DAY 1 THESSALONIKI (GREECE) AUGUST 10, 2025
Our magnificent trip begins on the night of August 9, crossing into August 10, at the Alibeyköy Intercity Bus Terminal. It is important to be ready at least 1 hour before the trip starts (August 9, 2025, 11:00 PM). After placing our luggage and ensuring our seating arrangement, we depart at 12:01 AM with our bus and arrive at the İpsala border gate after approximately 3 hours. Following customs and passport procedures, we continue our journey to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the Macedonia region. We will arrive in this city, which was an important commercial and cultural center during the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, in the morning. Additionally, it is the birthplace of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Before we start exploring this city, known for its cultural events, festivals, and vibrant nightlife, we stop for breakfast. After our break, our first stop will be the house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, was born and lived. After our visit, we give our valued guests some free time for souvenir shopping and to discover local coffee delights. After the free time, the places to be visited include; the largest church in Greece, Aya Dimitri Church,
Aristotle Square, named after the famous philosopher Aristotle,
the famous Tsimiski Street known for its cafes and restaurants,
the Kordon, which is Izmir's twin,
the White Tower built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent,
and the statue of Alexander the Great, the famous leader of Macedonia.
After our tour, we head towards our ship hotel that will take us to Italy and, after a journey, we settle into our cabins and embark on a wonderful journey across the Adriatic Sea. Our accommodation will be on the ship. Don’t worry; our bus is traveling with us on the ship. :)
DAY 2 VATICAN (VATICAN) – ROME (ITALY) AUGUST 11, 2025
In the morning, we leave the Bari Port with our bus and arrive in the Vatican by noon. The Vatican is a small independent state located within Rome. We explore this country, which is the center of Catholic Christianity and the residence of the Pope, housing some of the most important religious and cultural treasures in Christian history. Places to be visited include;
the San Pietro Square with its statues,
the San Pietro Basilica, the center of Catholic Christianity,
Michelangelo's famous Pieta statue.
After our tour in Vatican, we take some free time and then explore Rome, the capital of Italy and an ancient city that was the center of one of the most powerful empires in history, known for its historical richness, iconic structures, and artworks. The places to be visited include;
the Castle of Angels, where the Pope resides and where Cem Sultan was once held captive,
the most beautiful bridge over the Tiber River, the Angels Bridge,
the Italian Supreme Court,
the Twin Church built to prevent Nero’s ghost from burning Rome again,
the famous Leonardo da Vinci Museum,
and Piazza Navona, one of Rome's most famous squares, which marks the beginning of the famous Corso street.
After our tour, we head to our hotel in Rome where we will be staying.
DAY 3 ROME (ITALY) AUGUST 12, 2025
After the open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we continue our Rome tour from where we left off. The places to be visited include;
the Colosseum, which hosted gladiators,
the Roman Forum, one of the oldest living areas in Rome,
the heart of Rome, the Venice Square,
the Tomb of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy,
the Pantheon, a temple dedicated to all gods,
the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most significant symbols,
and the Spanish Steps, a gathering spot for Roman youth.
After our tour and some free time, we head towards Florence, the city where the Renaissance was born. Our accommodation will be at our hotel in Montecatini.
DAY 4 FLORENCE – VENICE (ITALY) AUGUST 13, 2025
After the open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we begin our exploration of Florence, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to great artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, filled with art and architecture marvels such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo Cathedral, and Ponte Vecchio. The places to be visited include;
the Uffizi Gallery, home to world-famous artworks,
the most beautiful bridge over the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio,
the open-air museum, Signoria Square,
the Vecchio Palace, home to the famous Medici family,
the mesmerizing Duomo Square and Florence Cathedral.
After our tour and some free time, we head towards Venice, the enchanting city built on water known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture. Upon arrival, we explore the city. The places to be visited include;
the famous pigeons of San Marco Square,
the San Marco Basilica with the four horses of Mahşer,
the famous canals where gondola rides take place,
and the Rialto Bridge, the most beautiful bridge over the Grand Canal.
After this exploration and some free time, we head to our hotel in Padua.
DAY 5 LJUBLJANA (SLOVENIA), BRATISLAVA (SLOVAKIA) AUGUST 14, 2025
After the open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, known as the green country covered by forests for about two-thirds of its territory. The places to be visited include;
the Museum of Modern Art,
Preseren Square, named after the famous poet Preseren,
the Dragon Bridge, featuring the city’s legendary dragons,
Ljubljana Castle with its panoramic view.
After our tour and some free time, we head towards Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, located on the banks of the Danube River and one of the cultural and political centers of Central Europe, and start our tour. The places to be visited include;
the symbol of the city, Bratislava Castle,
the UFO Observation Tower built on UFO rumors,
the Danube River, a subject of marches,
the historic Old Town,
and the oldest entrance gate to the city, Michael’s Gate.
After this tour and some free time, we head to our hotel in Bratislava.
DAY 6 VIENNA (AUSTRIA) AUGUST 15, 2025
After the open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we head towards Vienna, a city rich in cultural heritage, historic palaces, and a major center for classical music. After a short journey, our exploration of the palace gardens begins, followed by other important areas of the city. The places to be visited include;
the Belvedere Palace, the world’s first public museum,
the Schönbrunn Palace, home to the world’s first zoo and the summer residence of the Habsburg family,
the Hofburg Palace, the winter residence of the Habsburg family,
the MuseumsQuartier, covering 90,000 m2 with 60 cultural institutions,
the famous Graben Street located in the heart of the city,
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s main place of worship,
and the Vienna State Opera House, where Beethoven performed.
After our tour and some free time, we head towards our hotel in the capital of Czechia, Prague.
DAY 7 PRAGUE (CZECHIA) AUGUST 16, 2025
After the open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we begin our exploration of Prague, which is the birthplace of Franz Kafka and where Nazım Hikmet wrote his poems, known for being one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. The places to be visited include;
Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world,
St. Vitus Cathedral, housing sacred relics,
Charles Bridge, famous for its statues,
the majestic Old Town Square,
and the Astronomical Clock with its unique display.
After this tour and some free time, we head towards Budapest, the capital of Hungary. We will spend the night on the bus.
DAY 8 BUDAPEST (HUNGARY) AUGUST 17, 2025
In the morning, we arrive in Budapest, known as the Pearl of the Danube for being the best-lit city in Europe, formed by the union of the Buda and Pest cities, and we have a brief stop for breakfast. After our break, we begin our tour. The places to be visited include;
Buda Castle, the historical castle and palace complex of Hungarian kings,
Fisherman’s Bastion with its panoramic view of Budapest,
Heroes' Square featuring its statues,
Vajdahunyad Castle, which houses numerous architectural structures,
Varosliget Park, the largest park in the city,
Andrassy Street, known for its famous shops,
St. Stephen’s Basilica, the highest church in the city,
the Chain Bridge with its famous lion statues,
and the Parliament Building, the most splendid structure in the city.
After our tour, we will go for a 1-hour boat tour on the Danube River. (Optional)
DAY 9 BELGRADE (SERBIA) AUGUST 18, 2025
After the open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. After a brief journey with passport and border checks, we enter Serbia's capital. The places to be visited include;
the Cathedral of Saint Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Cathedral,
Kalemegdan with its Ottoman traces,
the most famous gate of the fortress, Istanbul Gate, and the Tomb of Damat Ali Pasha,
the most important and lively street, Knez Mihailova Street.
After this exploration, we travel to our accommodation hotel.
DAY 10 SOFIA (BULGARIA) / ISTANBUL (TURKEY) AUGUST 19, 2025
After the open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. After a brief journey, we enter Sofia, our last destination.
The places to be visited include;
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral,
Old Assembly,
New Assembly,
Presidential Building,
Banya Bashi Mosque,
Statue of Saint Sofia.
After our last stop and free time, we head back to Istanbul, where we will stop for shopping at Duty Free and then proceed with our passport and customs procedures, entering our country late at night.