14-Day Adventure Through Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, and North Macedonia

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltıso

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring menemen and simit.
Head to the historic Sultanahmet area after breakfast.
TRY100, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Marvel at the stunning architecture of this historic basilica-turned-mosque.
Just a 10-minute walk from your breakfast spot.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy famous Turkish meatballs, a local favorite.
Located nearby Hagia Sophia.
TRY80, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the Topkapi Palace

Wander through the opulent rooms of the Ottoman sultans.
A 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
TRY300, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Blue Mosque

Enjoy the serene beauty of one of Istanbul's most iconic mosques.
Just a few steps from Topkapi Palace.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dessert at Hafiz Mustafa

Indulge in baklava and Turkish delight to refresh after sightseeing.
Walk to the nearby iconic dessert shop.
TRY50, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Explore Spice Bazaar

Stroll through the vibrant market filled with spices, sweets, and souvenirs.
Head to Eminönü by tram.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Delight in traditional kebabs with a view over the Golden Horn.
Just a short walk from the bazaar.
TRY200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Gems

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Çınaraltı

Enjoy your breakfast overlooking the Bosphorus with a simit and tea.
Take a ferry to Anadolu Kavağı.
TRY70, 1 hour

9:00AM

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

Sail through the Bosphorus Strait and admire the skyline of Istanbul.
Board the ferry for a scenic ride.
TRY150, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Explore the grandiose palace, filled with European architectural styles.
Take a taxi from the ferry terminal.
TRY300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ortaköy Meşhur

Savor kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes) while enjoying views of the Bosphorus.
A short walk from Dolmabahçe.
TRY80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Galata Tower

Climb for panoramic views of the city and the Golden Horn.
Take a tram back to the area.
TRY150, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Istiklal Street

Wander through shops and cafes, soaking in the bustling atmosphere.
Walk down from Galata Tower.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Coffee break at MOC

Recharge with a specialty coffee at a trendy café.
Located on Istiklal Street.
TRY50, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Enjoy a seafood dinner with a twist in a cozy atmosphere.
Head toward the Taksim area.
TRY250, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Edirne Enchantment

Edirne, Turkey

7:00AM

Breakfast at local café

Start early with a typical Turkish breakfast.
Get a taxi to the bus station for the journey to Edirne.
TRY60, 1 hour

9:00AM

Journey to Edirne

Catch a bus to Edirne as you leave Istanbul.
The bus takes approximately 2.5 hours.
TRY50, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Selimiye Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk from the bus station to the mosque.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Cihangir Restaurant

Enjoy delicious local dishes including Edirne's famous liver.
Easily reachable by foot from the mosque.
TRY100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Edirne Palace

Visit the ruins of the old palace and surrounding gardens.
A short ride with a taxi from the restaurant.
TRY100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk through the Old Bazaar

Discover a variety of shops selling local handicrafts.
Head back toward the city center.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Café Stop at Kırkpınar

Enjoy Turkish tea and a slice of baklava.
Located nearby the bazaar.
TRY25, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Bus to Plovdiv

Board your bus heading to Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Trains also available, but buses are more frequent.
TRY80, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Mehana

Taste hearty Bulgarian dishes like banitsa and kebapche.
Walk from your accommodation in Plovdiv.
BGN30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Fascinating Plovdiv

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café O!SHO

Indulge in Bulgarian pastries with coffee in a charming atmosphere.
A short walk from your accommodation.
BGN20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Ancient Theatre

Explore the ruins of this spectacular ancient Roman theatre still in use today.
Easily accessible on foot from the café.
BGN15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Walk Along the Old Town

Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses and galleries.
A scenic walk from the theater.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pavaj

Savor local dishes alongside craft beers.
Located in the Old Town.
BGN25, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum

Discover the cultural heritage of the region through exhibits.
Just nearby the lunch spot.
BGN10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Kapana District

Enjoy creative art shops, unique cafes, and vibrant street art.
A short walk from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Coffee Break at Kaffe Zateva

Relax with a coffee or homemade dessert.
In Kapana District.
BGN15, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hindlian House

Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian meal in a historic house.
Walk back towards the Old Town.
BGN40, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Sofia Exploration

Sofia, Bulgaria

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rainbow Factory

Start your day with creative pancakes and healthy smoothies.
Take the morning bus to Sofia.
BGN20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Marvel at one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
A 20-minute walk from the bus station.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Stroll in Borisova Gradina Park

Enjoy some leisurely time in Sofia's largest and most beautiful park.
Walk from the cathedral to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Made in Home

Feast on homemade comfort food in a cozy environment.
A short bus ride from the park.
BGN25, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit National Museum of History

Explore Bulgarian history through diverse exhibits.
Head there by taxi from the lunch spot.
BGN15, 2 hours

3:00PM

Coffee at Drekka

Enjoy artisan coffee in a trendy café setting.
Taxi back to the city center.
BGN10, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Vitosha Boulevard

Shop and stroll on Sofia's famous pedestrian street.
Walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Sasa Asian Pub

Experience fusion Asian cuisine in a lively ambiance.
Located along Vitosha Boulevard.
BGN40, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Thessaloniki's Wonders

Thessaloniki, Greece

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ypsilon Café

Enjoy fresh spanakopita and Greek coffee.
Take a bus from Sofia to Thessaloniki.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit White Tower

Explore the iconic symbol of Thessaloniki and its museum.
Walk along the waterfront from the bus station.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Rotunda

Visit this impressive Roman structure that has served various purposes.
A 20-minute walk or short bus ride.
EUR2, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at La Doze

Taste local delicacies and sample beers.
Walk back toward the city center.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Stroll Through Aristotelous Square

Relax in the famous square, people-watching.
A short walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Archaeological Museum

Delve into the region's rich history through artifacts.
A 10-minute walk from the square.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Coffee Break at Third Place

Relax with a fresh brew and pastry.
In the same neighborhood.
EUR5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at 7 Thalasses

Savor seafood dishes along with a mesmerizing city sunset.
By the waterfront.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Greece’s Heart – Athens

Athens, Greece

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Avissinia

Enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast in a vibrant setting.
Travel to Athens by bus, which takes approximately 5 hours.
EUR10, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Acropolis

Explore the ancient citadel, including the Parthenon.
Easy to reach from your café on foot.
EUR20, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Relish Greek sandwiches with cured meats and cheese.
Walk from Acropolis.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ancient Agora

Discover the ruins with a backdrop of the Acropolis.
A short walk from your lunch spot.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll Through Plaka

Wander the charming streets of Athens' oldest neighborhood.
Walking distance from Ancient Agora.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Coffee Break at Café Melina

Relax with a traditional Greek coffee.
Located in Plaka.
EUR5, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Kuzina

Savor modern Greek cuisine with a twist in a stylish setting.
Short walk from Plaka.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Island Paradise – Santorini

Santorini, Greece

8:00AM

Breakfast at Melenio

Start your day with a delicious Greek yogurt and honey.
Take a ferry to Santorini, around 4-5 hours.
EUR30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Metaxi Mas

Enjoy local dishes with a stunning view of the caldera.
Located near Oia.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Oia Village

Wander through beautiful streets, known for its sunset views.
Short walk from your lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Wine Tasting at Santo Wines

Sample local wines while enjoying gorgeous sea views.
A short drive or taxi from Oia.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ammoudi Fish Tavern

Dine on fresh seafood with a view of the sunset.
Located down by the port.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Culinary Journey - Crete

Crete, Greece

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dakos

Savor Cretan dakos with tomatoes and cheese.
Take a ferry from Santorini to Crete, approximately 2 hours.
EUR24, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Discover artifacts from the Minoan civilization.
Close to the ferry terminal.
EUR12, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Peskesi

Indulge in authentic Cretan cuisine like lamb with stamnagathi.
A short walk from the museum.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Knossos Palace

Explore the ruins of the legendary Minoan palace.
Taxi from the lunch spot.
EUR15, 2.5 hours

3:30PM

Coffee at K υποβρύχιο

Relax with traditional Cretan coffee and sweets.
Back in Heraklion.
EUR6, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Venetian Fortress

Enjoy incredible views of the sea and city.
Short walking distance from the coffee shop.
EUR4, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kariatis

Feast on grilled meats and seafood with local wines.
In the city center.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: North Macedonia Discovery

Skopje, North Macedonia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Drevna

Start with fresh pastries and coffee.
Take a bus from Crete to Skopje (via Athens), roughly 8 hours.
EUR30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Skopje City Center

Discover the unique blend of historical and modern architecture.
Walk from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Old City Tavern

Taste traditional Macedonian food in a charming setting.
Walk from the city center.
MKD600, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Ohrid Wonders

Ohrid, North Macedonia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café La Dolce Vita

Enjoy a great start with coffee and traditional pastries.
Take a bus from Skopje to Ohrid, about 3 hours.
MKD100, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Lake Ohrid

Relax by the shores of one of Europe’s oldest lakes.
Take a lakeside walk.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Restaurant Vila St. Sofija

Taste fresh seafood dishes with lake views.
A short walk by the lakeside.
MKD500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore Samuel's Fortress

Climb up for stunning views of Ohrid and the lake.
Adjacent to the restaurant.
MKD150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Coffee at Café Hotiko

Relax with a coffee and a piece of local cake.
On your way back to the town.
MKD70, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo

Admire picturesque architecture and breathtaking views.
A scenic walk along the shore.
MKD100, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Kaj Kaneo

Indulge in delicious local dishes with a perfect view of the lake.
Close to the church.
MKD600, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Historical Insights - Bitola

Bitola, North Macedonia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café-restaurant Pivnica

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your day.
Take a bus from Ohrid to Bitola, roughly 3 hours.
MKD100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Bitola's Ancient Ruins

Explore the remains of Heraclea Lyncestis, a significant archaeological site.
A short taxi ride from the bus station.
MKD200, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Stroll Along Širok Sokak

Wander the pedestrian zone known for its cafes and shops.
Return to the city center on foot.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Taverna

Savor traditional Macedonian dishes in a cozy setting.
Easily accessible on foot.
MKD300, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Philip II of Macedon Museum

Learn about the history of Macedonia's famous ruler.
Short walk from the restaurant.
MKD150, 1 hour

4:00PM

Coffee break at Café Kafana

Enjoy coffee in a traditional Macedonian ambiance.
Located along Širok Sokak.
MKD70, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Brosina

Taste local flavors through beautifully made dishes.
In the city center.
MKD400, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Return to Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 7

Indulge in a homemade breakfast before your journey.
Take a bus from Bitola to Sofia, taking around 4 hours.
MKD100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Sasa Asian Pub

Savor a memorable meal in a familiar ambiance.
Close to the bus station.
BGN30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit National Palace of Culture

Explore Bulgaria’s leading cultural center.
Easily accessible via taxi.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Coffee at Vibes

Enjoy a coffee break with local flavors.
Walking distance from the cultural center.
BGN15, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Explore Sofia's Cathedral

Visit the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral once again.
Short walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Manastirska Magernitsa

Experience Bulgarian homestyle cooking in a welcoming atmosphere.
Taxi from the cathedral.
BGN40, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Farewell Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at MOC

Get your final taste of Turkish breakfast with simit and tea.
Catch a flight back to Istanbul.
TRY80, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Grand Bazaar

Experience the vibrant marketplace filled with shops and local crafts.
Short ride from your accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pandeli

Savor your last meal with traditional Turkish dishes in the bazaar.
Located inside the Grand Bazaar.
TRY120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Marvel at the subterranean wonder beneath the city.
Walk back towards Hagia Sophia.
TRY200, 1 hour

3:30PM

Coffee at Pierre Loti Café

Experience stunning views of Istanbul while sipping your coffee.
Navigate to the café by tram.
TRY50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Asmalıapa

Relish a traditional dinner to conclude your journey.
A short walk from the café.
TRY200, 1.5 hours
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