Big Balkans Tour with Kosovo, Departing from Trabzon, by AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinners, 7 Nights

Day 1: Trabzon - Samsun - Skopje After gathering in front of Trabzon Hanife Hatun Mosque at 15:00, we depart by private vehicle to Samsun Çarşamba Airport. Meet in front of the Ajet Airlines check-in counter in the departure terminal 3 hours before the flight. We depart from Samsun to Skopje non-stop on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4278 at 23:55. After a comfortable journey of approximately two hours, we arrive in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, at 01:25. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Day 2: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje After breakfast, we depart for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, where we will explore the modern and historical sides of Kosovo. During the tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this tour through the city’s historical heritage, we will visit the Tomb of Murad I Hüdavendigâr, the Ottoman Sultan who was killed in 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 head to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring Prizren’s narrow streets, whose architecture recalls an Anatolian Ottoman town and whose shop signs are full of Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam are among the other important Ottoman works we will see. After free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel, and after dinner, we retire to our rooms. Overnight in Skopje. Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and folk 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 select venues. We will transform this evening into an authentic experience with live performances of the best Balkan music and folklore, performed without playback by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers. We are pleased to host you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje. Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED! Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km Total distance covered: 340 km Day 3: Skopje – Matka Canyon - Tetovo (Kalkandelen) - Bitola - Resen – Ohrid After breakfast, we set off for Matka Canyon, surrounded by lush green mountains. Ready to discover Matka Canyon, located among the enchanting forests and wide pastures of Mount Vodno? This natural wonder of approximately 5,000 hectares will take you to mystical monasteries dating back to the Middle Ages and serene lake views. While walking along the rugged cliffs, you can observe the region’s endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, walking the green trails is the best way to be at one with nature. After our Matka Canyon tour, our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia’s most 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 its vibrant exterior colors and detailed decorations. As we explore this exquisite example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey deep into history. After our visit in Tetovo, we continue to Bitola. Upon arrival in Bitola, we view from the outside the Military High School where Atatürk, the great leader, studied, as well as the Atatürk Museum. In this enchanting city, we will also discover Ottoman-era historical sites such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the Yeni Mosque. As we feel the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After our tour, we continue to Resen. In Resen, we panoramically view 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 continue toward Ohrid. Along the way, breathtaking scenery accompanies us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing this historic city, which was once one of the important Ottoman bases in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during the tour are the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, the 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and important landmarks such as St. Sophia Church. We will also stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and have the opportunity to visit the Old Turkish Bazaar dating back to the Ottoman era. Here, you may visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the cultural texture of the city up close. Then we will explore 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 the tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you may enjoy Ohrid’s enchanting atmosphere in the silence of the night, take a short walk along the lake shore, or retire to your room to rest. Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! Skopje – Matka Canyon: 15 km | Matka Canyon – Tetovo: 35 km | Tetovo – Bitola: 145 km | Bitola – Resen: 32 km | Resen – Ohrid: 50 km Total distance covered: 277 km Day 4: Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Elbasan - Tirana – Shkodër After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off on an exciting journey to St. Naum, located at the source of Lake Ohrid and home to St. Naum Monastery, known as “A Corner of Paradise in the Balkans.” In this enchanting place, you will have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of the landscapes at the heart of nature. During our free time, we will enjoy discovering this historical and natural wonder. After a day full of unforgettable memories and wonderful photos, we head to Tirana, the capital of Albania, passing through Elbasan. Upon arrival in this historically and culturally rich city, an impressive tour awaits us as we explore Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important landmarks. Begun in 1789 and completed in 1923, this structure is one of Albania’s cultural heritage sites. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we see the Skanderbeg Statue standing proudly in the middle of the square. Another highlight of the tour is the Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821. Afterwards, we visit the Peace Bell, a meaningful monument made from melted bullets by the children of Shkodër during the 1999 uprising. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we head to Shkodër, the historic city in northern Albania. Shkodër will captivate you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED! Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodër: 100 km Total distance covered: 235 km Day 5: Shkodër – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medjugorje After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey to the stunning coastlines of Montenegro. Our first stop is Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above, a perfect spot for photography with its postcard-like scenery. Next, 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’s beautiful beaches and its vibrant nightlife, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday resorts. Our next stop is Kotor, the Balkans’ famous fjord-like, enchanting city! During our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, we will feel the atmosphere of its narrow streets and the historic old town, discovering the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. After free time in Kotor, we head to our hotel in Medjugorje or the surrounding area. After dinner at the hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at the hotel. Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED! Shkodër - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medjugorje: 191 km Total distance covered: 298 km Day 6: Medjugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo After breakfast, we head to Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, where we explore the 16th-century Ottoman works preserved in this historically intact town. After the visit, we continue to Blagaj, located at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe’s strongest water sources. After a short free time in this magnificent natural setting, we proceed to Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin. This masterpiece of Ottoman architecture was destroyed in 1992 during the war by Croatian artillery; however, with major contributions from the Republic of Türkiye, it was reopened in 2004. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we continue to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will discover a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and where, in 1914, the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs triggered the First World War. In the 1992 war, the city suffered great destruction due to the devastating conflict between 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 Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral, the Synagogue, Gazi Husrev-bey and Ferhadija Mosques reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, 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 under Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Počitelj Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED! Medjugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj – Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km Total distance covered: 192 km Day 7: Sarajevo – Srebrenica - Belgrade After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off on a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Along our route, we first stop in Srebrenica. On this tour, we will visit the Bosniak cemetery, where one of the greatest massacres of the last century took place during the Bosnian War, thousands of Bosniaks were killed and buried in mass graves, and the first documented genocide and largest massacre in Europe since World War II occurred. After the visit, we continue to Belgrade. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, today stands out with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will explore the city’s full splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture of Belgrade that brings together the past and the present. Then we go to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube, one of the city’s most impressive locations. In this unique landscape, it will be a pleasure to discover this area, which throughout history has been a focal point of many conquests and victories. As we continue to explore this ancient city where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded in his efforts to conquer it, but whose conquest was eventually achieved by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will see the Fortress Square and Tašmajdan. During our tour, we will also see the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. These visits will allow you to explore Belgrade’s rich history in depth and learn about its Ottoman-era cultural heritage. 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 the hotel. Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km Srebrenica Tour INCLUDED! Day 8: Belgrade - Skopje – Samsun - Trabzon After breakfast, we head to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. 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 in Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born, starting with historical sites. Our first stop is Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques, built in 1492. Next, we visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is especially notable for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. As the tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These beautiful examples of Ottoman caravanserais were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Then we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects the two sides of the Vardar River. Walking across the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish quarters along the banks of the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we pass through Makedonia Square. This square is Skopje’s largest and most central point, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then we view the Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Bath, once again feeling the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We continue discovering 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 iconic structures. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, two early Ottoman mosques and an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage, distinguished by their architecture. Finally, we give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After your pleasant time in the bazaar, transfer to the airport. After ticketing, baggage, and passport procedures, we depart on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4279 at 02:25 on a non-stop direct flight to Samsun. After a comfortable flight, we arrive at Samsun Çarşamba Airport at 05:50, and then transfer to Trabzon by our private vehicle waiting at the airport, marking the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests, hoping to see you again on your next journey. *Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro* With the cancellation guarantee 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 departure date of the tour. In the event 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 is not valid for group reservations.** **There is a limited number of seats available for each tour.** Positive Aspects of the Tour • Comprehensive Visits: A broad tour program covering important Balkan cities and tourist spots is offered. Many major 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: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing you to discover the region’s cultural diversity. • Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural attractions such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour. • Visa-Free Travel: Destinations that do not require a visa are included, reducing extra paperwork and costs. • Professional Guidance: With a guide, there is an opportunity to learn detailed information about cities and historical sites. • Local Culinary Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies are experienced through rich dinner meals, providing a gastronomic experience. • Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: The chance to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan Night at one of Skopje’s finest restaurants, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. • All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important sites without additional cost. • Dinner Included: Dinner is included every day in the program, preventing extra spending while tasting local flavors. • No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Aside from lunch, taxes, optional tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket. Things to Consider • Busy Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more. • Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, Skopje–Belgrade) are traveled with beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days spent a long time on the bus. Nevertheless, breaks along the way ensure a comfortable journey. • 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. • Weather Conditions Depending on the Season: Weather in the Balkans can be changeable during some periods. Therefore, choosing suitable clothing can make this more comfortable. • Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region’s character and local culture, but hotels in some small towns may not offer as many facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, comfort and cleanliness are prioritized in these hotels. • Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, there is an 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 up close, but it may be helpful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors. City Hotel Breakfast Dinner Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel Medjugorje 4* Kaktus etc. Hotel Hotel Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel With Ajet Airlines Departure City Destination Departure Time Arrival Time Samsun Skopje 23:55 01:25 Skopje Samsun 02:25 05:50