20 days in The Balkans Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Europe trip itinerary builder
Start: Brisbane, Australia
Fly to Antalya International Airport, Drive to Kas
1
Kas, Turkey
— 2 nights
Drive
2
Antalya, Turkey
— 3 nights
Drive
3
Pamukkale, Turkey
— 1 night
Fly
4
Goreme, Turkey
— 2 nights
Taxi
5
Uchisar, Turkey
— 1 night
Fly
6
Istanbul, Turkey
— 2 nights
Fly
7
Sofia, Bulgaria
— 1 day
Drive
8
Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
— 1 night
Drive
9
Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia
— 2 nights
Drive to Kastoria, Fly to Athens
10
Athens, Greece
— 3 nights
Fly
End: Brisbane, Australia
Fri, Jun 16 - Wed, Jul 5
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Kas, Turkey — 2 nights
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An unspoiled fishing village for most of its existence, Kas now serves as a mostly quiet tourist town, located on the southern section of the country's Mediterranean coastline.Your list of things to see and do now includes Firt Bar, Cafe Barcelona, Scuba & Snorkeling, and other attractions. Kick off your visit on the 17th (Sat): make a trip to Lions Tomb, kick back and relax at Big Pebble Beach, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then take in the exciting artwork at Tugra Art Gallery, then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and finally stroll through Kas Belediyesi Halk PlajI. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 18th (Sun): delve into the distant past at Arch of Triumph and then delve into the distant past at Patara Amphitheatre.
To see where to stay, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read our Kas day trip website.
Brisbane, Australia to Kas is an approximately 32-hour combination of flight and car. Traveling from Brisbane to Kas, you'll gain 7 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Brisbane in June, expect Kas to be a bit warmer, temps between 35°C and 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can drive to Antalya.
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Antalya, Turkey — 3 nights
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Offering both sandy beaches packed with modern amenities and a historical town center filled with Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques, Antalya serves as one of the country's major tourist destinations.You've added Club Ceila, The Rock Bar, Up Shot Bar, and other attractions to your itinerary. Visit Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum) and Apollon Temple for their historical value. Escape the urban bustle at Cirali Beach and Blue World Diving Center. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Antalya: Sabuncubaba (in Cirali) and Vespasianus Aniti (in Side). The adventure continues: take in the dramatic scenery at Lower Duden Waterfalls, wander the streets of Ataturk Boulevard, and kick back and relax at Lara Beach.
For maps, ratings, photos, and tourist information, use the Antalya tour builder tool.
You can drive from Kas to Antalya in 3 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in June, and nighttime lows around 23°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Wed) so you can go by car to Pamukkale.
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Pamukkale, Turkey — 1 night
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Cotton Castle
A popular spa since the second century BCE, the modern city of Pamukkale continues to draw worldwide attention with its hot springs and travertines--naturally formed calcite bathing pools.Your day by day itinerary now includes Byzantine Church as well as Cleopatra Pools. On the 22nd (Thu), contemplate the waterfront views at Cleopatra Pools, steep yourself in history at Byzantine Church, explore the different monuments and memorials at Anatolia Cemetery, delve into the distant past at Hierapolis, then take in the natural beauty of Pamukkale Thermal Pools, and finally get outside with Outdoor Activities.
To find traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Pamukkale trip maker website.
Traveling by car from Antalya to Pamukkale takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) early enough to fly to Goreme.
Highlights from your trip
Goreme, Turkey — 2 nights
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Famed for its landscape of unusually shaped stone formations and churches cut into the natural rocks, Goreme sits in the central part of the country, an area originally settled during Roman times.On the 23rd (Fri), take in the dramatic natural features at Peri Bacalari, take in the dramatic natural features at Love Valley, then see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, and finally look for gifts at Otantik Bazaar. On the next day, explore the striking landscape at Zemi Valley, admire the masterpieces at Guray Museum, then take an in-depth tour of Zelve Open Air Museum, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Goreme National Park.
To see reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Goreme online tour itinerary planner.
Traveling by flight from Pamukkale to Goreme takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in June, and nighttime lows around 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Uchisar.
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Uchisar, Turkey — 1 night
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Enjoy the best views of Capaddocia at Uchisar, home to a rock citadel at the area's highest point.Your day by day itinerary now includes La Maison du Kilim as well as Kocabag Winery. Kick off your visit on the 25th (Sun): pick up a one of a kind souvenir at La Maison du Kilim, learn about winemaking at Kocabag Winery, then look for gifts at Antik Galeri, then appreciate the views at Devrent Valley, and finally stroll through Uchisar Castle.
To find where to stay, ratings, maps, and tourist information, go to the Uchisar vacation planning site.
Uchisar is just a short distance from Goreme. In June, daytime highs in Uchisar are 32°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) to allow time to fly to Istanbul.
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Istanbul, Turkey — 2 nights
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Queen of Cities
A physical and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, the transcontinental city of Istanbul serves as a living reminder of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.Start off your visit on the 26th (Mon): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nuruosmaniye Camii, then admire the striking features of Serefiye Sarnici, and then admire the striking features of Hagia Sophia Mosque. Here are some ideas for day two: get engrossed in the history at Galata Tower, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Suleymaniye Cami , then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sultan Ahmed Mosque, then delve into the distant past at Obelisk of Theodosius, and finally admire the striking features of Basilica Cistern.
To see traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Istanbul attractions planner.
Getting from Uchisar to Istanbul by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Uchisar in June, expect a bit warmer with lows of 20°C in Istanbul. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) so you can fly to Sofia.
Highlights from your trip
Sofia, Bulgaria — 1 day
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Spend time in one of Europe's oldest cities, the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia.On the 28th (Wed), pause for some serene contemplation at Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church, then take an in-depth tour of National Institute of Archaeology with Museum, then admire the masterpieces at The Red Flat, and finally admire the striking features of Catedral de Sveta-Nedelya.
To see more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Sofia trip maker site.
Traveling by flight from Istanbul to Sofia takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Istanbul to Sofia. Traveling from Istanbul in June, Sofia is little chillier at night with lows of 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) so you can go by car to Skopje.
Find places to stay Jun 28 — 29:
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Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia — 1 night
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A melting pot of cultures from Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Yugoslavian rule, Skopje serves as the nation's eclectic capital.Start off your visit on the 29th (Thu): pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Panteleimon, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of St. Clement of Ohrid, then delve into the distant past at Daut Pasha Hamam, and finally gain insight at Kapan Han.
To see photos, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Skopje travel planner.
Drive from Sofia to Skopje in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Sofia to Skopje due to the time zone difference. While traveling from Sofia, expect a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Skopje, ranging from highs of 34°C to lows of 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Ohrid.
Find places to stay Jun 28 — 29:
Highlights from your trip
Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia — 2 nights
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Jerusalem of the Balkans
Located on Lake Ohrid, the town of Ohrid earned the nickname Jerusalem of the Balkans because it was once home to 365 churches.Ancient Theatre of Ohrid has been added to your itinerary. Start off your visit on the 30th (Fri): take in the spiritual surroundings of Saint Sophia, pause for some serene contemplation at St. Jovan Kaneo, then see the interesting displays at National Workshop For Handmade Paper, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saint Nikola Gerakomija. Here are some ideas for day two: see a show at Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Saint Climent of Ohrid, and then discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.
To see reviews, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read Ohrid trip itinerary planner.
Getting from Skopje to Ohrid by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Skopje in June: highs in Ohrid hover around 30°C, while lows dip to 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Athens.
Highlights from your trip
Athens, Greece — 3 nights
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The Birthplace of Democracy
One of the world's most ancient cities, Athens remains Europe's undisputed historical and cultural capital.Acropolis of Athens and Temple of Hephaestus are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Philopappos Hill and Erechtheion will appeal to history buffs. Step out of Athens with an excursion to Lake Vouliagmeni in Vouliagmeni--about 36 minutes away. The adventure continues: take an in-depth tour of Acropolis Museum, explore the ancient world of Ancient Agora of Athens, wander the streets of Anafiotika, and appreciate the history behind Temple of Athena Nike.
To find ratings, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Athens trip planner.
Traveling by combination of car and flight from Ohrid to Athens takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and flight; or drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Ohrid to Athens is 1 hour. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Ohrid in July, with highs in Athens at 38°C and lows at 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) early enough to fly back home.
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Highlights from your trip
Turkey travel guide
Rich in culture and customs and brimming with hospitality, natural beauty, and historical heritage, Turkey serves as a crossroads between Asia and Europe. The landmass known as Anatolia on which Turkey thrives has been home to numerous civilizations and their faiths and cultures, as attested by the 13 World Heritage Sites and countless religious sites you'll find here. Relive the ancient world through the ruins, customs, and traditions that are among the nation's most precious heritages. Adventure-seekers have plenty do to here, including mountain climbing, scuba diving, rafting, and skiing. A holiday to Turkey is incomplete without a cup of Turkish coffee, the pinnacle of Turkish cuisine inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Cappadocia travel guide
The region of Cappadocia reveals fascinating tales of civilizations long past with its honeycombed hills characterized by geological rarities, including two World Heritage Sites. Sedimentary rocks formed in lakes and ignimbrite deposits from erupted volcanoes left soft rock formations scattered across the land, which were then carved out to create houses, churches, and monasteries in 300 CE. Explore these rock houses on your own or on a tour, or take in the topography from above on a hot air balloon ride. Complete your holiday with a hike along the trails and marvel at the dusky orange panorama and accordion-shaped valleys.
Republic of North Macedonia travel guide
Despite its rich culture and outstanding natural beauty, the Republic of Macedonia remains relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists. Life continues at a slower pace in this natural setting of mountains, lakes, and rivers. Tradition and local customs rule the country's idyllic villages, tiny pockets of hospitality scattered across a rugged region. Start your Macedonian adventure at the capital city of Skopje, an easygoing urban center offering good dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The city also serves as a convenient base for hiking and biking trips through the surrounding countryside, which is noted for its ancient monasteries, mosques, and archaeological sites.
