Balkan Tour of the Great Balkans from Diyarbakır with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinners, 6 Nights SKP-TZL

1. Day: Diyarbakir - Skopje - Bitola - Resne - Ohrid Meeting at the Ajet Airlines counter in the departure terminal of Diyarbakir airport 3 hours before the flight. Departure from Diyarbakir to Skopje directly with Ajet Airlines scheduled flight. After approximately two hours of comfortable travel, we arrive in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. After completing the entry procedures into the country, we will proceed with our specially arranged vehicle for the tour of Resne and Bitola, which are famous for their stunning nature and historical richness. We will head towards Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon our arrival in Bitola, we will 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 sites such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk in the nostalgic streets of the city. After a short break here, we will continue towards Resne, where we will see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history, panoramically. Resne offers a fascinating atmosphere both with its nature and Ottoman traces. After our tour, we will head towards Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arriving in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour to explore the historical city of Ohrid, which was one of the significant strongholds of the Ottomans in the Balkans. The places we will see during our tour include: the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic Alphabet in the 9th century, the Church of St. Sophia, and the Roman-era Ancient Theatre. Additionally, we will stroll around the main square of the city, Chinar Square, and have the opportunity to visit the Old Bazaar, which dates back to the Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Tekke and deeply feel the cultural fabric of the city. Afterward, we will explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily lives of the local people. Finally, the famous Ohrid Lake and the mesmerizing view of the lake will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have free time and then transfer to our hotel. Our overnight stay and dinner will be at our hotel. After dinner, you may enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the night’s silence, take a short walk by the lakeside, or retire to your rooms to rest. Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! Distance from Skopje to Bitola: 170 km | Distance from Bitola to Resne: 30 km | Distance from Resne to Ohrid: 35 km Total distance covered: 235 km 2. Day: Ohrid – Sveti Naum - Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Matka Canyon - Skopje After our breakfast, we will leave our hotel and set off for Sveti Naum, where the spring of Lake Ohrid and the St. Naum Monastery are located, described as "A Corner of Heaven in the Balkans." Here, you will have the chance to photograph the unique beauty of the natural scenery situated in the heart of nature. During our free time, we will enjoy discovering this historical and natural wonder. After unforgettable moments filled with wonderful photos, we set out to explore the unique nature and cultural treasures of Macedonia. Our first stop will be one of Macedonia’s picturesque towns, Tetova (Kalkandelen). Here we will visit the Alaca Mosque, one of the most colorful and striking mosques in the Balkans, built in the 15th century. The vivid colors and intricate decorations on the exterior of this mosque will truly captivate you. While exploring this exquisite example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey through the depths of history. After our visit to Tetova, we head towards Matka Canyon, amidst lush green mountains. Are you ready to explore Matka Canyon, located among the enchanting forests and wide pastures of Vodno Mountain? This natural wonder, covering approximately 5,000 hectares, will take you to mystical monasteries dating back to the Middle Ages and serene lake views. While walking on the rugged cliffs, you can observe the region's endemic plant and animal species. Hiking on green trails is the best way to connect with nature for nature lovers. After our Matka Canyon tour, we will continue our journey to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, our first stop will be the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. We will then visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, constructed in the 15th century, which is particularly noted for its carvings and architecture from the Ottoman period. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han located in the heart of Skopje. These structures are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, which were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Next, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje, built in the 15th century connecting the banks of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our walk by the river, we pass through Macedonia Square, 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. After that, we will see the Ottoman Bridge dating back to the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hamam, feeling the grandeur of the Ottoman era once again. We will continue to explore the city as we head towards Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower built in the 16th century and one of Skopje’s iconic structures. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, which are significant parts of the Islamic heritage of the city and noted for their architecture. Finally, we will have free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending a pleasant time in the bazaar, we will transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for a Balkan Evening. Afterward, we will be transferred back to our hotel and then retire to our rooms. Overnight stay will be at our hotel in Skopje. Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and regional dance performances. You will have the chance to discover the entertaining and cultural aspect of Skopje with this special Balkan night while being hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the elite venues in the region. With live performances by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, this evening will be transformed into an authentic experience. We are pleased to welcome you to Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED! | Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED! | Matka Canyon Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED! Distance from Ohrid to Tetova (Kalkandelen): 130 km | Distance from Tetova (Kalkandelen) to Matka Canyon: 35 km | Distance from Matka Canyon to Skopje: 15 km Total distance covered: 180 km 3. Day: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and set off for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, we will arrive in Pristina, where we will start our panoramic city tour to discover both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During our exploration within the historical heritage of the city, we will have the opportunity to visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad I, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, commemorating this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we proceed to Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we will begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city, with its architecture and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit one of the most important Ottoman structures, the Sinan Pasha Mosque. Other important Ottoman works to be seen include the Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam. After spending free time in Prizren, we will head towards Shkodra, a historical city in the north of Albania. Shkodra will amaze you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. We will stay overnight and have dinner at our hotel. Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! Distance from Skopje to Pristina: 90 km | Distance from Pristina to Prizren: 85 km | Distance from Prizren to Shkodra: 190 km Total distance covered: 365 km 4. Day: Shkodra – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medjugorje After breakfast, we will embark on an unforgettable journey towards the enchanting beaches of Montenegro. Our first stop will be Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. From above, we will enjoy the fantastic view of this island, an ideal spot to photograph this postcard-like area. Next, we will arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. Our city tour of Budva begins. During our walking tour, we will explore the magnificent beaches and vibrant nightlife of Budva, one of the most famous holiday resorts in the Balkans. Our next stop is Kotor, a charming city famous for its fjords! During our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, we will feel its narrow streets and historical atmosphere, discovering the heart of Kotor. This small town with its unique architecture and sea view will take you on a journey through time. After some free time in Kotor, we will head towards Medjugorje or our hotel nearby. After dinner at our hotel, we will retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay will be at our hotel. Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED! Distance from Shkodra to Budva: 85 km | Distance from Budva to Kotor: 22 km | Distance from Kotor to Medjugorje: 191 km Total distance covered: 298 km 5. Day: Medjugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo After breakfast, we will set off for Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Počitelj, a historical village known as the Turkish Village, where we will see artifacts built during the Ottoman period in the 16th century. After the sightseeing, we will head to Blagaj, where the Buna River, Europe's strongest water source, originates. After a brief free time in this magnificent natural landscape, we will proceed toward Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Mimar Hayreddin in 1557. This bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992; however, with the significant contributions of the Republic of Turkey, it was reopened in 2004. After visiting the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Later, we will head to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will embark on a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and made history as the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was killed by Serbs in 1914, sparking World War I. Sarajevo suffered significant devastation during the wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in 1992, but it has largely managed to retain its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious diversity, the Synagogue, and the Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, along with the Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel. Počitelj Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED! Distance from Medjugorje to Počitelj: 20 km | Distance from Počitelj to Blagaj: 30 km | Distance from Blagaj to Mostar: 12 km | Distance from Mostar to Sarajevo: 130 km Total distance covered: 192 km 6. Day: Sarajevo – Belgrade After breakfast, we will depart from our hotel and head towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, for a pleasant journey. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and today it stands out with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, we will begin a panoramic city tour to discover the full glory of the city. Here, you will feel the historical atmosphere and explore the city’s texture, which brings together its past and present. Then, we will go to one of the most impressive spots in the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Enjoying this unique view will be a great pleasure as this area has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue discovering this ancient city, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used by the Ottoman Navy as a supply center. While tracing the historical footprints in this fortress, we will see important points like the Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will also see the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure in the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deepen your understanding of Belgrade's rich history and its cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. After our tour, we will head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel. Distance from Sarajevo to Belgrade: 287 km 7. Day: Belgrade - Sremski Karlovci – Novi Sad – Tuzla After breakfast, our first stop will be Sremski Karlovci. In this beautiful town, the Karlowitz Peace Treaty between the Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary, Venice, and Poland was signed after negotiations lasting 72 days in 1699. During our visit here, we will see the four-gate building where the treaty was signed, the square, four lion fountains, the historical high school, and the Orthodox and Catholic churches. After a coffee break, we will continue on our way. Along the way, we will see the Belgrade Gate at Petrovaradin Fortress, the Clock Tower, the Upper Town, the Long Barracks, and Leopold Gate. We will then arrive in Novi Sad. Vojvodina, located in northern Serbia, is a multi-ethnic province and the most developed region of Serbia, with Novi Sad as its capital. During our walking tour here, we will panoramically view Liberty Square, the People's Theater, Dunav Street, the bank, the Svetozar Miletić Monument, the Catholic Cathedral, the Orthodox St. George Cathedral, the St. Nicholas Church, and the Synagogue. After our tour, we will transfer to the airport. Sremski Karlovci Tour INCLUDED! | Novi Sad Tour INCLUDED! Distance from Belgrade to Sremski Karlovci: 78 km | Distance from Sremski Karlovci to Novi Sad: 13 km | Distance from Novi Sad to Tuzla: 180 km Total distance covered: 271 km 8. Day: Tuzla – Diyarbakir After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will take a direct flight to Diyarbakir with Ajet Airlines. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, we will arrive at Diyarbakir airport, marking the end of our tour. We bid farewell to you, our esteemed guests, hoping to see you again on your next trip. *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, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour date. In the case of cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.) **The mentioned cancellation assurance package does not apply to group reservations.** **There are a limited number of spots available for each tour.** Positive Aspects of the Tour • Comprehensive Visits: A wide travel itinerary covering the significant cities and tourist spots of the Balkans, such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje. • Ottoman History: The project provides sightseeing of significant structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period, making it a delightful experience for history enthusiasts. • Religious and Cultural Richness: Visiting structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) and exploring the cultural diversity of the region. • Natural Beauties: Magnificent natural beauties like Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour. • Visa-Free Travel: The itinerary includes destinations that do not require a visa, minimizing extra paperwork and costs. • Professional Guidance: Detailed information about cities and historical sites is provided under the guidance of a professional tour guide. • Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy gastronomic experiences with traditional Bosnian meals, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies during dinner. • Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: There is the opportunity to enjoy local dishes and a special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of the finest restaurants in Skopje. • All Tours Included: All the city tours and extra tours included in the itinerary add value to the tour price, ensuring all key locations can be visited without additional costs. • Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors. • No Need for Expenditure: The tour is ideal for guests who don't want to spend. Other than lunch, taxes, tips if desired, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money is needed from your pocket. Considerations to Keep in Mind • Intensive Program: Traveling to different cities each day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this busy pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more. • Long Travels: Intercity distances (e.g., between Skopje and Belgrade) are traversed amidst beautiful landscapes, yet there may be days where considerable time is spent on the bus. However, stops along the way ensure a comfortable journey. • Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. Nevertheless, a significant opportunity to visit all key locations is afforded under the guidance of a tour leader. • Weather Conditions Depend on the Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans may be variable during certain periods. Thus, with suitable clothing choices, this situation can be made comfortable. • Quality of Accommodation and Services: The hotels in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the region's character and local culture, though hotels in smaller cities may not have facilities as luxurious as those in Turkey. However, attention to comfort and cleanliness is ensured in these hotels. • Food and Culinary Experience: The tour provides the opportunity to taste the region's distinct local flavors. The Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, although some participants may find unfamiliar tastes. This offers a great opportunity to closely get to know the local culture and cuisine. City Hotel Breakfast Dinner Ohrid 4* Beograd vb. Hotel Hotel Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik vb. Hotel Hotel Medjugorje 4* Kaktus vb. Hotel Hotel Skopje 4* Vlaho vb. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia Belgrade 4* Nobel vb. Hotel Hotel Sarajevo 4* Holiday vb. Hotel Hotel With Ajet Airlines Departure Location Destination Departure Time Arrival Time Diyarbakir Skopje 01:10 03:50 Sarajevo Diyarbakir 02:30 04:30