Day 1: Samsun - Skopje
Meeting at Samsun Çarşamba Airport, at the Ajet Airlines counter in the departure terminal, 3 hours before the flight. Departure from Samsun on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4278 at 23:55, nonstop direct to Skopje. After an approximately two-hour comfortable journey, arrival 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 Priština, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Priština, we begin our panoramic city tour, during which we will explore Kosovo’s modern and historical sides. During the tour, we will also visit many valuable works 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 on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, giving us the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Priština, we depart for Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, whose architecture reminds one of an Anatolian Ottoman town and whose shop signs are filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam are among the other important Ottoman monuments to be seen. 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: You will be treated to an unforgettable dinner accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. While discovering Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side through this special Balkan Night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most distinguished venues. With live Balkan music and folklore performed by artists who are all conservatory students and teachers, without playback, we will turn this evening into an authentic experience. 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 traveled: 340 km
Day 3: Skopje – Matka Canyon - Tetovo - Bitola - Resen – Ohrid
After breakfast, we head to Matka Canyon surrounded by lush green mountains. Are you ready to discover Matka Canyon, nestled among the enchanting forests and wide pastures of Mount Vodno? This natural wonder of approximately 5,000 hectares will take you to mystical medieval monasteries and soothing lake views. While walking on rugged cliffs, you may observe the region’s endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, a walk along the green trails is the best way to be one with nature. After our Matka Canyon tour, our first stop is Tetovo, one of North Macedonia’s most charming 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 captivate you with its vibrant exterior colors and detailed ornamentation. As we explore this rare 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 visit, from the outside, the Military High School where Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this enchanting city, we will also explore historical Ottoman-era landmarks such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the Yeni Mosque. As you feel the historical atmosphere of Bitola, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through its nostalgic streets. After the tour, we continue to Resen. In Resen, we make a panoramic stop at the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a captivating 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, one of the important bases of the Ottoman Empire 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 sites such as the Church of Saint Sophia. We will also stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and have the chance to explore the old Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, you may visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city’s cultural texture up close. Then we will explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market and witness 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 the peaceful atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, 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 traveled: 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, where the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery are located, a place called “A Corner of Paradise in the Balkans.” At this enchanting location, 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 Tirana, the capital of Albania. Passing through Elbasan, we arrive in Tirana, a city rich in history and culture. In this beautiful city, a tour awaits us in Tirana, which is 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 pause briefly at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly standing in the center of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is another highlight of the tour. Then we visit the Peace Bell, made in 1999 by the children of Shkodër from melted bullets during an uprising, carrying deep symbolic meaning. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together to create unforgettable memories. After some free time, we depart for Shkodër, a historic city in northern Albania. Shkodër will enchant 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 traveled: 235 km
Day 5: Shkodër – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey toward Montenegro’s stunning coastline. Our first stop is the famous Sv. Stefan, known for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above, a postcard-perfect spot ideal for photography from every angle. Then we arrive in Budva, one of the Balkans’ most popular holiday destinations. Our Budva city tour begins. On this walking tour, we will see Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous resort centers, with its magnificent beaches and vibrant nightlife. Our next stop is the enchanting city of Kotor, famous for its fjords in the Balkans! On our walking tour through this wonderful medieval town, we will feel its narrow streets and the historical atmosphere of the old city, 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 Medugorje or the surrounding area. After dinner at the hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight at the hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodër - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km
Total distance traveled: 298 km
Day 6: Medugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, a historically preserved town where we will see Ottoman-era structures built in the 16th century. After the visit, we continue to Blagaj, built 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 head to Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin. A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, this bridge was destroyed in 1992 by Croat artillery during the war, but with significant contributions from the Republic of Türkiye, it was reopened in 2004. After Mostar Bridge, we will visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we continue to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we visit this city, which for centuries has been the cultural capital of the Balkans and went down in history as the place where the First World War broke out after Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Serbs in 1914. During the devastating wars among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in 1992, the city suffered great damage, 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, Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand 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!
Medugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj – Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
Total distance traveled: 192 km
Day 7: Sarajevo – Srebrenica - Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. On our route, we first stop in Srebrenica. On this tour, we will visit the Bosniak memorial cemetery, where one of the greatest massacres of the last century during the Bosnian War took place, where thousands of Bosniaks were killed and buried in mass graves, and where the first documented genocide in Europe since World War II and the largest massacre was carried out. After the visit, we continue to Belgrade. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, attracts attention today with its vibrancy, dynamism, 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, during which we will explore the city in all its splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover Belgrade’s texture that brings together the past and present. Then we head to one of the most impressive points of the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube. In this unique view, discovering this region, which throughout history has been the focal point of many conquests and victories, will be a great pleasure. As we continue exploring this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded in pursuit of its conquest, though its conquest was achieved by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will see Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center by the Ottoman navy. While tracing the footprints of history here, we will also see Kalemegdan and Tašmajdan. During our tour, we will see the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. Through these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about its cultural heritage from the Ottoman era. At the end of the tour, we leave the city’s history and lively 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
After breakfast, we depart for 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 with the 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 is particularly notable for its Ottoman-era ornaments and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These are fine examples of Ottoman caravanserais and were once important centers where traders stayed and conducted business. Then we visit the symbol of Skopje, Stone Bridge. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects the two banks of the Vardar River. Walking from Stone Bridge, we continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods 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, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then we see the Ottoman Bridge, dating back to the 15th century, from the outside, and visit Davut Pasha Hamam to once again feel 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 emblematic structures. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, both early-period 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 give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many items from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, transfer to the airport. Following ticketing, baggage, and passport procedures, departure on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4279 at 02:25, nonstop direct to Samsun. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival at Samsun Çarşamba Airport at 05:50 and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests until we see you again on your next journey.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Protection Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation protection package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservation without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, you may 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 protection package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The stated cancellation protection package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited quota available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging itinerary covering important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans is offered. Many significant cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important Ottoman-era structures and cultural heritage sites are visited, providing an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: By visiting structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues), the region’s cultural diversity is explored.
• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural wonders such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: It includes destinations that do not require visas, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Accompanied by a guide, there is an opportunity to obtain detailed information about cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors served at dinner provide participants with a gastronomic experience.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: An 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 excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without paying extra.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, helping participants avoid additional expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need to Spend: This tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend much. Other than lunch, taxes, gratuities if desired, and souvenirs for your loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket.
Points to Consider
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this busy pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, the Skopje-Belgrade route) are covered while enjoying beautiful scenery, but there may be long hours spent on the bus during some days. Nevertheless, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Since the program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, you will have the opportunity to visit all important points with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Depending on the Season: Weather in the Balkans may be variable during certain periods. Therefore, choosing suitable clothing can make this comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels in the tour are carefully selected among 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, comfort and cleanliness are prioritized in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to try the region’s distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may encounter flavors they are not accustomed to. 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 tastes.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 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 City Departure Time Arrival Time
Samsun Skopje 23:55 01:25
Skopje Samsun 02:25 05:50