Seven Days Private Balkan Tour: Bulgaria – Istanbul
A stay in Istanbul is a veritable fairy tale come true. Past and present unfold on both sides of streets, monuments rise majestically to charm with architecture and opulent. The sumptuous palaces Top Kapi and Dolmabahce Sarayi lure with opulence and abundance of exhibits.
At a Glance
Total Distance: 1700 km.
Tour Duration: Seven Days
Best period: All year
Price: Depends on your personal needs and preferences
Highlights
Visit the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria.
Visit Plovdiv (European capital of the culture for year 2019) and its most famous highlights – The Roman ruins and stadium, an enchanting Old Town of cobbled streets, The Mosque, and many others.
Get closer to the Bulgarian local life and history
See the revival architecture in the Old Town of Plovdiv
Visiting the medieval fortress – Asen’s fortress, located in Rhodope mountain near Plovdiv
Explore the coastal town of Nessebar included in the UNESCO heritage list
Visit the Istanbul megapolis and its most famous hight lights
Take a boat trip through the Bosphorus – the border between Asia and Europe
Get familiar with the traditional Turkish food and delights
Detailed Program
Day 1
Pick up from the accommodation in Sofia. City tour of Sofia (2.5 hours) . Visiting Plovdiv + (city tour + free time). Overnight in Plovdiv
Day 2
Departing from Plovdiv. Visiting Sozopol (sightseeing and lunch).
Traveling to Burgas after lunch (Sightseeing of Burgas). Nessebar – city included in the UNESCO list. Overnight in Nessebar
Day 3
Departing to Turkey in the morning. Visiting Edirne (sight seeing and lunch). Departing to Istanbul
Overnight in Istanbul
Day 5
Sightseeing of Istanbul. Visiting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Egyptian palace, Taksim Square. Overnight in Istanbul
Day 6
Sight seeing of Istanbul. Boat trip around the Bosphorus + Kapali carsi market
Overnight in Istanbul
More about Istanbul
The centuries old history of Istanbul makes people enriched by touring its sites. The center is the area of World Heritage sites on the UNESCO list. The sights which are most renowned are the palace named Topkapi, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. The life of Turkish sultans in the past is a fascinating world revealed in each exhibition hall in the Topkapi Palace. The Blue Mosque is a monument of Islamic religion and an architectural feat. The sites which cradle pieces of history are many. They all testify to glorious periods and fascinating culture which is now colorfully displayed in the city.
Shopping is a beloved pastime for everyone in Istanbul. Shops are so numerous, dotting streets and squares, offering local items, foods, tourist guides, everything somebody could wish for. All coveted local items for sale can be found in the Kapali Carsi, a sprawling market with tunnels lined with kiosks.
Benefits
- Pick-up/ Drop off from your hotel
- This Balkan tour is private
- Breaks, photo stops and route changes at your convenience.
- Licensed private tour guide
- No hidden charges. Pay only 20 % in advance and the rest at the end of the tour
Includes
Transfer with mini van
Entrance fees for all the sights in Bulgaria and Istanbul
All transportation costs along the route, fuel, VAT and parking fees
Local tour guide and driver
Pickup and drop off from your hotel
Excludes
Food and drinks
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses
Good to Know
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended.
- Don’t forget your camera