Grand Balkan Tour from Istanbul

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15 days (approximately)
Pickup offered

Embark on an unforgettable Grand Balkan Tour starting from Istanbul, exploring 9 countries across
Southeast Europe in 15 days. This expertly designed multi-country itinerary takes you through the
cultural treasures, scenic landscapes, and historical landmarks of Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia,
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Perfect for culture lovers,
history buffs, and adventurous travelers, this tour offers a seamless experience with private transport,
guided sightseeing, and handpicked hotels. Discover the true spirit of the Balkans—one border at a
time.

What's Included

Border assistance
14 nights accommodation in selected 4★ hotels
All land transportation Turkey – Balkans – Albania – North Macedonia
Airport arrival & departure transfers
Private guide/driver for 15 days
Lunch
Rent-a-car for the entire itinerary
Dinner
Tour planning and operational coordination
Breakfast (Optional[14])
Breakfast
Lunch and dinners excluded
Flights
Entrance fees (museums, monasteries, fortresses, UNESCO sites)
Bosphorus cruise and other optional excursions
Local specialist guides where required
Tips and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visa fees (if applicable)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pickup available from Istanbul International Airport or any centrally located hotel in Istanbul.
Please provide your arrival flight details (airline, flight number, arrival time) at least 7 days before the tour.
Your driver/guide will be waiting in the airport arrivals hall holding a sign with your name or group name.
For hotel pickups, please be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled time at the main reception/lobby.
If arriving earlier than Day 1, we can arrange an extra transfer or pre-tour hotel night (on request).

Itinerary

Duration: 15 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Arrival in Istanbul, Turkey

    1 stop
  • 1
    Istanbul

    Pick-up from airport. Check-in and rest at the hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing session.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Istanbul City Tour

    1 stop
  • 2
    Istanbul

    Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace. Bosphorus cruise in the afternoon. Free time at Grand Bazaar.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 3

    Istanbul – Plovdiv, Bulgaria

    1 stop
  • 3
    Plovdiv Old Town

    Depart for Plovdiv (approx. 5 hrs). Walking tour in the Old Town, Roman Theatre, and Kapana District. Bulgarian folklore dinner option.

    8 hours • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 4

    Plovdiv – Sofia

    1 stop
  • 4
    Bachkovo Monastery

    Morning visit to Bachkovo Monastery. Arrive in Sofia. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National Theater, and Roman ruins. Free time in Vitosha Boulevard.

    8 hours • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 5

    Sofia – Rila Monastery – Veliko Tarnovo

    1 stop
  • 5
    Rila Monastery

    Visit Rila Monastery (UNESCO). Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo – Bulgaria’s medieval capital.

    8 hours • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 6

    Veliko Tarnovo – Bucharest, Romania

    1 stop
  • 6
    Tsarevets

    Short city tour and visit Tsarevets Fortress. Cross into Romania. Panoramic Bucharest city tour. Overnight: Bucharest

    8 hours • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 7

    Bucharest – Sibiu – Hunedoara – Timisoara

    1 stop
  • 7

    Journey through Transylvania. Stop in Sibiu and visit Hunedoara Castle. Evening in Timisoara.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 8

    Timisoara – Novi Sad – Belgrade, Serbia

    1 stop
  • 8
    Petrovaradin Fortress

    Enter Serbia. Visit Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad. Evening arrival and city tour of Belgrade.

    8 hours • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 9

    Belgrade – Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

    1 stop
  • 9
    Sarajevo

    Scenic drive through the Drina River valley. Guided tour of Sarajevo’s Old Town (Baščaršija), Latin Bridge, and Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 10

    Sarajevo – Mostar – Dubrovnik, Croatia

    1 stop
  • 10
    Dubrovnik

    Stop in Mostar for the famous Old Bridge and Ottoman quarter. Continue to Dubrovnik. Evening free time.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 11

    Dubrovnik – Kotor – Budva, Montenegro

    1 stop
  • 11
    Kotor Old Town

    Walking tour of Dubrovnik’s city walls. Visit Kotor’s Old Town (UNESCO).

    8 hours • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 12

    Budva – Shkodra – Tirana, Albania

    1 stop
  • 12
    Rozafa Castle

    Explore Rozafa Fortress in Shkodra. Continue to Tirana: visit Skanderbeg Square and Blloku District.

    8 hours • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 13

    Tirana – Ohrid, North Macedonia

    1 stop
  • 13
    Tirana

    Cross into North Macedonia. Visit Lake Ohrid, Church of St. John at Kaneo, and Old Bazaar.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 14

    Ohrid – Skopje

    1 stop
  • 14
    Lake Bled

    Drive to Skopje. Explore Old Bazaar, Stone Bridge, and Mother Teresa Memorial House. Farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.

    8 hours • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 15

    Departure from Skopje or Return to Istanbul

    1 stop
  • 15
    Istanbul

    Transfer to Skopje Airport or optional return leg to Istanbul by road or flight.

    4 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
Supplied by Radfesta Travel and Tours
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Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Car Tours
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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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