Kosovo Grand Balkans Tour with Turkish Airlines, Including Extra Excursions and Dinners, 7 Nights OHD–SJJ

Day 1: İstanbul – Ohrid – Resne – Monastery – Ohrid 

Meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter in the departure terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before our flight. We depart for Ohrid at 10:35 on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK1009. After a comfortable flight, arrival in Ohrid at 11:15 local time and, following entry procedures, we depart in our private vehicle waiting at the airport for our tour of Resne and Monastery (Bitola), famous for their magnificent nature and historical wealth. At our first stop, Resne, we see a panoramic view of the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resne offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its natural beauty and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we set off for Monastery, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and commercial centers. Upon arrival in Monastery, we visit from the outside the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this magical city, we will also discover historical Ottoman monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque and New Mosque. While experiencing Monastery’s historical texture, you will have the opportunity to take a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. Following all these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.

Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Monastery (Bitola) Tour INCLUDED! 

Ohrid – Resne: 35 km | Resne – Monastery: 33 km | Monastery – Ohrid: 69 km

Total distance to be covered: 137 km 

Day 2: Ohrid - Tirana – Shkodra  

After breakfast, our city tour begins. We will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was one of the important Ottoman 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, the 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 around Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar dating from the former Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Dervish Lodge and experience the city’s cultural texture up close. Then, by visiting the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, you will witness the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its enchanting views will accompany our tour. After free time, we depart for Tirana. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important landmarks. Construction of this building 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 statue of Skanderbeg 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 come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we set off for the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will fascinate you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED!

Ohrid - Tirana: 125 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km

Total distance to be covered: 225 km

Day 3: Shkodra – Sv. Stefan – Kotor – Budva – Shkodra       

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and depart for Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above. With every corner resembling a postcard, this area is an ideal spot for photography. Following all these discoveries, we set off for enchanting 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 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. Afterwards, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. 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. Following the tour, we proceed to Shkodra, 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!      

Shkodra – Sv. Stefan: 77 km | Sv. Stefan - Kotor: 31 km | Kotor - Budva: 23 km | Budva - Shkodra: 85 km

Total distance to be covered: 216 km

Day 4: Shkodra – Prizren- Pristina- Skopje 

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and depart for Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, with architecture reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. The Halveti Dervish Lodge, Bayraklı Mosque and Mehmet Pasha Bath are also among the other important Ottoman monuments to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we set off for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arriving in Pristina after our journey, 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 excursion through the city’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history by visiting the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr I, who was killed on the Field of Kosovo as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. Following our tour in Pristina, we begin our return journey to Skopje. Upon arriving in Skopje, our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques. Then we visit the 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 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 by walking from the Stone Bridge and 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 buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then, we see the Ottoman Bridge dating from the 15th century from the outside and visit Davut Pasha Bath, 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 the 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 give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying time in the bazaar, transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for Balkan Night. Afterwards, we are transferred to our hotel and then retire to our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.

Dinner: An unforgettable dinner accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances awaits you. At this special Balkan night, you will have the opportunity to discover Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side while being hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most distinguished venues. With live performances of the Balkans’ finest music and folklore by artists composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, performed without playback, we will transform this evening into an authentic experience. We will be delighted to host you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje. 

Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!

Shkodra – Prizren: 186 km | Prizren – Pristina: 85 km | Pristina – Skopje: 165 km  

Total distance to be covered: 436 km

Day 5: Skopje – Belgrade           

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, one of the Balkans’ most important cultural and strategic centers throughout history, continues to attract attention today with its vitality, activity and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. Following 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. Then, we head to one of the city’s most impressive points, where the Sava River meets the Danube. It will be a great pleasure to explore this unique setting, 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 eventually conquered by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, 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, 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 period. At the end of our tour, we proceed to our hotel, leaving the city’s history and lively atmosphere behind. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km                        

Day 6: Belgrade – Sarajevo           

After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we learn that the city 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 killed by Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered extensive destruction as a result of the devastating conflict between 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, the Gazi Husrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library and the western-style buildings constructed during the city’s 40-year Austro-Hungarian administration. Following our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km                   

Day 7: Sarajevo – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo        

After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical, cultural and architectural richness. Here, we will see Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin, a student of Mimar Sinan, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the 1992 war but was rebuilt true to its original form in 2004 with major contributions from the Republic of Türkiye, once again becoming a symbol of Mostar. We will have the opportunity to explore the historic bazaar and stone streets around this bridge, which elegantly connects the two banks of the Neretva River. After discovering Mostar’s fascinating atmosphere, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s most important religious structures. Here, we will both examine architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy the magnificent view of Mostar Bridge from the mosque’s courtyard. Then, we depart for Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Blagaj is an impressive settlement established at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s most powerful water spring, where history and nature intertwine. After a short free period here, we continue to Počitelj, which carries the past into the present with its stone houses and historic texture. In Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village and preserving much of its historical character, we will have the opportunity to see the structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century up close and experience the region’s unique atmosphere. Following our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Počitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED! 

Sarajevo - Mostar: 120 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj – Počitelj: 22 km | Počitelj - Sarajevo: 150 km

Total distance to be covered: 304 km   

Day 8: Sarajevo - Istanbul        

After breakfast, rooms are vacated and free time is provided until the transfer time. Transfer to Sarajevo Airport. Following the boarding procedures, flight to Istanbul at 14:25 on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK1024. After a comfortable journey, our tour ends upon arrival at Istanbul Airport at 17:25. We say goodbye to you, hoping to see you on your next trip.

*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 may 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, if applicable (visa, insurance, etc.), are not 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: A broad travel program covering the Balkans’ important cities and tourist attractions is offered. Many important cities, such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, 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, including mosques, churches and synagogues.

• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural attractions such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.

• Visa-Free Travel: It 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 flavors.

• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours included in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important points 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 want to spend money. Apart from lunch, optional tips and souvenirs for loved ones, you will not need to spend any extra money out of pocket.

Things to Consider

• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city each 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: Free time may be limited because the tour program is comprehensive. However, the opportunity to visit all important points with a guide is provided.

• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans may 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 region’s character and local culture, hotels in some smaller 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: Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to try the region’s distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is full of rich and delicious dishes, although some flavors may be unfamiliar to certain participants. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine up close, but it may be useful to bear in mind that you may encounter different flavors.

  City Hotel Breakfast Dinner

Ohrid 4* Beograd Hotel Hotel

Ohrid 4* Beograd Hotel Hotel

Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel

Skopje 5* New Star etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia

Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

With Turkish Airlines

Departure City Arrival City Departure Time Arrival Time

Istanbul Ohrid 10:35 11:10

Sarajevo Istanbul 14:25 17:25