About the Trip
✨ Experience an unforgettable 4-day adventure to two of the region's most iconic cities – Istanbul and Thessaloniki! 🇹🇷🇬🇷
🌍 Our journey begins towards the enchanting metropolis of Istanbul, the unique city connecting Europe and Asia, where history, culture, and modern life blend perfectly. During our stay, we will explore the city's historic and modern neighborhoods, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from Pierre Loti Hill, and visit the themed Aquarium, one of Istanbul's most fascinating attractions. 🌊✨
⛴️ One of the most memorable experiences of this trip will be the Bosphorus Strait boat cruise, where you will admire spectacular city views and magnificent waterfront palaces. We will also visit the impressive Dolmabahçe Palace, a symbol of luxury and Ottoman history. 🏰
🎶 The atmosphere becomes even more special with the Turkish Night, a festive evening featuring traditional music, dancing, and a magical atmosphere while cruising along the Bosphorus.
🕌 On the third day, we will discover the historical heart of Istanbul with visits to:
• Blue Mosque
• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapi Palace
• Grand Bazaar – one of Turkey's most famous traditional markets.
🇬🇷 On our return journey, we will stop in Thessaloniki, where we will visit the White Tower and Aristotelous Square, before returning to Albania with unforgettable memories of this fantastic trip. ✨
💶 Price:
85€/person – 3★ Hotel
109€/person – 3/4★ Hotel
📅 Travel Dates:
October: 1 – 4, 8 – 11, 15 – 18, 22 – 25, October 29 – November 1
November: 5 – 8, 12 – 15, 19 – 22
November Holidays: 27 – 30, November 28 – December 1
💶 Price for the November Holidays:
75€/person – 3★ Hotel
109€/person – 4★ Hotel
⚠️ Departure for this trip takes place 1 day before the published date.
Day 1: Tirana-Istanbul
🕕 Departure:
📍 Durrës – 16:30, Train Station
📍 Tirana – 18:00, opposite “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace
📍 Elbasan – 19:00, Cërrik Junction
📍 Pogradec – 21:00
📍 Korçë – 21:30
🚍 The journey continues toward Istanbul via the Kapshticë border crossing.
🌙 The trip takes place overnight, with short stops along the way for rest, coffee, and meals. ☕
🏙️ Arrival in Istanbul is expected around midday.
🏨 Hotel check-in is available after 15:00.
✨ Free time to enjoy the city with recommendations and assistance from the guide.
Day 2: Istanbul, city tour
🍽️ Breakfast at the hotel.
🌆 After breakfast, we continue our visits in Istanbul, starting with Pierre Loti Hill, one of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints in the city.
🚠 We will go up and down by cable car while enjoying the fantastic view over the Golden Horn and the historic city of Istanbul. ✨
🏘️ Afterwards, we visit the charming Balat neighborhood, also known as the “Çukur” neighborhood, famous for its colorful houses, authentic streets, and artistic atmosphere.
🐠 The next visit will be to the Istanbul Aquarium, the largest thematic aquarium in the world, featuring around 1,500 different marine species and impressive themed areas. 🌊
⛴️ The program continues with a Bosphorus boat tour, where for around 1.5 hours we will enjoy views of historical palaces, modern villas, and the symbolic division between two continents — Europe and Asia.
💶 Price: 15€/person
The boat tour is mandatory and must be paid at the office.
🏰 Afterwards, we continue with a panoramic outside visit of Dolmabahçe Palace, one of the most luxurious royal palaces in the world.
📌 Guests who wish to visit the interior privately may do so by informing the guide in advance.
🛍️ The visit continues to Taksim Square, one of the most famous and lively areas of Istanbul.
☀️ Free time for:
• Lunch
• Shopping
• Visiting Galata Tower, one of the city’s most famous landmarks
🏨 In the evening, return to the hotel and prepare for the Turkish Night.
🎶 One of the most beautiful experiences of the trip is the Turkish Show — a festive evening with music, traditional dances, and a magical atmosphere on the waters of the Bosphorus until after midnight. ✨
💶 Optional: 35€/person
Includes hotel transfer, dinner, and unlimited drinks.
Day 3: Historic Zone
🍽️ Breakfast at the hotel.
🌆 After breakfast, we continue exploring Istanbul with a visit to the Asian side of the city.
📍 The first stop will be Çamlıca Hill, the highest panoramic point in Istanbul, where we will enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Bosphorus. ✨
🕌 Visit to Çamlıca Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey and one of the country’s most modern and magnificent architectural landmarks.
🚍 Afterwards, we return to the European side of the city and continue toward the historical area of Istanbul.
📍 During the visit, we will explore:
• Blue Mosque – one of the city’s most iconic monuments
• Hagia Sophia – the magnificent masterpiece of the Orthodox world, recently converted back into a mosque
• Topkapi Palace — optional interior visit 🏰
🛍️ The program continues with a visit and shopping at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in the world, known as one of the first shopping centers in history.
☀️ Free time for exploring, shopping, and enjoying the unique atmosphere of Istanbul with recommendations from the guide.
Day 4: Istanbul – Thessaloniki – Tirana
🌅 Early morning departure toward Albania, taking the packed breakfast provided by the hotel.
🛂 After border procedures, we continue toward Thessaloniki, where we will have a stop and a visit of around 2 hours in the city.
📍 Free time for a walk near the White Tower, Aristotelous Square, and the city center. ✨
🚍 Afterwards, we depart toward Albania, with short stops along the way for rest and coffee. ☕
🕘 Arrival in Elbasan, Tirana, and Durrës in the evening, around 21:00.
📌 Timings may vary depending on traffic and border procedures.
🙏 End of our service.