Kosovo Balkan Grand Tour Departing from Ankara with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinners
Day 1: Ankara – Belgrade – Skopje
Meeting at the departure terminal of Esenboğa Airport 3 hours before our flight. Departure for Belgrade at 13:00 on AJet Airlines’ scheduled VF507 flight. Arrival at 13:10 after a comfortable flight, followed by entry procedures and departure for Skopje by our private bus. Upon arrival, 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 heritage from the Ottoman period 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-era 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 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 Bathhouse, 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 our time in the bazaar, we return to our hotel in the evening.
Day 2: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, where 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 Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this journey 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 I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. 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, with its architecture reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque and Mehmet Pasha Bathhouse 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 retire to our rooms after dinner. Overnight in our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most distinguished venues, while experiencing 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 transform this evening into an authentic experience. We will be delighted to welcome you to our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 340 km
Day 3: Skopje – Tetovo (Kalkandelen) - Ohrid
After breakfast, we pack our luggage and set off to discover Macedonia’s unique natural beauty and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia’s striking towns. Here, we will visit the Painted Mosque, one of the most colorful and impressive mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque will enchant you with the vivid colors and detailed decorations on its exterior. As we explore this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey into the depths of history. The Pena River, which winds through Tetovo and is located very close to the Painted Mosque, adds a special beauty to the town. During our short walk accompanied by the cool waters of the river, we will enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by nature. We will also see Isa Bey Bathhouse, one of the important structures remaining from the Ottoman period. With its elegant details reflecting the architecture of the era and its atmosphere, this historical bathhouse will transport us into the past. After our visit to Tetovo, we travel toward Ohrid, accompanied by lush green mountains and deep blue lakes. Macedonia’s breathtaking scenery will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we 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 sites we will see during our tour are significant 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 through Çınar 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 fabric 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 scenery will accompany our tour.
After 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 quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lake, or retire to your rooms to rest.
Tetovo (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Tetovo (Kalkandelen): 43 km | Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Ohrid: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 173 km
Day 4: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodër
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Tirana, the capital of Albania. An impressive tour awaits us in this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural significance, where we will discover Tirana, considered 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 heritage sites. 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 will 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. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodër: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 5: Shkodër – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medjugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey toward Montenegro’s enchanting coastline. Our first stop is Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above; this area, with every corner resembling a postcard, is an ideal spot 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 historic atmosphere of its 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. 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!
Shkodër - 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 historical character and known as the Turkish Village, where we will see the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. After the visit, we continue to Blagaj, built at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s most powerful water source. After a short free time amid this magnificent natural scenery, we set off for Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by architect Hayruddin. This bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992; however, it was reopened in 2004 with major contributions from the Republic of Turkey. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We then depart for 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 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 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 Morića 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 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 to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the Balkans’ most important cultural and strategic centers, and today it also stands out 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. 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 head to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube. It will be a great pleasure to explore this unique landscape, an area that has been the focus of conquest and victory many times throughout history. As we continue exploring this ancient city, for whose conquest Fatih Sultan Mehmed 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, 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 leave the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere behind and proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 8: Belgrade – Ankara
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Following ticketing, baggage and passport procedures, a nonstop direct flight to Esenboğa at 14:00 on AJet Airlines’ scheduled VF508 flight. Arrival at Esenboğa Airport at 18:00 and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests, hoping to see you again 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 all 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 non-refundable.)
**The specified cancellation protection package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited capacity is available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: An extensive itinerary 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 explored 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: 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 with dinners filled with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine and local delicacies.
• 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 additional expenses while tasting local delicacies.
• No Need for Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend money. Apart from lunch, tips if desired, and souvenirs purchased for loved ones, you will not need to spend any extra money.
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.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances, such as the distance 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, a comfortable journey 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 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 are carefully selected from among options that reflect the character and local culture of the region, hotels in some smaller cities may not offer facilities as extensive as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, comfort and cleanliness are given priority 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, 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 keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
What's Included
Included Services:
• AJet Airlines round-trip flight tickets from Ankara to Belgrade / Belgrade to Ankara
• 2 Nights accommodation in Skopje, 1 Night in Ohrid, 1 Night in Shkodra, 1 Night in Medjugorje or surroundings, 1 Night in Sarajevo, 1 Night in Belgrade at 4* hotel category, totaling 7 nights
• Breakfasts
• Dinners
• All transfers mentioned in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• A Balkan Night filled with food, entertainment, and folklore shows
• Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Kotor – Budva Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Not Included
Services Not Included:
• Foreign 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 entrance fees and operational service costs which require a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person, will be collected in cash by the guide before the tour starts)
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