3-Day 2-Night Thessaloniki Sofia and Kavala Tour by Bus
Day 1
ISTANBUL – IPSALA
Meeting Points:
23:00 Kadıköy Marriage Office Parking Lot
23:30 Mecidiyeköy Near Ziraat Bank
23:59 İncirli Next to Ömür Plaza
00:45 Silivri Vega Shopping Mall Front
02:00 Tekirdağ Namık Kemal Rest Area (As we will be returning via Edirne, it’s not in Tekirdağ but could be dropped off at Çorlu Rest Area or suitable points along the Edirne-Istanbul highway)
After meeting with our guests at the specified departure points in the tour program, we will travel along the Tekirdağ – Malkara – Keşan – İpsala route, making necessary stops until reaching the İpsala Land Border Gate. After completing our exit procedures here, we will cross the Meriç River and arrive at the Greek Kipis Land Border Gate. After passport and customs procedures here, we will enter Greece.
Day 2
IPSALA – KAVALA - SALONIKA
After entering Greece, we will have a breakfast stop along the route. Following the stop, we head towards Kavala. Upon arrival, we begin our panoramic city tour. The first sight to see in the old town is the Aziz Nikola (St. Nicholas) Church. The Mosque, built in 1530 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent for Ibrahim Pasha, was converted into a church in 1926 when its minaret was shortened and decorated with Christian mosaics. Other historical sites on our tour include Kavala Castle, the house of Kavalalı Mehmet Ali Pasha, the imaret now used as a hotel, aqueduct, and the old town within the castle. After the panoramic tour of Kavala, we proceed to Thessaloniki. Upon arrival, we visit the largest church in Thessaloniki, Aya Dimitros Church, and Atatürk’s house. Then, we proceed on our panoramic city tour, which includes the promenade (Kordon), White Tower, Turning Tower, Fair, Alexander the Great statue, Yedi Kule (Seven Towers), Galerius’ Victory Arch (Kamara), Rotunda, Turkish Bath, and Hamza Bey Mosque. After free time, we head to our hotel. Upon arrival, checks in are made. Guests may optionally join an external Greek Tavern Tour (Taverna Tour: €55) if desired. Those not participating in the Taverna Tour can reach the city center by bus (Transfer fee €10). After the Taverna tour, we return to our hotel and stay overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 3
SALONIKA – SOFIA
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Sofia. Along the route, guests can join an optional tour to Rila Monastery (€25), built in the 10th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the monastery, we continue to Sofia. Upon arrival, we start our city tour: St. Nedelya Church, Rotunda Church, Russian Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, Sofia University, National Culture Palace, and the Mimar Sinan-designed Banyabaşı Mosque are among the sights. After the tour, we go to our hotel. Guests may also join an optional Bulgarian Night with dinner ( €55). Those not joining the dinner can reach the city center by bus (Transfer fee €10). Accommodation in Sofia at the hotel.
Day 4
SOFIA – PLovdiv - ISTANBUL
After breakfast, we depart for Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city. First, we have free time for shopping at Jumbo and Lidl. Then, we tour the city: Batenberg Street, Ottoman houses, amphitheater, ancient stadium, Cuma Mosque, and Cuma Square are key sights. After sightseeing and free time, we head to Kapıkule Border Gate. After completing passport and customs procedures and shopping at the duty-free shops, we depart for Istanbul. Upon arrival, guests are transferred to the specified points listed in the tour program along our return route, and the tour concludes. We look forward to seeing you on our next trips!
What's Included
Bus transportation
2 nights stay in 3* or 4* hotels including breakfast
Panoramic city tours and transfers as per the program
Turkish-speaking guide services
Accommodation and city taxes
All highway and parking fees
Not Included
Departure tax for overseas trips (it is recommended to make the payment to banks before travel dates)
Visa fee and service charge (Guests with Green Passports are exempt from visas)
Overseas Travel Health Insurance
Lunch and dinner meals
Extras charged by the hotel
Optional environmental excursions specified in the program
All personal expenses
Museum and archaeological site entrance fees (optional)
Tips for driver and guide (optional)