(Istanbul – Edirne – Sofia – Nis – Belgrade – Novi Sad – Sarajevo)
Day 1, Arrive to Istanbul
You will meet with our local guide at the Istanbul Airport. 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. Accomodation at the hotel in Istanbul.
*D – Dinner at the hotel.-
Day 2, Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel After we will start Istanbul Heritage Tour with our coach.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-Turkey
**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 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. Accomodation 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.
Sofia-Bulgaria
Day 4, Edirne – Sofia (Bulgaria)
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. We will move forward to Sofia, Capital of the Bulgaria (311 Km – Approx : 4 Hour). 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 Accomodation 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 – Nis (Serbia)
Breakfast and check out from hotel. Transfer to Niš, Serbia (212 Km – Approx: 3 Hour by coach). Arrival to Niš and we will start our city tour. After tour, transfer to hotel and check inn. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Accomodation at the hotel in Niš.
*B-L-D – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nis fortress Serbia
**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…
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, checkinn 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 Serbia.
*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 and check out from our rooms. Transfer to Novi Sad for Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci Trip (94 Km – Approx: 1 Hour). We will get our lunch at the local restaurant. After trip, we will tranfer to our hotel at Novi Sad, check inn and freetime for leisure. Dinner will be served at hotel. Overnight 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.
Sarajevo Landscape
Day 8, Novi Sad – Sarajevo
Breakfast and check out from hotel. Transfer to Sarajevo, Bosnia&Herzegovina (274 Km – Approx: 6 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…
Stream of Blagaj-Bosnia
Day 9, Sarajevo – Mostar & Blagaj & Pocitell – Sarajevo
Breakfast at the hotel. After, we will start our fullday tour for Mostar & Blagaj and Pocitell (140 Km – Approx : 3 Hour by coach). We will get our lunch during the tour of Mostar. After the tour, return 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 Bosnian Restaurant with live traditional music. End of the dinner, return back to hotel and freetime. 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 10, Departure from Sarajevo
The capital of Serbia, Belgrade,
is known as “the city that never sleeps”.
