Return international full service flights - City surcharges may apply
Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.
Today, depart for Istanbul, Turkey!
Please note: Some customers may depart on day 2 and arrive on day 2.
Meals included: In-Flight
Upon arrival into Istanbul, make your way to Exit 14 (IST Airport) and be met by the tour leader and transferred to the hotel. If you are too early for check-in, your luggage can be stored at the hotel until the room is ready. The rest of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city at leisure.
Istanbul was the capital city of Byzantium, Roman Empires and Ottoman State. It is a fascinating city, which crosses two continents: Europe and Asia. Istanbul is full of museums, bazaars, minarets, mosques, churches, palaces, and restaurants catering to everyone’s taste.
Overnight: La Quinta Hotel or similar, Istanbul
Meals included: None
After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Istanbul City. Visit the Hippodrome, the ancient structure was the scene of chariot races, featuring the three monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Continue to the Sultan Ahmet Imperial Mosque, near the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, built in the 16th Century by the architect Mehmet, and known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik Tiles.
The next stop is Topkapi Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain robes worn by the sultans and their families.
Later in the afternoon, after lunch at leisure (not included), head to the famous Spice Bazaar, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. Browse the authentic gifts, Turkish coffee, herbs, spices and handicrafts.
Please note that Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays and will be replaced with the Turkish Islamic Art Museum.
Overnight: La Quinta Hotel or similar, Istanbul
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast today you will travel to Bursa, Turkey’s fourth largest city, located in Anatolia at the foot of Mount Uludag, which is shrouded by mystery and legends. Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Here, visit the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum complex. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city’s bazzars, silk markets and historic monuments.
Thereafter you will be transferred to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cumalikizik, an important village settlement showcasing ottoman architecture, 12 Km east of Bursa, one Turkey’s main cities. Traditional lifestyles are still maintained in Cumalikzik, and most of the houses continue to be used as residences. In this manner, the village offers visitors an atmosphere that bears traces of ancient times.
After the tour, be transferred to the hotel, in an approximately 152-Km day.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel or similar, Bursa
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, travel to Ephesus and enjoy a lunch break, before embarking on a tour to the Turkish village of Sirince, known for its pretty white-painted houses. Sirince also has a fantastic reputation for making some of the best wines in Turkey, especially fruit wines. Enjoy a visit to the vineyard and learn how to make fruit wine with Turkish winemakers. On the way back to the hotel, visit one of the famous leather production centres of the region. On completion of the tour, continue to travel to Kusadasi, in an approximately 440-Km day.
Overnight: Ramada Kusadasi Hotel, Kusadasi
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy a free day at leisure to explore this magnificent beachside city or choose to embark on an optional excursion to Ephesus.
Overnight: Ramada Kusadasi Hotel, Kusadasi
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, depart Kusadasi for your next adventure. En-route to Canakkale, commence a tour of Pergamon, where you will enjoy some free time before departing for a tour of its magnificent Acropolis. Pergamon’s impressive temples and library once made it a renowned cultural and political centre. Today, the town is famous for its jewellery, stones and silver, so a stop at a jewellery centre is a must.
Then, continue to the ancient site of Troy, see the remnants of the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse as you learn about the groundbreaking archaeological digs and how the site has baffled historians, approximately 444 km/day.
Overnight: Troia Tusan Hotel or similar, Canakkale
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, depart for Gallipoli to visit the battlefields, upon arrival in Gallipoli around midday, enjoy some free time for lunch before departing for the battlefields. Visit Kabatepe Museum, Ari Burnu Cemetery, Anzac Cove, Beach Cemetery, Shrapnel Valley and Plugge’s Plateau. After the tour, head back to Canakkale and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Overnight: Troia Tusan Hotel or similar, Canakkale
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast around midday, depart for Edirne, a 231 km/day. Upon arrival to Edirne check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight: Hilly Hotel or similar, Edirne
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for Sofia in Bulgaria. Arrive in Sofia around noon. Sofia is surrounded by soul-stirring mountains, golden beaches and sprawling parkland. Sofia is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Bulgaria. With a history that stretches over seven millennia, ruin-rich Sofia is one of Europe’s oldest cities.
In the afternoon, commence a city tour of Sofia, visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction. Continue to St George Rotunda, St Sophia Church, National Theatre, and the former Royal Palace, which now houses the National Revival Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum, in an approximately 311-km day.
After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore this magnificent city.
Overnight: Hotel Ramada Princess or similar, Sofia
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to explore this magical destination. Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, located in the western part of the country. The city of Sofia has a long and diverse history, with traces of settlements dating back to at least 7000 BC. Throughout its history, Sofia has been influenced by various civilizations, including Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Soviets. Sofia is known for its cultural scene, with numerous theaters, art galleries, museums, and music venues. The city has a bustling nightlife and a wide range of dining options, offering both traditional Bulgarian cuisine and international flavours.
Overnight: Hotel Ramada Princess or similar, Sofia
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast,depart to Ohrid. On route, stop in Skopje, Macedonia, where you will arrive in the mid afternoon. The city is famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa. Here, enjoy a panoramic city tour with free time for a late lunch (not included). Afterwards depart for Ohrid, upon arrival check into the hotel, in an approximately 443-Km day.
Overnight: Hotel Su or similar, Ohrid
Meals included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will enjoy a walking tour of the old city situated along a hill at the edge of Lake Ohrid. Lake Ohrid is famous as it’s Europe’s oldest lake, having formed over three million years ago. The tour will include Hadzi Turgut Mosque/ Krst Dazmija. The mosque was built in 1466 by the Turkish Empire and is believed to be the oldest mosque in town. It was built on the former site of the St Kyriaki church. The legend says that the minaret of the mosque had collapsed several times until the Turks left the original Tekke.
Overnight: Hotel Su or similar, Ohrid
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart on a half-day city tour in Durres, visit the newly rebuilt National Archaeological Museum, the Roman Amphitheatre, Venetian Tower and walls, Town Hall Square and the Promenade. Then, continue to Tirana. The remainder of the day will be at leisure for you to explore one of the most fascinating capitals in Eastern Europe, in an approximately 134-Km day.
Overnight: Hotel Tirana International or similar, Tirana
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, travel to Budva, the metropolis of Montenegrin tourism due to its sandy beaches, stunning landscapes, nightlife and its historical monuments are just as exciting! Here, enjoy a walk in the city centre and see the most famous tourist attractions: Ballerina and Mogren Beach, Old Town, Ancient Necropolis, Slovenska Plaza, in an approximately 181-Km day.
Overnight: Hotel Bracera or similar, Budva
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you'll head to Dubrovnik, Croatia, known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’. The mediaeval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a city tour to discover Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery, Clock Tower and Orlando’s Columns. Afterwards, check into the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure in this magical destination.
Overnight: Hotel Adria or similar, Dubrovnik
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy a free day to explore this magical city.
Dubrovnik is a captivating city that seamlessly combines history, culture, and natural beauty. Its stunning architecture, picturesque setting and warm Mediterranean climate makes it a must-visit destination for travellers.
Overnight: Hotel Adria or similar, Dubrovnik
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, travel to Split, one of the most important cities along the Adriatic Sea. Here you can visit the city’s historical centre (which is UNESCO World Heritage Listed), explore the history of Split, from Diocletian’s Palace (built for the Roman Emperor in 305 CE), Cathedral of Saint Domnius with its 12th century bell tower, and visit the Peristyle courtyard of Diocletian’s Palace, in an approximately 232-Km day.
Admire the statue of Gregory of Nin by the 20th-century-sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. Also visit the Golden Gate, Riva Promenade, Old Town Hall, City Clock on People's Square. Visit the fish market, explore the old neighbourhood of Varos and much more.
Overnight: Hotel Corner or similar, Split
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, proceed to Plitvice National Park, a well known UNESCO World Heritage Site with 16 crystal blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Plitvice is Croatia’s oldest National Park. Walk on the wooden promenades with magnificent views on the waters where every turn leads to a breathtaking scenery and yet another waterfall. Surrounded by dense woods, Plitvice Lake is a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty, approximately 241-Km day.
Overnight: Hotel Lakeside or similar, Plitvice
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, travel to Ljubljana, Slovenia. On route, see Zagreb city, the capital of Croatia, enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb’s Upper and Lower Town districts with amazing city views from the Strossmayer Promenade.
Afterwards, cross the border into Ljubljana, Slovenia, and check into the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, Ljubljana offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its welcoming atmosphere, well-preserved architecture, and numerous attractions make it a delightful destination to explore in Slovenia, approximately a 269-Km day.
Overnight: Hotel Austria Trend or similar, Ljubljana
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, enjoy a walking tour to see the main tourist attractions of Ljubljana's city centre. These include the National University Library, Congress Square, Cobbler’s Bridge, the New Square, Franciscan Church, the main square with the Prešeren Monument, the Three Bridges, the river promenade, the Municipality Square, the Open-Air Market, Butcher’s Bridge, the Old Square, St. Nicholas Cathedral and Dragon Bridge.
Continue with a visit to Ljubljana Castle and treat yourself to beautiful views of the city from the castle's ramparts. Ljubljana Castle, standing on a hill above the city for about 900 years, is Ljubljana's main attraction. The castle's outlook tower and ramparts offer some of the most beautiful views of the city, while the castle houses a museum exhibition on Slovenian history, a puppet museum, and a number of historical rooms such as the Chapel of St George, the Prison, and a video presentation room called Virtual Castle.
Overnight: Hotel Austria Trend or similar, Ljubljana
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, this morning you will be transferred to the magical city of Venice. En route, visit Noventa di Piave McArthur Glen, where you can enjoy some shopping and a lunch break. Upon arrival in Venice, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Venice's captivating beauty, rich history, and distinctive atmosphere make it a truly enchanting destination.
Overnight: Hotel Pesaro Palace or similar, Venice
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Punta Sabbioni port, where you will board the water bus into the city. Take the time to admire the beautiful buildings and architecture as you cruise the waters of Venice. Upon arrival, be met by a local tour guide at the Piazza San Marco Square and begin your guided tour of Venice. The Piazza San Marco Square is the hub of Venetian life and a great place to start your tour. Surrounding the square you will see the famous St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge Palace, and the Bell Tower (entrances not included). The tour will continue onwards to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal, and an icon of the city. Upon the conclusion of the tour, enjoy some time to explore the city on your own. In the afternoon take the water bus back to the port of Punta Sabbioni and return to the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Pesaro Palace or similar, Venice
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, at the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your return international flight back to Australia (or New Zealand) after your trip of a lifetime!
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note that some customers may arrive +1 day.
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