Kosovar Great Balkans Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner TZL-SKP
Day 1: Istanbul – Tuzla - Sarajevo
After our ticketing, baggage, and boarding procedures at the International Departures Terminal of Sabiha Gökçen Airport, we depart at 14:20 on Ajet Airlines flight VF271 to Tuzla Airport in Bosnia and Herzegovina, about 2 hours from Sarajevo. After a flight of approximately 1.5 hours, we arrive at Tuzla Airport at 14:20 local time. After entry procedures into the country, we head to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Upon arrival, Sarajevo, which for centuries was the cultural capital of the Balkans and went down in history as the place where World War I broke out after the assassination of Austrian-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand by the Serbs in 1914. During the 1992 war, it suffered great 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 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’s assassination took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings formed during the city’s 40 years under Austro-Hungarian rule. After the 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 the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin, one of the students of Mimar Sinan, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992, but thanks to major contributions from the Republic of Turkey, it was rebuilt in accordance with its original form in 2004 and has since become the symbol of Mostar once again. Around this bridge, which elegantly connects the two banks of the Neretva River, we will have the opportunity to walk through the historic bazaar and stone streets. After exploring Mostar’s enchanting 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. Then we head to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Blagaj is an impressive settlement founded at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe’s strongest water sources, where history and nature intertwine. After some 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 preserving much of its historical fabric, we will have the opportunity to closely see the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and feel the unique atmosphere of the region. After the 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 to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, which has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, continues to stand out today with its vibrancy, energy, and historical character. In this fascinating city, we will have the chance to explore the point where Ottoman and European cultures intersect. After arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will discover the full splendor of the city. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that brings Belgrade’s past and present together. Then, we go to one of the city’s most impressive points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. In this unique landscape, it will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which throughout history has often been the focus of conquest and victory. As we continue to explore this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded in pursuit of its conquest, and whose conquest was later achieved 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 the Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will see the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the cultural heritage left from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, leaving behind the city’s history and lively atmosphere, we head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade : 287 km
Day 4: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we head to 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 buildings. We start our tour with historic sites in 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. Then we visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is especially notable for its Ottoman-era ornamentation and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures, fine examples of Ottoman inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Later, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects the two banks of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our walk by the river, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square, Skopje’s largest and most central point, is surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then, we view the Ottoman Bridge from the outside, dating back to the 15th century, and by visiting Davut Pasha Bathhouse, we will once again feel the splendor of the Ottoman period. We continue exploring the city on foot toward Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje’s iconic structures. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque, one of the early mosques of the Ottoman Empire, and Isa Bey Mosque. These mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and stand out with their architecture. Finally, we provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products, from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After the enjoyable time you spend in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel in the evening.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. While experiencing the fun and cultural side of Skopje with this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the city’s most distinguished venues. With the best Balkan music and folklore performed live, and performances by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, without playback, we will turn this night into an authentic experience. We will be delighted to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje : 430 km
Day 5 : Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra
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, during which we will explore the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable Ottoman-era structures. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this tour through the city’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to commemorate the 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 Battle of Kosovo in 1389. After our tour in Pristina, we head to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, whose architecture recalls an Anatolian Ottoman town and whose shop signs are filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important structures of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmed Pasha Bathhouse are among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After free time in Prizren, 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 and dinner at our hotel.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Shkodra: 190 km
Total distance to be covered: 365 km
Day 6 : Shkodra – Tirana - Ohrid
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 aspects, 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. This structure, whose construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, the 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 continue toward Ohrid. Along the way, breathtaking scenery accompanies us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which once served as one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are: the Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and important structures such as the Church of St. Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to walk around Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar dating back to the old Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city’s cultural texture up close. Then, by exploring the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, you will witness the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its enchanting view will accompany our tour. After the 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 silence of the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, or return to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid : 135 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 7 : Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. Our first stop is in Resen, where we will see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history, from the outside panoramically. Resen offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we continue to Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. 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 explore historical Ottoman-era monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Covered Bazaar, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. As we feel the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After all these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Ohrid: 69 km
Total distance to be covered: 134 km
Day 8 : Ohrid – Skopje - Istanbul
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Skopje Airport. After arrival at the airport and boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 14:00 on AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF264. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival in Istanbul at 16:30 and the end of our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you again on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*
(With the Cancellation Guarantee package application, 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 departure date of the tour. In case of reservation cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The specified cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**A limited number of seats are available for each tour.**
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
Istanbul Tuzla 13:55 13:55
Skopje Istanbul 14:00 16:30
What's Included
Included Services:
• Round-trip plane tickets with AJet Airlines from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport / Tuzla to Skopje / Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights in 4* hotel category: 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, 2 nights in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 2 nights in Ohrid
• Breakfasts
• Dinner at the hotel
• Balkan Night adorned with meals, fun, and folklore shows
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours mentioned in the program
• Pristina and Prizren (Kosovo) Tour
• Tirana tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Počitelj Extra Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Customs Duties
• All highway, parking, and checkpoint expenses
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Not Included
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