Ottoman Trek

7 Days - Split to Istanbul

book now

Mostar BridgeRoute Map

Month :

MTWTFSS
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031
Adult From $825.00
Student From $795.00
Prices in US Dollars

Use Promo Code ''SUMMER2013'' to get 10% Off Selected Adventures, Festivals and Eastern European Trips. Book by 23rd June.

Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria & Turkey

Go further east through the Balkans and seek out the path less travelled. From the splendour and charisma of the Croatian coast to the mighty Turkish capital, you will marvel at the history, dance to the mystical rhythms of gypsy trance and be enlightened by the nightlife! This trek encompasses in the iconic cities of the Balkans - Sarajevo, Belgrade and Sofia - whilst taking you to the edge of Europe and the gateway to Asia, Istanbul!

Highlights

  • Mostar, the bridge and the bakeries
  • The Sarajevo walking tour with a Cevapcici lunch in the old town
  • The buzz of Belgrade
  • Our gypsy evening in Sofia
  • The Ottoman ruins of Plovdiv
  • Istanbul in the evening and the Blue Mosque
  • The great value for money food and drink

What's included

  • Your fantastic Busabout Guide and local driver
  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 6 breakfasts
  • Belgrade walking tour
  • Mostar local guide
  • Sarajevo walking tour with tunnel entrance
  • Istanbul orientation walk
  • FREE Lonely Planet guidebook

Free time

Take time out with one of our optional extras. Full details from your Busabout Guide.

  • Welcome to Sarajevo dinner
  • Traditional Gypsy music and dinner show in Sofia
  • Roman amphitheatre in Plovdiv
  • Turkish Baths, Istanbul

Day 1: Split – Mostar – Sarajevo

We drive along the Croatian coast before heading into Bosnia and magnificent Mostar. We take an orientation walk around the city with its famous bridge and a chance to delve into Bosnian specialties for lunch. It's then onto Sarajevo for a night out amongst top nightlife, live bands and great food. Sarajevo will embrace you with its unique attitude - forgiving and friendly, young and lively, so tonight is your chance to revel in a city you'll never forget.

Day 2: Sarajevo

Today get to know the Bosnian capital and its incredible history. We will present the city and the famous Sarajevo tunnel which will give you a better understanding of the country and its people. Our local guide is exceptional at telling stories and you will rave about this tour later – guaranteed. Relax the afternoon away in Sarajevo shopping in the old town bazaar and squeezing the last drops out of a great weekend.

Day 3: Sarajevo – Belgrade

We leave Bosnia and head across the border into neighbouring Serbia and its capital Belgrade. After check in, we'll set off to explore the city with its grand orthodox churches, but the real highlight here are the people and the life of the city. We will certainly get you in the middle of the action. Razored to the ground on no less than forty occasions, Belgrade has a rebellious side to its psyche. The cheap prices and great local food make it a city to remember.

Day 4: Belgrade – Sofia

We leave after breakfast and pass through the important Serbian town of Nis, where we'll inspect some of the Ottoman ruins and have lunch. Then it's across the border into Bulgaria and the capital Sofia. The inner city of Sofia is full of national monuments, sweeping boulevards and chic eateries. Tonight we'll get feasting on Bulgarian specialties and wines before trying a club or two. The prices here will excite as well!

Day 5: Sofia – Plovdiv

Relax this morning amongst Sofia's museums, shops and cafes. The city has a great Ottoman feel, Time for a tour around the Bulgarian capital, cruising through their national heritage before heading south to Plovdiv, an important Ottoman outpost of the 16th century. The town boasts some of the best preserved ruins and amphitheatres of the region. A chilled laid back day in Bulgaria.

Day 6: Plovdiv – Istanbul

This drive will amaze you as we literally meet the end of Europe in Istanbul, Turkey. Today we trace the footsteps of the once famous Ottoman army back to the edge of Asia. On arrival our Guide will immerse you into the life of Istanbul, its bustling bazaars, the opulence of the Bosphorus, the towering mosques that look fantastic lit up. The evening feast of local produce is a fitting way to end such a memorable journey from Croatia to Turkey.

Day 7: Istanbul

Trek finishes after breakfast.