P 1 (long stay)

(Istanbul – Edrine – Sofia – Niš – Belgrade – Novi Sad – Sarajevo – Trebinje – Shkoder – Tirana – Ohrid – Skopje – Thesaloniki – Alexandroupoli – Çanakkale – Bursa – Istanbul)

Day 1, Arrive to Istanbul

You will meet with our local guide at the Istanbul Airport. After Istanbul City Tour you will have lunch. Transfer to your hotel, check inn and free time for leisure. Dinner will be served at the hotel for you and for your travel partners. Accommodation at the hotel in Istanbul.

*D – Dinner at the hotel.-

L-D – Lunch, Dinner  **Istanbul Heritage Tour : We will discover many heritage for Turkish History on this tour. We will visit, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome of İstanbul, Tour of “Sultan Ahmet Center”, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.Built in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus,  St.Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand yeras; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture;after having been the Patriarchal basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II. the Conqueror and in to a museum by Ataturk in 1935. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. The last great imperial mosque of the classical period; it is name comes from 20.000 marvelous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls. Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Lunch at the Special Turkish Restaurant Topkapi Palace, this extraordinary and secret palace was the residence of the Imperial Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman might for nearly 400 years.The building are a typical example of Ottoman architecture and the rooms exhibit rich collections of porcelains, robes, weapons,shields,armors,Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as Ottoman treasures and jewelry. ( Treasury and Harem sections are not included in the program and are due to extra entry ) Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world with more than 60 streets and 4.000 shops, where you may find in a authentic oriental atmosphere all kind of gifts, leather clothing,rugs and kilims, antiques,jewelry,hand-woven fabrics etc… 

Day 2, Istanbul

**Belgrade City Tour : First, we will start to Saint Sava Temple, one of the biggest Orthodox temples in Europe. Built in Vracar plateau on the location where remains of Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church were burned in 1594 by Ottomans, the church is so big that it can receive more than 10.000 people. Next stop will be most famous Serbian scientist an done of the biggest investors in the World history – Nikola Tesla. After exploring the museum and learning about inventions of this great scientist, you will continue to the Museum of Yugoslavia, and hear the story about Josip Broz Tito, the president of former Yugoslavia and leader of the Non-Aligned Movement. Visit to his mausoleum in the House of Flowers. After we will be sightted to Slavija Square, Tašmaidan, Terazije Square, Republic Square, Knez Mihailova and Kalemegdan Area. At Kalemegdan, we will discover Leopold’s Gate, Zindan Gate, Despot’s Gate, Jakšića Tower, Chapel of St.Petka and Ruzica Church (Virgin Marry Church),Mehmed- Pasha Sokolović Fountain – Defterdar’s Gate, The Main Gunpowder Storage, Karl 6 Gate and Nebojha Tower, The Victor Monument, Roman Well, The King’s gate and Sava promenade, the Damat Ali Pasha Tomb, Clock Gate, Clock Tower, Military museum and Istanbul’s gate, Monument of Gratitude to France.

Day 3, Istanbul – Edirne

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. We will moving to Edirne, which is called western gate of Turkey. Once we reach to Edirne, we will start our Edirne Tour. We will have our lunch during the tour. After trip, we will transfer to hotel and check inn. Dinner will be served in our hotel. Accommodation at the hotel in Edirne.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Edirne City Tour : The Edirne tour starts with an early departure from Istanbul, as you will have a nice drive ahead of you, first alongside the European Cost of the Marmara Sea, and then towards inland Thrace. You will witness the unique countryside lifestyle at this region. Major sights to visit in Edirne are; The Selimiye Mosque, the masterpiece of Architect Sinan and The Üç Şerefeli Mosque, as well as the The Covered Bazaar. Edirne served as the capital city of the Ottoman Empire from 1365 to 1453; until the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) which became the empire’s new capital. This beautiful city is famed for its many mosques, elegant domes and minarets; and it contains the ruins of the ancient palace of the Sultans. The Selimiye Mosque, built in 1575 the master architect Sinan,his masterpiece by his own words, is located in Edirne as well. It has the highest minarets in Turkey, at 70.9 meters, of an altogether grandiose appearance, and a cupola three or four feet higher than that of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. 

Day 4, Edirne – Sofia

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. We will move forward to Sofia, Capital of the Bulgaria (311 Km – Approx 4h). Arrival & Sofia City Tour. We have our lunch at local restaurant during the Sofia City Tour. After transfer to hotel and check inn. Dinner and Accommodation at the hotel in Sofia.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Sofia City Tour : The tour starts with a visit to Boyana church (UNESCO listed site), the National Historical Museum – here you will see many collections of artifacts of Balkan history. Then you will go to Pancharevo Lake for lunch and rest with touch of the nature. We will proceed to the city center, across the National Palace of Culture and through the ancient St. George Rotunda, the Administration of the President, the National Archeological Museum, the 16th century Banya Bashi Mosque, St. Nedelya – old metropolitan cathedral, the National Theatre, the former Royal Palace (now housing the National Revival Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum), the Russian Church St. Nikolay, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, The National Assembly Square, where, in the middle of the square sits the impressive Tsar Osvoboditel (King Liberator) monument, erected in 1907 by the Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi, The Holy Synod, Saint Sofia Church, The Bulgarian National Gallery for Foreign Art, the Alexander Nevski Cathedral – the biggest one in Bulgaria and according to many – the most spectacular building in Sofia. The tour end at Alexander Nevski Cathedral.

Day 5, Sofia – Niš

Breakfast and check out from hotel. Counitues way to Niš. City tour upon arrival and afret we will have luch and some free time. Transfer to hotel and check inn. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Accomodation at the hotel in Niš.

**Nis City Tour : Serbia’s third largest metropolis is a lively city of curious contrasts, where Roma in horse-draqn carriages trot alongide new cars, and posh coctails are sipped in antiquated alleyways. It’s a buzzy kind of place, with a high number of university students, packed-out lane way bars, a happening live music scene and pop-up markets and funfairs come summertime. Niš was settled in pre-Roman times, but hit its peak during the years of the Empire. Constantine The Great (AD 280-337) was born here, as were two Roman Emperors, Contantius 3 and Justin 1. Turkish rule lasted from 1386 until 1877, desite several Serb revolts; Ćele Kula (Towers of Skulls) and Niš Fortress are reminders of Ottoman dominion. Niš also had it rough during WW2, the Nazis built one of Serbia’s most notorious concentration camps here. We will visit Čegar Hill (battlefield from the first Serbian Uprising), Skull Tower Museum, Mediana Archeological Side, Niš Fortress, Bridge on Nišava River and Square of King Milan…

B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6, Niš – Belgrade

Breakfast and check out from hotel. Transfer to Belgrade (238 Km – Approx: 3 Hour by coach). Arrival to Belgrade. During arrival, we will have city tour and lunch in Belgrade. After transfer to hotel and checkinn. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Accomodation at the hotel in Belgrade.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Belgrade City Tour : First, we will start to Saint Sava Temple, one of the biggest Orthodox temples in Europe. Built in Vracar plateau on the location where remains of Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church were burned in 1594 by Ottomans, the church is so big that it can receive more than 10.000 people. Next stop will be most famous Serbian scientist an done of the biggest investors in the World history – Nikola Tesla. After exploring the museum and learning about inventions of this great scientist, you will continue to the Museum of Yugoslavia, and hear the story about Josip Broz Tito, the president of former Yugoslavia and leader of the Non-Aligned Movement. Visit to his mausoleum in the House of Flowers. After we will be sightted to Slavija Square, Tašmaidan, Terazije Square, Republic Square, Knez Mihailova and Kalemegdan Area. At Kalemegdan, we will discover Leopold’s Gate, Zindan Gate, Despot’s Gate, Jakšića Tower, Chapel of St.Petka and Ruzica Church (Virgin Marry Church),Mehmed- Pasha Sokolović Fountain – Defterdar’s Gate, The Main Gunpowder Storage, Karl 6 Gate and Nebojha Tower, The Victor Monument, Roman Well, The King’s gate and Sava promenade, the Damat Ali Pasha Tomb, Clock Gate, Clock Tower, Military museum and Istanbul’s gate, Monument of Gratitude to France.

Day 7, Belgrade – Novi Sad

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci for full day trip (94 Km – Approx: 1 Hour). We will get our lunch at the local restaurant. After trip, we will tranfer to hotel and freetime for leisure. At Evening, meeting at the hotel lobby for our dinner transfer. We will get our dinner in traditional Serbian Restaurant with live traditional music. End of the dinner, return back to hotel and freetime. Accomodation at the hotel in Novi Sad.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci Trip : Given a mere 539-metres highest peak and close proximity  of Novi Sad city, one wouldn’t expect much from Mt Fruška Gora. However, , this mountain is awash with historic treasures and pleasant unknown corners, be it old towns or  villages, Orthodox monasteries or excellent wineries. After a short drive across the Danube we reach  lush Fruška Gora woodlands,  justly named as “Alma Mons (“Fruitful Mountain”) by the Romans. Our first stop is the monastery of Novo Hopovo with its unique church spire and dome as well as  beautifully decorated interior by early 17th century fresco paintings.  Continuing on minor roads through picturesque villages we reach Grgeteg monastery. The  existing monastery complex rose from ashes after being demolished and plundered by Croatian Nazis during World War Two.  Nowadays this is a place of serenity and prayer, highly regarded by local residents . Tourists flock here to see  elaborate templon conceived  by  Serbia’s famous painter Paja Jovanović.  we then visit another remarkable monastery  Krušedol, with its beautiful 16th century  fresco and  tombs of significant contributors to Serbian history. Last but  not least, we arrive to the picture-postcard town of Sremski Karlovci   which abounds with old churches and magnificent palaces  but even older wine cellars!. After  visiting  most important sites  there is an optional visit to the  Parish Museum  boasting a rich collection of  vintage books and icons Time permitting we visit  the Chapel of Peace, where  historicKarlowitz Treaty was agreed  back in 1699. We wrap up the day with wine tasting followed by lunch at  local wine producers’ estate.

Day 8, Novi Sad– Sarajevo

Breakfast and check out from hotel. Transfer to Sarajevo, Bosnia&Herzegovina (280 Km – Approx: 5 Hour by coach).Lunch at the local restaurant on the way. Arrival and Sarajevo City Tour. After tour, transfer to hotel and freetime. Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant. Accomodation at the hotel in Sarajevo.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Sarajevo City Tour : Capital of the Bosnia, Sarajevo is one of the top destination on Balkan Region. The main sights of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture and will show you a unique line where East meets West.  Starting with Bascarsija Square, an outdoor market that was built in 15th century you will get short tour introduciton The wooden fountain Sebilj, one of the main simbols of Sarajevo will be our first stop. our guide will tell you some of the secrets of this  Sarajevans favorite meeting point also known as the Pigeon Square. Heading to Kazandziluk (Coppersmith Street), where you can feel like you’ve stepped back into the 16th century as you browse the copper crafts, from jewelry to pottery. After Bravadziluk street, famous for its restorautns you will get to the pearl of Austro Hungarian architecture, also one of the symbols of this remarkable city – The City Hall. The tour will contine along the Miljacka river to our next stop. Worldwide know site .-Latin bridge, the place of Assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand that triggered WWI. Heading back to Ottoman area, you will enjoy stories about Gazi Husrev Bey and his heritage we still are proud of. Once you step from Ottoman area to Austrian part of the town, you will be fascinated by totally different street style and architecture. Find out why Sarajevo is know as Europian Jerusalem… 

Day 9, Sarajevo

Day 10, Sarajevo – Mostar & Blagaj & Pocitell – Trebinje

Breakfast at the hotel. After, we will start tour to Mostar & Blagaj and Pocitell. We will get our lunch during the tour of Mostar. After the tour, countinous way to Trebinje. Chech inn at hotel, dinnerand free time. Accomodation at the hotel in Sarajevo.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Mostar & Blagaj & Pocitell Trip : Our First stop of the day is a short visit to the old part of Konjic town. Unique, prehistorically inhabited, famous for 17th century 6-arch Old Bridge, looming over the turquoise Neretva river, it is a day’s perfect start. Standing at the site of WW2’s last day, during the Nazi withdrawal, we learn the story of the ‘monument to human stupidity’, the mystery of Tito’s Bunker, Boracko Lake glacier and few other stories before we continue our way. The ride continues by passing the large, dammed but very beautiful Jablanicko lake, with a short stop at Jablanica where we learn the WW2 story of ‘Neretva Battle’. Then we continue through some really amazing parts of Neretva river canyon, telling the unique stories of Herzegovina, before we arrive to our second stop – Počitelj. Unique, Medieval, dating back to the Ottoman era, present day Ottoman-Mediterranean style architecture fortress in Počitelj town, is one of the very few urban ensembles in Bosnia and Herzegovina preserved in their integrity to the present times. After Pocitelj, we keep going, and after a short ride we arrive to Blagaj. Blagaj town is home to the Buna river spring – Europe’s most beautiful, most powerful, clean and drinkable river spring, settled beneath few hundred meters of rocks. Water comes out of quite large but stunningly deep cave, which springs amazing 43 cubic meters of water per second. Just next to the spring, under the rock, is home to Blagaj Tekke – Dervish house, dating most likely to a pre or early Ottoman era from early 16th century, and it is a unique sacral-residential example of Islamic architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After a visit to Blagajska Tekija and Izvor rijeke Bune we stay there for bit longer as it is time for lunch. Due to the cleanliness of Buna river, the most important thing to taste in Blagaj today is the local trout. Later, only 15 minute further, it is time for the visit to Mostar, which is the most important jewel in this Herzegovina day trip. As soon as we arrive to Mostar, we start our 2 hour walking tour which will cover most important sites and locations in Mostar. We focus at Mostar’s Old Bridge, Old Bazaar and Old Town, but offer stories of Mostar’s uniqueness, in regards to historical and cultural diversity. In Mostar we give our guests free time to explore on their own as we simply do not like to hold a candle all the way. After Mostar it is time to go back to Sarajevo, and it will take us around two hours ride before we are home.

Day 11, Trebinje – Kotor – Budva – Skodar

Breakfast, check out from hotel and Trebinje city tour. After finishing tour,continous way to Kotor. Kotor City tour, and lunch during the tour.Trnasfer to Budva, city tour.Countunous way to Shkodar. Hotel check in, free time and dinner. Accomodation at the hotel in Skodar.

B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Trebinje Tour: Trebinje is one of the most beautiful cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is called “the city of sun and platan trees”. Itis a small city and is best experienced by foot.Arslanagića bridge (Perovića brigde) built in the 16th century,as Ottoman bridge used to connect the road between Dubrovnik and Istanbul. In the sixties it was moved 5km brick-by-brick to Trebinje to prevent being demolished for the building of a dam. Old Town (walk through one of the two old city gates). Between the old city walls of Trebinje, people still go about their daily lives as normal. It is home to two beautiful old mosques, small alleyways, a museum, and tons of cafes. Herzegovacka Gracanica Monastery constructed in the year 2000 and is an exact copy of the Gracanica monastery in Kosovo. This religious complex includes an impressive bell, icon gallery, parish’s home, amphitheatre, fountain, church bookshop, museum and summer garden. The views of the city from the monastery are quite picturesque and can be seen from any point in Trebinje.

**Kotor Tour: Visit beautiful Kotor Old Town, a well preserved urbanization typical of the middle ages built between the 12th and 14th century. The city’s old town and best known landmark, which is listed with UNESCO World heritage sites.The Stari Grad is fully walled (the mountain functions as a rear wall). Four gates offer access to the town: The Main Gate, along the Bay, the North Gate, the South Gate, and a smaller New Gate. There are no cars allowed in the Stari Grad.

The Kotor bay is the deepest natural fjord in the Mediterranean Sea, and the scenery around it (including the steep mountains which come almost to the waterfront) is spectacular.

**Budva Tour: Discover ‘’the place to be seen’’, Budva Old Town, a very old historical town where you can gaze the Adriatic Sea The old town of Budva lies on a little island that was linked to the land by a sandbar and in time turned into a peninsula. It is surrounded by ramparts originating from the 15th century including a medieval fortification system with city gates, defense walls and towers. The Old Town consists of narrow streets and alleys and small squares with precious monuments of different Mediterranean cultures that have marked the development of this town. Continue journey to the charming Sveti Stephan Island, a unique place not only Montenegro or Budva’s Riviera but in the whole Mediterranean. It stands on the cliff of a rocky island with roofs red like rubies. A sand isthmus looking like a stem connects it with the land. It came into existence in a unique way. Previously a fishing village, in 1960 it was converted into the old town, with its tower, narrow streets, shops and small churches, remained unchanged.

Day 12, Shkora – Tirana

After breakfast at the hotel and check out from our rooms,Schkoder city tour. Coutinous way to Tirana.According to arrival, we will start Tirana City Tour with our private coach. After our tour end transfer to hotel, check inn and freetime for leisure. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Accomodation in our hotel at Tirana.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Schkoder City Tour : Shkodra, the largest city in the north of Albania is located on the east side of Shkodra Lake. The city is one of the oldest in Albania and it is also an important cultural and Economic center. Inhabited continuously since its foundation in the 4th century BC, Shkodra still is the classic example of a city with most modern and humorous citizen in Albania. Shkodra is also the centre of Albanian Catholicism as well as a fine example of tolerance between religions, with the city comprising all the major faiths found in Albania.

**Tirana City Tour : Explore Tirana starting with National Historical Museum: the country’s largest museum which holds many of the country’s archaeological treasures. Visit Et’hem Beu Mosque: the oldest buildings left in the city. Capture the beauty of Tabake Bridge: a famous stone footbridge that takes its name from the many butchers and tanners who operated in the area during the Ottoman era in Albania. Checkout The Pyramid: also known as ‘’Enver Hoxha Museum’’, a structure and former museum in Tirana. Proceed transfer to the airport for your flight back home; bringing back wonderful memories and momentous souvenirs from Awakening Illyrian Dream vacation.

Day 13, Tirana – St. Neum  – Ohrid

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to St. Neum Monastery. Contunous way to Ohrid, lunch and city tour. Transfer to hotel and check inn. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Ohrid.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**The Monastery of Saint Naum is an Eastern Orthodox monastery in the Republic of Macedonia, named after the medieval Saint Naum who founded it. It is situated along Lake Ohrid, 29 kilometres south of the city of Ohrid. The original monastery was built on this very same plateau, in 905 by Saint Naum of Ohrid himself. Taken down between the 11th and 13th century, the monastery was then rebuilt in the 16th century as the multidomed byzantine structure that you see today. It is, without any doubt, one of the most attractive Macedonian tourist destinations. With a wonderful surrounding area, the St. Naum Monastery is a popular day trip where you can enjoy both nature and religious heritage.

**Ohrid tour: Ohrid,a city of UNESCO, with history more then 2500 years, will give you answer to your question about pre-history, ancient times, medieval period upon today. Ohrid is the largest city on Lake Ohrid that once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year, and has been referred to as a “Jerusalem of the Balkans”. We start the sightseeing tour from the Archaeological Museum. Climbing to the top, we pass by a number of smaller and larger churches, each of which has its own story.We enter the old city, or Samuil’s fortress, where in the X and XI centuries it was the capital of the Macedonian emperor Samuil. From the fortress there is a beautiful view of the lake, a new part of the city, to the core of the old town and the surrounding mountain. In return we visit the Early Christian Basilica, following is the Church of St. Clement (St. Panteleimon).

Day 14, Ohrid

Day 15, Ohrid – NP Mavrovo – Matka Canyon – Skoplje

After breakfast moving to NP Mavrovo to admire it s nature.Nex stop will be  Matka Canyon Matka is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Macedonia and is home to several medieval monasteries. Lunch on the way. Arriving to Skopje. Transfer to hotel and check inn. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Skopje.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Mavrovo Trip : We will start our inspirational tour to the National Park Mavrovo. In approximately 2 hours drive from Ohrid, you will arrive to Mavrovo, where our friendly and knowledgeable guide will take you around the place to see the memorable sunken church of St. Nikola, based in the artificial lake Mavrovo and the spectacular scenery around. From Mavrovo, the tour continues to the monastery complex St. Jovan, nested on the slopes of mountain Bistra, from where you get  perfect opportunity for photo shooting session.

**Matka Canyon – A gorge in which a rich complex of mediaeval building survives, including churches, monasteries and remnants of a fortress (the mediaeval town of Matka).There are dozens of caves and large number of endemic plants and animals. Matka was one of the largest refugee centers during the glacial period resulting in the presence of high number of relic and endemic plants, 20% are endemic or relic spices. Among Tertary relics, the most significant are the kosani violet and  natay’s Ramonda (Ramonda natalie).It is also important to mention that there are 77 species of Balkan endemic small butterflies in area of Matka Canyon, while 18 other species are new to the science.

Day 16, Skopje – Thessaloniki

Breakfast and check out from hotel. After we will start our city tour. After tour, transfer to  Thesaloniki (near 244 km, approx  3 h) City tour and lunch. Hotel and check inn. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Accomodation at the hotel in Thessaloniki.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Thessaloniki tour: Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia. More importantly, it is also a city with a continuous 3,000 year old history; preserving relics of its Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman past and of its formerly dominant Jewish population. Many of its Byzantine churches, and a whole district of the city in particular, are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The northernmost Byzantine walls of the city and parts of the western walls are still standing, as is the city’s symbol – the White Tower, one of the 16th Century. AD fortified towers – which is the only surviving tower on the seafront. The rest of the walls are in the picturesque Upper Town which offers a spectacular view over the bay, especially in the late afternoon. Take a walk along the enormous seafront promenade (about 12 km altogether). See the the Roman Forum excavations. On no account should you miss the Byzantine churches built between the 5th and 14th century ACE, such as Agios Demetrios, (7th Century. ACE) and Agia Sophia (Holy Wisdome, 9th Century. ACE), and many lovely smaller ones in the upper town (St Nicolaos Orfanos is particularly worth a look for its frescoes (open Tue-Sun 8.30am-3pm)), which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of them, the Rotunda, started life as a Roman temple of Zeus, built by ceasar Galerius, and is almost as old as the Pantheon in Rome. Next to the Rotunda, see the Arch of Triumph of Galerius and the ruins of his palace. Also interesting are the Turkish public baths Bey Hamam, the Bezesteni (Ottoman closed market for jewellery and precious materials) the Alatza Imaret (Ottoman poorhouse) and Hamza Bey Camii (both restored and used for exhibitions). The traditional central food market, with hundreds of stalls selling meat, fish, fruit, vegetables (sometimes cheek-by-jowl, an unnerving experience for North Americans), cheap clothes and shoes, flowers, herbs and spices, between Aristotele Square and Venizelou street.

Day 17, Thessaloniki

After breakfast, we will start city tour. After tour, we will hav lunch and free time for shopping. Transfer to hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Accomodation at the hotel in Thessaloniki.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Thessloniki tour: Museum of Byzantine Culture – Due to the city’s rich and diverse history, Thessaloniki houses many museums dealing with many different eras in history. Two of the city center’s most famous museums include the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the Museum of Byzantine Culture, which also the buildings themselves serve as points of architectural interest.The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki was established in 1962 and houses some of the most important ancient Macedonian artifacts, including an extensive collection of golden artwork from the royal palaces of Aigai and Pella. It also houses exhibits from Macedon’s prehistoric past, dating from the Neolithic to the Bronze age. The Museum of Byzantine Culture is one of the city’s most famous museums, showcasing the city’s glorious Byzantine past. The museum was also awarded Council of Europe’s museum prize in 2005. The museum of the White Tower of Thessaloniki houses a series of galleries relating to the city’s past, from the creation of the White Tower until recent years. Other museums of the city include the Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum, in southeast Thessaloniki and is one of the most high-tech museums in Greece and southeastern Europe and the Atatürk Museum the historic house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern-day Turkey, was born.

Day 18, Thessaloniki –  Kavala – Alexandroupoli

Breakfast, check out from hotel and continous way to Kavala. Kavala City tour, and lunch during the tour.Trnasfer to Alexandroupoli, city.Hotel check in, free time and dinner. Accomodation at the hotel in Alexandroupoli.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

** Kavala tour: Kavala is the capital of the prefecture of Kavala and the second largest city in northern Greece (afterThessaloniki).Founded in the 6th century BC and then was named Neapolis, which means new city. Kavala has the shape of an amphitheater which stretches from the harbor to the fortress on the highest hill on one side and mountain Simvolo on the other side. Kavala is a white town with white buildings and one recalls the large snowflake and is one of the most picturesque cities in Greece. Not far from the fortress there is the Muhammad Ali House Museum, inside which you can see furniture and household items from the time of residence of Muhammad Ali of Egypt, the founder of the Egyptian dynasty and the Ottoman ruler. A little below you can see Imaret – a building built in 1817 by the order of Sultan Muhammad Ali. The unique architecture of the mansion in the Muslim style, became the key to its popularity and fame. One of the most curious structures is the Aqueduct Kamares – the famous sight and the visiting card of the city. It is a very beautiful three-level arched structure that connects the old city with the modern one. Looking at the majestic bridge now, it is difficult to imagine that it was built in the 16th century. The bridge was erected by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it has a length of 280 winds, and the bridge’s height is 25 meters. Among the special attractions is the Kavala Archaeological Museum, which displays exhibits from the ancient city of Amphipolis, including a marble bust of a woman (4th century BC), a marble stele from the ephebe grave (5th century BC) a large gold ring on a finger and a golden olive wreath found in a Macedonian tomb (3rd century BC), a beheaded marble statue of a woman dressed in a peplos (1st century BC) and a bust of the Roman Empress Agrippina. Also in the museum are architectural elements from the sanctuary of the goddess Athena Parthenos from Ancient Neapolis and many different utensils and statuettes of the archaic period. The museum has exhibits of clay and stone dating back to the Neolithic epoch. Also, the museum exhibits many relics from different areas of ancient Thrace: clay figurines, sarcophagi, coins of Macedonian kings, items with black-figured vase painting and much more. Of particular interest are the Cycladic amphora (7th century BC) and the red-figured hydria (4th century BC).

**Alexandroupoli tour: Alexandroupoli is the capital of the Prefecture of Evros, in the north-eastern corner of the country, a mosaic of different traditions with their own customs and cultures. This is a place which bridges East and West, a place of glorious history and unique natural beauties. The first settlement was relatively recent, established by the Austrians who were planning the Macedonia-Thrace railway. The city itself was founded in around 1870, by Russians who were enthusiastic about the location and planned to build a new city on a model plan. The first name of the location was Dede Agats, meaning ‘Grandfather’s Tree’, but in 1920 it was renamed in honour of the then King Alexander, not – as many people assume – Alexander the Great. The Lighthouse: This maritime symbol is located in the busy centre of Alexandroupoli and has come to serve as an emblem of the city. It is close to the harbour and the shops along the waterfront, and was constructed in 1850 by the French Mediterranean Lighthouse and Beacon Company, implementing a contract with the then Turkish administration to facilitate marine access to the Hellespont. Ethnological Museum of Thrace: The museum is designed to promote the study of the region of Thrace from the late 17th to the early 20th century, showcasing and promoting the local culture. The layout of the museum, the exhibits, the background music and the various multimedia applications all assist the visitor in understanding the customs, traditions and popular culture of the region. There are more than 2,500 items in the collection, the earliest more than 320 years old, the more recent dating from the beginning of the 20th century. There are local costumes, traditional agricultural tools, valuable exhibits relating to cooking and pastry-making, ecclesiastical artefacts and the equipment used in a dyeing workshop. Traianoupoli: This important town of the Roman era was founded by the Emperor Marcus Ulpius Traianus (Trajan) (98-117 AD) on the route of the famous Via Egnatia, probably because of its healing springs, which are still in use today. At the impressive archaeological site 14km east of Alexandroupoli you will find extensive burial sites, traces of the old fortified walls, and a little church from the Byzantine period, recently excavated. Within the archaeological site is a later structure of unusual type, known as the Hana, which was probably a heated bathhouse. Together with the Imaret in Komotini, this is one of the oldest Ottoman buildings surviving in Greece.

Day 19, Alexandroupoli – Canakkale

Day 20, Canakkale – Bursa

Day 21, Bursa – Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel.After we will continue way to Istanbul. Arriving  and city tour.We will have our lunch at local restaurant during our tour. End of the tour transfer back to hotel and freetime for leisure. At Evening, meeting at the hotel lobby for our dinner transfer. We will get our dinner in traditional Turkish Restaurant with live traditional music. End of the dinner, return back to hotel and freetime. Accomodation at the hotel in Istanbul.

*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

**Istanbul Heritage Tour : We will discover many heritage for Turkish History on this tour. We will visit, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome of İstanbul, Tour of “Sultan Ahmet Center”, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.Built in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus,  St.Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand yeras; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture;after having been the Patriarchal basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II. the Conqueror and in to a museum by Atataurk in 1935. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. The last great imperial mosque of the classical period; it is name comes from 20.000 marvellous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls. Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Lunch at the Special Turkish Restaurant Topkapi Palace, this extraordinary and secret palace was the residence of the Imperial Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman might for nearly 400 years.The building are a typical example of Ottoman architecture and the rooms exhibit rich collections of porcelains, robes, weapons,shields,armors,Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as Ottoman treasures and jewellery. ( Treasury and Harem sections are not included in the program and are due to extra entry ) Grand Bazaar, the largest covered narket in the world with more than 60 streets and 4.000 shops, where you may find in a authentic oriental atmosphere all kind of gifts, leather clothing,rugs and kilims, antiques,jewellery,hand-woven fabrics etc… 

Day 22, Istanbul

After breakfast, we will check out from the hotel. Transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight home…