Kosovan Big Balkan Tour Departing from Diyarbakır with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinner, 6 Nights

Day 1: Diyarbakır – Skopje – Bitola – Resen – Ohrid Meeting at Diyarbakır Airport departure terminal on Saturday evening at 21:30. Departure from Diyarbakır at 00:30 with Ajet Airlines flight VF5515, non-stop and direct to Skopje. After an approximately two-and-a-half-hour comfortable journey, arrival at 02:15. Upon arrival, we set off for our Resen and Bitola tour, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. We are on our way to Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit, from the outside, the Military High School where our Great Leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this enchanting city, we will also explore historical Ottoman-era monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, Ishak Paşa Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After a short break here, we continue to Resen and make a panoramic stop at the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers an enchanting atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After our tour, we head to Ohrid. Along the way, breathtaking views accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing this historic city, one of the Ottoman Empire’s important bases in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during the tour are: the Monument of 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 back to the Roman era. We will also stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and have the opportunity to visit the Turkish Bazaar, which dates back to the old Ottoman period. Here you may visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the city’s cultural fabric up close. Afterwards, we will visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the local people. Finally, the famous Lake Ohrid and its mesmerizing views will accompany our tour. After the tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. After dinner, you may enjoy Ohrid’s enchanting atmosphere in the silence of the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, or retire to your room to 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 2: Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Elbasan – Tirana – Shkodër After breakfast, we leave the hotel and set off for Sveti Naum, where the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery are located, a place known as “A Corner of Heaven in the Balkans.” In this captivating location, you will have the chance to photograph the unique beauty of the natural landscapes in the heart of nature. During our free time, we will enjoy exploring this historical and natural wonder. After a day full of unforgettable memories and wonderful photos, we head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Passing through Elbasan, we arrive in historically and culturally rich Tirana. In this beautiful city, an impressive tour awaits us as we explore Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important symbols. Begun in 1789 and completed in 1923, this structure is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue standing proudly in the middle of the square. Another highlight of our tour is the Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, one of the city’s symbols. Afterwards, we visit the Peace Bell, built from melted bullets by the children of Shkodër during the 1999 uprising, a meaningful monument. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we continue to the historic city of Shkodër in northern Albania. Shkodër will captivate you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED! Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodër: 100 km Total distance to be covered: 235 km Day 3: Shkodër – St. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Međugorje After breakfast, we set off for an unforgettable journey to Montenegro’s enchanting coast. Our first stop is St. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking scenery. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this islet from above, a perfect spot for photographing this postcard-like region. Next, we arrive in Budva, one of the Balkans’ most popular holiday destinations. Our Budva city tour begins. On this walking tour, we will see Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday centers, with its wonderful beaches and colorful nightlife. Our next stop is the fascinating city of Kotor, famous for its fjords in the Balkans! During our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, we will feel its narrow streets and the historical atmosphere of the old city, discovering the heart of Kotor. After free time in Kotor, we head to our hotel in Međugorje or nearby. After dinner at the hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight at the hotel. Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED! Shkodër - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Međugorje: 191 km Total distance to be covered: 298 km Day 4: Međugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, a historically preserved village known as the Turkish Village, where we will see 16th-century Ottoman works. After the visit, we continue to Blagaj, built at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe’s strongest springs. After a short free time in this magnificent natural setting, we head to Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin. This masterpiece of Ottoman architecture was destroyed in 1992 by Croatian artillery during the war; however, with major contributions from the Republic of Turkey, it was restored and reopened in 2004. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. We then continue to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will explore a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and went down in history as the place where World War I began following the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand by the Serbs in 1914. During the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in 1992, the city suffered great destruction, yet Sarajevo managed to preserve much of its beauty. On 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-beg Mosque and Ferhadija Mosque, 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-year Austro-Hungarian administration. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Počitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED! Međugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj – Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km Total distance to be covered: 192 km Day 5: Sarajevo – Srebrenica – Belgrade After breakfast, we leave the hotel and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. On the way, we first stop in Srebrenica. On this tour, we will visit the Bosniak cemetery, where, during the Bosnia War, one of the greatest massacres of the last century took place, thousands of Bosniaks were killed and buried in mass graves, and where the first documented genocide in Europe since World War II and the largest massacre were committed. After the visit, we continue to Belgrade. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, stands out today with its vitality, energy, and historical texture. In this captivating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the crossroads of Ottoman and European cultures. After our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins where we will explore the city in all its splendor. Here, you can feel the historic atmosphere and discover Belgrade’s texture that combines the past and the present. Then we head to one of the city’s most impressive points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be a pleasure to explore this unique view, a region that has often been the focus of conquest and victory throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded in his attempt to conquer it, but the conquest came to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing history in this fortress, we will see the Fortress Square and Tašmajdan, among other important points. During our tour, we will see the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. These visits will allow you to deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about its Ottoman-era cultural heritage. At the end of the tour, we leave behind the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km Srebrenica Tour INCLUDED! Day 6: 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 historical sites of Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city. Then we visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is especially notable for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures are fine examples of Ottoman-era inns and once served as important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Later, we visit Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, it connects the two banks of the Vardar River. Walking from Stone Bridge, we continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish quarters along the banks of the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is 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. Afterwards, we view the Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit Davut Pasha Bath, once again feeling the grandeur of the Ottoman era. 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 allow free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many items from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After your pleasant time in the bazaar, we return to our hotel in the evening. Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. While experiencing Skopje’s fun and cultural side with this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at one of the region’s finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. We will turn this night into an authentic experience with live Balkan music and folklore performed by artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, with no playback. We are pleased 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 7: Skopje – Matka Canyon – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head to Matka Canyon. Are you ready to explore Matka Canyon, located among the enchanting forests and vast pastures of Mount Vodno? This natural wonder of approximately 5,000 hectares will take you to mystical medieval monasteries and soothing lake views. While walking along the rugged cliffs, you can observe the region’s endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, walking along the green paths is the best way to be one with nature. After our Matka Canyon tour, our first stop is Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After the journey, upon arriving in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will discover Kosovo’s modern and historical aspects. During this tour, we will visit Germia Park, one of Pristina’s most important natural beauties. Then 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 the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this journey through the city’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to commemorate an important historical event and its place in Ottoman history by visiting the Tomb of Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain after the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. 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 resembles an Anatolian Ottoman town and whose shop signs are full of Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important works of Ottoman architecture. In addition, Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam are among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we start our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km Total distance to be covered: 340 km Day 8: Skopje – Diyarbakır Upon our arrival, transfer to the airport at the time determined by our guide on the night from Saturday to Sunday. After ticketing, baggage, and passport procedures, departure on Ajet Airlines flight VF5516 at 03:15 with a non-stop direct flight to Diyarbakır. Arrival at Diyarbakır Airport at 06:45 and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests, hoping to see you again on your next journey. *Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro* (With the cancellation guarantee package application, our guests are granted 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 will be refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.) **The stated cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.** **Limited quotas are available for each tour.** Tour Highlights • Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging itinerary covering the important cities and tourist spots of the Balkans. Many key 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, making this a delightful experience for history enthusiasts. • Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing you to discover the region’s cultural diversity. • Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural wonders such as the Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour. • Visa-Free Travel: The itinerary includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs. • Professional Guidance: With a guide accompanying you, you will have the opportunity to learn detailed information about the cities and historical sites. • Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors are served at dinner, offering participants a gastronomic experience. • Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: The opportunity to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night at one of Skopje’s finest restaurants, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. • All Tours Included: All surrounding tours and extra excursions in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all the important places without paying additional costs. • Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from having extra expenses while tasting local flavors. • No Need to Spend: This tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, tips if desired, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket. Points to Consider • Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this fast pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more. • Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are spent enjoying beautiful scenery, but there may be days with long hours on the bus. Nevertheless, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way. • Limited Free Time: Since the program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important points with a guide is provided. • Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather in the Balkans can be variable during certain periods. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing can make this 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, but hotels in some smaller cities may not offer the same extensive facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, these hotels are maintained with attention to comfort and cleanliness. • Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to try the region’s distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may encounter tastes they are not used to. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it may be useful to keep in mind that you may come across different flavors. City Hotel Breakfast Dinner Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel Međugorje 4* Kaktus etc. Hotel Hotel Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel With Ajet Airlines Departure City Arrival City Departure Time Arrival Time Diyarbakır Skopje 00:30 02:15 Skopje Diyarbakır 03:15 06:45