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- Kosovar Great Balkans Tour Semester Special with THY, Including Extra Tours and Dinners SJJ-SKP
Kosovar Great Balkans Tour Semester Special with THY, Including Extra Tours and Dinners SJJ-SKP
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo
After ticket, baggage, and boarding procedures at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, we depart for Sarajevo on Turkish Airlines flight TK1021 at 14:50. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, we arrive at 14:40 local time and, after entry procedures, head out with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Upon arrival, we will see a city that was 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 Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered major destruction due to the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but 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 reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the Gazi Husrev-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.
Day 2: Sarajevo – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical, cultural, and architectural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Hayreddin, one of Mimar Sinan’s students, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the 1992 war, but thanks to major contributions from the Republic of Türkiye, it was rebuilt in its original form in 2004 and has once again become the symbol of Mostar today. Around this bridge, which elegantly connects the two banks of the Neretva River, we will have the opportunity to stroll through the historic bazaar and stone streets. After discovering Mostar’s enchanting atmosphere, we will visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s most important religious structures. Here, we will examine architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy the magnificent view of the Mostar Bridge from the mosque’s courtyard. Then we head to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Blagaj is an impressive settlement where history and nature intertwine, founded at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s strongest water spring. After a short free time here, we continue to Počitelj, a town that carries the past into the present with its stone houses and historic texture. In Počitelj, which has largely preserved its historic character and is known as the Turkish Village, we will have the chance to see closely the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and feel the unique atmosphere of the region. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Počitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Sarajevo - Mostar: 120 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj – Počitelj: 22 km | Počitelj - Sarajevo: 150 km
Total distance to be covered: 304 km
Day 3: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel 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, stands out today with its vibrancy, energy, and historical texture. In this captivating city, we will have the chance to discover the point where Ottoman and European cultures meet. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will discover the city in all its splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore Belgrade’s texture that brings together the past and present. Then we go to one of the city’s most impressive spots, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. In this unique view, exploring this region, which has been the focus of conquests and victories many times throughout history, will be a great pleasure. As we continue to discover this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded for its conquest, but whose conquest fell to Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as the Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure of the Ottoman period, and Bajrakli Mosque, one of the few surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. 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, leaving behind the city’s history and lively atmosphere, we proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade : 287 km
Day 4: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans 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 with its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. As our tour continues, 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. Later, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects the two banks 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 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. Then we see the Ottoman Bridge from the outside, dating from the 15th century, and visit the Davut Pasha Bath, once again feeling the grandeur 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 Murad Mosque, one of the early period mosques of the Ottoman Empire, and Isa Bey Mosque. 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 enjoyable 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 you experience Skopje’s fun 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 Balkan music and folklore performed live by artists who are all conservatory students and teachers, and with no playback, we will turn this evening into an authentic experience. We will be pleased to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje : 430 km
Day 5: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodër
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, upon arriving in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will discover 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 Yaşar Pasha Mosque, a 18th-century work. During this trip through the city’s historical heritage, we will visit the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, 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 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 town 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, the Halveti Tekke, Bajrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman monuments to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we continue to the historic city of Shkodër in northern Albania. Shkodër will captivate you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Shkodër: 190 km
Total distance to be covered: 365 km
Day 6: Shkodër – Tirana - Ohrid
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head toward Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural aspects, an impressive tour awaits us where we will explore Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit 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 standing proudly in the middle of the square. Tirana’s symbol, the Clock Tower, 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 head toward Ohrid. Breathtaking landscapes 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 Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are important structures such as the Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also have the chance to walk around Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar remaining from the old Ottoman period. Here you may visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city’s cultural texture up close. Then by exploring 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 may enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of the night, take a short walk by the lake, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodër – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid : 135 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 7: Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Skopje
After breakfast, we depart for our Resen and Bitola (Manastır) tour, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. Our first stop is Resen, where we will see panoramically the Palace of Resenli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a captivating atmosphere both with 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 trade 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 enchanting city, we will also discover historical Ottoman works such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling Bitola’s historical texture, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After all these rich cultural stops, we transfer to Skopje Airport. After arrival at the airport and boarding procedures, our flight to Istanbul Airport will take place at 20:35 on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK1006. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, we arrive in Istanbul at 00:15, and the tour ends. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you again on your next trip.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Skopje: 163 km
Total distance to be covered: 228 km
*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 tour departure date. In case of reservation cancellation, while the full tour fee is refunded, the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The specified cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**A limited number of spots are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A broad sightseeing program covering important Balkan cities and tourist spots 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, offering an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the region’s cultural diversity to be discovered.
• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural beauties such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Guided tours provide detailed information about cities and historical places.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with dinners full of traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors.
• All Tours Included: All surrounding excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without extra cost.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from spending extra while tasting local flavors.
• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, tips if they wish, and souvenirs for their loved ones, you will not pay extra out of pocket.
Situations to Consider
• Busy Program: Traveling to a different city every 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 (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are spent with beautiful views 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, it offers the opportunity to visit all important points with a guide.
• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans may be variable in some periods. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing can make this comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region’s character and local culture, hotels in some smaller cities may not offer as many amenities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, care is taken to ensure comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, you are offered the chance to try 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 up close, though it may be helpful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Point Arrival Point Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 14:50 14:40
Skopje Istanbul 20:35 00:15*
What's Included
Not Included
Services Not Included:
• Foreign Departure Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (up to 65 years old)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes
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