# Big Balkan Tour by Bus 2026: With Overnight Stay in Thessaloniki, Including Kosovo - URL: https://guventravel.com/en/otobusle-buyuk-balkan-turu-2026-selanik-konaklamali-kosovali-t43857 - Category: BALKAN TOURS - Duration: 9 Nights, 10 Days - Next available date: 13 November 2026 – 22 November 2026 - Starting Price: 549 € (31,944 ₺) / Per Person - Getting Around: Bus ## Tour Detail By Coach Big Balkan Tour (Including Overnight Stay in Thessaloniki and Kosovo) 2026 offers an unforgettable experience for those who want to explore the historical, cultural, and culinary atmosphere of the Balkans on a comfortable journey. From the very beginning, this special program, with the enjoyable pace of overland travel, brings together different countries, cities, and lifestyles in one route; it combines Ottoman traces, Adriatic influences, Orthodox heritage, and modern city life along the same itinerary. Its overnight stay in Thessaloniki makes the journey not just a transfer, but a special stop where you can feel the Mediterranean spirit. Kosovo’s friendly cities and lively streets add a distinct character to the tour. Thessaloniki Skopje Pristina Prizren Ohrid The cities visited throughout the tour stand out as stops, each telling its own story. While walking along the coastline in Thessaloniki, the symbolic silhouette of the White Tower, the lively atmosphere on the banks of the Vardar River in Skopje, the young and dynamic city life in Pristina, the historical stone streets of Prizren, and the serenity of Ohrid’s lake view all add a special color to the journey. With guided tours, you can both learn about the region’s historical background and get to know the local culture more closely. Beloved flavors of Balkan cuisine, bazaars, squares, and monuments transform the tour into a journey rich not only visually but emotionally as well. This tour is an ideal choice for those who want to create memories that will not fade from mind for many years. Thanks to comfortable coach transport, a well-organized program flow, and carefully selected accommodation points, you will enjoy a relaxed experience throughout the journey. In the Balkans, where different geographies lie next to one another, a new city, a new culture, and a new landscape await you each day. In 2026, on this big Balkan tour with overnight stay in Thessaloniki and Kosovo, you can experience the traces of the past together with the energy of today, and enjoy the friendly people, elegant architecture, and unique panoramas. ## Tour Program ### Day 1: First Step into the Adventure (Izmir – Canakkale – Ipsala Border Gate) We are heading to the enchanting atmosphere of the Balkans! We begin our pleasant journey by picking you up from our designated points between 16:00 and 18:00 (Girne Office, Karşıyaka Monument, Üçkuyular, Üçyol, Sabancı, Lozan, Ege University Emergency). Following the Çanakkale, Gelibolu, and Keşan route, we arrive at the İpsala Border Gate and, after our passport procedures, enter our dreamlike route. 🚌 **Journey:** This will be an overnight journey. ### Day 2: In the Footsteps of History and with Sirtaki (Kavala – Thessaloniki & Greek Tavern) We enter Greece before dawn and take a breakfast break in Nea Karvali, the homeland of the famous kurabiye. In Kavala, greeted by its historic aqueducts, we visit the Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha Mosque and the house where Kavalalı Mehmet Ali Pasha was born. We then head to Thessaloniki, the city where our Great Leader Atatürk was born. After our visits to Aristotle Square, the White Tower, and the waterfront promenade, we visit Atatürk’s House (if the museum is under restoration, it will be described from the outside). In the evening, we end the day’s fatigue by dancing sirtaki at a Greek Tavern with dinner and live music included in the price! 🌙 Evening Entertainment: Greek Tavern with Dinner and Live Music (Included in the Price). 🏨 Accommodation: Thessaloniki (Queen Olga, Tobacco, Vergina Hotel, etc.) ### Day 3: Lake Views and Historical Touches (Monastery – Resen – Ohrid & Macedonian Night) We’re taking a short break with Greece’s famous cold coffee, Frappé, before heading to North Macedonia. We visit the Military School in Bitola, where Atatürk received his military education, and stroll through the historic Širok Sokak. Via Resen, the hometown of Niyazi Pasha, we reach Ohrid, the “Pearl of the Balkans.” We explore its historic plane trees, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Church of St. Sophia, and those who wish may join us for a boat tour on Lake Ohrid. Our dinner is a lively Macedonian Night accompanied by traditional dances! 🌙 Evening Entertainment: Traditional Musical Macedonian Night (Included in the price). 🏨 Accommodation: Ohrid (Belvedere, Aqualina, Sileks Hotel, etc.) ### Day 4: In the Heart of Nature (St. Naum – Matka Canyon – Skopje) We begin the day at St. Naum, the source point of Lake Ohrid, in a place of magnificent natural beauty. In this UNESCO heritage area, we visit the Sarı Saltuk Tomb and enjoy a tasting of local goat cheese on the slopes of Mount Mavrovo. Then the breathtaking beauty of Matka Canyon welcomes us; those who wish can enjoy nature with a canoe tour. By the end of the day, we are in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. After visiting the Stone Bridge, the Statue of Alexander the Great, and the Old Turkish Bazaar, we enjoy a delicious dinner of the famous Skopje köfte and bean stew cooked in a clay pot. 🍽️ Dinner: Will be served at our hotel (Included in the price). 🏨 Accommodation: Skopje (Austurian Palace, Actor, Doa Hotel, etc.) ### Day 5: The Young and Charming Face of the Balkans (Pristina – Prizren – Shkodër) We are entering Kosovo, one of Europe’s youngest countries. After visiting the tomb of Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigar in the capital Pristina, we move on to the fairy-tale city of Prizren, divided into two by the Bistrica River. While exploring the Sinan Pasha Mosque and the historic streets, we will have free time to try the famous Kosovo Köfte. Later in the day, we cross the border into Albania and arrive in the city of Shkodra, under the shadow of the historic Rozafa Castle, where we check into our hotel. 🍽️ Dinner: Will be served at our hotel (Included in the price). 🏨 Accommodation: Shkodra (Deluxe Resort, Gardenland Hotel etc.) ### Day 6: Adriatic Dream (Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik) We proceed along the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, accompanied by magnificent sea views. After a panoramic view of the beaches of Budva, the favorite of Europe’s jet-set, we arrive in medieval-flavored Kotor. We explore the narrow streets within the historic fortress and then continue to Croatia, to the legendary Dubrovnik, home to the "Game of Thrones" series. We capture unforgettable shots among the walls of this UNESCO World Heritage city, Stradun Street, and its historic churches. 🍽️ **Dinner:** Will be served at our hotel (Included in the price). *(Note: Depending on border congestion, the city tour may be moved to after dinner.)* 🏨 **Accommodation:** Trebinje / Dubrovnik Region (Central, SL Industry, Leotar Hotel etc.) ### Day 7: The Poem of Water and Stone (Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo) We admire the stone village of Počitelj panoramically, then soothe our souls by the 550-year-old Alperenler Lodge (Blagaj) by the water flowing beneath the steep cliffs. Afterwards, we take souvenir photos at Mostar Bridge with its sorrowful history and elegant architecture. At the end of the day, we are in Sarajevo, known as the "Jerusalem of Europe." We embark on a historical journey through the authentic streets of Baščaršija, the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, and the Latin Bridge, where World War I began. 🍽️ Dinner: Will be served at our hotel (Included in the price). 🏨 Accommodation: Sarajevo (Exclusive, Brcko Gas, Hollywood Hotel etc.) ### Day 8: The Charm of the White City (Belgrade) We cross the lush highlands of Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, known as the “White City.” In this beautiful city, where the Sava and Danube rivers meet, we explore Kale Meydan, the Damat Ali Pasha Tomb, which bears traces of the Ottoman era, and the lively Knez Mihailova Street. After free time at Republic Square, we head to our hotel and rest. 🍽️ Dinner: Will be served at our hotel (Included in the price). 🏨 Accommodation: Belgrade (Royal Inn, Abba, Putnik Inn Hotel, etc.) ### Day 9: Return Journey from Sofia to Kapıkule (Bulgaria – Kapıkule) After breakfast, we leave Serbia and head to Bulgaria, arriving in the capital, Sofia. We will see up close the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, the Parliament Building, and the Military Club, where the famous ball attended by our great leader Atatürk in a Janissary costume was held. After our Sofia tour, we begin our return journey and, following the procedures at the Kapıkule Border Gate, enter our beautiful country. 🚌 Travel: The return journey will be overnight. ### Day 10: We Arrived Home (Edirne – Izmir) After our night journey filled with beautiful memories and new friendships, we are dropping off our valued guests at the same points where we first met in Izmir. After a Balkan dream you will never forget for the rest of your life, we bid you farewell until we meet again on our next adventure! ## What's Included Comfortable bus transportation and intercity transfers throughout the tour Professional Turkish-speaking guiding service Accommodation including breakfast at the specified hotels Accommodation in Thessaloniki and city tour Tours of Prizren and Pristina in Kosovo Panoramic city tours and free time in Balkan countries Mandatory travel insurance and journey organization ## Not Included Personal expenses Exit tax for international travel Museum and historical site entrance fees Driver and guide tips Visa processing and visa fee Optional extra tours and activities outside the program ## What to bring with you? Passport or ID card Travel insurance and required documents Comfortable walking shoes Season-appropriate clothing Charger and power bank Sunglasses and personal medications ## General Information Passport and visa requirements should be checked before the trip: Before the tour, you must check the validity period of your passport and the visa requirements for the countries to be visited. Since some Balkan countries may have additional documents, entry requirements, or different procedures, it is important to confirm the latest information from official sources or the tour operator. Since the tour is conducted by bus, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for long journeys should be chosen: As you will be sitting on the bus for long periods during the journey, comfortable, season-appropriate clothing that does not restrict movement should be preferred. Also, choosing easy-to-wear and easy-to-remove comfortable shoes suitable for walking will increase your comfort throughout the tour. Since the program includes an overnight stay in Thessaloniki, hotel check-in, accommodation, and breakfast details should be known in advance: As accommodation will be in Thessaloniki, the hotel’s check-in time, room arrangement, and breakfast hours should be learned in advance. This way, you can settle in without wasting time upon arrival and prepare more easily for the morning programs. Border crossings and customs checks in Balkan countries, including Kosovo, may involve delays and should be taken into account: During crossings between different countries, waiting times may occur due to passport control, vehicle procedures, and customs practices. Since these processes can take longer, especially during busy periods, it is necessary to be prepared by accepting that the schedule may be flexible. International travel health insurance and an additional budget for personal expenses should be planned: International travel health insurance provides important protection for possible health issues and emergencies and should definitely be considered before the tour. In addition, setting aside a separate budget for food and drinks, souvenirs, extra tours, and personal needs will help make the trip more comfortable. Since there may be city tours, free time, and extra activities accompanied by a guide throughout the trip, the daily program should be followed: As the tour flow will be directed by the guide, the times of the day, meeting points, and free time intervals should be carefully followed. This way, you can avoid disrupting the group schedule and organize extra activities or personal plans more efficiently. --- GÜVENTUR · 2327001700 · info@dikiliguventur.com