In Milan - Out Istanbul (9 Countries)

Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at Malpensa Airport, look for the Amales Travel DMC sign. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before starting your Milan city tour. Explore the city center, visiting iconic landmarks such as Duomo Square, home to the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, and La Scala Opera House, a symbol of Milan’s cultural heritage. Stroll through the luxury stores of the glamorous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and learn about Milan’s history as a center of art and fashion. Continue your journey to Venice. Check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Start your day with a tour of Venice Island. Visit Piazza San Marco, home to the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and explore the maze of alleys and squares that reveal the city’s unique Venetian charm. You can also take an optional Gondola ride for an unforgettable experience. Lunch in a local restaurant. Proceed to Ljubljana for a short sightseeing tour in the city center, including the historical Ljubljana Castle and Triple Bridge, which connects the old town with modern Ljubljana. Continue your journey to Zagreb for the night.

After breakfast, start your Zagreb city tour. Visit St. Mark’s Church with its iconic colorful roof, Ban Jelacic Square, and the Zagreb Cathedral, one of the tallest buildings in Croatia. Explore the Upper and Lower Town, and the Dolac Market, a hub of local culture and goods. After the tour, drive towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. The park is Croatia’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After taking in the beauty of the park, continue to Bihac for overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we head to Travnik, a town known for its Ottoman influence. Visit the Travnik Castle and the colorful Sulejmanija Mosque. Enjoy lunch in the town before continuing your journey to Sarajevo. On arrival, take a brief walking tour of Sarajevo’s Old Town, rich in Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian history. Visit landmarks such as the Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque and the famous Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place, sparking World War I. Enjoy a free evening with dinner accompanied by local music.

After breakfast, we continue our journey to Mostar, known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), which has stood since the 16th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Old Bazaar and take time to shop for traditional handicrafts. Afterward, proceed to Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," with its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the City Walls and Rector’s Palace. Continue to Trebinje for overnight accommodation.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then embark on a city tour of Kotor, a medieval town situated on the Bay of Kotor, surrounded by imposing mountains and fortifications. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a well-preserved medieval atmosphere. Proceed to Budva, a coastal town with a history dating back to the 5th century BC. Explore its Old Town and scenic beaches. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and then continue to Shkoder for check-in, dinner, and overnight.

After breakfast, explore Shkoder, one of the oldest cities in Albania, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Visit the Rozafa Castle and learn about its legendary foundation. Continue to Tirana, the bustling capital of Albania. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, visiting Skanderbeg Square and the Et’hem Bey Mosque. After lunch, proceed to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning lake and historical monasteries. Check-in at your hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, take a walking tour of Ohrid, visiting the ancient Samuil’s Fortress, Old Bazaar, Ali Pasha Mosque, and the Ohrid Square. The town is a cultural hub with an impressive mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman influences. You can also opt for a boat tour on Lake Ohrid. After lunch, continue to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Visit the Kale Fortress, Stone Bridge, and Macedonia Square, and admire the Alexander the Great statue. Also, stop at the Mother Teresa Memorial House, honoring the city’s famous daughter. After your tour, check-in for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, known for its Roman ruins and Ottoman architecture. Explore the city’s highlights, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the President’s Palace, and the National Theatre. Take a photo stop at the Lion Monument, a symbol of Sofia. After lunch, check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Early departure from the hotel with breakfast boxes for your trip to Istanbul. After lunch on the way, begin your Istanbul city tour, including photo stops at the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, a historic marketplace dating back to the 15th century. After your tour, enjoy dinner and check-in at your hotel for overnight.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight back home, bringing back wonderful memories and souvenirs from your Balkan vacation. It is time to reflect on the rich history and vibrant cultures experienced throughout this tour with Amales Travel DMC. End of service.