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Thessaloniki & Kavala Tour 1 Night by Bus
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Starting Point İzmir
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Start Date 04.04.2025
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Tour Duration 8 Nights 9 Days
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Outgoing Transportation Bus
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Return Transportation Bus
Day 1
Tour Route
- Izmir
- Kavala
Grand Balkan Tour - 9 Countries in 9 Days (2025)
7 Nights 9 Days – 4* Hotels – Dinner Included
NO EXTRA TOURS – ALL-INCLUSIVE!!!! WITH THE DIFFERENCE OF KOSOVALI PROGRAM INCLUDING DUBROVNIK – MATKA CANYON – BLAGAJ TEKKE – VRELO BOSNA, BOSNIAN KEBAB IN SARAJEVO, AND AUTHENTIC MACEDONIAN & BULGARIAN NIGHT PROGRAMS IN LOCAL RESTAURANTS
A journey to the heart of the Balkans, where civilizations, cultures, and beliefs meet.
The meeting point of history and civilizations: Greece - North Macedonia – Kosovo – Albania – Montenegro – Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Serbia – Bulgaria
23 CITIES – 5 CAPITALS - Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola–Resen–Ohrid – Struga – Tetovo - Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra – Bar – Petrovac – Budva – Kotor – Herceg Novi – Trebinje – Dubrovnik – Mostar – Sarajevo – Belgrade – Sofia – Plovdiv
Izmir – Kavala
On the first day of our trip, we depart at 16:00 from Üçkuyular Shell Station, 16:30 from Lozan Square, and 17:00 from Girne Yunuslar. We arrive at the İpsala border gate via Tekirdağ. After completing passport and customs procedures, we proceed to Kavala via Alexandroupoli, Komotini, and Xanthi.
Day 2
Tour Route
- Ohrid
- Kavala
- Thessaloniki
- Bitola
- Resen
Kavala – Thessaloniki – Bitola (Monastir) – Resen – Ohrid
Upon arrival in Kavala, we take a breakfast break and taste the famous Kavala cookies. After breakfast, we have a short photo stop at Kavala’s beautiful coastline before heading towards Thessaloniki. Upon arrival, we start our panoramic city tour, visiting the White Tower, Rotunda, Thessaloniki Fortress, and Ottoman and Byzantine landmarks. We visit the Church of Saint Demetrius, the largest church in Greece, and Atatürk's House, which is now within the Turkish Consulate. Then, we continue to Bitola.
In Bitola, we explore the famous Širok Sokak, the Old Bazaar, Ishak Mosque, New Mosque, and the Military Academy where Atatürk studied. After our visit, we pass through Resen and arrive in Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans.
Transfer to our hotel and overnight stay.
Breakfast: Extra at a rest stop in Kavala.
Lunch: Free time in Thessaloniki – recommended: seafood and mezes.
Dinner: Included at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Aqulina or similar – Ohrid
Currencies: Greece - Euro, North Macedonia – Denar (Approx. 1 Euro = 60 Denar)
Route: Istanbul-Kavala (445 km), Kavala – Thessaloniki (136 km), Thessaloniki-Bitola (219 km), Bitola – Ohrid (70 km)
Total Distance: 870 km
Estimated Hotel Check-in Time: 20:00, depending on border crossing time.
Day 3
Tour Route
- Skopje
- Ohrid
- St. Naum
- Tetovo
Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Tetovo – Skopje
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our tour of Ohrid, visiting Çınar Square, the Turkish Bazaar, Haydar Kadı Mosque, Pir Mehmet Hayati Mosque and Tekke, the Old Bazaar, Saint Demetrius Church, Hagia Sophia Church, Saint Clement Monastery, Samuel’s Fortress, and the historic streets of Ohrid.
After the tour, we visit St. Naum, a breathtaking location where the Ohrid Lake originates. Then, we continue to North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, passing through Tetovo.
In Tetovo, we visit the Painted Mosque and its complex, which was built by two sisters. We then proceed to Skopje, the city where Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our panoramic city tour includes the Old Train Station, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, the Stone Bridge, the Fortress, the Old Bazaar, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Sultan Murad Mosque, Davut Pasha Hammam, and the historic inns.
After free time, we transfer to the hotel.
Dinner: Included at a traditional Macedonian night program with local cuisine and live music.
Accommodation: Hotel Gold or similar – Skopje
Currencies: North Macedonia – Denar (Approx. 1 Euro = 60 Denar)
Route: Ohrid – Skopje (175 km)
Total Distance: 170 km
Estimated Hotel Check-in Time: 20:00
Day 4
Tour Route
- Podgorica
- Skopje
- Prizren
Skopje – Prizren – Shkodra or Podgorica
After breakfast, we visit the stunning Matka Canyon (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!!). Then, we head to Kosovo’s capital, Pristina. After crossing the Kosovo border, we pass through Pristina and visit the historical site of the Battle of Kosovo and the Mausoleum of Sultan Murad I.
We then continue to Prizren, one of the most picturesque and culturally rich cities in Kosovo, with a significant Turkish population. During our city tour, we visit Shadervan Square, Bayraklı Mosque, Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Old Hammam, the historic Prizren Bridge, and the Halveti Tekke.
After free time for lunch, we proceed to Montenegro via Albania. We pass through Shkodra and cross into Montenegro, heading to our accommodation.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Oasis or similar – Podgorica
Currencies: Kosovo - Euro, Montenegro - Euro
Route: Skopje – Pristina (92 km), Pristina – Prizren (85 km), Prizren – Podgorica (238 km)
Total Distance: 415 km
Estimated Hotel Check-in Time: 20:00, depending on border crossing time.
Day 5
Tour Route
- Trebinje
- Podgorica
- Budva
- Kotor
- Dubrovnik
Podgorica - Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik – Trebinje or Surroundings
After breakfast, our first stop will be a panoramic break at St. Stefan, a breathtaking island that was once a fishing village, later nationalized, and eventually sold to a Singaporean billionaire, becoming a holiday destination for the jet set.
We will continue our journey along the scenic Adriatic coastline, passing through Budva panoramically and arriving at Kotor, located within the stunning Kotor Bay. In Kotor, we will visit the Old Town, the Churches of St. Tryphon and St. Nicholas, and the historic Clock Tower.
After our Kotor tour, in the afternoon, we will cross into Croatia, one of the three main states that made up former Yugoslavia. Due to its Catholic heritage and dominance along the Adriatic coast, Croatia is known for its affinity with Italian-Mediterranean culture rather than Balkan traditions.
We will then head to Dubrovnik (included in the tour price!!!). Following a short scenic drive, we will arrive in this historic city, also known as Ragusa in Italian. As one of the oldest trade ports on the Adriatic and influenced by Venetian architecture for many years, Dubrovnik offers a perfect blend of history and nature.
Our guided tour begins in the Old Town Square, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Other highlights include the City Walls and Towers, St. Blaise Church, Rector’s Palace, the statue of the famous poet Gundulić, the historic Fountain, and a 14th-century Pharmacy.
After the tour, you will have free time to explore the magical atmosphere of this beautiful city.
We will then transfer to our hotel. Accommodation will be in Trebinje or its surroundings. (The accommodation city may change depending on seasonal availability).Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel (included in the tour price).
Lunch: Free time in Kotor city center (extra cost) - You can try all the local delicacies.
Guide’s Recommendation: Seafood, appetizers, grilled dishes, local beverages.
Dinner: Included in the tour price and will be served at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Leotar or similar.
Currency Information:
- Montenegro – Euro (€)
- Croatia – Kuna (HRK) (Approximate rate: 1 Euro = 7 Kuna)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (BAM) (Approximate rate: 1 Euro = 1.95 BAM)
Route:
- Shkodër – Budva (86 km)
- Budva – Kotor (23 km)
- Kotor – Dubrovnik (90 km)
- Dubrovnik – Trebinje (31 km)
Total Distance: 230 km
Estimated Hotel Check-in Time: Approximately 21:00, depending on customs clearance time.
Day 6
Tour Route
- Sarajevo
- Trebinje
- Mostar
Trebinje or (Neum) - Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we will depart for Mostar. Before arriving in Mostar, we will visit the Blagaj Tekke (included in the tour price!!!). This 600-year-old historical site is a significant landmark in Herzegovina, one of the two entities forming Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During our walking tour of Mostar, the largest city in Herzegovina, we will explore its historic gems, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Bridge, originally built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin, a student of the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Although the bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery fire in 1992, it was reconstructed in 2004 using original materials and period-accurate building techniques with significant support from Turkey.
Other sites we will visit include the Jewelers' Bazaar, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Old Hammam, and the Muslibegović House, which reflects the architectural style of a typical Ottoman mansion.
Following free time for shopping at the local markets of Mostar, we will head to Sarajevo.Upon arrival, we will embark on a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries. Sarajevo is historically significant as the site where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 triggered World War I. Later, during the Bosnian War of 1992, the city suffered severe destruction due to conflicts among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks. However, Sarajevo has largely preserved its historic charm.
During our tour, we will visit the famous Baščaršija (Old Bazaar), the historic Morica Han (an Ottoman-era inn), and religious landmarks reflecting the city's multicultural identity, including the Catholic Cathedral, Synagogue, and the Husein Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques. We will also see the Latin Bridge, where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings dating back to the 40-year Austro-Hungarian rule.
After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional Bosnian meatball dinner at a local restaurant (included in the tour price!!!). Accommodation in Sarajevo.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel (included in the tour price).
Lunch: Free time in Mostar city center (extra cost) - Try the local specialties.
Guide’s Recommendation: Bosnian Börek (pastry), Stuffed Onions, Meatballs, Bosnian Coffee.
Dinner: Traditional Bosnian meatballs at a local restaurant (included in the tour price).
Accommodation: Hotel Holiday or similar – Sarajevo.
Currency Information:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (BAM) (Approximate rate: 1 Euro = 1.95 BAM)
Route:
- Trebinje – Počitelj (108 km)
- Počitelj – Blagaj (23 km)
- Blagaj – Mostar (12 km)
- Mostar – Sarajevo (126 km)
Total Distance: 269 km
Estimated Hotel Check-in Time: Approximately 20:00, depending on customs clearance time.
Day 6
Tour Route
- Sarajevo
- Trebinje
- Mostar
Trebinje or (Neum) - Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we will depart for Mostar. Before arriving in Mostar, we will visit the Blagaj Tekke (included in the tour price!!!). This 600-year-old historical site is a significant landmark in Herzegovina, one of the two entities forming Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During our walking tour of Mostar, the largest city in Herzegovina, we will explore its historic gems, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Bridge, originally built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin, a student of the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Although the bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery fire in 1992, it was reconstructed in 2004 using original materials and period-accurate building techniques with significant support from Turkey.
Other sites we will visit include the Jewelers' Bazaar, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Old Hammam, and the Muslibegović House, which reflects the architectural style of a typical Ottoman mansion.
Following free time for shopping at the local markets of Mostar, we will head to Sarajevo.Upon arrival, we will embark on a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries. Sarajevo is historically significant as the site where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 triggered World War I. Later, during the Bosnian War of 1992, the city suffered severe destruction due to conflicts among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks. However, Sarajevo has largely preserved its historic charm.
During our tour, we will visit the famous Baščaršija (Old Bazaar), the historic Morica Han (an Ottoman-era inn), and religious landmarks reflecting the city's multicultural identity, including the Catholic Cathedral, Synagogue, and the Husein Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques. We will also see the Latin Bridge, where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings dating back to the 40-year Austro-Hungarian rule.
After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional Bosnian meatball dinner at a local restaurant (included in the tour price!!!). Accommodation in Sarajevo.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel (included in the tour price).
Lunch: Free time in Mostar city center (extra cost) - Try the local specialties.
Guide’s Recommendation: Bosnian Börek (pastry), Stuffed Onions, Meatballs, Bosnian Coffee.
Dinner: Traditional Bosnian meatballs at a local restaurant (included in the tour price).
Accommodation: Hotel Holiday or similar – Sarajevo.
Currency Information:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (BAM) (Approximate rate: 1 Euro = 1.95 BAM)
Route:
- Trebinje – Počitelj (108 km)
- Počitelj – Blagaj (23 km)
- Blagaj – Mostar (12 km)
- Mostar – Sarajevo (126 km)
Total Distance: 269 km
Estimated Hotel Check-in Time: Approximately 20:00, depending on customs clearance time.
Day 7
Tour Route
- Belgrade
- Sarajevo
Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we head for Belgrade. Before our journey, we visit Vrelo Bosna, the largest national park in Bosnia, located at the foothills of Igman Mountain, Sarajevo’s water source. (Included in the price!!!) After our trip, we will explore Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe, and a symbol of vitality and liveliness. During our city tour, we will visit the Old Palace adorned with magnificent carved ceilings from the Turkish era, the Millennium Monument, the Belgrade Fortress, where the Ottoman fleet's supply base was located, near the point where the Sava River joins the Danube, the Square of the Fortress, the Stone Square, the Military Museum, the Tomb of Martyr Ali Pasha, and the Flag Mosque. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel in Belgrade.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel is included in the tour price.
Lunch: A break at a rest stop along the Sarajevo – Belgrade route, where free time will be given as per the guide's recommendation.
Dinner: Dinner at our hotel, included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Hotel B, etc. - Belgrade
Currency: Bosnia and Herzegovina – Convertible Marka (Average Exchange Rate: 1 Euro = 1.95 KM), Serbia – Dinar (Average Exchange Rate: 1 Euro = 115 Dinar)
Route: Sarajevo – Belgrade (284 km)
Total Distance Covered: 284 km
Estimated Check-in Time: 20:00, depending on customs clearance
Day 8
Tour Route
- Sofia
- Belgrade
Belgrade – Sofia
After breakfast, we set off for Sofia. Upon arrival, we begin our panoramic city tour of Sofia. During the city tour, we will visit landmarks including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest church in the Balkans, the National Library, Sofia University, the Old Royal Palace, the National Bulgarian Theatre built in the Neoclassical style, the Archaeological Museum, Old Sofia - the Syndicate city, and the Rotunda Church. Later, we will take a panoramic view and photo stop by the Sofia Statue, next to the parliament building, and visit the city's landmark, the Banya Bashi Mosque. After the visits and free time, we will transfer to our hotel. Later, we will enjoy a Bulgarian Night with local dishes and music at a venue selected by the guide. (Included in the price!!!) Overnight stay at our hotel in Sofia.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Free time in Sofia for lunch, at your own expense.
Dinner: Bulgarian Night with local dishes and music at a venue selected by the guide. Included in the price!!!
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Astoria, etc. - Sofia
Currency: Bulgaria – Leva (Average Exchange Rate: 1 Euro = 1.95 Leva)
Route: Belgrade – Sofia (393 km)
Total Distance Covered: 393 km
Estimated Check-in Time: 20:00, depending on customs clearance
Day 9
Tour Route
- Sofia
- Plovdiv
- Izmir
Sofia – Plovdiv – Izmir
After breakfast, we begin our journey to Plovdiv. After approximately 2 hours of travel, we start our city tour. As a city with a history of 4000 years, it is a beautiful city combining modern buildings with the architecture of ancient times. The most notable place in the city is the "Old Plovdiv," located on Nebet Hill, which is the oldest part of the city. Places to visit include the house of Argır Kuyumcuoğlu, which now serves as the Ethnography Museum, the most symmetrical house example in Plovdiv, and Balabanov House, which is now home to various cultural activities, as well as the house of Georgi Mavridi, the Roman Amphitheater from the ancient Roman era, the Roman Stadium, Hisar Gate, Kaleiçi Neighborhood, and the Hindliyan Museum. Other notable sights include the Juma Mosque with Turkish architecture, St. Constantine and Helena Church, St. Nedelya Church, and the ancient Roman Amphitheater. After sightseeing, enjoy free time to shop and explore the city at your leisure. After free time, we depart for Turkey. In the evening, we reach the Kapıkule border gate for passport and customs procedures, and a shopping break at the duty-free shop, before entering Turkey. We continue towards Istanbul and reach the starting points of Izmir, concluding the program.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel is included in the tour price.
Lunch: Free time in Plovdiv city center for lunch, at your own expense.
Dinner: Rest stop on the Edirne – Istanbul highway.
Currency: Bulgaria – Leva (Average Exchange Rate: 1 Euro = 1.95 Leva)
Route: Sofia – Plovdiv (145 km), Plovdiv – Kapıkule (155 km), Kapıkule – Istanbul (258 km)
Total Distance Covered: 558 km
Estimated Arrival Time in Istanbul: 21:00, depending on customs clearance
Important Information
Note: The child category applies to ages 7-12. The tour circular published on 06.02.2025 is valid. Any subsequent tour circular published for the same tour will invalidate the previous one. Mandatory additional services are included in the price.
Participation Conditions
- Intermediary and Responsibility: Gekas Tourism acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol dated 28.09.1955. Flight times may change, and all times must be confirmed 48 hours before the departure date. The landing city may alter the itinerary. For flight times, please contact our offices or sales representatives. Gekas Tourism is not responsible for any changes in flight schedules or delays caused by airline companies.
- Flight Procedures: Passengers joining flight-based tours are personally responsible for their check-in and boarding procedures, which must be completed at the airline counters at the airport or online before the flight. Last-minute delays and gate changes are announced via audio announcements at airports and displayed on information boards. Passengers must follow these updates.
- Tour Participation: Passengers who are not present at the airport at the times specified by Gekas Tourism, fail to complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, or miss their flights are solely responsible for their inability to travel. Those who miss their flights must cover the cost of new round-trip flight tickets and local transfer expenses to join the tour.
- Program and Meals: The scheduled tours may take place on different days due to compelling reasons. Included lunch and dinner may be provided at restaurants selected by the agency if deemed necessary or due to flight schedule changes. Panoramic city tours last approximately 2-3 hours to introduce the cities. City and extra tours may be arranged on different days without changing their content. Extra tour prices may vary depending on content and number of participants.
- Tour Cancellation: Panoramic and other program tours may not be possible due to restrictions imposed by local authorities or closed roads. If tours become impossible due to weather conditions, Gekas Tourism is not responsible for their cancellation. In areas where roads are closed or vehicle entry is restricted, tours may be conducted using public transport or on foot.
- Extra Tours: Tours specified as extra in the program may not take place if there is insufficient participation. Roadside extra tours will proceed even without full participation. Passengers who do not join will be directed to rest areas by the guide. Those who choose not to participate in roadside extra tours agree to wait at the designated rest stop and are considered part of the tour.
- Personal Belongings: Passengers are responsible for their personal belongings, bags, and luggage. If lost, stolen, or forgotten items are found, the costs incurred in returning them to the owner or country of origin will be covered by the passenger.
- Hotels and Accommodation: Gekas Tourism reserves the right to change hotel names. In triple rooms, additional beds may be provided, which can be foldable or sofa beds. Therefore, passengers booking triple or child accommodations acknowledge potential space limitations and bed types. Child prices listed are valid only when the child stays with two adults. Continental breakfast provided by hotels includes butter, jam or honey, bread, tea or coffee, and juice. Group breakfasts may be served in a separate hall.
- Insurance and Health: Participants must carry their travel insurance during the tour. Passengers with health issues, pregnancy, or regular medication must carry relevant medical reports.
- Other Notes: Tours may be combined with other agency tours. In such cases, Gekas Tourism remains responsible for its guests. During peak periods (fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc.), hotels may be located further away than specified. If such a situation arises, notification will be provided 15 days before departure. Participants under the age of 18 who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian must carry a notarized consent form during the trip.
- Passport Validity: All passengers traveling abroad must ensure their passports were issued within the last 10 years. Additionally, the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the travel end date. Passengers renewing their passports must provide updated details through the channel where they purchased the tour.
- Cancellation Rights: You may cancel your tour unconditionally up to 30 days before departure. Cancellations between 30-21 days incur a 50% penalty, while those made within 21 days are subject to a 100% penalty.
- Insufficient Participation: If the tour does not meet the required number of participants, the agency may cancel it up to 20 days before departure. In this case, you will be notified. Cancellations made by you within 30 days are subject to Gekas Tourism’s contractual cancellation policies.
- U.S. Tours: For tours involving domestic flights within the U.S., airline tickets may need to be purchased in advance, and these tickets are non-refundable. Cancellation penalties may apply even if requested more than 30 days before departure and should be verified.
