Tours Guided tours Culture & history Seasonal & Holiday Activities Wheelchair accessible Multi-day trips Markets, bazaars, & souks Sightseeing UNESCO sites

Celebrate Christmas Balkan-style! From Istanbul to the Adriatic, discover 7 countries, festive markets, and UNESCO towns—all in one seamless 12-day winter journey.

Highlights

• Explore 7+ Balkan countries with private guide and driver.
• Enjoy festive Christmas markets, mulled wine, and local treats.
• Visit UNESCO sites, historic towns, and charming old quarters.
• Stay in handpicked 4★ hotels near city centers and markets.
• Optional add-ons: Rila Monastery, hamam, wine tastings & Dubrovnik.

Description

Celebrate Christmas the European way — Balkan style! ✨ Start your magical journey in Istanbul, where East meets West, and continue through seven countries, exploring UNESCO towns, winter scenery, festive markets, and local flavors along the way. This private 12-day Grand Balkan Tour is designed for travelers who want to enjoy the beauty, culture, and spirit of the Balkans during the most festive season of the year — without the hassle of planning. With expert guides, private transportation, and handpicked 4★ hotels, you’ll experience the region’s warmth and diversity at a comfortable, balanced pace. Toast Christmas or New Year with local specialties, enjoy cozy winter nights, and take in the charm of cities like Plovdiv, Sofia, Ohrid, Kotor, Sarajevo, and Belgrade — all dressed in festive lights. Itinerary Day 1 – Istanbul (Turkey): Arrival, festive welcome dinner & spice-scented bazaars Day 2 – Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque (exteriors), Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus evening lights Day 3 – Plovdiv (Bulgaria): Old Town charm, Roman Theater, Kapana District Day 4 – Sofia: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Christmas Market, hot rakia & treats Day 5 – Skopje (North Macedonia): Stone Bridge, lantern-lit Old Bazaar Day 6 – Ohrid: Lake views, cobbled streets, fireside trout dinner Day 7 – Tirana (Albania): Skanderbeg Square, Blloku cafés, festive lights Day 8 – Budva/Kotor (Montenegro): Adriatic coast, quiet medieval lanes Day 9 – Mostar → Sarajevo (Bosnia): Stari Most, artisan workshops, Ottoman charm Day 10 – Belgrade (Serbia): Fortress views, Skadarlija dinners, live music Day 11 – Thessaloniki (Greece): Seaside promenade, Roman Forum, sweet bougatsa Day 12 – Return to Istanbul: Via Thrace, or optional Bosphorus night stay Festive highlight: Depending on your dates, your Christmas dinner (or optional New Year gala) will take place in the most atmospheric city on your route! Why You’ll Love It: Explore 7+ Balkan countries in one seamless route Private, flexible pace with expert guidance 4★ comfort in central hotels near Christmas markets Festive experiences with mulled wine & local cuisine Perfect for couples, friends, or families seeking an extraordinary holiday ✨ Optional Add-Ons Rila Monastery excursion (from Sofia) Dubrovnik Old Town extension (weather-dependent) Hamam ritual in Istanbul Wine tasting in Skopje, Ohrid, or Thessaloniki Upgrade to 5★ hotels or suites

Includes

11 nights in 4★ hotels with breakfast Private English-speaking driver/guide Airport transfers in Istanbul (arrival & departure) City tours in all major destinations Entrance fees per itinerary 2 festive experiences: Christmas dinner (or optional New Year gala) + regional specialty dinner Road tolls, parking, VAT & local taxes

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund