1st Day: Adana - Skopje
Meeting at the Ajet Airlines counter at Adana Çukurova airport’s departure terminal 3 hours before the flight. Departure from Adana to Skopje directly by scheduled Ajet Airlines flight at 22:05. Arrival at 23:25 after approximately a two-hour comfortable journey. After completing the entry procedures, we transfer to our hotel with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
2nd Day: Skopje - Matka Canyon - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Matka Canyon. Are you ready to explore Matka Canyon located among the enchanting forests and vast pastures of Vodno Mountain? This natural wonder, covering approximately 5,000 hectares, will take you to mystical monasteries from the Middle Ages and calming artificial lake views. As you walk along the rugged cliffs, you may observe the endemic plant and animal species of the region. For nature lovers, walking on green paths is the best way to connect with nature. After our tour, we head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arriving in Pristina, we start our panoramic city tour where we will discover both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit several valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Paşa Mosque. We will also visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigar, who died in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, offering a chance to commemorate this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we move towards Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, which remind one of an Anatolian Ottoman city, filled with shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important Ottoman structures, as well as Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam, which are other significant Ottoman artifacts. After some free time in Prizren, we start our journey back to Skopje for dinner. Upon arrival, we transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for the Balkan Night. Afterward, we are transferred back to our hotel and retire to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you, complemented by traditional Balkan music and folk dance performances. You will have the opportunity to discover the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje during this special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region's finest venues. The performances of our artists, composed of renowned conservatory students and teachers, will transform this night into an experience as they perform without playback. We will be delighted to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED! | Matka Canyon Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje - Pristina: 90 km | Pristina - Prizren: 85 km | Prizren - Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 340 km
3rd Day: Skopje - Belgrade
After breakfast, we check out from our hotel and embark on a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade stands out today with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical fabric. We will have the opportunity to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures in this intriguing city. After arriving in Belgrade, we start our panoramic city tour to explore all its grandeur. Our first stop will be the Old Palace, which carries traces of the Ottoman period and is known for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the blend of Belgrade's past and present. Next, we head to one of the city’s most impressive points where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Exploring this unique view, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. While continuing to explore this ancient city, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply base for the Ottoman navy. We will visit significant spots such as the Castle Square and Stone Square during this tour. Additionally, we will visit the Tomb of Shaheed Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period, and the Bayraklı Mosque, one of the few surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will delve deeper into Belgrade's rich history and gain insights into the cultural heritage left from the Ottoman period. Our exploration continues with a visit to the Military Museum, which is filled with artifacts shedding light on the military history of Belgrade and offers an impressive experience for visitors. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Skopje - Belgrade: 430 km
4th Day: Belgrade - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. After our arrival, we will explore this beautiful city, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant as the site where World War I broke out after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs in 1914. The city suffered significant destruction during the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in the war of 1992, but Sarajevo has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the City Hall reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Cathedral, Synagogue, Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, and the Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand occurred in 1914, along with the Old Library and Western-style buildings from the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian administration. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
5th Day: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medjugorje
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is the historically and culturally rich city of Mostar. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture built by Mimar Hayreddin in 1557. This bridge was destroyed in 1992, but thanks to the contributions of the Republic of Turkey, it was rebuilt in 2004. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then we head to Blagaj. Blagaj is located at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe’s strongest water sources. After a short free time here, we continue to Počitelj. We will visit Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, which preserves its historical texture and showcases Ottoman structures from the 16th century. Lastly, we will head to Medjugorje, a peaceful place renowned for its religious visitors. After arriving at our hotel, we will retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight and dinner 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
6th Day: Medjugorje - Kotor - Budva - Sv. Stefan - Shkodra
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and depart for the enchanting city of Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. Upon arriving in Kotor, we will take a walking tour in this medieval town famous for the fjords of the Balkans, feeling the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town as we discover the heart of Kotor. This small town, with its unique architecture and sea views, will transport you through time. Next, we head to Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! Our city tour in Budva begins with a walking tour where we will witness the stunning beaches and colorful nightlife, making Budva one of the most famous holiday centers in the Balkans. After the city tour, we will move to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will enjoy a superb view of this islet from above, a place ideal for postcard-like photography. After these explorations, we continue to the beautiful city of Shkodra in Albania. After having dinner at our hotel, we will retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Medjugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodra: 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 313 km
7th Day: Shkodra - Tirana - Ohrid
After breakfast, we check out and head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. This beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural significance, is recognized as the center of Bektashism in Europe, and we will experience an impressive tour in Tirana. Upon arrival, we visit one of the city’s most important symbols, the Ethem Bey Mosque, which was started in 1789 and completed in 1923, one of Albania’s cultural treasures. We will take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the statue of Skanderbeg, proudly rising in the center. The Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is another highlight of our tour. We will also visit the Peace Bell, which was made by the children of Shkodra from melted lead during the rebellion in 1999. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana and its historical background will create unforgettable memories for you. After some free time, we set off for Ohrid. Along the way, breathtaking views will accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour showcasing historical Ohrid, which was one of the significant bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the highlights of our tour are the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, the Church of St. Sophia, and the Ancient Theatre from Roman times. We will also stroll through the vibrant Çınar Square and have the opportunity to explore the old Ottoman-era Turkish Bazaar. Here, you could visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the cultural fabric of the city closely. Then, we will explore the Yeni Bazaar and Ohrid Market to witness the daily lives of locals. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its mesmerizing views will accompany us during our tour. After the tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the stillness of the night, take a short walk by the lakeside, or retire to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
8th Day: Ohrid – Resne – Bitola - Skopje – Adana
After breakfast, we depart for a tour of Resne and Bitola, famous for its stunning nature and historical wealth. Our first stop is Resne, where we will take a panoramic view of the palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important personality in Balkan history. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short stop here, we head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most significant centers of culture and commerce in the Ottoman Empire. Upon our arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military Idadi, where the great leader Atatürk studied, and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, you will also have the opportunity to explore historical artifacts from the Ottoman era, such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, İshak Paşa Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will also have the chance for a pleasant walk in the city's nostalgic streets. After our visit, we travel to Skopje amidst lush green mountains. Along the way, the breathtaking views of Macedonia will accompany us. Upon arrival in Skopje, our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques built in 1492. Then, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, noted for its decorations and architecture from the Ottoman period. Our tour continues with a visit to Kapan Han and Sulu Han, significant centers where traders once stayed and traded. Later, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge, built in the 15th century, connects both sides of the Vardar River. As we walk along the riverbank, we will see the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods. During our river walk, we pass by Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point in Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Additionally, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit David Pasha Hammam, where we can once again feel the glory of the Ottoman period. Continuing our exploration in Skopje's Turkish Bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower built in the 16th century, one of Skopje's symbolic structures. We will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, both crucial parts of the city’s Islamic heritage, noted for their stunning architecture. Finally, we will have free time in the Turkish Bazaar where you can find various products from traditional crafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, we will transfer you to the airport.
After checking in for tickets, baggage, and passport processing, we will have our direct flight to Adana with Ajet Airlines scheduled for 23:50. We will arrive at Çukurova airport at 03:15 and the tour ends. We bid farewell to our esteemed guests, hoping to see you again on your next trip.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resne: 34 km | Resne – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Skopje: 70 km
Total distance to be covered: 134 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation insurance package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. This application allows you to cancel your reservation up to 9 days prior to the departure date. While the total cost of the tour is refunded upon cancellation, the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The cancellation insurance package is not applicable for group reservations.**
**Limited availability for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: The extensive travel program covering significant cities and tourist attractions of the Balkans 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, providing an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures from different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, exploring the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural wonders like Kotor’s fjords and Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The inclusion of destinations that do not require a visa reduces additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: A guide accompanies the group, providing detailed information about the cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and regional delicacies are included in the dinner, offering a gastronomic experience for participants.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: The opportunity to enjoy local flavors and the special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of the finest restaurants in Skopje.
• All Tours Included: All city tours and extra excursions included in the program are part of the tour price, enabling participants to visit all significant points without paying extra costs.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included each day, preventing participants from incurring additional costs while enjoying local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Spending: This tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend extra. Besides lunch, tips, and souvenirs, no extra expenses are expected.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who wish to explore more.
• Long Journeys: The intercity distances (e.g., Skopje-Belgrade) are passed with beautiful views, yet there may be long hours spent on the bus. Nevertheless, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all significant points with the guide is provided.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans may vary during certain periods. Thus, appropriate clothing choices can make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region's character and local culture, though some smaller cities' hotels may not offer as many amenities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, cleanliness and comfort are prioritized in these accommodations.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers opportunities to try the unique local flavors of the region. The Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may encounter unfamiliar tastes. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the local culture and cuisine, but it's beneficial to keep in mind that different flavors may be experienced.