Istanbul to Sofia: Capitals and Cultures of the Balkans

Arrive in Istanbul and self transfer to the hotel. Check-in and enjoy some free time to explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
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Accommodation:
Dosso Dossi Hotel or Recital Hotel Istanbul
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After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, pick up for half day city tour a visiting famous places like Spice Bazaar and Rustem Pasha Mosque. Cruise along from the Rumeli Hisarı Fortress along the Bosphorus Strait, take some photos, relax and watch the panoramic view of Istanbul.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) was built between 1597 and 1664, also it is the second oldest covered bazaar in the city. You can find exotic aromas and various spices. It contains fruit vegetable, flower and fish shops inside.
Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and splits the European and Asian sides of Turkey. This romantic cruise along the Bosphorus will allow you to admire the Dolmabahce Palace, the Beylerbeyi Palace the Ciragan Palace. Ancient wooden villas and bridges and all the wonderful and unique maritime landscapes.
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Accommodation:
Dosso Dossi Hotel or Recital Hotel Istanbul
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and Dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Istanbul city tour with licensed tour guide.
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After breakfast, organized transfer to the airport for your flight to Sofia, Bulgaria (flight included, with varying times). Upon arrival in Sofia, organized transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city. In the evening, join a welcome meeting with your guide to learn more about the upcoming journey. Overnight in Sofia.
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Accommodation:
Best Western Terminus Hotel Sofia
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Flight:
Included
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After a hearty breakfast, delve into Sofia’s rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of its major landmarks. Visit the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a monumental symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, and the historic St. Sofia Basilica, one of the city’s oldest churches, continue your exploration with National Art Gallery, Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance. Following your Sofia tour, embark on a journey to another country of Balkan, capital city of North Macedonia Skopje, the bustling capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour, discovering highlights such as the ancient Kale Fortress overlooking the city, the iconic Stone Bridge spanning the Vardar River, the lively Macedonia Square with its grand statue of Alexander the Great, and the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Spend a relaxing evening at a comfortable Skopje hotel, reflecting on your day’s adventures.
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Accommodation:
Doa Hotel 4*
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and Dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Panoramic City Tour, Aleksander Nevski Cathedral
Route:
Sofia-Skopje 244km
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Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out for Tirana. Along the way, consider a picturesque stop at Matka Canyon, a natural wonder renowned for its dramatic landscapes and serene lake (optional 25 euros per person). Continue to the city of Prizren, visiting another Balkan country Kosovo. Prizren is a charming city in Kosovo known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Explore notable sites such as Prizren Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, the elegant Sinan Pasha Mosque, the tranquil White Drin River, and the bustling Sadrvan Square. Take some time to shop for local handicrafts and savor traditional cuisine before proceeding to Tirana, the lively capital city of another Balkan country, Albania. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in this dynamic city.
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Accommodation:
Albanopolis Hotel 4*
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and Dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Sadrvan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque
Route:
Skopje – Prizren 105km Prizren – Tirana 180km
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Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before setting out on a captivating panoramic tour of Tirana. Discover the vibrant heart of the city with highlights including Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower. After exploring Tirana, we set off from Tirana, the capital of Albania, passing through the ruins of Enver Hoxha’s communist state and arriving at our next stop, Ohrid, the city known as the pearl of the Balkans.
After the customs procedures, we will visit Ohrid, a city named after Lake Ohrid, one of the largest lakes in the Balkans. Visit the charming Old Town of Ohrid, famous for its magnificent scenery and rich cultural heritage, offering panoramic views of the Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, Ancient Via Egnatia, Hagia Sophia Church, Hagia Sophia Monastery and Samoil’s Fortress. Take in the breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid and settle in for a comfortable night’s accommodation in this picturesque town.
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Accommodation:
Hotel Sky Corner 4*
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Panoramic Tirana City Tour, Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, Ancient Via Egnatia, Hagia Sophia Church
Route:
Tirana – Ohrid 131km
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After a Macedonian breakfast in Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans, and a full day to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ohrid. Stroll through its charming streets or optionally take a half-day tour to Sveti Naum Monastery, a quiet and historical place on the shores of Lake Ohrid for 45 Euros. We visit the source of Lake Ohrid, which will take your breath away with its breathtaking views. This optional excursion offers a unique opportunity to discover the deep cultural roots and stunning natural landscapes of the region.
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Accommodation:
Hotel Sky Corner 4*
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Pearl of the Balkan St. Naum Monastery(45 eu)
Route:
Ohrid – St. Naum – Ohrid 70km
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Start your day with breakfast and an optional visit to a famous winery in North Macedonia (55Eur). Then cross into Greece, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and after customs continue towards Kastoria, known for its magnificent Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture and scenic lake. After exploring Kastoria, continue towards Meteora. Stay overnight in Meteora, rest and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
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Accommodation:
Alexiou Hotel
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
City Kastoria, Lake Kastoria, Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture and scenic lake
Route:
Ohrid – Kastoria 140km Kastoria – Meteora 135km
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Start your day with breakfast before visiting the UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore these cliff-top Byzantine marvels. Meet your Ajdinis Guide at Kalabaka and join the group to continue your journey to Thessaloniki, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Discover landmarks such as the White Tower and Arch of Galerius, then unwind with a comfortable overnight stay in Thessaloniki.
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Accommodation:
Hotel Egnatia, Thessaloniki
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Included:
Monastery entrance ticket is included (Note: To enter in the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required. Ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.)
Route:
Meteora-Thessaloniki 228km
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Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey to the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia. En route, make a significant stop at the Rila Monastery, an architectural and spiritual gem nestled in the Rila Mountains. As Bulgaria’s largest and most celebrated Eastern Orthodox monastery, Rila Monastery is renowned for its intricate frescoes, stunning architecture, and serene mountain setting. Explore the monastery’s rich history and artistic treasures before continuing your journey.

Conclude your tour upon arrival in Sofia.
See you on your next adventure with Ajdinis Travel.
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Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Included:
Rila Monastery ticket is included.
Route:
Thessaloniki-Rila Monastery 232km Rila Monastery-Sofia 117km
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