Samsun Departure Kosovo Grand Balkans Tour with AJet including Extra Tours and Dinner for 6 Nights TZL-SKP

Day 1: Samsun – TZL Airport – Belgrade

Meeting in front of the Ajet Airlines counter at the departure terminal of Samsun Çarşamba Airport 3 hours before the flight. We depart from Samsun directly and non-stop to TZL Airport on a scheduled Ajet Airlines flight. Arrival after a comfortable journey of approximately two hours. Following entry procedures, we begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, in our private vehicle waiting in the area. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, continues to attract attention today 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. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will discover all the splendor of the city. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture of Belgrade, which brings together its past and present. We then proceed to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube River, one of the city’s most impressive locations. Discovering this area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure amid this unique scenery. As we continue exploring this ancient city, for whose conquest Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded but which was ultimately conquered by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, 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 important sites such as Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will see the Tomb of Martyr Ali Pasha, one of the important figures 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 proceed to our hotel, leaving the city’s history and lively atmosphere behind. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

TZL Airport – Belgrade: 197 km

Day 2: Belgrade – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we discover this city, which was 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 Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, by the Serbs in 1914. During the 1992 war, it suffered extensive destruction as a result of devastating conflicts between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo largely managed to 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, the Gazi Husrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings constructed during the city’s 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. Following our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km

Day 3: 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 Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by architect Hayreddin and one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but rebuilt in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Türkiye. After discovering Mostar’s enchanting atmosphere, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We then depart for Blagaj. Blagaj was established at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s most powerful water spring. After a short free time here, we continue to Počitelj. Visiting Počitelj, preserved with its historical texture and known as the Turkish Village, we will see structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we depart for Medugorje. Medugorje is a peaceful place famous for its religious visitors. Upon arrival at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay 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 4: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodër

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for enchanting Kotor. You will enjoy magnificent views during our journey. Upon arriving in Kotor, during our walking tour of this medieval town famous for the fjords of 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 views, 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. During this walking tour, we will see Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday centers, with its magnificent beaches and colorful nightlife. Following our city tour, we depart for Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above. With every corner resembling a postcard, this area is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we continue to Shkodër, a beautiful city in Albania. Following dinner at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!

Medugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodër: 85 km

Total distance to be covered: 313 km

Day 5: Shkodër – Tirana - Elbasan – Ohrid

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Tirana, the capital of Albania. An impressive tour awaits us in this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural significance, where we will discover Tirana, regarded as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arriving 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; it is one of Albania’s cultural heritage sites. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue rising proudly in the center of the square. The Clock Tower, a symbol of Tirana commissioned 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 to help you create unforgettable memories. After free time, we set off on an exciting journey through Elbasan to St. Naum, known as “A Corner of Heaven in the Balkans,” where the source of Lake Ohrid and the Monastery of St. Naum are located. In this fascinating place, you will have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of the scenery located in the heart of nature. During our free time, we will enjoy exploring this historical and natural wonder. After a day filled with unforgettable memories and wonderful photographs, we continue to Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arriving in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, 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 visit the Turkish Bazaar dating from the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke 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 scenery will accompany our tour. Following 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! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED !

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

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 6: Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Skopje

After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. At our first stop in Resen, we will view panoramically the palace of Niyazi Bey of Resen, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers an enchanting atmosphere with both its natural beauty and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we set off for Bitola, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and commercial centers. Upon arriving 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 structures 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. Following our visit, we proceed 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 the historical sites of Skopje, the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques. We then visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is particularly notable for 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, 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 riverside walk, 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 view the 15th-century Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit the Daut Pasha Hamam, once again experiencing 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 the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, among the early mosques of the Ottoman Empire. These mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and attract 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 will return to our hotel in the evening.

Dinner: An unforgettable dinner accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances awaits you. During this special Balkan night, you will have the opportunity to discover Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side while being hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s finest venues. We will transform this evening into an authentic experience with live performances of the Balkans’ finest music and folklore by artists consisting entirely of conservatory students and teachers, performed without playback. We will be delighted to host you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.

Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!

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

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 7: Skopje – Matka Canyon – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Matka Canyon amid lush green mountains. Are you ready to discover Matka Canyon, located among the enchanting forests and broad meadows of Mount Vodno? This natural wonder, covering approximately 5,000 hectares, will take you to mystical medieval monasteries and tranquil lake views. While walking among the rugged cliffs, you can observe the region’s endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, hiking along the green trails is the best way to enjoy solitude in nature. Following our Matka Canyon tour, we depart for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arriving in Pristina after our journey, we begin our panoramic city tour, during which we will discover Kosovo’s modern and historical sides. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the Yaşar Pasha Mosque, an 18th-century work. During this visit 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 Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Field following the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. Following our tour in Pristina, we depart for Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. 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 Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam are also 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 specified by our guide. We then transfer to the airport.

Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Matka Canyon Tour INCLUDED !

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

Total distance to be covered: 335 km

Day 8: Skopje – Samsun

Following ticketing, baggage, and passport procedures, a non-stop, direct flight to Samsun with Ajet Airlines on a scheduled flight. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival at Samsun Çarşamba Airport and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests with the hope of seeing you again 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, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure date. In the event of cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation protection package fee and any additional service fees, if applicable (visa, insurance, etc.), are not refundable.)

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

**Limited capacity is available for each tour.**

Positive Aspects of the Tour

• Comprehensive Visits: A broad travel program covering important cities and tourist attractions in the Balkans is offered. Many significant 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 Richness: The region’s cultural diversity is explored by visiting structures belonging to different religions, including mosques, churches, and synagogues.

• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural wonders 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 obtain detailed information about the cities and historical sites.

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

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

• 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 additional expenses while tasting local flavors.

• No Need for Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend money. Apart from lunch, taxes, tips if desired, and souvenirs purchased for loved ones, there are no extra expenses from your pocket.

Points to Consider

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

• 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 with breaks along the way.

• Limited Free Time: As the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important sites with a guide is provided.

• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable during certain periods. Therefore, it is possible to make this situation comfortable by choosing appropriate clothing.

• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected from among options reflecting the region’s character and local culture, hotels in some smaller cities may not offer facilities as extensive as luxury hotels in Türkiye. However, comfort and cleanliness are given due attention 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 full of rich and delicious dishes, but some flavors may be unfamiliar to certain participants. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it may be useful to bear in mind that you may encounter different flavors.

City Hotel Breakfast Dinner

Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

Medugorje 4* Kaktus etc. Hotel Hotel

Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel

Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel

Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia

With Ajet Airlines

Departure Point Arrival Point Departure Time Arrival Time

Samsun TZL Airport 01:10 03:50

Skopje Samsun 02:30 04:30