2026 YEAR

VISA-FREE

BALKAN FAIRY TALE TOUR

Departing from İzmir

With Scheduled Flight of Sun Express Airlines for 7 Nights and 8 Days

Serbia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro – Albania – Kosovo – North Macedonia

Departures on June 7, 28 & July 19, August 2, 30 & September 20, October 4

1. Day: İzmir – Sarajevo - Blagaj, Mostar, Konjic, Jablanica, Stolac, Počitel, Medjugorje

We meet with the agency staff at Adnan Menderes Airport International Terminal. We complete the necessary check-in and baggage procedures. We board Sun Express Airlines flight XQ826 at 10:35, flying to Sarajevo (SJJ). After a flight of approximately 1 hour, we land at the airport, collect our luggage, and complete customs procedures before meeting our guide. With our vehicle presenting the blue vistas of Boračko and Jablanica lakes, which showcase the generosity of nature, we start our pleasant journey. In Jablanica, we remotely greet the historic Neretva Bridge, submerged in the cool waters of the Neretva with its melancholic story that inspired films, before reaching Mostar, which is one of the most enchanting stops in the Balkans. After a lunch break that will tantalize your taste buds with the famous Bosnian Kebab of the region, we make our first steps in the historic fabric of the city at the Stari Most (Old Bridge). Next, we visit the magnificent Mostar Bridge, built in 1567 by Architect Hayrettin, which, despite being destroyed in 1993, was reborn from its ashes in 2004, giving the city its name and soul. After soaking in the authentic atmosphere of Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque and the historic Old Bazaar, we turn our route towards Blagaj, a place of tranquility. There, at the source of the Buna River, one of Neretva's clearest branches, we explore Blagaj Tekkesi and its water source, one of the most valuable monuments of Ottoman and Islamic heritage (entrance fee is at the guests' expense). After leaving this mystical atmosphere, we reach the Ottoman village of Počitel, where time has stopped, via Stolac. In the cobbled streets of this village, we witness the elegance of the mosque, caravanserai, hamam, madrasa, and mansions that defy time. At the end of the day, we proceed to our hotel in the Medjugorje area for a peaceful overnight stay. Dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel.

2. Day Kotor, Budva, Shkodra

After having our breakfast at the hotel, we turn our route towards the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, setting sail toward the blue. Our unforgettable stop is the shining star of the Balkans, Montenegro. As we navigate the majestic mountain roads down to the coastline, we are greeted by the medieval fairy tale city of Kotor, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this city that resembles an open-air museum, we discover its magnificent walls, Silah (Army), Flour and Saint Triphon squares, the time-honored Clock Tower, and the historic Karampana fountain. After leaving Kotor's mesmerizing atmosphere, we continue our journey, panoramically viewing the beautiful Budva, a popular holiday destination on the Adriatic coast, taking notes of its unique beach vistas as we go. After crossing the border, we enter another cultural mosaic, Albania, and check into our hotel in the ancient city of Shkodra. Dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel.

3. Day Tirana, Sv. Naum, Ohrid

After having our breakfast at the hotel, we bid farewell to the fairy tale Ohrid and head towards Bitola, passing through the endless fragrant apple orchards of Resne. We begin our day with a visit to the Military Academy, which has profound significance in Turkish history as it is where the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was educated. After that, we take a pleasant walk in the heart of the city, in Shirok Street, seeing the New Mosque, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the timeless Clock Tower to soak in the essence of Bitola. During our continued route, we stop for a visit at Kalkandelen (Tetova), where we can observe one of the rare and refined works of art history, the Alaca Mosque. After witnessing the dance of colors and patterns, we head towards the capital and cultural mosaic of North Macedonia, Skopje. We begin exploring this ancient city from the Old Skopje. We see historic Ottoman structures such as Skopje Fortress, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Kursunlu Khan, Twin Baths, Murat Pasha Mosque, and Kapan Khan, before using our free time for shopping in the bustling atmosphere of the Old Bazaar. As we continue our journey, we cross the legendary Stone Bridge and step into the modern face of the city with New Skopje. We embark on a time travel among the monumental statues of Alexander the Great and Philip II; Dame Gruev, Gotse Delchev, Kiril and Metodij, Justinian, and Tsar Samuil monuments, as well as the magnificent Victory Arch. After reviewing the newest examples of neoclassical architecture, we visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, who was born in this city in 1910, to crown our tour. We finish the day with a dinner at a traditional Macedonian Restaurant, filled with Balkan melodies. After enjoying these delightful moments filled with music and local delicacies, we return to our hotel for overnight accommodation in Skopje.

4.  Day Ohrid, Resne, Bitola, Tetova, Skopje

After having our breakfast at the hotel, we bid farewell to the fairy tale Ohrid and head towards Bitola, passing through the endless fragrant apple orchards of Resne. We begin our day with a visit to the Military Academy, which has profound significance in Turkish history as it is where the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was educated. After that, we take a pleasant walk in the heart of the city, in Shirok Street, seeing the New Mosque, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the timeless Clock Tower to soak in the essence of Bitola. During our continued route, we stop for a visit at Kalkandelen (Tetova), where we can observe one of the rare and refined works of art history, the Alaca Mosque. After witnessing the dance of colors and patterns, we head towards the capital and cultural mosaic of North Macedonia, Skopje. We begin exploring this ancient city from the Old Skopje. We see historic Ottoman structures such as Skopje Fortress, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Kursunlu Khan, Twin Baths, Murat Pasha Mosque, and Kapan Khan, before using our free time for shopping in the bustling atmosphere of the Old Bazaar. As we continue our journey, we cross the legendary Stone Bridge and step into the modern face of the city with New Skopje. We embark on a time travel among the monumental statues of Alexander the Great and Philip II; Dame Gruev, Gotse Delchev, Kiril and Metodij, Justinian, and Tsar Samuil monuments, as well as the magnificent Victory Arch. After reviewing the newest examples of neoclassical architecture, we visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, who was born in this city in 1910, to crown our tour. We finish the day with a dinner at a traditional Macedonian Restaurant, filled with Balkan melodies. After enjoying these delightful moments filled with music and local delicacies, we return to our hotel for overnight accommodation in Skopje.

5. Day Skopje, Kosovo (Pristina - Prizren), Matka Canyon, Skopje

After having our breakfast at the hotel, we briefly say farewell to Macedonia and enter the friendly and brotherly country of Kosovo. Our first stop is the capital Pristina, which is the cultural center of the country with its lively energy and deep educational tradition. Here, we visit the tomb of Sultan Murad I, who fell as a martyr in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, opening the pages of history that are filled with sorrow and dignity. After that, we head to Prizren, the most charming piece of the Balkans, where the architecture, echoing call to prayer from the minarets, and Turkish phrases on the shop signs greet you with the warmth of an Anatolian city. Here, we take a delicious lunch break to try the famous Kosovo kebabs. After lunch, we explore the symbols of the city, including the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Mother Mary Church, and the Mehmet Pasha Mosque and Hamam; along with taking memorable photos on the historic Stone Bridge across Akdere. After the unforgettable moments in Kosovo, we re-cross the Macedonian border and set our route towards the nature's wonder of Matka Canyon. This canyon possesses an undeniable beauty that will make you say, "Heaven exists on earth!" We capture the unique scene created by steep cliffs and emerald green waters in our hearts. After this peaceful visit in the heart of nature, we return to our hotel in Skopje to relax from the day's tiredness. Dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel in Skopje.

6. Day Skopje, Belgrade

After having our breakfast at the hotel, we head towards Belgrade, the "White City" of Serbia, following the route through Kumanovo, Vranje, Leskovac, Niš and Smederevska. Our tour begins with a visit to the St. Sava Cathedral, one of the most impressive buildings of the Serbian Orthodox world, which adorns the skyline of the city. Following that, in our panoramic city tour, we see the wide boulevards, impressive high-rises of Belgrade, government buildings, parliament house, and the buildings of the General Staff and Police Headquarters that were bombed by NATO. After passing through the heart of the city at Nikola Pašić and Terazije squares, we reach the Republic Square, which is the place where the Ottoman Empire handed over the city in 1867, marked by the statue of Knez Mihajlo. We get off our vehicle at University Square to immerse ourselves in the cultural atmosphere of Knez Mihailova Street and sense the spirited life of Belgrade. After having fun in our free time here, we start our tour of Kalemegdan, one of the most strategic locations in history. Inside the fortress, we explore the valuable structures such as The Key Monument, the Fisherman Statue, Roman era walls, Kara George and Istanbul Gates, Damat Ali Pasha Tomb, Victor Monument, and Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Fountain. As we witness the beautiful embrace of the Tuna and Sava rivers, we can also enrich our experience with a delightful boat tour (extra, for those interested) over the panoramic view stretching towards Battle Island through Gazela, Ada, Branko, and Pančevo bridges. At the end of the day, we take the energy of Belgrade with us and settle into our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation in Belgrade.

7. Day Belgrade, Novi Sad, Sarajevo

After having our breakfast at the hotel, we begin our journey back to the city we started our tour from and holds a special place in our hearts, Sarajevo. First, we head towards Novi Sad, the capital of the Vojvodina region in Serbia. Our first stop here will be the Petrovaradin Fortress. From a short walk, we enjoy the breathtaking views of Novi Sad. Then we move to the center of Novi Sad. During our walk in the city where Albert Einstein once lived, we will have the chance to see places like the Freedom Square, Svetoza Miletić Statue, the Catholic Cathedral, Orthodox St. George Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, and the Synagogue panoramically. After our tour and free time, we move towards Sarajevo. During this long but enjoyable ride filled with scenic views, we first cross Serbia's endless plains, and then climb towards the mountains, with the stunning views of the Sava and Drina rivers. After overcoming forest roads reminiscent of the green of the Eastern Black Sea, we reach Sarajevo in the evening via Sabats, Loznica, Zvornik, Vlasenica, and Sokolac. Upon arrival in the city, we start our walking tour to explore the historical core of Sarajevo. Our first stop will be the historic Latin Bridge, which marked the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and ignited the first world war. Then we discover the spirit of the city with a visit to the Baščaršija Mosque and the most magnificent Ottoman heritage in the region, the Gazi Husrev Bey Complex (Medrese, Clock Tower, Mosque, Bedesten, Hammam, and Morića Han). Following this, we sense the deep traces in the city's fabric with visits to the Cathedral and Bloody Market. To crown this cultural feast, we indulge in Sarajevo’s enticing flavors by trying the famous Bosnian Börek, the aromatic Bosnian Coffee, and the light dessert known as Trileçe. In the dinner, we enjoy the delicious Bosnian Kebab, which has become a symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and then proceed to our hotel for overnight accommodation in Sarajevo.

8. Day Sarajevo, Vrelo Bosna, İzmir

After our breakfast at the hotel, we set out to crown our journey in the Balkans with a fairy tale finale. We visit the Vrelo Bosna National Park, which boasts such an undeniable beauty that we say, "We found paradise on earth" (Entrance fee is at the guests' expense). Located at the majestic foothills of the Igman Mountains, this magnificent park, nourished by the crystal clear springs of the Bosna River, offers us a delightful morning walk where we enjoy the tranquility of nature. Surrounded by the sounds of birds, ancient trees, and the babbling river, this last exploration concludes our journey with unforgettable serene snapshots. We then head to the airport; We take the Sun Express Airlines flight XQ827 at 12:30 and we land at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport at 15:20.

Outbound Transportation

XQ 826

10:35 - İzmir, Adnan Menderes (ADB)

11:30 - Sarajevo (SJJ)

Return Transportation

XQ 827

12:30 - Sarajevo (SJJ)

15:20 - İzmir, Adnan Menderes (ADB)