10-Day Grand Balkans Discovery Tour

Turkey • Bulgaria • Romania • Serbia • North Macedonia • Kosovo • Albania • Greece

Tour Overview

Experience the Balkans like never before on this unforgettable 10-day, 9-night multi-country journey through one of Europe’s most culturally rich and historically layered regions. Starting in Istanbul, the bridge between continents, this immersive tour takes you across eight countries, blending iconic capitals, medieval fortresses, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and stunning natural landscapes.

From the Roman ruins of Plovdiv and the medieval charm of Veliko Tarnovo, to the vibrant streets of Belgrade, the spiritual beauty of Ohrid, and the cosmopolitan energy of Thessaloniki, this tour offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and scenic exploration. Ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive Balkan experience with expert guidance and seamless transportation.

Why Choose This Balkans Tour?

✔ 8 countries in just 10 days
✔ Carefully planned route with minimal backtracking
✔ UNESCO World Heritage Sites & historic capitals
✔ Cultural depth from Ottoman to Roman heritage
✔ Scenic lakes, fortresses & old towns
✔ Professional guide & comfortable transport
✔ Excellent value for multi-country travelers

Tour Highlights

Turkey

• Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

• Bosphorus Cruise: Spectacular views of Europe & Asia

Bulgaria

• Plovdiv: Roman Theatre, Old Town & Kapana district

• Sofia: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral & Boyana Church (UNESCO)

• Veliko Tarnovo: Tsarevets Fortress, medieval capital of Bulgaria

Romania

• Bucharest: Palace of the Parliament & Old Town

• Bran Castle: Legendary Dracula Castle

• Timisoara: Elegant squares & Baroque architecture

Serbia

• Belgrade: Kalemegdan Fortress & Skadarlija Street

• Nis: Skull Tower & Nis Fortress

North Macedonia & Kosovo

• Skopje: Macedonia Square, Stone Bridge & Old Bazaar

• Prizren: Ottoman charm, mosques & fortress views

• Ohrid: Lake Ohrid & Church of St. John at Kaneo (UNESCO)

Albania & Greece

• Shkodër: Rozafa Castle & panoramic lake views

• Ulcinj: Beaches & medieval Old Town

• Tirana: Skanderbeg Square & Blloku District

• Thessaloniki: White Tower, Rotunda & seaside culture

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul and hotel check-in. Free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Day 2: Istanbul – Plovdiv – Sofia

Early departure from Istanbul to Bulgaria.

• Visit Plovdiv Old Town, Roman Theatre & Kapana district
  Continue to Sofia for overnight stay.

Day 3: Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo – Bucharest

• Explore Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

• Visit Veliko Tarnovo & Tsarevets Fortress
  Cross into Romania and arrive in Bucharest.

Day 4: Bucharest – Bran Castle – Timisoara

• Bucharest city tour including Palace of Parliament

• Visit Bran Castle (Dracula Castle)
  Continue to Timisoara.

Day 5: Timisoara – Belgrade – Nis

• Timisoara walking tour

• Travel to Belgrade, visit Kalemegdan Fortress
  Continue to Nis for overnight stay.

Day 6: Nis – Skopje – Prizren

• Visit Skull Tower & Nis Fortress

• Explore Skopje city highlights
  Arrive in Prizren, Kosovo.

Day 7: Prizren – Shkodër – Ulcinj

• Visit Prizren Fortress

• Travel to Shkodër, visit Rozafa Castle
  Continue to Ulcinj, Montenegro.

Day 8: Ulcinj – Tirana – Ohrid

• Scenic drive to Tirana, Albania

• Explore Skanderbeg Square & Blloku District
  Continue to Ohrid, North Macedonia.

Day 9: Ohrid – Thessaloniki – Keşan

• Visit Lake Ohrid & Church of St. John at Kaneo

• Drive to Thessaloniki, city tour
  Continue to Keşan, Turkey.

Day 10: Keşan – Istanbul

Return to Istanbul. End of tour services.

What’s Included

✔ 9 nights accommodation
✔ Professional English-speaking tour guide
✔ All ground transportation
✔ City tours & sightseeing as per itinerary
✔ Border assistance & logistics

Not Included

✖ International flights
✖ Meals unless specified
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Personal expenses & optional activities