The Balkan Soul: A 6-Day Majestic Northern Circuit

Into the Heart of Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria with Tuncher Prive

Prepare for a journey beyond borders, where history, nature, and gourmet flavors intertwine. We will walk in Atatürk’s footsteps in Thessaloniki and Bitola, find serenity in the clarity of Lake Ohrid, and witness the most elegant traces of Ottoman legacy across the Balkans.

DAY 1: First Steps Beyond the Aegean

Kavala and Thessaloniki Nights

• Kavala: Our first major stop after departing from Izmir. A walking tour of this harbor city, famous for its aqueducts and historic charm.

• Thessaloniki: Evening arrival and hotel check-in.

• Experience: An unforgettable Taverna Night with traditional Greek music and authentic delicacies.

DAY 2: Stories of Longing and Heroism

Atatürk’s House and the Bitola Military High School

• Thessaloniki: We begin the day at the house where the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born.

• Bitola (Manastır): An emotional journey through history at the Military High School where Atatürk studied, followed by a stroll along the famous Shirok Street.

• Macedonian Night: A traditional dinner featuring rich local flavors and cultural music.

DAY 3: Natural Wonders: From Ohrid to Skopje

Lakes, Canyons, and Rivers

• Ohrid: A unique boat tour on the “Pearl of the Balkans,” Lake Ohrid, and a tour of the charming Old Town.

• Struga & Matka Canyon: A photo break by the Drim River followed by the mystical atmosphere of the breathtaking Matka Canyon.

• Skopje: Arrival in the capital of North Macedonia in the evening and a walk along the Vardar River.

DAY 4: Cities of Kings and Empires

From Skopje to the Grandeur of Sofia

• Skopje: Free time at the Ottoman-era Stone Bridge and Old Bazaar before heading to Bulgaria.

• Sofia: A visit to the golden domes of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Ottoman-legacy Banya Bashi Mosque. Free time on Sofia’s grand boulevards in the evening.

DAY 5: The Colors of Plovdiv & Final in Edirne

Historical Mansions and the Palace City

• Plovdiv (Filibe): One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. An artistic tour through the Hudavendigar Mosque and the colorful Old Town mansions.

• Edirne: Upon entering the homeland, a visit to Mimar Sinan’s masterpiece, the Selimiye Mosque, followed by a grand farewell dinner featuring the famous Edirne Fried Liver.

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