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19 Days Europe Balkan Countries Tour

4.8 607 reviews 🏆 Travelers' Choice 2026
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Duration
19 days 7h
Max Group Size
30
Departure Type
Scheduled
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical Level
Relax
Operated In
English
Age Requirement
10 - 90 Ages

Highlights

  • Embarking on a journey from Istanbul, Turkey, through Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, and concluding in Zagreb, Croatia, promises an enriching exploration of diverse cultures, historical sites, and natural landscapes.
  • Istanbul, Turkey: Explore iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Take a Bosphorus cruise to enjoy panoramic views of the city's skyline and historic landmarks along the waterway.
  • Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Discover the charming old town of Plovdiv, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, colorful 19th-century architecture, and lively atmosphere. Visit landmarks such as the Roman Amphitheater, Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis, and the Old Town's cobblestone streets lined with cafes and galleries. Sofia, Bulgaria: Explore Bulgaria's capital city, Sofia, and discover its mix of ancient ruins, Ottoman mosques, and Soviet-era monuments. Visit landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, Boyana Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the National Palace of Culture. Sandanski and Melnik, Bulgaria: Relax in the spa town of Sandanski, known for its mineral springs and therapeutic baths. Visit the picturesque town of Melnik, famous for its wine production and unique sandstone formations, and explore its medieval fortress and wine cellars.
  • Thessaloniki, Greece: Explore Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki, and its rich history dating back to ancient times. Visit landmarks such as the White Tower, Rotunda of Galerius, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, and Byzantine city walls. Vergina and Thermopylae, Greece: Visit Vergina, the site of ancient Aigai, the first capital of Macedon, and explore the Royal Tombs of Vergina (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Explore the historic battlefield of Thermopylae, where the famous battle between the Spartans and Persians took place. Athens, Greece: Discover the cradle of Western civilization in Athens, home to iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora, and Temple of Olympian Zeus. Explore the Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum to learn more about Greece's ancient history and culture. Kalambaka and Meteora, Greece: Visit Kalambaka, a town at the foot of the Meteora rock formations, and explore its monasteries perched atop towering cliffs. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery and spiritual ambiance of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its monasteries built on natural sandstone pillars.
  • Ohrid, North Macedonia: Discover the charming town of Ohrid, situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, and explore its medieval old town, Byzantine churches, and ancient theater. Visit landmarks such as the Church of St. Sophia, Church of St. John at Kaneo, and Samuel's Fortress overlooking the town.
  • Tirana, Albania: Explore the vibrant capital city of Tirana and discover its eclectic mix of Ottoman, Italian, and communist-era architecture. Visit landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, Et'hem Bey Mosque, Bunk'Art 2 (a Cold War-era nuclear bunker turned museum), and the National History Museum.
  • Budva, Montenegro: Relax on the beaches of Budva, a popular resort town on the Adriatic coast, known for its sandy beaches, medieval old town, and vibrant nightlife. Explore Budva's historic landmarks, including the Citadel, Church of St. John, and the Holy Trinity Church.
  • Dubrovnik, Croatia: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," and explore its well-preserved medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and baroque architecture. Walk along the historic city walls, visit landmarks such as the Rector's Palace and Sponza Palace, and take in panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
  • Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Explore the picturesque town of Mostar, famous for its Ottoman-era bridge, Stari Most, spanning the Neretva River. Visit the historic old town, with its cobblestone streets, mosques, and bustling bazaars, and learn about the city's multicultural heritage. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Discover the diverse culture and turbulent history of Sarajevo, Bosnia's capital city, known for its mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences. Visit landmarks such as the Latin Bridge, site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. Travnik and Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Explore the charming town of Travnik, known for its Ottoman-era architecture, including the colorful houses along the riverfront. Discover the natural beauty of Bihać, situated on the banks of the Una River, and visit landmarks such as the Una National Park and the 13th-century Bihać Fort.
  • Ljubljana, Slovenia: Explore the charming capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana, known for its picturesque old town, leafy riverbanks, and lively cultural scene. Visit landmarks such as Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and the Central Market. Zagreb, Croatia: Conclude your journey in Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, and explore its historic Upper Town and modern Lower Town. Visit landmarks such as St. Mark's Church, Zagreb Cathedral, Ban Jelačić Square, and the Museum of Broken Relationships.

Overview

Route

Starts from
Istanbul
Ends in
Zagreb
Pickup Location
Istanbul Airport
Dropoff Location
Zagreb
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Itinerary

(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.

(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.

 

If 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

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

(Breakfast included)
Departure for Sofia.Guided sightseeing tour of the city center, including a 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.

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Departure for Rila Monastery - the most exquisite example of the monastery art and architecture in Bulgaria.
Guided tour of the monastery complex.
Visit Nativity of the Virgin Church with its miraculous 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. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Sandanski.

(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 departure for GreeceIt 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 downtown. Dinner in Thessaloniki

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 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 back to Athens. On the way, make a short stop at Thermopylae where a fierce battle took place between the Persians and Greeks during the Persian invasion of 480-479 BC. The Greek force (300 strong) was very small but was determined to make a stand against the huge Persian army. Overnight in Athens.

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
After Breakfast Athens's full-day city tour starts with a visit to Acropolis, Parthenon, Olympic Stadium, Olympian Zeus Temple, Lycabettus Hill, and Greek Ancient Market. Lunch and Shopping afterward at Syntagma Square, MonastirakiBack to hotel, Dinner and overnight at hotel

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included).
Proceed to KalambakaLunch at arrival. 
Half-day city tour with a visit to Meteora, Theopetra CaveCheck-in hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Kalambaka

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included) Breakfast.
Proceed to OhridArrival, lunch.
Half-day city tour with a visit to Hadzi Turgut Mosque, Old Bazaar, Zeynel Abidin Pasha Tekke, Krst DazmijaCheck-in and have dinner at the hotel

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Proceed to Tirana.
Half-day city tour: Mosque of Ethem Bay, Clock Tower, National Museum. Lunch. Proceed to Budva.
Arrival, check-in hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Budva

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Half-day city tour of Old town BudvaLunch at arrival.
Proceed to DubrovnikArrival, check-in at the hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Dubrovnik.

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

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 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 to drive to SarajevoLunch at Local Restaurant on the Way at Jablanica, arrive at Sarajevo, Free time at Old City and check-in the hotel, Dinner, and Overnight in Sarajevo

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Breakfast at the 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, a place where the Austro Hungarian Archduke was assassinated, what triggered the 1st World War; Brusa resistant – covered market place; Gazi Husref Bey Mosque- built-in 1530 year during the Ottoman era – and Gazi Husref Bey Madras; Monica Han built-in 1551; Vijecnica – town hall for the Austro-Hungarian era. Lunch at the local restaurant. Afternoon, free for shopping. Back to hotel, Dinner, and Overnight in Sarajevo

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Breakfast at hotel, check-out the hotel to Bihac on the way visit of the Pyramids of Bosnia.
Continue driving to Travnik, visit the mosque in Travnik including Suleiman. Travnik has 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 to drive to Bihac, Check-in the hotel, Leisure time enjoying the waterfalls and Una river which is best for Rafting, Dinner, and Overnight in Bihac.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 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 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, Dinner, and Overnight at the Hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Proceed to city visit of the highlights after the breakfast 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, free at leisure for the rest of the day, Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

(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

What's included

  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Transport
  • Other included
  • Hygiene protocol

Not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Other not included

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