Kosovo Grand Balkans Tour with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinners SJJ-PRN
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo
Meeting in front of the airline counter at the departures terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Departure to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on AJet flight VF97 at 13:15. Following a comfortable flight, arrival at 14:30 local time. After completing the entry procedures, we depart in our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Upon our arrival, we will explore Sarajevo, which was the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and went down in history as the place where World War I broke out following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, by the Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, the city suffered extensive damage as a result of the devastating conflicts 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, Synagogue, Gazi Husrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, 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 at our hotel.
Day 2: 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, one of the students of Mimar Sinan, and regarded as one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. The bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992, but was rebuilt in accordance with the original in 2004 with the significant contributions of the Republic of Türkiye, once again becoming the 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 Mehmed Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s most important religious structures. Here, we will examine architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy the magnificent view of Mostar Bridge from the mosque’s courtyard. Afterwards, we depart for Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Blagaj is an impressive settlement established at the source of the Buna River, one of the strongest water sources in Europe, where history and nature intertwine. After a short free time 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 having preserved much of its historic character, we will have the opportunity to see the Ottoman structures built in the 16th century up close and experience the unique atmosphere of the region. Following our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight 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 3: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and today it continues to attract attention with its vitality, dynamism, and historic texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will discover the city in all its splendor. Here, you can feel the historic atmosphere and explore Belgrade’s character, which brings together its past and present. Afterwards, we head to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube. Exploring this area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, against this unique view will be a great pleasure. As we continue discovering 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 by the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will see important sites such as Kalemegdan and Tašmajdan. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Martyr Ali Pasha, an important figure of the Ottoman period, and the Bajrakli Mosque, one of the few surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. 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 at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 4: 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 historic sites of Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. 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 is particularly notable for its Ottoman-era ornamentation 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. Later, we visit Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, the 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 walk by 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. Afterwards, we view the Ottoman Bridge dating from the 15th century from the outside and visit Davut Pasha Hamam, 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. These mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and stand out with their architecture. Finally, we have free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products, from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying some pleasant 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 have the opportunity to discover Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side during this special Balkan evening. With live performances of the finest Balkan music and folk dances by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, performed without playback, we will turn this evening into an authentic experience. We will be delighted to welcome you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje: 430 km
Day 5: Skopje – Bitola - Resen – Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. We set out toward Bitola, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and commercial centers. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, we will also discover historic Ottoman-era monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. As you experience Bitola’s historic texture, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After a short break here, we continue toward Resen, where we view the Palace of Niyazi Bey of Resen, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history, panoramically. Resen offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its natural beauty and Ottoman traces. Following our tour, we travel toward Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arriving 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, the Church of Hagia Sophia, and the Ancient Theater dating from the Roman period. We will also have the opportunity to stroll through Činar Square, the heart of the city, and explore the Turkish Bazaar dating from the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the city’s cultural texture up close. Afterwards, you will witness the daily life of the local people while exploring the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its enchanting views will accompany our tour. Following our tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight 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 lakeshore, or retire to your rooms and rest.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Bitola: 170 km | Bitola – Resen: 30 km | Resen – Ohrid: 35 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 6: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkoder
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 as we discover Tirana, regarded as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arriving 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, and it is one of Albania’s cultural heritage sites. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we 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. Afterwards, we visit the meaningful Peace Bell, made in 1999 by children from Shkoder from bullets melted during the uprising. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past will come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we set out for the historic city of Shkoder in northern Albania. Shkoder will fascinate you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkoder: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 7: Shkoder – Prizren- Pristina
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set out for Prizren. Upon arriving in Prizren, with its architectural silhouette, the call to prayer rising from its five minarets, and Turkish inscriptions on road and shop signs, the city immediately gives the impression of an Anatolian Ottoman town. We will see Sinan Pasha Mosque, Halveti Tekke, Bajrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam. Following our Prizren tour, we depart for Pristina. Upon arriving in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, during which we will discover Kosovo’s modern and historic aspects. During this tour, we will visit Germia Park, one of Pristina’s most important natural attractions. Afterwards, we will see the Kosovo Museum, which showcases Kosovo’s cultural heritage. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable Ottoman-era structures. We will see Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and Yaşar Pasha Mosque, an 18th-century work. During this excursion through the city’s historical heritage, we will visit the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr I, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain following the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, giving us the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. Following our tour in Pristina, transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Shkoder – Prizren: 186 km | Prizren – Pristina: 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 271 km
Day 8: Pristina - Istanbul
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set out for Pristina Airport. Following arrival at the airport and completion of the boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 15:45 on AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF102. Following a comfortable flight, arrival in Istanbul at 18:25 and the end of our tour. We say goodbye to you with the hope of seeing you again on your next journey.
*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, if applicable (visa, insurance, etc.), are non-refundable.)
**The specified cancellation protection package is not valid for group reservations.**
**There is a limited number of places available for each tour.**
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkoder 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
Pristina 4* Ador etc. Hotel Hotel
Istanbul Sarajevo 13:00 12:25
Pristina Istanbul 15:45 18:25
What's Included
Services Included:
• Round-trip flight tickets on the AJet Airlines route Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen HL. / Sarajevo - Pristina / Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen HL.
• 7 Nights accommodation in a 4* hotel category: 1 Night in Skopje, 1 Night in Shkodra, 2 Nights in Sarajevo, 1 Night in Pristina, 1 Night in Belgrade, and 1 Night in Ohrid.
• Breakfasts
• Dinners to be taken at the hotel
• A Balkan Night adorned with meals, entertainment, and folklore performances
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours as specified in the program
• Pristina and Prizren (Kosovo) Tour
• Tirana tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Počitelj Extra Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Resne Tour
• Monastery Tour
• Customs fees
• All highway, parking, and check-point expenses
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Not Included
Services Not Included:
• Overseas Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes
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