Day 1: Trabzon - Samsun - Skopje – Belgrade
After meeting in front of Trabzon Hanife Hatun Mosque at 15:00, we depart by private vehicle to Samsun Çarşamba Airport. We meet in front of the Ajet Airlines check-in counter at the departure terminal 3 hours before the flight. We depart from Samsun on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4278 at 23:55, nonstop direct to Skopje. After an approximately two-hour comfortable journey, we arrive at 01:25 in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. After entry procedures, we begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, by our private vehicle waiting at the airport. 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, where we will explore the city’s full splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover Belgrade’s texture that brings together its past and present. Then we head to one of the city’s most impressive points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. In this unique view, discovering this area, which has been the focus of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. As we continue exploring this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded for its conquest, which later came to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center by the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will see Kale Meydan and Taş Meydan, two important locations. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Paşa, an important figure of the Ottoman period. These visits will allow you to deeply discover Belgrade’s rich history and learn about its cultural heritage from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, we leave the city’s history and lively atmosphere behind and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Skopje - Belgrade: 430 km
Day 2: Belgrade – Srebrenitsa – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On our route, we first stop in Srebrenitsa. 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, where thousands of Bosniaks were killed and buried in mass graves, and where Europe’s first documented genocide and the largest massacre since World War II occurred. Upon arrival in Sarajevo, a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and entered history as the place where World War I broke out after the assassination of Austrian-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs in 1914. During the devastating 1992 war among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, the city suffered great destruction, yet Sarajevo managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morića Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Gazi Husrev-bey and Ferhadija Mosques, Latin Bridge where the Franz Ferdinand 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 the hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Srebrenitsa Tour INCLUDED!
Day 3: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Međugorje
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see Mostar Bridge, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture, built by Mimar Hayreddin in 1557. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but was rebuilt in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Turkey. After exploring the fascinating atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we head to Blagaj. Blagaj was established at the source of the Buna River, one of the strongest water sources in Europe. 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 built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we head to Međugorje. Međugorje is a peaceful place famous for its religious visitors. After arrival at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at the hotel.
Mostar Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Počitelj Tour INCLUDED!
Sarajevo - Mostar: 130 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj - Počitelj: 30 km | Počitelj - Međugorje: 20 km
Total distance to be covered: 192 km
Day 4: Međugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodër
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head toward the fascinating Kotor. During the journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. When we arrive in Kotor, in this medieval town famous for its fjords in the Balkans, we will feel the atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town on our walking tour and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea view, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Next, our destination 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 city tour of Budva begins. On this walking tour, we will see Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday centers, with its magnificent beaches and colorful nightlife. After our city tour, we head to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking scenery. From the hilltop, we will admire the magnificent view of this islet. This area, like a postcard from every angle, is an ideal place for photography. After all these discoveries, we continue to Shkodër, a beautiful city in Albania. After our dinner at the hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at the hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Međugorje - 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 – Sveti Naum – Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city rich in historical and cultural value, 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. Construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1923; this structure is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly standing in the middle of the square. Another highlight of our tour is the Clock Tower, symbol of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we continue an exciting journey through Elbasan to Sveti Naum, where the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery are located, known as “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. In our free time, we will enjoy exploring this historical and natural wonder. After a day full of unforgettable memories and wonderful photos, we head toward Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. Along the way, breathtaking scenery accompanies us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historical city of Ohrid, which was one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during the tour are the Monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Byzantine monks of the 9th century believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Hagia Sophia Church. We will also stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and have the opportunity to explore the Turkish Bazaar from the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city’s cultural texture more closely. Then we will visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, observing the daily life of the local people. Finally, the famous Lake Ohrid and its enchanting scenery 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, or retire to your room to 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 – Tetova (Tetovo) – Skopje
After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. Our first stop is Resen, where we see the palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history, from the outside on a panoramic basis. 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 most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. 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 enchanting city, we will also explore historical Ottoman monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Paşa Mosque, and Yeni Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city. After our visit, we set off to discover the unique nature and cultural treasures of North Macedonia. Our first stop is Tetova (Tetovo), 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 travel back into the depths of history. After our visit in Tetovo, we continue 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 with the historical sites 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 Murad Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque stands out especially for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Suli Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures are fine examples of Ottoman inns and were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Afterwards, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects the two banks of the Vardar River. Walking from the 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 Makedonya Square. This square is Skopje’s largest and most central point, surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then we see the Ottoman Bridge, built in the 15th century, from the outside and visit Davut Pasha Bath to once again feel the splendor of the Ottoman period. We continue to explore the city by walking toward Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, one of the city’s symbolic structures, built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit Sultan Murad Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, among the early Ottoman mosques. These mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and stand out with their architecture. Finally, we provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After your enjoyable time in the bazaar, we return to our hotel in the evening.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. While you experience Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side with this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the most distinguished venues in the region. We will turn this night into an authentic experience with live performances of the finest Balkan music and folklore, presented by artists all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, without playback. We are delighted to host you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! | Tetovo Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Tetovo: 145 km | Tetovo – Skopje: 40 km
Total distance to be covered: 250 km
Day 7: Skopje – Matka Canyon – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Matka Canyon amid lush green mountains. Are you ready to explore Matka Canyon, located among the enchanting forests and wide pastures of Vodno Mountain? This natural wonder of approximately 5,000 hectares will take you to mystical medieval monasteries and serene lake views. As you walk along the rugged cliffs, you can observe the region’s endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, walking on green trails is the best way to be alone with nature. After our Matka Canyon tour, we head to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, where we will discover both the modern and historical sides of Kosovo. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable Ottoman-era structures. We will see Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Paşa Mosque. During this journey through the historical heritage of the city, we will visit the Tomb of Murad I Hüdavendigâr, the Ottoman Sultan killed on the Kosovo Plain after the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, and have 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 the narrow streets of Prizren, whose architecture reminds one of an Anatolian Ottoman town and whose shop signs are full of Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam 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.
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 - Trabzon
After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, departure on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4279 at 02:25, nonstop direct to Samsun. After a comfortable flight, arrival at Samsun Çarşamba Airport at 05:50, then transfer to Trabzon by our private vehicle and 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 reservation 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 cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.)
**The stated cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited seats are 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 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: The opportunity to obtain detailed information about cities and historical sites with a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies are enjoyed at dinner, providing participants with a gastronomic experience.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: The opportunity to enjoy local flavors 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, preventing participants from making extra expenses 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, tips if desired, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket.
Things to Consider
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city each 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 covered amid beautiful scenery, but there may be long hours spent on the bus during the tour. Nevertheless, a comfortable journey is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Since the program is extensive, free time may be limited. However, it offers the chance to visit all important points with a guide.
• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather in the Balkans can be variable during certain periods. Therefore, choosing suitable clothing can make this more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected among options reflecting the character and local culture of the region, but hotels in some small towns may not offer the same extensive facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, these hotels are chosen with care for comfort and cleanliness.
• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, participants have the opportunity to try the region’s unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may encounter tastes they are not used to. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it is useful to keep in mind that you may come across different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Međugorje 4* Kaktus etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Point Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Samsun Skopje 23:55 01:25
Skopje Samsun 02:25 05:50