Kosovo Grand Balkans Tour with AJet, Including Extra Excursions and Dinners, SKP-BEG
Tour Detail
Day 1: Istanbul - Skopje
Meeting in front of the airline counter at the departure terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport 3 hours before our flight. Departure to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, at 12:50 on AJet flight VF263. After a comfortable flight, arrival at 14:20 local time, followed by passport and entry procedures, and then we begin our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle waiting in the area. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans, with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We begin our tour with the historical sites of Skopje, the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop is Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. We then visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is particularly notable for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and conducted trade. We then visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects the two banks of the Vardar River. We will continue our tour on foot from the Stone Bridge, seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is Skopje’s largest and most central point and is surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. We then view the 15th-century Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit Davut Pasha Hamam, once again experiencing the splendor of the Ottoman era. We continue exploring the city by walking toward Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje’s symbolic structures. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, among the early mosques of the Ottoman Empire. The mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and attract attention with their architecture. Finally, we have free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, we return to our hotel in the evening.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances awaits you. You will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most distinguished venues, where you will have the opportunity to discover Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side during this special Balkan night. With live performances featuring the best music and folklore of the Balkans, performed without playback by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, we will turn this evening into an authentic experience. We will be delighted to host you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Day 2: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off toward Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, during which we will discover Kosovo’s modern and historical aspects. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this journey through the city’s historical heritage, we will visit the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, giving us the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour of Pristina, we depart for Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, whose architecture recalls an Anatolian Ottoman city and whose shop signs are filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. The Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque and Mehmet Pasha Hamam are also among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After our free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel and, after dinner, retire to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 340 km
Day 3: Skopje – Bitola - Resen – Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. We set off toward Bitola, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and commercial centers. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, we will also discover historical Ottoman sites such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque and New Mosque. While experiencing Bitola’s historical texture, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After a short break here, we continue toward Resen, where we see the palace of Niyazi Bey of Resen, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history, panoramically. Resen offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its natural beauty and Ottoman heritage. After our tour, we head toward Ohrid. Breathtaking scenery will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was once one of the Ottoman Empire’s important bases in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are important sites such as the Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of Hagia Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the old Turkish Bazaar dating from the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the city’s cultural fabric up close. We will then visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its enchanting views will accompany our tour. After our tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy Ohrid’s enchanting atmosphere in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, or retire to your rooms to rest.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Bitola: 170 km | Bitola – Resen: 30 km | Resen – Ohrid: 35 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 4: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkoder
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off toward Tirana, the capital of Albania. An impressive tour awaits us in this beautiful city, rich in history and culture, where we will discover Tirana, regarded as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important landmarks. Construction of this building began in 1789 and was completed in 1923; it is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break in Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue rising proudly in the center of the square. The Clock Tower, a symbol of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past will come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we set off toward the historic city of Shkoder in northern Albania. Shkoder will enchant you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkoder: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 5: Shkoder – Sveti Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medjugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey toward the enchanting shores of Montenegro. Our first stop is Sveti Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above; every corner of this postcard-like area is ideal for photography. Afterwards, we arrive in Budva, one of the Balkans’ most popular holiday destinations. Our Budva city tour begins. During this walking tour, we will see Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday centers, with its magnificent beaches and vibrant nightlife. Our next stop is the fascinating city of Kotor, famous for the fjords of the Balkans! During our walking tour of this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the narrow streets and historical atmosphere of the old town and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. After our free time in Kotor, we depart for Medjugorje or our hotel in the surrounding area. After dinner at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkoder - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medjugorje: 191 km
Total distance to be covered: 298 km
Day 6: Medjugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, preserved with its historic character and known as the Turkish Village, where we see works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. After the visit, we continue to Blagaj, established at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s most powerful water source. After a short period of free time amid this magnificent natural scenery, we set off toward Mostar. In Mostar, we will see Mostar Bridge, built by architect Hayruddin in 1557. A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, this bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992; however, it was reopened in 2004 with major contributions from the Republic of Türkiye. After Mostar Bridge, we will visit Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We then continue to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we discover a city that was the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and went down in history as the place where World War I broke out following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, by Serbs in 1914. During the 1992 war, it suffered extensive damage as a result of the devastating wars among Serbs, Croats and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morića Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Gazi Husrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, the Old Library and Western-style buildings constructed during the city’s 40-year Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Počitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Medjugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj – Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 192 km
Day 7: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the Balkans’ most important cultural and strategic centers, and today it continues to attract attention with its vitality, lively atmosphere and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will discover the city’s full splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore Belgrade’s texture, which brings its past and present together. We then go to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube. It will be a great pleasure to explore this unique area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue discovering this ancient city, which Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded trying to conquer but whose conquest was destined for Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center by the Ottoman navy. While tracing history in this fortress, we will see important sites such as Kalemegdan and Tašmajdan. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will explore Belgrade’s rich history in depth and learn about the city’s cultural heritage from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, we leave the city’s history and lively atmosphere behind and proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 8: Belgrade - Istanbul
After breakfast, check-out and free time until the transfer time. Transfer to Belgrade Airport at the time determined by our guide. After boarding procedures, flight to Istanbul at 13:15 on AJet Airlines’ scheduled flight VF114. Following arrival in Istanbul at 16:55, our tour ends. We say goodbye to you, hoping to see you on your next journey.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Protection Package: 50 Euros*
(With the Cancellation Protection Package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, you can cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure date. In the event of cancellation, the full tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation protection package fee and any additional service fees, if applicable (visa, insurance, etc.), will not be refunded.)
**The specified cancellation protection package is not valid for group reservations.**
**There is limited availability for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: An extensive travel program covering important Balkan cities and tourist attractions is offered. Many important cities, such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid and Skopje, are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, offering an enjoyable experience for those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: The cultural diversity of the region is explored by visiting structures belonging to different religions, including mosques, churches and synagogues.
• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural attractions such as the Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The tour includes destinations that do not require visas, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Accompanied by a guide, participants have the opportunity to obtain detailed information about the cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience through dinners filled with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine and local specialties.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: The opportunity to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night is offered at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of Skopje’s most distinguished restaurants.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours included in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important sites without paying any extra cost.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, tips if desired, and souvenirs for loved ones, there are no additional expenses from your pocket.
Things to Consider
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this busy pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more extensively.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances, such as between Skopje and Belgrade, pass amid beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days when considerable time is spent on the bus. Nevertheless, comfortable travel is ensured through breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: As the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important sites with a guide is provided.
• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable during certain periods. Therefore, choosing suitable clothing can make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected from options reflecting the character and local culture of the region, hotels in some smaller cities may not offer as many facilities as luxury hotels in Türkiye. However, comfort and cleanliness are given due attention at these hotels.
• Food and Cuisine Experience: The opportunity to try the region’s distinctive local flavors is offered throughout the tour. Balkan cuisine is rich and full of delicious dishes, but some flavors may be unfamiliar to certain participants. This is a wonderful opportunity to become closely acquainted with the local culture and cuisine, but it may be useful to bear in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Medjugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkoder 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
With AJet Airlines
Departure Place Arrival Place Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Skopje 12:50 14:20
Belgrade Istanbul 13:15 16:55
What's Included
Included Services:
• Round-trip flight tickets with AJet Airlines from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Skopje – Belgrade / Sabiha Gökçen Airport
• A total of 7 nights accommodation in 4* hotel category: 2 nights in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medugorje and surroundings, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Ohrid
• Breakfasts
• Dinners
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Balkan Night embellished with a dinner, entertainment, and folklore shows
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Resne Tour
• Bitola (Manastir) Tour
• Kotor – Budva Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Počitelj Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Not Included
Services Not Included:
• Overseas Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (City tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entry fees, and operational service expenses, which include a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person; this will be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour.)