Kosovo Büyük Balkanlar Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner TIA-PRN

Day 1: Istanbul - Tirana – Resen – Bitola - Ohrid

Meeting in front of the airline counter at the departure terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Departure for Tirana, the capital of Albania, at 07:55 on AJet flight VF367. After a comfortable flight, arrival at 08:40 local time. Following entry procedures, we depart in our private vehicle waiting at the airport for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. We set off toward Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit from the outside the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this enchanting city, we will also discover historical Ottoman landmarks such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque and Yeni 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 will see panoramic views of 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 natural beauty and Ottoman heritage. Following our tour, we head 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 one of the Ottoman Empire’s important bases in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are important landmarks 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 Činar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar dating from the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the city’s cultural fabric up close. Afterwards, you will witness the daily life of the local people by exploring the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its captivating views will accompany our tour. Following our tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy Ohrid’s enchanting atmosphere in the silence of the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, or retire to your rooms to rest.

Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!

Tirana – Bitola: 195 km | Bitola – Resen: 30 km | Resen – Ohrid: 35 km

Total distance to be covered: 260 km

Day 2: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodër

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural heritage, an impressive tour awaits us, during which we will discover Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. 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; it is one of Albania’s cultural heritage sites. We take a short break in 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 Shkodër in northern Albania. Shkodër will enchant you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED!

Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodër: 100 km

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 3: Shkodër – St. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medjugorje

After breakfast, we set out on an unforgettable journey toward Montenegro’s enchanting coast. Our first stop is St. 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. Following our panoramic tour of Budva, our next stop is Kotor, the enchanting city famous for the fjords of the Balkans! During our walking tour of this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old city 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 free time in Kotor, we depart for our hotel in or around Medjugorje. Following dinner at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!

Shkodër - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medjugorje: 191 km

Total distance to be covered: 298 km

Day 4: Medjugorje - Blagaj - Mostar – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo. Our first stop is Blagaj, built 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 the Old Bridge, built in 1557 by architect Hayreddin. 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 the Old Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. We then depart for Sarajevo. 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. During the 1992 war, it suffered extensive damage as a result of the devastating conflicts 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 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 constructed during the city’s 40-year Austro-Hungarian rule. Following our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!

Medjugorje - Blagaj: 28 km | Blagaj - Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km

Total distance to be covered: 162 km

Day 5: Sarajevo – 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, liveliness and historical character. 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 character, which brings together its past and present. We then head to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube. Discovering this unique area, which has been the focus of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. As we continue exploring this ancient city, for whose conquest Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded but which was ultimately 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 sites such as Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Martyr 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.

Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km

Day 6: Belgrade - Skopje

After breakfast, we depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is one of the Balkans’ important cultural centers, 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 city’s largest and most magnificent mosques, built in 1492. We then visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque attracts attention particularly with 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 conducted business. We then visit 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 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 buildings. 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 Hammam, once again experiencing the grandeur 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 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 finest venues, where you will experience Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side during this special Balkan night. With live performances of the finest Balkan music and folklore by our artists, all of whom are 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.

Balkan Night INCLUDED!

Belgrade – Skopje: 430 km

Day 7: Skopje - Pristina - Istanbul

After breakfast, departure from our hotel for Pristina. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, during which we will discover Kosovo’s modern and historical sides. During this tour, we will also see 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 see the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, and have the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. Following our tour, we set off for Pristina Airport. After arriving at the airport and completing the boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 11:05 on AJet Airlines’ scheduled flight VF102. After a comfortable flight, arrival in Istanbul at 13:45 and the end of our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you again on your next journey.

Skopje – Pristina: 90 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 entire tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation protection package fee and any additional service fees, if applicable (visa, insurance, etc.), are non-refundable.)

**The specified cancellation protection package is not valid for group reservations.**

**Limited availability is offered 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, 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 discovered by visiting structures belonging to different religions, including mosques, churches and synagogues.

• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural attractions such as the fjords of Kotor 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 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 sites without paying an additional fee.

• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring additional expenses while tasting local flavors.

• No Need for Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend extra money. Apart from lunch, optional tips and souvenirs purchased for loved ones, you will not need to pay anything extra out of pocket.

Points to Consider

• Busy Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.

• Long Journeys: Intercity distances, such as between Skopje and Belgrade, are covered amid beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days involving long periods on the bus. Nevertheless, comfortable travel is ensured through breaks along the way.

• Limited Free Time: Since 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 changeable during certain periods. Therefore, choosing suitable clothing can make this situation more comfortable.

• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from among 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 rich and full of 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 keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.

City Hotel Breakfast Dinner

Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel

Shkodër 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 Restaurant Gardenia

With AJet Airlines

Departure Place Arrival Place Departure Time Arrival Time

Istanbul Tirana 09:50 09:35

Pristina Istanbul 14:45 18:25