BALKAN TRIP + TURKEY

Here’s a suggested 10-day itinerary combining the Balkans and Turkey, highlighting key cities and attractions in both regions. Adjustments can be made based on your pace and interests: Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Turkey • Morning: • Arrive in Istanbul. Check in and explore Sultanahmet (Old City). • Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. • Afternoon: • Wander through Topkapi Palace. • Evening: • Stroll along the Galata Bridge and enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the Bosphorus. Day 2: Istanbul – Bosphorus and Modern Istanbul • Morning: • Take a Bosphorus cruise for views of the city’s iconic skyline. • Afternoon: • Visit Taksim Square and Istiklal Street. Stop by Galata Tower for panoramic city views. • Evening: • Dine at a local meyhane (tavern) in the Karaköy or Kadıköy districts. Day 3: Istanbul to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina • Morning: • Fly to Sarajevo (2 hours). • Explore the historic Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) and try local cevapi or burek. • Afternoon: • Visit Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Latin Bridge (site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination). • Evening: • Relax at a traditional coffee house with Bosnian coffee. Day 4: Sarajevo to Mostar • Morning: • Travel to Mostar (2.5 hours by car/train). • Visit the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and explore the cobblestone streets of the old town. • Afternoon: • Visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque for beautiful views of the bridge. • Evening: • Stay overnight in Mostar and enjoy riverside dining. Day 5: Montenegro (Kotor and Budva) • Morning: • Travel to Montenegro (3 hours). • Explore Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its medieval old town and the Bay of Kotor. • Afternoon: • Visit Budva, known for its beaches and historic old town. • Evening: • Stay overnight in Budva or Podgorica. Day 6: Tirana, Albania • Morning: • Travel to Tirana (3.5 hours). • Visit Skanderbeg Square and the Et’hem Bey Mosque. • Afternoon: • Explore the colorful streets of Blloku and the Bunk’Art Museum. • Evening: • Dine at a local restaurant and stay overnight. Day 7: Ohrid, North Macedonia • Morning: • Drive to Lake Ohrid (3 hours). • Explore the UNESCO-listed Church of St. John at Kaneo and enjoy stunning lake views. • Afternoon: • Visit the old town and the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid. • Evening: • Relax by the lake and enjoy fresh fish for dinner. Day 8: Skopje, North Macedonia • Morning: • Drive to Skopje (3 hours). • Visit the Stone Bridge, Old Bazaar, and Skopje Fortress. • Afternoon: • Explore the modern city center and the massive Alexander the Great statue. • Evening: • Stay overnight in Skopje. Day 9: Thessaloniki, Greece • Morning: • Travel to Thessaloniki (3.5 hours by bus or car). • Visit the White Tower, Rotunda, and Aristotelous Square. • Afternoon: • Explore Ano Poli (Upper Town) for historic architecture and panoramic views. • Evening: • Enjoy a seafood dinner at a se #europetri #europetrip