Kosovan Balkan Tour from Start to Finish with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinner PRN-SKP

Day 1: Istanbul - Pristina – Skopje Meeting at the departure terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport in front of the airline counter. Departure to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, at 09:50 with AJet flight VF101. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival at 10:30 local time and, following border entry procedures, we begin our panoramic city tour of Pristina with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. During this tour, we will also see many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this trip through the city’s historical heritage, we will also see the Tomb of Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigar, the Ottoman sultan who was 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 continue to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques, built in 1492. Next, we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque stands out especially with its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures, fine examples of Ottoman-era inns, once served as important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Afterwards, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a 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 by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our walk along the river, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is the largest and most central point in Skopje and is surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then we see the Ottoman Bridge from the outside, dating back to the 15th century, and visit the Davut Pasha Hammam to once again feel the magnificence of the Ottoman era. We continue exploring the city by walking toward Skopje’s Old 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 Murad Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are 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 provide free time in the Old Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. Pristina – Skopje: 90 km Total distance to be covered: 90 km Day 2: Skopje – Belgrade After breakfast at the hotel, we leave and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and today it continues to stand out with its vibrancy, movement, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins where we will explore the city in all its splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that brings together Belgrade’s past and present. Then we head to one of the city’s most impressive spots, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. In this unique view, it will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which has been the focus of many conquests and victories throughout history. Continuing to explore this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded in the attempt to conquer it, but whose conquest was achieved by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will see Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing history in this fortress, we will also see the Castle Square and Tašmajdan. During our tour, we will visit 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 the cultural heritage remaining from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, we leave the city’s history and lively atmosphere behind and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km Day 3: Belgrade – Sarajevo After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we visit this city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and went down in history as the place where World War I broke out after the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand by the Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered major destruction due to the devastating conflicts among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet Sarajevo managed to preserve much of its beauty. During 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, 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 stay at our hotel. Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km Day 4: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Međugorje After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here we will see Mostar Bridge, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin. This bridge was destroyed in 1992, but was rebuilt in 2004 with the contribution of the Republic of Türkiye. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we head to Blagaj. Blagaj is built at the source of the Buna River, one of the strongest water sources in Europe. After a short free time here, we move on to Počitelj. We visit Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village and preserved for its historical texture, where we will see Ottoman structures built in the 16th century. Finally, we head to Međugorje. Međugorje is a peaceful place famous for religious visitors. After arriving at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel. Mostar Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Počitelj Tour INCLUDED! Sarajevo - Mostar: 130 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj - Počitelj: 30 km | Počitelj - Međugorje: 20 km Total distance to be covered: 192 km Day 5: Međugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodra After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to the fascinating Kotor. Along the way, you will enjoy magnificent scenery. Upon arrival in Kotor, during our walking tour in this medieval town famous for its fjords in the Balkans, you will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town, and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea view, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Then our next stop is Budva, one of the Balkans’ most popular holiday destinations! After our panoramic city tour, we head to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. From the hilltop, we will admire the magnificent view of this islet. With every corner looking like a postcard, this area is ideal for photography. After all these explorations, we continue to the beautiful Albanian city of Shkodra. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel. Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED! Međugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodra: 85 km Total distance to be covered: 313 km Day 6: Shkodra – Tirana - Ohrid After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this historically and culturally rich 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 Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important symbols. This structure, whose construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, is one of Albania’s cultural heritage sites. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue standing proudly in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Et’hem Bey in 1821, is another highlight of our tour. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we continue to Ohrid. Along the way, breathtaking landscapes accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing this historic city, which was one of the important Ottoman bases in the Balkans. Places we will see during the tour include: 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 stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and have the opportunity to explore the old Turkish Bazaar dating back to the Ottoman period. Here you may visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city’s cultural fabric up close. Then 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 view will accompany our tour. After the tour, a fun evening awaits us with a Balkan Night featuring folklore performances and live music for dinner. We will enjoy pleasant and unforgettable moments accompanied by traditional Balkan dances, colorful costumes, and lively music. After the program, our guests who wish may take a walk along the lakeside in Ohrid’s enchanting atmosphere or rest at their hotel. Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night Included! Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km Total distance to be covered: 235 km Day 7: Ohrid – Resen – Bitola – Skopje – Istanbul After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. Our first stop is Resen, where we see panoramically the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we head to Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon 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 magical city, we will also explore historical Ottoman-era sites such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. As we feel Bitola’s historical texture, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After our visit, we head to Skopje Airport. Following arrival at the airport and boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 14:20 with AJet flight VF263. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival in Istanbul at 16:50 and the end of our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you again on your next journey. Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! Ohrid – Resen: 35 km | Resen – Bitola: 30 km | Bitola – Pristina: 170 km Total distance to be covered: 235 km *Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro* (With the cancellation guarantee package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservation 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 case 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 does not apply to group reservations.** **Limited quota available for each tour.** Positive Aspects of the Tour • Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging itinerary covering important Balkan cities and tourist spots is offered. Many major 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, offering a delightful experience for history enthusiasts. • Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing guests to discover the region’s cultural diversity. • Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural beauties such as the Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour. • Visa-Free Travel: The destinations included do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs. • Professional Guidance: The opportunity to gain detailed information about the cities and historical sites with a guide. • Local Cuisine Experience: Guests enjoy a gastronomic experience with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors at dinner. • All Tours Included: All sightseeing and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important spots without paying extra. • Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring 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, optional tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money needs to be spent. Points to Consider • Busy Schedule: Traveling to a different city each day makes the tour very rich and full, but this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more. • Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, Skopje-Belgrade) are spent amid beautiful scenery, but some days may involve long hours on the bus. However, a comfortable journey is ensured with breaks along the way. • Limited Free Time: Since the itinerary is extensive, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important places 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 in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the character and local culture of the region, but some hotels in smaller cities may not offer the same extensive facilities as luxury hotels in Türkiye. However, these hotels are maintained with attention to comfort and cleanliness. • Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, guests have the opportunity to try the region’s unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may encounter tastes they are not accustomed to. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, though it is worth keeping in mind that different flavors may be encountered. City | Hotel | Breakfast | Dinner Ohrid | 4* Beograd etc. | Hotel | Hotel Shkodra | 4* Holiday Koplik etc. | Hotel | Hotel Međugorje | 4* Sole etc. | Hotel | Hotel Sarajevo | 4* Holiday etc. | Hotel | Hotel Belgrade | 4* Nobel etc. | Hotel | Hotel Skopje | 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. | Hotel | Hotel With AJet Airlines Departure Point | Destination | Departure Time | Arrival Time Istanbul | Pristina | 16:30 | 17:10 Skopje | Istanbul | 14:20 | 16:50