Kosovan Balkan Tour from Start to Finish with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinner PRN-SKP
Tour Detail
Day 1: Istanbul - Pristina – Skopje
Meeting in front of the airline counter at the departure terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Departure for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, at 09:50 on AJet flight VF101. After a comfortable flight, arrival at 10:30 local time, followed by entry procedures and the start of our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle waiting at the airport, during which we will discover the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During this tour, we will also see many valuable structures dating 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 see the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr I, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, and have the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour of Pristina, we continue to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, our first stop is Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city. We then visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is particularly notable for its decorations and architecture dating from the Ottoman period. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Later, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and 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 walk along the river, 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 Ottoman Bridge dating from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Bathhouse, once again experiencing the splendor of the Ottoman period. 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 stand out with their architecture. Finally, we allow free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.
Pristina – Skopje: 90 km
Total distance to be covered: 90 km
Day 2: Skopje – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, continues to attract attention today with its liveliness, activity, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will discover all the city’s splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore Belgrade’s character, which brings together its past and present. We then go to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube, one of the city’s most impressive locations. In this unique setting, it will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which has been the focus of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue discovering this ancient city, for whose conquest Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded but which was ultimately conquered by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures 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 period. At the end of our tour, we leave the city’s history and lively atmosphere behind and proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km
Day 3: Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we will 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 after Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered extensive damage as a result of the devastating conflicts between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo largely managed to preserve its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the Gazi Husrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings formed during the city’s 40-year Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 4: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medjugorje
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Architect Hayruddin and one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but rebuilt in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Türkiye. After discovering Mostar’s fascinating atmosphere, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We then depart for Blagaj. Blagaj was established at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s most powerful water spring. After a short free time here, we continue to Počitelj. Visiting Počitelj, preserved with its historical character and known as the Turkish Village, we will see the structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we depart for Medjugorje. Medjugorje is a peaceful place famous for its religious visitors. After arriving at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Mostar Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Počitelj Tour INCLUDED!
Sarajevo - Mostar: 130 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj - Počitelj: 30 km | Počitelj - Medjugorje: 20 km
Total distance to be covered: 192 km
Day 5: Medjugorje – Kotor – Budva – St. Stefan – Shkoder
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set out toward fascinating Kotor. You will enjoy magnificent views during our journey. Upon arriving in Kotor, during our walking tour of this medieval town famous for the fjords of the Balkans, you will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and 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. Afterwards, our next stop is Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! Following our panoramic city tour, we depart for St. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this islet from above. This area, with every corner looking like a postcard, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we continue to Shkoder, the beautiful city of Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Medjugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - St. Stefan: 15 km | St. Stefan - Shkoder: 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 313 km
Day 6: Shkoder – Tirana - Ohrid
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set out for Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural terms, an impressive tour awaits us, during which we will discover Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our arrival in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important landmarks. Construction of this structure began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, and it is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break at 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 Ohrid. Breathtaking views 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 structures 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 Plane Tree Square, the heart of the city, and explore the old Turkish Bazaar dating from the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the city’s cultural character up close. We will then explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its fascinating views will accompany our tour. After our tour, an entertaining evening awaits us with the Balkan Night, featuring folklore performances and live music arranged for our dinner. We will enjoy pleasant and unforgettable moments accompanied by traditional Balkan dances, colorful costumes, and lively music. After the program, guests who wish may take a walk along the lakeside in Ohrid’s fascinating atmosphere or relax at their hotels.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night Included!
Shkoder – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 7: Ohrid – Resen – Bitola – Skopje – Istanbul
After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. At our first stop in Resen, we will view panoramically the Palace of Niyazi Bey of Resen, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we set out for Bitola, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and trade centers. Upon arriving in Bitola, we visit the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this magical city, we will also discover historical Ottoman structures such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. While experiencing Bitola’s historical character, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After our visit, we set out for Skopje Airport. Following our arrival at the airport and boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 14:20 on AJet’s scheduled flight VF263. After a comfortable flight, arrival in Istanbul at 16:50 and the end of our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you again on your next journey.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resen: 35 km | Resen – Bitola: 30 km | Bitola – Pristina: 170 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
*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, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure date. In the event of cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation protection package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.)
**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: A broad travel program covering important cities and tourist attractions in the Balkans is offered. Many significant 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 region’s cultural diversity is explored by visiting structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, 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: Guided tours provide the opportunity to obtain detailed information about the cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with dinners full of traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours included in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important sites without paying an additional 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 wish to spend money. Apart from lunch, optional tips, and souvenirs they may purchase for their loved ones, no extra money needs to be paid from your pocket.
Things to Consider
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city each day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this fast pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more extensively.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are covered amid beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days spent for long periods on the bus. Nevertheless, a comfortable journey is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Free time may be limited because the tour program is comprehensive. 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, it is possible to make this situation comfortable by choosing suitable clothing.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from among options reflecting the character and local culture of the region, hotels in some small cities may not offer facilities as extensive as luxury hotels in Türkiye. However, comfort and cleanliness are given careful 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 get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it may be useful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkoder 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Medjugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Hotel
With AJet Airlines
Departure Point Arrival Point Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Pristina 16:30 17:10
Skopje Istanbul 14:20 16:50