Grand Balkans Explorer
From Athens to Istanbul
8 Days / 7 Nights
Discover the timeless beauty of the Balkans on an unforgettable journey from Greece to Türkiye. Explore ancient civilizations, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spectacular monasteries, Ottoman cities, picturesque lakes, medieval castles, and vibrant local cultures across Greece, Albania, North Macedonia, and Türkiye.
Trip Experience Guide
Discover the timeless beauty of the Balkans on an unforgettable journey from Greece to Türkiye. Explore ancient civilizations, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spectacular monasteries, Ottoman cities, picturesque lakes, medieval castles, and vibrant local cultures across Greece, Albania, North Macedonia, and Türkiye.
Day 1
Arrival in Athens – Athens City Tour
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, meet your professional tour guide and begin exploring one of the world’s oldest cities.
Enjoy a panoramic city tour featuring the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, followed by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament Building, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, University, National Library, and Syntagma Square.
Continue to the magnificent Acropolis, where you will discover the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and the world-famous Parthenon.
The tour concludes at the award-winning Acropolis Museum, home to one of the finest collections of classical Greek antiquities.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Athens
Day 2
Athens – Delphi – Meteora – Trikala (B)
After breakfast, depart for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi, once considered the center of the ancient world.
En route, admire the beautiful landscapes of Central Greece and visit the historic Monastery of Hosios Loukas, one of the country’s finest Byzantine monasteries.
Continue to Delphi to explore:
Later, continue to Meteora, one of Greece’s most breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Visit two of its spectacular cliff-top monasteries, including Varlaam Monastery and St. Stephen’s Monastery, offering unforgettable panoramic views.
Continue to Trikala.
Overnight: Trikala
Day 3
Trikala – Ioannina (B)
After breakfast, travel to the beautiful lakeside city of Ioannina.
Visit Lake Pamvotis and enjoy a relaxing boat trip to the island before lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
Continue your city tour with visits to:
Enjoy free time for shopping.
Ioannina is famous throughout Greece for its centuries-old tradition of handcrafted silver jewelry.
Overnight: Ioannina
Day 4
Ioannina – Gjirokastër – Sarandë (B)
Cross the border into Albania and arrive at the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër, known as the “City of Stone.”
Visit the impressive Gjirokastër Castle, home to fascinating historical collections and spectacular views.
Continue towards Sarandë, stopping at Ali Pasha Castle overlooking the Ionian coast.
After lunch, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, one of the most important archaeological parks in the Balkans, showcasing Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian civilizations.
Continue to Sarandë.
Overnight: Sarandë
Day 5
Sarandë – Berat – Tirana (B)
After breakfast, depart for the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, famously known as the City of a Thousand Windows.
Explore:
Continue to Tirana, Albania’s lively capital.
Overnight: Tirana
Day 6
Tirana – Ohrid – Bitola (B)
Begin the day with a guided tour of Tirana.
Highlights include:
Continue into North Macedonia and arrive in the UNESCO-listed city of Ohrid.
Explore:
Optional: Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise.
Later, continue to Bitola.
Overnight: Bitola
Day 7
Bitola – Thessaloniki – Kavala (B)
After an early breakfast, depart for Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.
Enjoy a guided city tour featuring:
Continue to the beautiful coastal city of Kavala.
Overnight: Kavala
Day 8 | Kavala – Komotini – Istanbul (B)
After breakfast, explore the highlights of Kavala, including its historic castle and picturesque old town.
Continue to Komotini, one of the cultural centers of Western Thrace, renowned for its rich Ottoman heritage and vibrant Muslim community.
Visit several historic Ottoman landmarks before enjoying lunch.
Cross the border into Türkiye and continue to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Balkan journey to an end.
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Day 1
Arrival in Athens – Athens City Tour -
Day 2
Athens – Delphi – Meteora – Trikala (B) -
Day 3
Trikala – Ioannina (B) -
Day 4
Ioannina – Gjirokastër – Sarandë (B) -
Day 5
Sarandë – Berat – Tirana (B) -
Day 6
Tirana – Ohrid – Bitola (B) -
Day 7
Bitola – Thessaloniki – Kavala (B) -
Day 8
Kavala – Komotini – Istanbul (B)
Reach Out To Begin Your Journey!
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