From
NZ $4,177

Sofia to Istanbul Grand Journey flight included - Small Group Tour

10 days
From Sofia to Istanbul
4.7
3 traveler reviews

Sofia to Istanbul Grand Journey flight included - Small Group Tour

10 days
From Sofia to Istanbul
4.7
3 traveler reviews
From
NZ $4,177
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $1,051 now + easy payments of $197 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 6 - 16
Age range 10 to 84
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Sofia's vibrant nightlife
  • Tour Skopje's historic sites and landmarks
  • Discover Tirana's iconic Skanderbeg Square
  • Visit the cliff-top monasteries in Meteora
  • Experience Istanbul's rich cultural heritage

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Arrival to Sofia
  2. Day 2 Sofia to Skopje
  3. Day 3 Skopje to Tirana via Matka Canyon and Prizren
  4. Day 4 Tirana to Ohrid
  5. Day 5 Ohrid
  6. Day 6 Ohrid to Kastoria and Meteora (Kalabaka)
  7. Day 7 Meteora (Kalabaka) to Thessaloniki
  8. Day 8 Thessaloniki to Sofia via Rila Monastery
  9. Day 9 Sofia to Istanbul (Flight Transfer)
  10. Day 10 Istanbul
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Flights
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Customer Photos

Operated by

Ajdinis

4.6
(67 reviews)

Number of tours

84

Age Range

18 to 70 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

100%

Welcome to Ajdinis Travel, your avant-garde Destination Management Company...

Read more

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.7
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.3
  • Guide
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Transport
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.3
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.3
  • 4.6
  • Sofia to Istanbul Grand Journey flight included - Small Group Tour reviewer 1
    · November 20th, 2024
    This was a wonderful tour through a part of the world I didn't know much about. This was also my first multi-day guided tour. My parents signed up for Sofia to Istanbul Discovery and I decided to join them. Enes was a fantastic guide. He provided valuable insight into the places we visited and the cultural similarities and differences between them. He was energetic yet grounded, flexible where he could be, and had a great sense of humor. This tour covers a lot of ground, and each person in our group had a different "favorite" location. I admit I was sad to part ways with Enes and our driver when we flew to Istanbul. Our group was small and quickly became a family. However, the tour guide we were connected with in Turkey was also fantastic, and Enes checked in with us the whole time we were there. My parents and I extended our stay in Istanbul by a few days, and our guide gave us great recommendations for additional places to visit. I'd highly recommend a tour with Ajdinis. It's clear that they care a lot about their customers' experiences. Enes and the Ajdinis team made us feel safe the entire time. Their tours are thoughtful put together, and they're eager and open to feedback. I'm grateful for the experience exploring with my parents. This was a special trip I'll remember for the rest of my life. Thank you!
    Show more
    Ajdinis commented on this review
    Thank you for your positive review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the tour and the guides and found the sights and information informative. We look forward to welcoming you again soon!
    Sofia to Istanbul Grand Journey flight included - Small Group Tour customer review photo 1Sofia to Istanbul Grand Journey flight included - Small Group Tour customer review photo 2
    Trip date: April 2024
  • PT
    · May 17th, 2024
    Excellent, educational tour. My only criticism was that moving each night to a new hotel got tiring after awhile. Enos was an excellent guide and always looking for ways to adapt the tour to our interests.
    Show more
    Ajdinis commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback dear Paul. We're glad you enjoyed the tour and guidance. We understand moving hotels nightly can be tiring and will consider this for our future tours.
    Trip date: April 2024
  • Sofia to Istanbul Grand Journey flight included - Small Group Tour reviewer 3
    · March 9th, 2024
    The itinerary was well-planned, the guides were knowledgeable, and the overall experience exceeded my expectations.
    Show more
    Ajdinis commented on this review
    We're delighted to hear that the itinerary and guides exceeded your expectations. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another great experience in the future.
    Trip date: August 2023

Dates & Availability

10 days
Sofia to Istanbul Grand Journey flight included - Small Group Tour
From Sofia to Istanbul

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits
Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • June 2025
  • July 2025
  • August 2025
  • September 2025
  • October 2025
  • November 2025
  • December 2025
  • January 2026
  • February 2026
  • March 2026
  • April 2026
  • May 2026
  • June 2026
  • July 2026
  • August 2026
  • September 2026
  • October 2026
Select The Travel Month

Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 24 Jun, 2025
  • From Friday
    20 Jun, 2025
    To Sunday
    29 Jun, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $4,177
  • From Friday
    27 Jun, 2025
    To Sunday
    6 Jul, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $4,177
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    4 Jul, 2025
    To Sunday
    13 Jul, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $4,177
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    11 Jul, 2025
    To Sunday
    20 Jul, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $4,177
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    18 Jul, 2025
    To Sunday
    27 Jul, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $4,177
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    25 Jul, 2025
    To Sunday
    3 Aug, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $4,177
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    1 Aug, 2025
    To Sunday
    10 Aug, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $4,177
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    8 Aug, 2025
    To Sunday
    17 Aug, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $4,177
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    15 Aug, 2025
    To Sunday
    24 Aug, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $4,177
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    22 Aug, 2025
    To Sunday
    31 Aug, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $4,177

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • J

    Joan

    Asked on April 20th, 2024

    Is it possible to have this tour with just two people - myself and my husband?

    Group size
    Tour Details
    • AjdinisOperatorWritten April 2024

      Yes, it is possible to arrange this tour privately for just two people. The price for each person would be 2,800 euros.

    • J

      Joan

      TravelerWritten April 2024

      I just want to clarify your response - the trip with group travel is priced at $1527 US Dollars. Is it possible your reply was 2800 USD not Euro? It seems like quite a large difference.

    • AjdinisOperatorWritten April 2024

      The displayed price is for group bookings, while the offered price is specifically for private tour for 2 person. It includes the same program with a personal guide.

    • J
      2 more answers
  • E

    Esther

    Asked on February 20th, 2024

    I'm wondering if this tour has a possibility of starting from April 19/20 & ends April 28/29?

    Tour Details
    • AjdinisOperatorWritten February 2024

      We have earliest guarantee departure from 27 April.

  • D

    Darren

    Asked on February 12th, 2024

    Are you able to accommodate two travellers ages 76 and 83 on this adventure?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • D

      Darren

      TravelerWritten February 2024

      Bulgaria and Turkey do not require visas for tourists staying under 90 days. What do you know about smoking regulations in these countries?

    • AjdinisOperatorWritten February 2024

      In Bulgaria, smoking is generally prohibited in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and bars. However, some establishments may have designated smoking areas. In Turkey, smoking is also restricted in enclosed public spaces, but enforcement may vary. Many restaurants and cafes have designated smoking areas, while some may be entirely smoke-free.

    • D

      Darren

      TravelerWritten February 2024

      On the night of Day 1 (April 27th), we will be staying in the Bulgarian countryside, with the idea of coming in to Sofia Sunday morning (Day 2) to join the tour before departure from the city. Where should we go to meet the tour? And by what time on Sunday should we be there?

    • AjdinisOperatorWritten February 2024

      On the first day, we will convene at a hotel in Sofia (details will be provided). Our guests will be warmly greeted at the hotel reception. In the evening, our guide will provide a comprehensive tour briefing, followed by free time for guests to explore Sofia at their leisure. Overnight accommodation will be at the Sofia hotel. On the second day, after checking out from the Sofia hotel, we will embark on a visit to Sofia and then proceed to our next destination, Skopje.

    • D

      Darren

      TravelerWritten February 2024

      What time on Day 2 does the bus actually LEAVE Sofia?

    • AjdinisOperatorWritten February 2024

      We'll provide the precise schedule two weeks before the date, but for approximate planning, expect to be at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral around 10 am. Check-out from the hotel near Studentski Grad district is anticipated at 8 am. Rest assured, we will stay in regular contact in the two weeks leading up to the departure to keep you well-informed.

    • D
      5 more answers
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Ajdinis with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.
From
NZ $4,177
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $1,051 now + easy payments of $197 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 264269

  • Currencies
    L
    Lek
    Albania
    лв.
    Bulgarian Lev
    Bulgaria
    Euro
    Greece and Kosovo
    ден
    Denar
    Macedonia
    $
    US Dollar
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

    Type C
    Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo
    Type E
    Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo
    Type F
    Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Albania and Turkey. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia and Turkey. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia and Turkey. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Albania. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 6 months before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bulgaria. Ideally 3 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before July 22nd, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 22nd, 2025, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with Ajdinis. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 35 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Ajdinis will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Ajdinis" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.