Kosovo Grand Balkans Tour with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinners PRN-SJJ

Day 1: Istanbul - Pristina – Prizren - Shkoder

Meeting in front of the airline check-in counter in the departure terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Departure for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, at 14:00 on AJet flight VF101. After a comfortable flight, arrival at 13:45 local time. Following entry procedures, we begin our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle waiting at the airport, where we will discover the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures dating from the Ottoman period. 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 this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history by visiting the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr I, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. Following our tour of Pristina, we depart for Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, whose architecture recalls an Anatolian Ottoman city 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. The Halveti Lodge, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are also among the other important Ottoman works that will be seen. After our free time in Prizren, we set off toward the historic city of Shkoder in northern Albania. Shkoder will enchant you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.

Prizren Tour INCLUDED!

Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Shkoder: 190 km

Total distance to be covered: 170 km

Day 2: Shkoder – Tirana - Ohrid

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural significance, an impressive tour awaits us, during which we will discover Tirana, regarded as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our arrival in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important landmarks. Construction of this building began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, and it is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break in Skanderbeg Square and see the statue of Skanderbeg proudly rising in the center of the square. The Clock Tower, a symbol of Tirana built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past will come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we continue toward Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was once one of the Ottoman Empire’s important bases in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are important structures such as the Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, the 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic Alphabet, and the Church of Hagia Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and explore the Turkish Bazaar dating from the former Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Lodge and experience the city’s cultural fabric up close. We will then visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its enchanting views will accompany our tour. After our tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy Ohrid’s enchanting atmosphere in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, or retire to your rooms and rest.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED!

Shkoder – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 3: Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Ohrid

After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. At our first stop, Resen, we will see a panoramic view of the Palace of Niyazi Bey of Resen, 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 set off toward Bitola, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and commercial centers. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit from the outside the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this magical city, we will also discover historical Ottoman-era sites such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. As you feel Bitola’s historical texture, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After all these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.

Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!

Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Ohrid: 69 km

Total distance to be covered: 134 km

Day 4: Ohrid – Tetovo – Skopje

After breakfast, we collect our luggage and set off to discover Macedonia’s unique natural beauty and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetovo, one of Macedonia’s striking towns. Here, we will visit the Painted Mosque, one of the most colorful and impressive mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque will fascinate you with the vivid colors and detailed decorations on its exterior. As we discover this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey into the depths of history. Following our visit to Tetovo, we continue toward Skopje accompanied by lush green mountains. Breathtaking views of Macedonia will accompany us along the way. 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 city’s largest and most magnificent mosques. We then visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque draws particular attention with its Ottoman-era craftsmanship and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. Beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, these structures were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. We then 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. We will continue our tour on foot from the Stone Bridge, seeing the Turkish and Jewish quarters along the Vardar River. During our walk along the river, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is Skopje’s largest and most central point and is surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. We then see the 15th-century Ottoman Bridge from the outside and once again feel the splendor of the Ottoman period by visiting Davut Pasha Bath. 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 draw attention with their architecture. Finally, we have free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, we return to our hotel in the evening.

Dinner: An unforgettable dinner accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances awaits you. While experiencing Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side during this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most distinguished venues. We will transform this night into an authentic experience with live performances featuring the finest Balkan music and folklore, performed without playback by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers. We will be delighted to host you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.

Tetovo Tour INCLUDED | Balkan Night INCLUDED !

Ohrid – Tetovo: 130 km | Tetovo – Skopje: 43 km

Total distance to be covered: 173 km

Day 5: Skopje – Belgrade

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the Balkans’ most important cultural and strategic centers, and today it continues to attract attention with its vitality, dynamism, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will discover all the city’s splendor. During our tour, we will first see the Old Palace, which bears traces of the Ottoman period and is known for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that brings Belgrade’s past and present together. We then go to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube. It will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which has been the focus of many conquests and victories throughout history, while enjoying this unique view. As we continue discovering this ancient city, for whose conquest Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded but which was ultimately conquered by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center by the Ottoman navy. While tracing history in this fortress, we will see important sites such as Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Martyr Ali Pasha, an important figure of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will explore Belgrade’s rich history in depth and learn about the city’s cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere behind and proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km

Day 6: Belgrade – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we will visit a city that was the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and went down in history as the place where World War I broke out after Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered extensive destruction as a result of devastating fighting between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morica 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 was assassinated in 1914, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings constructed during the city’s 40-year Austro-Hungarian administration. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km

Day 7: Sarajevo – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical, cultural, and architectural richness. Here, we will see Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayruddin, one of Mimar Sinan’s students, and regarded as one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. The bridge was destroyed during the 1992 war but was rebuilt true to the original in 2004 with major contributions from the Republic of Turkey, once again becoming a symbol of Mostar. We will have the opportunity to explore the historic bazaar and stone streets around this bridge, which elegantly connects the two banks of the Neretva River. After discovering Mostar’s fascinating atmosphere, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s most important religious structures. Here, we will be able to examine architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy the magnificent view of Mostar Bridge from the mosque’s courtyard. We then depart for Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Blagaj is an impressive settlement where history and nature intertwine, established at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe’s strongest springs. After a short period of free time here, we continue to Počitelj, which carries the past into the present with its stone houses and historical texture. In Počitelj, which has preserved much of its historical character and is known as a Turkish Village, we will have the opportunity to see Ottoman structures built in the 16th century up close and experience the unique atmosphere of the region. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Počitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!

Sarajevo - Mostar: 120 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj – Počitelj: 22 km | Počitelj - Sarajevo: 150 km

Total distance to be covered: 304 km

Day 8: Sarajevo - Istanbul

After breakfast, check-out and free time until the transfer time. Transfer to Sarajevo Airport at the time determined by our guide. Following boarding procedures, flight to Istanbul at 14:15 on AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF98. Our tour ends upon arrival in Istanbul at 18:05. We say goodbye to you, hoping to see you on your next journey.

*Balkan Special Cancellation Protection Package: 50 Euros*

(With the Cancellation Protection Package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, you can 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 protection package fee and any additional service fees, if applicable (visa, insurance, etc.), will not be refunded.)

**The specified cancellation protection package is not valid for group reservations.**

**Limited availability is offered for each tour.**

Positive Aspects of the Tour

• Comprehensive Visits: A broad travel program covering the Balkans’ important cities and tourist attractions is offered. Many important cities, such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje, are visited.

• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, offering an enjoyable experience for those interested in history.

• Religious and Cultural Riches: The region’s cultural diversity is explored by visiting structures belonging to different religions, including mosques, churches, and synagogues.

• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural attractions such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.

• Visa-Free Travel: The tour includes destinations that do not require visas, reducing additional paperwork and costs.

• Professional Guidance: Accompanied by a guide, participants have the opportunity to receive detailed information about the cities and historical sites.

• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience through dinners featuring traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors.

• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours included in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important sites without paying an additional cost.

• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.

• No Need for Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, optional tips, and souvenirs purchased for loved ones, no extra money needs to come out of your pocket.

Points to Consider

• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city each day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this busy pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more extensively.

• Long Journeys: Intercity distances, such as between Skopje and Belgrade, are covered amid beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days spent for long periods on the bus. Nevertheless, comfortable travel is ensured through breaks along the way.

• Limited Free Time: Since the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, it offers the opportunity to visit all important sites accompanied by a guide.

• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable during certain periods. Therefore, choosing suitable clothing can make this situation more comfortable.

• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected from among options reflecting the character and local culture of the region, hotels in some smaller cities may not offer facilities as extensive as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, attention is paid to comfort and cleanliness at these hotels.

• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to try the region’s distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and full of delicious dishes, but some flavors may be unfamiliar to certain participants. This is a wonderful opportunity to become closely acquainted with the local culture and cuisine, although it may be useful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.

City Hotel Breakfast Dinner

Shkoder 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel

Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel

Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel

Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia

With AJet Airlines

Departure Point Arrival Point Departure Time Arrival Time

Istanbul Pristina 14:00 13:45

Sarajevo Istanbul 14:15 18:05