Greece, Bulgaria & Turkey Discovery Tour

10 Days | Athens – Thessaloniki – Sofia – Plovdiv – Istanbul

Three Countries • Ancient Civilizations • Timeless Cities

Tour Overview

Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes on this expertly designed 10-Day Greece, Bulgaria & Turkey Tour. Created by TravelShopBooking, this multi-country journey takes you through some of Southeast Europe’s most iconic destinations, where ancient civilizations meet vibrant modern life.

Start in Athens, the birthplace of democracy, and walk among legendary ruins such as the Acropolis and Parthenon. Continue north to Thessaloniki and the royal tombs of Vergina, before crossing into Bulgaria to discover the spiritual heart of the country at the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, the cultural elegance of Sofia, and the Roman heritage of Plovdiv.

Conclude your adventure in Istanbul, a city that bridges continents. Explore architectural masterpieces including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, cruise along the Bosphorus, and shop in the legendary Grand Bazaar.

This tour is ideal for cultural explorers, couples, and first-time visitors, offering a seamless itinerary with expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a perfect balance of guided sightseeing and free time.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Athens, Greece

Welcome to Greece! Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy free time to relax or stroll through nearby neighborhoods such as Plaka or Monastiraki.
Overnight in Athens

Day 2: Athens Sightseeing Tour & Acropolis

After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Athens’ most important landmarks:

• Acropolis & Parthenon

• Temple of Olympian Zeus

• Panathenaic Stadium

• Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guards

Learn about the foundations of Western civilization in one of the world’s most historic cities.
Overnight in Athens

Day 3: Athens – Vergina – Thessaloniki

Depart Athens and travel north to Vergina, home to the royal tombs of the ancient Macedonian kings (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Continue to Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant second city.
Overnight in Thessaloniki

Day 4: Thessaloniki Panoramic Tour – Bulgaria

Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Thessaloniki, visiting:

• White Tower

• Rotunda & Arch of Galerius

• Seafront promenade

Afterwards, cross the border into Bulgaria and travel to the Sandanski region.
Overnight in Sandanski area

Day 5: Sandanski – Rila Monastery – Sofia

Visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most important spiritual site and a UNESCO World Heritage landmark.
Continue to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.
Overnight in Sofia

Day 6: Sofia – Plovdiv

Discover Sofia’s highlights, including:

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

• St. Sofia Church

• National Palace of Culture

Travel onward to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Overnight in Plovdiv

Day 7: Plovdiv – Bulgarian–Turkish Border

Explore Plovdiv’s charming Old Town and Roman heritage:

• Roman Amphitheatre

• Cobblestone streets and Revival-era houses

Continue towards the Bulgarian–Turkish border, preparing for your journey into Turkey.
Overnight en route / border area

Day 8: Istanbul City Tour, Turkey

Arrive in Istanbul and enjoy a full-day guided city tour including:

• Hagia Sophia

• Blue Mosque

• Topkapi Palace

• Hippodrome of Constantinople

• Grand Bazaar

Discover the city where Europe and Asia meet.
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 9: Bosphorus Cruise & Shopping Tour

Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between two continents and admiring:

• Ottoman palaces

• Historic waterfront mansions

• Iconic bridges

Continue with visits to the Spice Bazaar and local shopping areas.
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 10: Istanbul – End of Tour

After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your departure.
End of a memorable journey through Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

Tour Includes

✔ Accommodation in selected quality hotels
✔ Professional English-speaking guides
✔ Daily breakfasts & selected meals
✔ All ground transportation & transfers
✔ Guided sightseeing tours as per itinerary
✔ Entrance fees to listed attractions

Tour Excludes

✖ International & domestic flights
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Personal expenses & optional tours

Why Book This Tour?

✔ Three countries in one seamless itinerary
✔ UNESCO World Heritage Sites & iconic landmarks
✔ Perfect balance of culture, history & leisure
✔ Expert local guides & comfortable travel
✔ Excellent value for multi-country exploration