International tour2 nights, 3 days

Balkan Trio Tour

Three days, three countries, five cities: a short but packed first step into the Balkans.

Duration: 2 nights, 3 days, with accommodation
Tour type: International tour
Departure: Istanbul
Catalogue: Page 40

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The price is prepared according to your dates, group size and preferences.

Colourful historic houses in the old town of Plovdiv

Macedonia Square and the equestrian statue in Skopje

About the tour

The tour begins in Greece with Kavala and Thessaloniki and reaches Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, the same day.

On the second day you cross to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. On the last day, after the historic streets of Plovdiv (Filibe), you return to Istanbul.

Send us your dates and group size for the Balkan Trio and we will tailor the programme to your group.

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Tour programme

The daily route follows the programme in the catalogue. A detailed itinerary is shared with the quote.

Istanbul – Kavala – Thessaloniki – Skopje

Skopje – Sofia

Sofia – Plovdiv (Filibe) – Istanbul

Places to see

Greece
North Macedonia
Bulgaria

Kavala
A port city on the Aegean coast in the East Macedonia region of Greece. The aqueduct built in the 16th century under Suleiman the Magnificent is the city's symbol; the birthplace of Muhammad Ali Pasha of Kavala, Governor of Egypt, and the Imaret he founded are also in the old town.
Thessaloniki
Founded in 315 BC, Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city. Its Early Christian and Byzantine monuments were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. The house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born in 1881 and the White Tower, the city's symbol, are the main stops.
Skopje
The capital of North Macedonia, set on the banks of the River Vardar. The Ottoman-era Stone Bridge, the Old Bazaar, the Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the Fortress make up the city's historic fabric; Mother Teresa was also born in Skopje in 1910.
Sofia
The capital of Bulgaria. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, completed in the early 20th century, the 16th-century Banya Bashi Mosque attributed to Mimar Sinan, and the Roman-era remains of Serdica stand side by side in the city centre.
Plovdiv (Filibe)
Known in antiquity as Philippopolis, Plovdiv is one of Europe's continuously inhabited cities. Its main sights are the Roman theatre, the Dzhumaya Mosque and the Old Town, known for its 19th-century houses; the city was European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Photos

What's covered and notes

Included in the programme

The catalogue has no separate list of included services for this tour. The scope of transport, accommodation, guiding and meals is set out in writing in the quote.

Good to know

The price is prepared according to your dates, group size and preferences, and is sent to you in writing together with the included services.

Who is it for?

History and culture enthusiastsDiscover historic and cultural heritage on site, with a guide's commentary.
Young peopleA lively, social experience for high school and university groups.
Corporate groupsSuitable for team trips, incentive programmes and company events.

Practical information

Best time to go

May to June and September to October are good times; inland, Skopje and Sofia have hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

What to bring and know

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3–6 months after your return date; a Schengen visa is required for Greece and Bulgaria.
There may be waits at border crossings, so keep water and snacks with you.
Each country uses a different currency (the euro in Greece and Bulgaria, the denar in North Macedonia); carry a card and a small amount of cash.
Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets of the old towns.

Country information
Country	Visa (Turkish citizens)	Currency	Time difference	Language
Greece	Schengen visa required	Euro (EUR)	1 hour behind Türkiye in winter; same time during summer time	Greek
North Macedonia	No visa needed for tourist visits (up to 90 days)	Macedonian denar (MKD)	2 hours behind Türkiye in winter; 1 hour behind during summer time	Macedonian, Albanian
Bulgaria	Schengen visa required (Bulgaria has been a full Schengen member since 2025)	Euro (EUR), from 1 January 2026	1 hour behind Türkiye in winter; same time during summer time	Bulgarian

Visa and entry requirements may change; check the current situation with the relevant consulate before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa?

Visa and passport requirements vary by country, passport type and date. We share the current requirements at the quote stage; as application times can be long, we recommend planning early.

How is transport provided?

The catalogue does not specify the mode of transport. The route and transport plan are set out in writing in the quote, depending on dates and group size.

When is the best time for the Balkan Trio?

May to June and September to October are good times; inland, Skopje and Sofia have hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

What is included in the price?

What is covered for transport, guiding, admission fees and meals is stated in writing in the quote, according to your dates, group size and preferences. Services marked as extras in the catalogue are charged separately.

Are the tour dates fixed?

Dates are planned according to group requests and the season. Tell us your preferred period and group size, and we will share suitable date options with the quote.

How can I get a quote for the Balkan Trio tour?

You can fill in the form on this page, message us on WhatsApp or call 0212 232 09 80. Sharing your dates, group size and, if applicable, your school or organisation details will speed up the quote.

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Request a quote for the Balkan Trio

Tell us your dates, group size and, if applicable, your school or organisation details, and we will prepare the programme and price for your group and get back to you.

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Balkan Trio Tour

About the tour