It houses 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, and the Holy Mantle, enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. You can view it from the outside.

Next, we will visit the BASILICA CISTERN MUSEUM, one of Istanbul’s most important cultural assets. With its 80,000-ton water storage capacity, Yerebatan Cistern is the largest covered cistern in the city and stands out with numerous reclaimed supporting elements. Covering an area of approximately 10,000 square meters, this colossal rectangular structure measures 140 meters in length and 70 meters in width. You can see it from the outside.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. Dinner will be at an Indian restaurant, followed by an overnight stay in Istanbul.

If you would like to visit the following sites with entrance fees, please note:

• Topkapi Palace Museum – entrance fee payable at the door.
• Basilica Cistern Museum – entrance fee payable at the door.

Please note: Do not forget to carry a scarf with you when visiting Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosque.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/holy-hagia-sophia-grand-mosque-under-the-blue-sky-10869268/

Day 3: Turkey – Istanbul – Plovdiv – Bulgaria
(Breakfast included)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for Bulgaria. Arrive in Plovdiv around noon. Check in to the hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you to explore Plovdiv city, shop in the local markets, or enjoy entertainment at the casinos. Overnight in Plovdiv.

Day 4: Bulgaria – Plovdiv – Sofia
(Breakfast included)Departure for Sofia. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city center, including visits to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe and a symbol of Sofia; St. George Rotunda; St. Sophia Church, built by Roman Emperor Justinian in the 6th century; the National Theatre; the former Royal Palace, today housing the National Revival Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum; and the Presidency. Upon request, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

Day 5: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sandanski – Bulgaria
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)Departure for Rila Monastery, the most exquisite example of monastery art and architecture in Bulgaria. Guided tour of the monastery complex.

Visit Nativity of the Virgin Church, home to its miraculous icon of the Virgin and a splendid gilded iconostasis. Explore the old kitchen and the Monastery Museum, where you can learn about the long and heroic history of the monastery. Admire the wood-carved cross created over twelve years by the monk Rafael, see Hrelyo’s Tower, and enjoy many spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and nature.

In the afternoon, drive to Sandanski. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Sandanski.

Day 6: Sandanski – Melnik – Bulgaria – Thessaloniki – Greece

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Drive to Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria, famous for its excellent wines and sandstone rocky pyramids. Visit Kordopulova Museum-House. Around noon, depart for Greece. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Depending on your time of arrival, you can stroll around, shop, or relax in one of the many cafeterias or taverns in Thessaloniki downtown. Dinner in Thessaloniki.

Day 7: Thessaloniki – Vergina – Thermopylae – Athens – Greece

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Vergina, home to 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 dating back to 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 served at a local restaurant in Vergina. After lunch, drive back to Athens, making a short stop at Thermopylae, the site of the famous battle between the Persians and Greeks during the Persian invasion of 480–479 B.C. Despite being only 300 strong, the Greek forces were determined to make a stand against the massive Persian army. Overnight in Athens.

Day 8: Athens – Greece

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day Athens City Tour, starting with visits to the Acropolis, Parthenon, Olympic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Lycabettus Hill, and the Ancient Greek Market. Lunch and shopping follow at Syntagma Square and Monastiraki. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

https://pixabay.com/photos/greece-parthenon-temple-ruins-1594689/

Day 9: Athens – Kalambaka – Greece

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included).

Proceed to Kalambaka. Lunch upon arrival. Enjoy a half-day city tour with visits to Meteora and Theopetra Cave. Check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Kalambaka.

Day 10: Kalambaka – Greece – Ohrid – Macedonia

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Proceed to Ohrid. Arrival and lunch upon arrival. Enjoy a half-day city tour with visits to Hadzi Turgut Mosque, Old Bazaar, Zeynel Abidin Pasha Tekke, and Krst Dazmija. Check in to the hotel and enjoy dinner.

Day 11: Ohrid – Macedonia – Tirana – Albania – Budva – Montenegro

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Proceed to Tirana. Enjoy a half-day city tour with visits to Mosque of Ethem Bey, Clock Tower, and National Museum. Lunch follows. Continue the journey to Budva. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Budva.

Day 12: Budva – Montenegro – Dubrovnik – Croatia

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Half-day city tour of Old Town Budva. Lunch at arrival.
Proceed to Dubrovnik. Arrival, check-in at the hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 13: Dubrovnik – Croatia

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a city tour of this UNESCO-protected pearl of the Adriatic, including Dubrovnik Cathedral, Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery (including the Old Pharmacy), Clock Tower, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Plaza, and Dubrovnik City. Lunch in the old city. Free time in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Dubrovnik.

Day 14: Dubrovnik – Croatia – Mostar – Sarajevo – Bosnia

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Breakfast and check out from the hotel. Transfer to Mostar and proceed for a city tour, including visits to Karadjoz Bey Mosque and Muslibegovic House, and a walk through the Old Town and the Old Bridge, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue driving to Sarajevo. Lunch at a local restaurant on the way in Jablanica. Upon arrival in Sarajevo, enjoy free time at the Old City before checking in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Sarajevo.

Day 15: Sarajevo – Bosnia

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for a tour to visit Vrelo Bosne, the spring of the River Bosnia, and the Tunnel Museum, the only means of going in and out during the siege of Sarajevo in the last war.

Enjoy an on-foot tour of Old Town Bascarsija, Latin Bridge, the place where the Austro-Hungarian Archduke was assassinated, triggering the First World War; Brusa Resistance, a covered marketplace; Gazi Husref Bey Mosque, built in 1530 during the Ottoman era, and Gazi Husref Bey Madras; Monica Han, built in 1551; and Vijecnica, the town hall from the Austro-Hungarian era.

Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, free time for shopping. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Sarajevo.

Day 16: Sarajevo – Travnik – Bihac – Bosnia

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Breakfast at the hotel, then check out and drive to Bihac, with a visit along the way to the Pyramids of Bosnia. Continue driving to Travnik and visit the Mosque in Travnik, including Suleiman Mosque. Travnik is located 90 km west of Sarajevo and was the seat of the Bosnian governor from 1697 to 1850. Lunch at a local restaurant in Travnik, then continue the drive to Bihac. Check in to the hotel and enjoy leisure time exploring the waterfalls and Una River, famous for rafting. Dinner and overnight stay in Bihac.

Day 17: Bihac – Bosnia – Plitvice Lake – Croatia – Ljubljana – Slovenia

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and proceed to Ljubljana, with a visit to Plitvice National Park, a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a tour of the 16 crystal-blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Walk along the wooden promenades with magnificent views of the waters, where every turn leads to breathtaking scenery and yet another waterfall. Surrounded by dense woods, Plitvice Lakes is a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty.

Continue driving to Ljubljana and view the Central Open-Air Market, Baroque Town Hall, Robba’s Fountain, and the Three Bridges. Lunch at a local restaurant. Check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 18: Zagreb – Croatia City Highlights Tour

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Proceed to a city visit of the highlights after breakfast, including the Upper and Lower Town and the majestic Cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace. Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time exploring the winding streets of the Old Town. The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 19: Zagreb – Croatia – End of Tour

(Open buffet 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

Accommodation

2 Nights’ accommodation in Istanbul – Pullman Hotel – Radisson Blue Merter Hotel

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 Hotel 4*

1 Night accommodation in Thessaloniki – Holiday Inn Hotel

2 Nights’ accommodation in Athens – Polis Grand Hotel 4*

1 Night accommodation in Kalambaka Antoniadis Hotel 4* 1 Night accommodation in Ohrid – Miracle Hotel

1 Night accommodation in Budva – Tino Hotel & SPA

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.

Guide

Professional English speaking tour guides

Meals

Meals mentioned in above Itinerary

Transport

All Airport transfers mentioned in above program All coach transportation by fully equipped buses

Other included

All Guided Sightseeing Trips with entrance fees as above

Hygiene protocol

Tour Highlights

Multinational journey across 8 stunning Balkan countries

UNESCO sites: Meteora (Greece), Ohrid Lake (North Macedonia), Dubrovnik & Plitvice Lakes (optional extension) Guided visits to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, Athens’ Acropolis, and Sarajevo’s old bazaar

Panoramic drives through mountain passes, lakes, coastlines, and historic battlefields Culinary experiences and cultural immersion in local traditions and folklore

Good to Know – 19-Day Europe & Balkans Tour

General Info

Duration: 19 Days / 18 Nights

Countries Visited: Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia Language: English-speaking tour guide (local guides in select cities)

Group Type: Private tour

Travel Requirements

Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after travel

Visa:

Turkey: e-Visa may be required

Schengen area & Balkans: Many countries share visa rules under the Schengen agreement; others have individual policies (check by nationality) Health Insurance: Strongly recommended for medical and border entry purposes

Multiple border crossings – ensure all documents are easily accessible

Currency by Country

Turkey: Turkish Lira (TRY) Bulgaria: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Greece, Slovenia, Montenegro, Croatia: Euro (EUR) North Macedonia: Macedonian Denar (MKD) Albania: Albanian Lek (ALL)

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Convertible Mark (BAM)

Packing Recommendations

Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and archaeological sites

Layered clothing for variable climates (coastal areas are warmer, inland may be cooler)

Swimwear for coastal towns like Budva & Dubrovnik

Modest attire for religious sites (e.g., monasteries in Meteora, mosques in Sarajevo) Travel adapter (Europe: 230V, plugs C/F)

Food & Culinary Tips

Turkey: Kebab, simit, Turkish delight, tea

Bulgaria: Banitsa, grilled meats, yogurt-based dishes Greece: Moussaka, souvlaki, baklava, feta-based salads

North Macedonia & Albania: Grilled meats, byrek, ajvar, local wines

Montenegro & Croatia: Seafood, black risotto, evapi, local cheeses

Bosnia: Burek, Bosnian coffee, pita

Slovenia: Carniolan sausage, štruklji (sweet rolls), cream cake

Transport & Terrain

Modern, air-conditioned coach transport

Optional boat and ferry rides in coastal areas

Moderate to extensive walking in historical centers and hillside towns Some long driving days with scenic routes and comfort stops

Cultural Etiquette

Respect religious customs at churches and mosques (remove shoes, cover shoulders)

Tipping is appreciated (5–10% in restaurants; guides and drivers at discretion) Smoking indoors is restricted in most countries

Public restrooms may require small coins

Internet & Communication

Free Wi-Fi available in most hotels and restaurants

EU travelers benefit from roaming in Greece, Croatia, and Slovenia Local SIM cards available for non-EU travelers in major cities

Time Zone

All countries operate in Central European Time (CET) or Eastern European Time (EET) depending on the country. Daylight saving applies in most areas.

Excluded

Flights

International flights

Insurance

Insurance: All types

Other not included

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.