Samsun-Departure Kosovo Grand Balkans Tour with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinners, 7 Nights TZL-SKP

Day 1: Samsun – TZL Airport – Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Meeting 3 hours before the flight in front of the Ajet Airlines counter at the departure terminal of Samsun Çarşamba Airport. We depart from Samsun on Ajet Airlines’ scheduled nonstop direct flight to TZL Airport. Arrival after an approximately two-hour comfortable journey. After entry procedures, transfer to our Tuzla hotel with our private vehicle waiting in the area.

Day 2: Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – Belgrade

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, is still notable today for its liveliness, dynamism, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the crossroads of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins in which we will discover the city’s full splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture of Belgrade that brings the past and present together. Then we head to one of the city’s most impressive points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. In this unique view, it will be a great pleasure to discover this region, which has been the focus of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded for the sake of its conquest, but its capture was achieved by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the footsteps of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as the Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will see the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history 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 go to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Tuzla – Belgrade : 197 km

Day 3: Belgrade – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, it has been known for centuries as the cultural capital of the Balkans 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 Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered great destruction due to the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet Sarajevo managed to largely preserve 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, Hüsrev 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.

Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km

Day 4: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medugorje

After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin and considered one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992, but was rebuilt in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Türkiye. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we move on to Blagaj. Blagaj is built at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s strongest water spring. After a short free time here, we continue to Počitelj. By visiting Počitelj, preserved with its historical texture and known as the Turkish Village, we will see works made by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we head to Medugorje. Medugorje is a peaceful place famous for its 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 - Medugorje: 20 km

Total distance to be covered: 192 km

Day 5: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodra

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for the captivating Kotor. You will enjoy magnificent views along the journey. When we arrive 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. Afterwards, our next stop is Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! We arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. Our Budva city tour begins. On this walking tour, we will see Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday resorts, with its magnificent beaches and very colorful nightlife. After our city tour, we head to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling scenery. From the hill, we will watch the magnificent view of this islet. This area, postcard-perfect at every corner, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we move on to Shkodra, the beautiful city of Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we retire 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 - Elbasan – Sveti Naum – 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 aspects, an impressive tour awaits us as we discover Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arriving in Tirana, we visit the Ethem 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 heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, the 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 come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we take an exciting journey through Elbasan to St. Naum, located where the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery are found, and called “A Corner of Paradise in the Balkans.” In this fascinating 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 head to Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. Breathtaking scenery will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are: the Monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, important structures such as the Church of St. Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to walk through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar left from the old Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city’s cultural fabric closely. Then, by strolling through the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, you will witness the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its mesmerizing view will accompany our tour. After the tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lake shore, or retreat to your rooms and rest.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED !

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

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 7: Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Matka Canyon - Skopje

After breakfast, we set off for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. At our first stop in Resen, we see the Palace of Niyazi Bey of Resen, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history, from a panoramic viewpoint. 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 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 works such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. As we feel Bitola’s historical texture, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After our visit, we head to Matka Canyon amidst lush green mountains. Are you ready to discover Matka Canyon, located among the enchanting forests and vast pastures of Mount Vodno? This natural wonder of about 5,000 hectares will take you to mystical medieval monasteries and soothing lake views. While walking on rugged cliffs, you can observe the endemic plant and animal species of the region. For nature lovers, walking on green trails is the best way to be alone with nature. After our Matka Canyon tour, we head to Skopje. 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 places in Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques, built in 1492. Then we visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque stands out especially for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. In the continuation of our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Later, we visit Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects the two sides of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our walk by the river, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is the largest and most central point of Skopje and is surrounded by modern structures. 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 Davut Pasha Bath to once again feel the splendor 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 symbolic structures. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, among the early mosques of the Ottoman Empire. The mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and attract attention with their architecture. Finally, we give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After your pleasant time in the bazaar, we will 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 entertaining and cultural side with this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most distinguished venues. With the best music and folklore of the Balkans presented live, performed by our artists who are all conservatory students and teachers without playback, we will turn this night into an authentic experience. We will be pleased to host you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.

Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! | Matka Canyon Tour INCLUDED !

Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Skopje: 170 km

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 8: Skopje – Matka Canyon - Pristina – Prizren – Skopje - Samsun

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Pristina. After our journey, upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will explore Kosovo’s modern and historical aspects. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable Ottoman-era structures. We will see Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and Yashar Pasha Mosque, a work from the 18th century. During this trip 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 I Hüdavendigar, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. After our tour in Pristina, we head to Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, whose architecture resembles an Anatolian Ottoman city 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 Mehmed Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, free time until the time determined by our guide. Then transfer to the airport. After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, direct nonstop Samsun flight with scheduled Ajet Airlines service. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival at Samsun Çarşamba Airport and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests, hoping to see you again on your next trip.

Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!

Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 160 km

Total distance to be covered: 335 km

*Balkan Special Cancellation Protection Package: 50 Euro*

(With the Cancellation Protection 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 departure date. In case of reservation cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation protection package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.)

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

**A limited number of seats are available for each tour.**

Positive Aspects of the Tour

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

• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, offering an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.

• Religious and Cultural Richness: Buildings belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the region’s cultural diversity to be explored.

• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural beauties such as 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: Accompanied by a guide, it offers the opportunity to gain detailed information about cities and historical places.

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

• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: The opportunity is offered to enjoy local tastes and a special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of Skopje’s most distinguished restaurants

• All Tours Included: All side excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without paying extra costs.

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

• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, taxes, tips if they wish, and souvenirs they may buy for their loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket.

Situations to Consider

• Busy Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely 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 throughout the tour, but there may be days with long hours 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.

• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans may vary in some periods. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing can make this situation comfortable.

• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the region’s character and local culture, hotels in some smaller cities may not offer as many facilities as luxury hotels in Türkiye. However, attention is paid to comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.

• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, the opportunity is offered to taste the region’s distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is full of rich and delicious dishes, but some participants may encounter unfamiliar tastes. 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 encounter different flavors.

City Hotel Breakfast Dinner

Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) 4* Hotel Tuzla etc. Hotel -

Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

Medigorje 4* Kaktus etc. Hotel Hotel

Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel

Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel

Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia

With Ajet Airlines

Departure Place Destination Departure Time Arrival Time

Samsun TZL Airport 01:10 03:50

Skopje Samsun 02:30 04:30