7-Night Great Balkan Tour Starting from Diyarbakır to Kosovo with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinner Parties

1st Day: Diyarbakır - Skopje Meeting at Diyarbakır Airport departure terminal on Saturday evening at 21:30. Departure from Diyarbakır at 00:30 with Ajet Airlines flight VF5515, nonstop direct to Skopje. After an approximately two and a half hour comfortable journey, arrival at 02:15. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. Overnight in our hotel in Skopje. 2nd Day: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje After breakfast, we depart for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will discover the modern and historical sides of Kosovo. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable Ottoman-era structures. We will see Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. As we explore the city’s historical heritage, we will visit the Tomb of Murad I Hüdavendigâr, the Ottoman Sultan killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, giving us the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. 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 the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam are among the other important Ottoman monuments to be seen. After some free time in Prizren, we begin our evening return journey to Skopje. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel and, after dinner, retire to our rooms. Overnight in our hotel in Skopje. Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. While experiencing Skopje’s fun and cultural side through this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most distinguished venues. With the best live Balkan music and folklore performed by artists consisting entirely of conservatory students and teachers, and with no playback, we will turn this night into an authentic experience. We are delighted to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight in 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 3rd Day: Skopje – Matka Canyon - Tetovo (Kalkandelen) - Bitola - Resen – Ohrid After breakfast, we set off for Matka Canyon amid lush green mountains. Ready to discover Matka Canyon, located among the enchanting forests and broad meadows of Mount Vodno? This natural wonder of approximately 5,000 hectares will take you to mystical medieval monasteries and serene lake views. While walking on the rugged cliffs, you can observe the region’s endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, walking along green trails is the best way to be at one with nature. After our Matka Canyon tour, our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia’s most striking towns. Here, we will visit the Alaca Mosque, one of the most colorful and impressive mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque will fascinate you with its vivid exterior colors and intricate decorations. As we explore this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey deep into history. After our visit in Tetovo, we continue to Bitola. 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 monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the Yeni Mosque. As we feel the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After our tour, we continue to Resen. In Resen, we panoramically view 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 a short break here, we head to Ohrid. Scenic views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will have a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, one of the Ottoman Empire’s important bases in the Balkans. Among the places we will see on our tour are the Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, the 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and important landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia Church. We will also stroll through Çınar Square and have the opportunity to visit the old Ottoman Turkish Bazaar. Here, you may visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the city’s cultural fabric up close. Then, we will explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its breathtaking view will accompany our tour. After the tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our 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 – Matka Canyon: 15 km | Matka Canyon – Tetovo: 35 km | Tetovo – Bitola: 145 km | Bitola – Resen: 32 km | Resen – Ohrid: 50 km Total distance to be covered: 277 km 4th Day: Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Elbasan - Tirana – Shkodra After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to St. Naum, where the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery are located, setting off on an exciting journey to what is called “A Corner of Heaven in the Balkans.” In this captivating place, you will have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of the 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 continue to Tirana, the capital of Albania, via Elbasan. Arrival in Tirana, a city rich in historical and cultural significance. 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 landmarks. Begun in 1789 and completed in 1923, this structure is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We make a short stop at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly standing in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is another highlight of our tour. Then, we visit the Peace Bell, made in 1999 by the children of Shkodra from lead melted during the uprising. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we head to Shkodra, a historic city in northern Albania. Shkodra will fascinate you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED! Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km Total distance to be covered: 235 km 5th Day: Shkodra – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje After breakfast, we set off on an unforgettable journey to the dazzling shores of Montenegro. Our first stop is the famous Sv. Stefan, renowned for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above; every corner of it is like a postcard and ideal for photographs. Then 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’s magnificent beaches and vibrant nightlife, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday centers. Our next stop is Kotor, the Balkans’ famous fjord city and a captivating town! On our walking tour of this magnificent medieval town, we will feel its narrow streets and the historical atmosphere of the old city, discovering the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. After free time in Kotor, we head to our hotel in Medugorje or 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! Shkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km Total distance to be covered: 298 km 6th Day: Medugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo After breakfast, we head to Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, with its well-preserved historical fabric, where we will see 16th-century Ottoman works. After the tour, we continue to Blagaj, built where the Buna River, one of Europe’s strongest water sources, rises. After a short free time in this magnificent natural setting, we head to Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Mimar Hayreddin in 1557. This masterpiece of Ottoman architecture was destroyed by Croatian artillery in the war of 1992; however, thanks largely to the contributions of the Republic of Turkey, it was reopened in 2004. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we continue to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we find ourselves in a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and entered history as the place where World War I began after Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Serbs in 1914. During the devastating wars of 1992 between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, 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-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 of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Počitelj Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED! Medugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj – Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km Total distance to be covered: 192 km 7th Day: Sarajevo – Srebrenica - Belgrade After breakfast, we leave our 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 one of the greatest massacres of the last century during the Bosnian War took place, where thousands of Bosniaks were killed and buried in mass graves, and where Europe’s first documented genocide and the largest massacre since World War II occurred. After the visit, we continue to Belgrade. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans throughout history, stands out today with its vitality, dynamism, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to explore the crossroads of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will discover the city’s full splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover Belgrade’s fabric that combines past and present. Then we go to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube, one of the city’s most impressive spots. In this unique view, exploring this area, which has been the focus of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a delight. As we continue to explore this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded on the road to its conquest, though its conquest came to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, 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 Kalemegdan and Tašmajdan, important points of interest. During our tour, we will see the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. Through these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about its Ottoman-era cultural heritage. At the end of the tour, we leave the city’s history and lively atmosphere behind and go to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km Srebrenica Tour INCLUDED! 8th Day: Belgrade - Skopje – Diyarbakır 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 structures. We begin our tour with historical sites in Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492, one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques. Then we visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is especially notable for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. During the continuation of our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures are fine examples of Ottoman-era inns and were once important centers where traders stayed and conducted business. Next, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects the two banks of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour along the Turkish and Jewish quarters by the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is the largest and most central point of Skopje and 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, and by visiting the Davut Pasha Bath, we once again feel 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 emblematic structures. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, both early Ottoman-era mosques. These mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and stand out with their architecture. Finally, we give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After the enjoyable time you spend in the bazaar, transfer to the airport. After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, depart on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF5516, nonstop direct to Diyarbakır at 03:15. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival at Diyarbakır Airport at 06:45 and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests, hoping to meet again on your next journey. *Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euro* (With the cancellation assurance package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, you may cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure date. In case of cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.) **The stated cancellation assurance package is not valid for group reservations.** **Limited quota available for each tour.** Tour Highlights • Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging travel program covering the important cities and tourist spots of the Balkans is offered. Many significant cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited. • Ottoman History: Important Ottoman-era structures and cultural heritage sites are visited, offering an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts. • Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the region’s cultural diversity to be explored. • Natural Beauties: Magnificent natural attractions such as the Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour. • Visa-Free Travel: It includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs. • Professional Guidance: With a guide accompanying the tour, there is an opportunity to obtain detailed information about cities and historical sites. • Local Cuisine Experience: With traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors included in the evening meals, participants enjoy a gastronomic experience. • Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: The opportunity to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of Skopje’s most distinguished restaurants, is offered. • All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important places without paying extra. • Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from making extra expenditures while tasting local flavors. • No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, optional tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money needs to be spent. Points to Consider • Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more. • Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are spent amid beautiful scenery during the tour, but there may be long periods spent on the bus. Nevertheless, a comfortable journey is ensured with breaks along the way. • Limited Free Time: Since the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important points with a guide is provided. • Weather Conditions Depending on the Season: Weather in the Balkans can be variable during some periods. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing can make this comfortable. • Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region’s character and local culture, hotels in some small towns may not offer the same extensive amenities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, comfort and cleanliness are given priority in these hotels. • Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, you are offered the chance to taste the region’s distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some dishes may be unfamiliar to some participants. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it may be helpful to keep in mind that you may encounter different tastes. City | Hotel | Breakfast | Dinner Ohrid | 4* Beograd etc. | Hotel | Hotel Shkodra | 4* Holiday Koplik etc. | Hotel | Hotel Medugorje | 4* Kaktus etc. | Hotel | Hotel Skopje | 4* Vlaho etc. | Hotel | Restaurant Gardenia Skopje | 4* Vlaho etc. | Hotel | Restaurant Gardenia Belgrade | 4* Nobel etc. | Hotel | Hotel Sarajevo | 4* Holiday etc. | Hotel | Hotel With Ajet Airlines Departure Point | Arrival Point | Departure Time | Arrival Time Diyarbakır | Skopje | 00:30 | 02:15 Skopje | Diyarbakır | 03:15 | 06:45