Discover 320+ Balkans trips in December 2026 with 830+ verified reviews. Crafted by vetted tour operators, these Balkans December 2026 tours showcase the country at its seasonal best.
We hired our guide for a full day of private touring the next day. The boat trip itself was awesome! His knowledge of Turkey's Ottoman history and storytelling was incredible! He added interesting details, dates, and anecdotal information and answered my husband's thousands of questions! As a private tour guide, he was amazing as well- our tour was highly personal, well planned, and comprised a full day including lunch and tea. He expertly navigated all the places we wanted to see and pointed out details, large and small! We highly recommend this travel operator!
City sightseeingCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Start your day with a pickup from your European-side Istanbul hotel, and travel to the port where your ferry awaits. Cruise south across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, and then continue your journey by air-conditioned minivan. After just over two hours of traveling, arrive into Bursa, the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire.
Get to know Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, on a day trip from Istanbul! With a private guide at your side, travel by minivan and ferry to the city and then visit some of its landmark monuments. Gaze in awe at the colorful grandeur of the Green Mosque, and then learn of the city as an Ottoman-era silk powerhouse on a trip to Bursa Silk Market and the Koza Han building. After lunch, ride to the top of Mt Olympus (Snow Hill) by cable car and some impressive city views.
Ottoman Empire was one of the largest empires in the history. Bursa was its first capital. The city that is settled on the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludag is known as "Yesil Bursa" (meaning "Green Bursa") from its beautiful parks and gardens located throughout the city. This fourth largest city of Turkey is also known for its peaches, chestnuts, and silk industry.
Departure by ferry-boat via Yalova, enjoying the lovely countryside view. Drive to Bursa, former Ottoman Capital and lunch of famous "Kebap of Alexander The Great". Climb to Uludag, the legendary Mount Olympos, by Teleferik (Cable Car), visit to Ulucami (Grand Mosque), the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, the old Silk Market in the Covered Bazaar. Late evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotels.
The city is frequently cited as "Green Bursa" in a reference to the beautiful parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surrounding region. The city is synonymous with the mountain Uludağ which towers behind the city core and which is also a famous ski resort. The mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the city's main landmarks. The surrounding fertile plain, its thermal baths, several interesting museums, notably a rich museum of archaeology, and a rather orderly urban growth are further principal elements that complete Bursa's overall picture.
We will start the day with Spice Bazaar our guide explain the miracle of the herbs and we can taste delicious Turkish delights here. We depart from Spice Bazaar to have a sightseeing tour of the Golden Horn.
Then we will join the cruise on Bosphorus by public boat in 90 Minutes. From the awe-inspiring Dolmabahce Palace to the ancient Walls of Constantine and onto the Topkapi Palace, experience the best views the city has to offer while enjoying a wonderfull cruise along the Bosphorus. A journey along the Bosphorus with Cruise will give you a unique insight into the great city’s history.
We look forward to giving you a great experience.
CruiseSightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This tour is a must in Istanbul. You will begin the day with Roman Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organised by the Romans and Byzantines. Blue Mosque-the only mosque with six minarets and its surroundings will be our next place to visit. Next, you will see the German Fountain - a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm 2. And listen the stories of his liaison with the orient. Hagia Sophia - The Church of Divine Wisdom is the highlight of this day. Following the visits your guide will take you the Grand Bazaar for demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts.
Special Note: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays until 2 pm; Caferaga Medrese and Blue Mosque will switch places on Fridays.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the charm of Greece's enchanting islands with a Bamba travel adventure to Syros, Tinos, and Mykonos. Experience vibrant local culture, pristine beaches, and historic sites. Highlights include exploring Syros's neoclassical architecture, Tinos's famous marble villages, and Mykonos's lively nightlife. Delight in authentic Greek cuisine, scenic ferry rides, and breathtaking sunsets. This island-hopping journey offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, promising unforgettable memories in the heart of the Aegean Sea. Book today for an extraordinary Greek island escapade!
BeachParty and nightlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Do you want to discover some of the most popular destinations of Turkey but have a limited time? If your answer is yes, then this is the tour for you. Join us as we discover the gems of Turkey and set out to explore places like Ephesus, Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Also included in the itinerary is a comprehensive exploration of Cappadocia, the fabled land of fairy chimneys.
Please note that we do not operate big bus tours with 40 people in one bus. We only operate small-group tours of up to 15 people. The flights from and to Istanbul that we generally use are listed below. However, please note that the schedule may vary due to availability and other issues.
Departure from Istanbul: 07:00 am to 07:30 am. Arrive in Izmir: 08:00 am to 08:30 am
Departure from Cappadocia: 07:00 pm to 09:30 pm. Arrive in Istanbul: 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Embark on a 10-day journey through Turkey, beginning and ending in Istanbul. Explore the Old City’s Ottoman and Byzantine past before heading to Gallipoli’s poignant WW1 sites. Step into legend at Troy, marvel at ancient Ephesus, and bathe in the dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale. In surreal Cappadocia, discover cave dwellings, underground cities and fairy chimneys, with the chance to take a magical hot air balloon ride. From bustling bazaars to ancient ruins and natural wonders, this tour offers a rich mix of history, landscapes and unforgettable Turkish hospitality.
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Turkey with a meticulously crafted itinerary that seamlessly blends ancient cities, stunning coastlines, historical landmarks, and modern Turkish culture. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this adventure offers travelers a comprehensive and diverse exploration of this remarkable country.
The tour commences in Istanbul, a dynamic metropolis where the past and present converge in harmony. Travelers experience the city's cosmopolitan vibrancy alongside its ancient wonders, providing a perfect introduction to Turkey's rich heritage.
The journey then takes a poignant turn as travelers visit the battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli, including the hallowed ground of ANZAC Cove, paying tribute to the historical significance of World War II.
As the tour heads south along the Mediterranean coast, travelers encounter Turkey's ancient treasures. Stops at the legendary sites of Troy, the impressive Pergamum, and the exceptionally well-preserved ruins of Ephesus offer insights into the country's illustrious past.
Arriving in the coastal town of Kusadasi, guests are treated to the charm of Turkish seaside life before embarking on an inland adventure. The surreal calcium travertines at Pamukkale beckon, providing a unique opportunity for a rejuvenating dip in the spa waters. The historic ruins of Hieropolis also await exploration.
Continuing the journey, travelers follow the ancient Spice Route deeper into central Turkey, arriving in Konya, where they delve into the art of Sufi dancing and celebrate the poetry of Rumi, a profound cultural experience.
The tour then unfolds into the captivating landscape of Cappadocia, with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai offering a glimpse into the past. In Cappadocia, guests are enchanted by the mesmerizing rock formations, cave churches, underground cities, and the famous 'fairy chimneys,' which define the region's unique charm.
The tour concludes with a return to Istanbul, with the option for a flight back to the city. Along the way, travelers stop in Ankara, the modern-day capital, where they can explore the city's contemporary attractions.
Throughout the journey, accommodations are carefully selected, offering a mix of 4-star and boutique hotels, ensuring comfort and a taste of local charm. For those seeking more time to explore Istanbul's wonders, additional days can be added at the beginning or end of the tour, providing a comprehensive experience of this magnificent city.
This 8-day Turkey tour takes you from bustling Istanbul to the Mediterranean at Kusadasi and then inland to the beautiful scenery of Cappadocia. The itinerary is designed to combine some of Turkey's classic highlights in a week's visit, balancing bustling cities, beautiful scenery, ancient ruins and modern Turkey. You'll stay in a mix of 4-star and boutique style properties along the way.
Starting in Istanbul, the beating heart of Turkey and historically a vitally important connecting point between the continents of Europe and Asia, we visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Spice Bazaar, Hippodrome and take a cruise on the Bosphorus before flying south to the Mediterranean coast at Kusadasi. We have two nights here, and a tour to the nearby ruins at Ephesus. One of the best preserved ancient Greek & Roman sites in the whole of the Mediterranean region, this is a spectacular site with a fascinating history. We'll also visit a village famous for producing local fruit wines, and learn about the importance of carpet making in Turkey. Our next stop is at the stepped calcium travertines and hot pools at Pamukkale, before we continue into the centre of Turkey along the ancient Spice Route, passing old caravanserais and visiting the Mervlana museum at Konya on the way. This brings us to picturesque landscape of Cappadocia where we visit the strange rock formations, cave chuches and 'fairy chimneys' in the Goreme valley and venture down into one of the labarynthine underground cities built by Christians centuries ago to hide from persecution. The tour then finishes with a drive (or optional flight) via Ankara back to Istanbul where extra nights are available to spend more time exploring the city.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, K
Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Cape Town
17% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Thessaloniki, named after the half-sister of Alexander the Great is the second-largest city in Greece. Nestled in the heart of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki is easy to fall in love with. It has beauty, chaos, history and culture, remarkable cuisine and wonderful, vast sea views. Ever since the 4th c. BC when it was founded, Thessaloniki has kept its urban character and has remained a civic centre and the hub of that region. The city’s multicultural history has been associated with great empires, as it has known the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Rule. But sightseeing is not the only thing to do in Thessaloniki. It is perfect for endless strolls and city exploration. Walk along Thessaloniki beach promenade, have a coffee at Aristotle Square, taste the local delicacies at Ladadika, and time travel to the past at Thessaloniki Old Town.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
