Day 1: Adana - Skopje
Meet at the Ajet Airlines counter in the Departures terminal of Adana Çukurova Airport 3 hours before your flight. Depart from Adana at 22:05 on a direct flight to Skopje with Ajet Airlines. After approximately two hours of comfortable travel, arrival at 23:25. After immigration procedures in the country, transfer to our hotel with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Day 2: Skopje – Matka Canyon - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Matka Canyon. Are you ready to explore the enchanting forests and broad meadows of Vodno Mountain in Matka Canyon? This natural wonder, covering approximately 5,000 hectares, will take you to mystical medieval monasteries and the calming views of an artificial lake. While walking on the rugged cliffs, you can observe the region's endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, walking on the green paths is the best way to connect with nature. After our tour, we head to the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. Upon our arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour to explore both the modern and historical sides of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman era, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. While touring the historical imprints of the city, we will have the opportunity to visit the tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I, who died in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Kosovo Battle, commemorating this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we proceed to Prizren, known as Kosovo's cultural capital. Upon arrival, we will start exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman town, filled with shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. Other important Ottoman heritage sites we will visit include the Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam. After spending some free time in Prizren, we begin our journey back to Skopje in the evening. After arriving, we transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for the Balkan Night. Afterwards, we are transferred to our hotel, and then we retreat to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the opportunity to experience Skopje's enjoyable and cultural side during this special Balkan night at one of the region's finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. With live performances by our artists, who are students and teachers from a renowned conservatory, you will transform this evening into an experience without playback. We will be delighted to host you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED! | Matka Canyon Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 340 km
Day 3: Skopje – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and embark on a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade today stands out with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical structure. We will have the opportunity to explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures in this fascinating city. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, we start a panoramic city tour where we will discover the grandeur of the city. First, we will visit the Old Palace, which carries the traces of the Ottoman period and is famous for its magnificent ornamented ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that combines Belgrade's past with the present. Then we head to the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, one of the city's most breathtaking spots. Exploring this unique landscape, which has historically been the focal point of many conquests and victories, will be a great pleasure. As we continue to discover this ancient city, we will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, used as the supply center of the Ottoman navy. While tracking the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as Kalemegdan Park and the Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period, and the Bayraklı Mosque, one of the rare remaining Ottoman structures in Belgrade. These visits will provide insights into Belgrade's rich history and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. Our tour continues with a visit to the Military Museum, which is filled with artifacts that shed light on Belgrade's military history and offers visitors a very impressive experience. After our tour, we head to our hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km
Day 4: Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon our arrival, we will do a panoramic city tour of a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant as the site where World War I began due to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbs in 1914. During the war of 1992, it suffered significant devastation due to the destructive conflicts between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman han Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the Hüsrev Bey Mosque, and Ferhadija Mosque, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the western-style buildings that emerged during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 5: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medugorje
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural riches. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin, which is one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but was rebuilt in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Turkey. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Paşa Mosque. Then we move on to Blagaj. Blagaj is located at the source of the Buna River, the strongest water source in Europe. After a short free time here, we will proceed to Počitelj. We will visit Počitelj, which is preserved for its historical texture and known as the Turkish Village, to see the artifacts constructed by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we will head to Medugorje. Medugorje is a peaceful place famous for its religious visitors. After arriving at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Dinner and overnight 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 6: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sveti Stefan – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to the enchanting Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. When we arrive in Kotor, we will embark on a walking tour in this medieval town known for its fjords in the Balkans, feeling the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and old town as we explore the heart of Kotor. This small town, with its unique architecture and seaside view, will take you on a journey through time. Next, we will head to Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! Our walking tour in Budva begins. During this tour, we will see the wonderful beaches and vibrant nightlife of Budva, one of the most famous holiday resorts in the Balkans. After our city tour, we will proceed to Sveti Stefan, famous for its rich history and stunning views, where we will admire its impressive scenery from above. This region, picturesque in every corner, is an ideal spot for photographs. After all these explorations, we move to the beautiful city of Albania, Shkodra. After our dinner at the hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Medugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sveti Stefan: 15 km | Sveti Stefan - Shkodra: 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 313 km
Day 7: Shkodra – Tirana – Sveti Naum - Ohrid
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set out towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in history and culture, we are going to embark on an impressive tour to explore Tirana, accepted as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of Albania's cultural treasures, which started construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We will take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the Skanderbeg Statue that proudly rises in the center of the square. The Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of our tour highlights. Next, we will visit the Peace Bell, created by the children of Shkodra, who melted down lead during the uprising in 1999, which carries significant meaning. During this tour, the modern face and historical past of Tirana combine to create unforgettable memories. After some free time, we embark on an exciting journey to St. Naum, where the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery is located, dubbed "A Piece of Heaven in the Balkans." In this mesmerizing place, you will have the chance to photograph the unrivaled beauty of the scenic views in the heart of nature. In our free time, we will enjoy exploring this historical and natural wonder. After a day filled with unforgettable memories and great photographs, we proceed to Ohrid. Along the way, we will enjoy breathtaking views. Upon our arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour showcasing the historical city of Ohrid, which was one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. The places we will see during our tour include: the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, the Church of St. Sophia, and the ancient theater from the Roman period. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to stroll around the heart of the city, Çınar Square, and explore the old Ottoman-era Turkish Bazaar. Here, we can visit the Halveti Tekke and closely experience the cultural fabric of the city. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its mesmerizing views will accompany our tour. Following our tour, enjoy some free time and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet of the night, take a short walk by the lakeside or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 8: Ohrid – Tetova – Pristina – Istanbul – Adana
After breakfast, we set out for a tour of Tetova (Kalkandelen), famous for its stunning nature and historical richness. Tetova (Kalkandelen) is one of Macedonia's eye-catching towns. Here, we will visit Alaca Mosque, one of the most colorful and impressive mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque, with its vibrant colors and detailed decorations on the exterior, will captivate you. While discovering this unique example of Ottoman architecture, we will take a journey through the depths of history. After our visit in Tetova, we transfer to the airport.
After ticket, luggage, and passport procedures, we will take the Ajet Airlines flight VF102 to Istanbul at 15:45. We arrive at Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 18:20, followed by the Ajet Airlines flight VF3148 to Adana at 01:00. We arrive in Adana at 02:35, concluding our tour. We bid farewell to you, our esteemed guests, hoping to see you again on your next journey.
Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tetova: 120 km | Tetova – Pristina: 125 km
Total distance to be covered: 245 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euros*
(With the cancellation assurance 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's departure date. In case of cancellation, the entire tour fee will be refunded while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The cancellation assurance package does not apply to group reservations.**
**There is a limited number of seats available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A broad travel program covering important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans is offered. Many significant cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures from different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the exploration of the region's cultural diversity.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural wonders such as Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The tour includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Detailed information about the cities and historical sites is provided through the knowledgeable guidance of tour leaders.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants experience a gastronomic journey with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and regional delicacies during the included dinners.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: Enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of Skopje's finest restaurants.
• All Tours Included: All environmental tours and extra tours included in the program's price mean participants can visit all essential spots without additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program daily, which prevents participants from incurring extra expenses while enjoying local delicacies.
• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Other than lunch, tips, and any souvenirs for loved ones, there are no extra expenses.
Considerations to Take into Account
• Intense Program: Traveling to different cities each day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those wishing to explore more.
• Long Journeys: While intercity distances (e.g., Skopje-Belgrade) are traveled with beautiful views, there can be days spent for long hours on the bus. However, comfort during travel is ensured with breaks provided along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the extensive nature of the tour program, free times may be limited. However, there is an opportunity to visit all important spots under the guidance of our guides.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans may vary during certain periods. Therefore, suitable clothing choices can help make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the region's character and local culture, though they may not offer the extensive amenities of luxurious hotels in Turkey. However, cleanliness and comfort are prioritized in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers the opportunity to taste the region's unique local dishes. The Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some dishes may be unfamiliar to certain participants. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it can be beneficial to anticipate encountering different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel, etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel, etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria, etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday, etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Sole, etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik, etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks, etc. Hotel Hotel
GENERAL TERMS
1- The general terms are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently from the tour program.
2- In case there is insufficient participation for the trip, the Agency can cancel the tour up to 21 days before the departure date. In this case, the cancellation information will be communicated to the guest. The entire tour fee will be refunded to the guest. For refunds of additional services purchased outside the tour, internal flight connections purchased from the Agency will also be refunded to the guest, while visa services and travel health insurance, if a visa application has been made on behalf of the guest, cannot be refunded because these services have been utilized. If the guest has purchased the internal flight connection from a different provider, in case the tour is canceled by the Agency, the guest cannot claim any refund from the Agency. The guest accepts any financial or moral losses that may occur due to the cancellation of the tour when purchasing the tour, and the Agency cannot be held responsible.
3- If there is insufficient participation for the trip, the Agency has the right to show goodwill and not cancel the tour. In this case, since the tour will be provided individually for the guest, the accompanying guiding service included in the package will only cover the round-trip transfers to and from the airport abroad.
Cancellation and Changes
4- In our tours, tickets for transportation are issued at the time of reservation. In cancellations made more than 30 days before the tour departure date, these flight ticket fees, which do not have cancellation or change and refund rights, will be charged as a penalty.
5- Guests have the right to cancel without penalty by notifying the Agency in writing until 30 days before the tour departure date, except for flight tickets paid and/or contracted to the airline by the Agency. In cases where there are less than 31 days left until the tour start date, they can cancel by paying a penalty of 50% of the remaining tour fee from the flight ticket price, and in cases where there are 15 days or less left until the tour start date, they can cancel by paying the full tour fee as a penalty. In case of cancellation requests, it is necessary to inquire in advance about the refund conditions for additional services such as internal flight connections, visa services, and travel health insurance, as they may vary depending on the duration of the cancellation request. The Agency cannot make any commitments regarding the refund of additional service cancellations.
Guiding Services and Extra Tours
6- The days and times of the tours mentioned in the program can be changed by the guide according to the opening/closing status of the museums and archaeological sites at the destinations and weather conditions. Different guides may accompany our guests during the tours.
7- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are tours that are conducted for the general introduction of cities and are made panoramically with guidance from inside the vehicle without including entrance to museums and archaeological sites, lasting a maximum of 2-3 hours. Panoramic tours, including other tours mentioned in the program, may not take place if local authorities do not allow visits on the day and time of the tour, if roads are closed for any events, or if weather conditions make the tour impossible; the Agency is not responsible for such situations. Some tours may be conducted using public transport or on foot where roads are closed or vehicle entry is not allowed.
8- Our guides may change the days of the city tours and/or additional tours depending on the number of participants, the closure status of museums and archaeological sites. This also applies to any changes that may occur in flight times.
9- Important considerations for our tours to be conducted with speed boats include not eating heavy meals and not drinking excessive amounts of water immediately before boarding the boat. Guests with stomach, back, or neck complaints and pregnant guests should inform their guides of their conditions.
10- There will be no refund for the services included in the prices if participation is not provided for the specified tour or meal services.
About Flights
11- The Agency acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger, and in case of disputes, the relevant provisions of Turkish legislation and the Hague Protocol and Warsaw Convention will apply.
12- There may be delays or changes in flight times for scheduled and charter flights. The Agency is obliged to inform about these changes as soon as possible. The passenger accepts the risk of flight changes/cancellations when purchasing the tour.
13- Children aged 0-2 only pay the airport tax.
14- According to airline rules; if the departure flight of a round-trip ticket is not used, the return flight is canceled by the airline.
15- The check-in and boarding procedures required for those participating in tours with flights are personal processes, and these procedures must be carried out by the guests at the airports, at the relevant airline counters, or online on the airline's website prior to the flight.
16- Last-minute delays and gate changes during flights are announced verbally at the airports and displayed on the information boards in the area. This information should be followed by the guests themselves.
17- The Agency is not responsible for guests who are not present at the specified airport at the reported times according to the airline rules for participation in the tour, do not complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, or who complete check-in and boarding procedures on time but do not board the plane. All expenses related to obtaining new round-trip flight tickets necessary for those who miss the flight to participate in the tour and transfers in the destination area, etc., are the responsibility of the guests.
18- The general luggage weight for flights departing from Turkey is 20 kg. This weight may vary according to the airline and the country to which you are going. If there are domestic flights in the destination country, this luggage weight can drop to 15 kg. Excess luggage weight/price rules are determined by the airlines, and the Agency is not responsible.
19- For our guests who want to upgrade their plane tickets with miles (to business or first class); after the tickets have been issued, upgrade processes can be carried out depending on the availability of the airline (please check with the airline you are a member of). No guarantee for mileage on each flight is provided. Check whether the tickets for the program are in the upgradeable class.
20- Some airlines may charge extra fees for food and beverage and online check-in services.
Other Matters
21- The Agency will not accept responsibility for any changes or cancellations made directly by the guest in communication with the hotel. In this case, the cancellation conditions of the Agency will apply.
22- In cases where hotel names are not specified, only category information is provided in the tour program and/or options are offered for the same destination, the Agency will inform the guest 48 hours before the start of the trip.
23- During special periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be located farther than the indicated locations or kilometers. In such cases, the Agency will inform guests 15 days before the departure date of the tour.
24- At the time of registration for the purchased tour; the guest's name as stated in the passport, date of birth, and passport number must be entered/declared correctly in the system. Airline tickets are issued according to this information. Penalty fees may be reflected to guests for cancellations or changes resulting from incorrect information.
25- To use your mobile phone abroad, before leaving Turkey, check with your telecommunications company whether your phone is enabled for international use.
26- The hotel check-in time is 15:00, and the check-out time is 12:00.
27- Requests regarding the room (high floor, near general areas, smoking/non-smoking, bed type) are communicated to the hotel by the Agency. Care is taken for the reserved rooms to align with the preferences of the guest according to the availability of the hotel. The realization of these requests depends on the availability at the time of check-in and cannot be guaranteed by the Agency.
28- The breakfast offered at hotels may differ from the traditionally rich Turkish breakfast. Usually served as a continental breakfast, it may consist of limited options such as butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee and may be served in a separate room designated for the group.
29- In some cases, a double bed may be provided instead of a twin bedded room. Many European hotels offer twin rooms that can be combined if necessary.
30- Child and extra bed policies may vary across hotels based on room types.
31- All types of extra beds and baby cots are provided upon request and based on hotel availability and must be approved by the hotel.
32- The capacity for extra beds or baby cots in the room is one (maximum).
33- In triple rooms, there is an extra bed application, and the bed assigned to the 3rd person in these types of rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed and 1 extra bed. Extra beds are made up of beds that can fold and unfold or are referred to as coach beds. Our guests acknowledge and accept the potential cramped conditions and types of beds in standard rooms that may arise from extra beds added to triple room or family bookings.
34- In hotel reservations, if the number of children staying with adults and their ages are incorrectly declared by the guests, the relevant hotels may charge extra fees. In such cases, the responsibility lies with the guest who made the incorrect declaration. Hotels may request identification for age verification of children.
35- In reservations of 2 adults + 1 child, there may not be a separate bed for the child. Child prices are only valid if the child stays with two adults. Child discounts apply only for one "single child" accompanying the adults.
36- Daily currency changes are reflected in the Turkish Lira prices. The rates valid at the time of payment apply. Any additional requests or certain additional services received at the hotel (mini-bar, ironing, etc.) may be subject to extra charges as determined by the hotel. These expenses are not included in the price at the time of purchase and will be paid directly to the hotel during your stay.
37- Some countries have different implementations regarding city, tourism, or local taxes. Any city, tourism, or other taxes applied in this manner will be collected from the guest by the hotel at the time of entry or exit.
38- The travel distances given in the programs are map-based. Travel times may be extended due to traffic, weather conditions, the geographical location of the visited country, roadworks, and conditions.
39- The Agency may change the order of cities in the program or the main airline to be flown to without altering the content of the program in case of necessary situations or as deemed appropriate.
40- Personal belongings, bags, suitcases, passports/IDs of participants in the tour are their own responsibility, and the Agency is not responsible for forgotten/lost/stolen items. In cases where forgotten items are found, the expenses incurred during delivery to the country and/or the individual are the responsibility of the item owner.
41- Participants in the tour are required to carry their travel health insurance policies and any relevant medications and reports for any health issues with them.
42- For potential extra expenses, hotels may require a photo ID/passport issued by official institutions and a credit card or cash deposit upon check-in, which will be refunded at check-out between the hotel and the guest and the Agency will not intervene.
Visas and Passports
1- Guests must have passports valid for at least 6 months from the date of return from the trip.
2- In order to have entry-exit stamps on your passport at customs crossings/border gates, there must be at least 2 blank pages in the passport.
3- Being exempt from visas or having obtained a visa for the countries in this tour does not mean that one can enter/exit the country; the passport police have the authority to deny entry/exiting, and the Agency is not responsible for this situation; responsibility lies with the passenger.
4- Guests who are not Turkish citizens or have dual citizenship and will participate in the tour with another country's passport must consult the relevant consulates personally regarding the visa procedures applied by the country they will travel to; otherwise, the Agency will not be responsible for any results that may arise.
5- To avoid problems with customs police at the border gates of the visited country due to torn, worn, wet, or similarly damaged passports; passports need to be renewed. Otherwise, responsibility lies with the passenger.
6- Guests under the age of 18 traveling alone or with only one parent may be asked by police officers for a document showing the mutual consent of the parents during country entry-exit; it is advisable for minors and their parents to be sensitive about this issue.
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