Ankara Departure Kosovar All-Inclusive Balkan Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner
Day 1: Ankara – Skopje - Ohrid
Meeting at the departure terminal of Esenboğa Airport at 21:00 on Saturday evening. Departing from Ankara at 00:05 directly to Skopje with Ajet Airlines scheduled flight, which connects Saturday to Sunday. After approximately an hour and a half of comfortable travel, we arrive at 00:55. After arrival, we depart with our private vehicle towards Ohrid. Early morning arrival in Ohrid. After arriving in Ohrid, we will have a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which has been one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see some of the sites such as the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, the Church of St. Sophia, the Ancient Theatre from Roman times, Chinar Square, the Turkish Bazaar, the Halveti Tekke, the New Bazaar, Ohrid Market, and Lake Ohrid. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.
Distance from Skopje to Ohrid: 180 km
Total distance to be covered: 180 km
Day 2: Ohrid - Resen - Bitola - Ohrid
After breakfast, we set off for our tour of the magnificent nature and historical wealth of Resen and Bitola. Our first stop is in Resen, where we will see the Palace of Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history, panoramically. Resen offers a captivating atmosphere both with its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottomans. Upon arriving in Bitola, we will visit the Military Secondary School where our founding leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, we will also explore historical Ottoman artifacts such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will also have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city. After exploring all these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Ohrid: 69 km
Total distance to be covered: 134 km
Day 3: Ohrid – Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast, we gather our luggage and set off to explore the unique nature and cultural treasures of Macedonia. Our first stop is Tetova (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's dazzling towns. Here, we’ll visit the Alaca Mosque, one of the most colorful and striking mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque will enchant you with its vibrant colors and intricate decorations. As we discover this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey through history. After our visit in Tetova, we continue our journey towards Skopje surrounded by lush mountains. Breathtaking views of Macedonia will accompany us along the way. After arriving in Skopje, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Ohrid – Tetova (Kalkandelen): 130 km | Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje: 43 km
Total distance to be covered: 173 km
Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour Included!
Day 4: Skopje
After breakfast, our Skopje city tour begins. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. Then, we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, constructed in the 15th century, notable for its Ottoman period decorations and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located at the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman period inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Next, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje, constructed in the 15th century, connecting both banks of the Vardar River. Walking across the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour through the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods by the riverbank. During our riverside walk, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is the largest and most central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the grand statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Afterwards, we will view the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Bath, feeling the grandeur of the Ottoman era once again. We continue our exploration of Skopje by walking towards the Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century, which is one of the symbolic structures of Skopje. We will also visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, both of which are significant parts of the city’s Islamic heritage and remarkable for their architecture. Finally, we provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the evening.
Dinner: A magnificent dinner awaits you, accompanied by traditional Balkan music and folk dance performances. This special Balkan night will give you the opportunity to explore the fun and cultural aspect of Skopje. Our groups will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of the finest restaurants in Skopje, where artists consisting entirely of conservatory students and teachers will perform live in an exclusive Balkan night, ensuring no playback is done. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Including Dinner Balkan Night Tour!
Day 5: Skopje – Pristina - Prizren – Shkodër
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel in the direction of Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, upon arrival in Pristina, we start our panoramic city tour to discover the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will also visit several historical structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During our visit to this historical signature of the city, we will also have the opportunity to commemorate the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigar, who was killed in the 1389 Kosovo Battle in the Kosovo Field, and understand the significance of this historical event in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we proceed to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we will begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city, adorned with shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important structures of Ottoman architecture, as well as the Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath, which are other significant Ottoman artifacts to be seen. After spending some free time in Prizren, we move on to the beautiful city of Shkodër in Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Shkodër: 195 km
Total distance to be covered: 370 km
Day 6: Shkodër – St. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey towards the captivating shores of Montenegro. Our first stop is Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling views. We will enjoy the stunning view of this island from above; every corner is an ideal spot for postcard-like photographs. Next, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. Our walking tour of Budva starts here, where we will explore its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife in one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday centers. Our next stop is Kotor, renowned for its fjords in the Balkans! During our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the narrow streets and the historic atmosphere of the old town, discovering the heart of Kotor. After some free time in Kotor, we head towards Medugorje or our hotel in the vicinity. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodër - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km
Total distance to be covered: 298 km
Day 7: Medugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we move towards Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, where we will see the works constructed by the Ottomans in the 16th century, preserved in historical texture. After the visit, we will proceed to Blagaj, where the Buna River, Europe’s strongest water source, originates. After a brief free time in this stunning natural view, we head towards Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, constructed in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin. This bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992; however, it was reinstated in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Afterwards, we proceed to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will have a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically noted for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, which sparked the First World War in 1914. The city suffered severe damage during the war of 1992 but has largely managed to retain its beauty. During our tour, we will observe the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Husein-beg and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the 1914 assassination occurred, the Old Library, and the western-style buildings that formed during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our 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 to be covered: 192 km
Day 8: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, and it still draws attention with its liveliness, bustling life, and historical texture. After arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will discover the city's grandeur. Our first stop will be the Old Palace, which carries the traces of the Ottoman period and is known for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that combines Belgrade's past and present. Next, we visit the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, one of the most impressive locations in the city. It will be a great pleasure to explore this area that has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue discovering this ancient city, we will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center by the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will also see important points such as the Kalemegdan and Tašmajdan. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure of the Ottoman period, and the Bayraklı Mosque, one of the few remaining Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the cultural heritage remaining from the Ottoman period. Our visit will continue with a tour of the Military Museum, which is filled with artifacts illuminating Belgrade’s military history and offers an impressive experience for visitors. After the tour, we head to our hotel, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 9: Belgrade – Ankara
After breakfast, the rooms need to be vacated, and there will be free time until the transfer time. At the time determined by the guide, we will transfer to Belgrade Airport. After the boarding procedures, we will depart for Ankara at 14:30 with Ajet Airlines flight VF508. After arriving in Ankara at 17:25, our tour concludes. We bid you farewell and hope to see you on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euros*
(With the cancellation assurance package implementation, 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 date of departure. While the entire tour fee is refunded upon cancellation, the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The specified cancellation assurance package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited number of slots are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging itinerary covering important cities and tourist locations 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 those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, enabling the exploration of the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural wonders such as Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: It includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Opportunities are provided to learn detailed information about the cities and historical places with a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Guests experience a gastronomic journey with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies served during dinner.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: Guests have the chance to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night at one of Skopje's top restaurants, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje.
• All Tours Included: All the excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, enabling participants to visit all major points without incurring additional costs.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while trying local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Expenses: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Except for lunch, tips if desired, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will be spent.
Matters to Consider
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Distances: Intercity distances (for example, the distance between Skopje and Belgrade) are traveled along with beautiful views, but there may be long hours spent on the bus. However, there will be enough breaks along the way for a comfortable journey.
• Limited Free Time: As the tour program is comprehensive, free times may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important points accompanied by a guide is offered.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans may vary in some periods. Therefore, appropriate clothing choices can make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected from options reflecting the character of the region and local culture, although some hotels in smaller towns may not offer the same extensive facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, cleanliness and comfort are given importance in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers an opportunity to try local delicacies with a unique flavor throughout the region. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but it may include flavors that some participants are not used to. Therefore, it is beneficial to be mindful of the different tastes you may encounter.
• Return flight tickets from Ajet Airlines Ankara - Skopje / Skopje - Ankara route
• Total of 8 nights accommodation in 4* hotel category: 2 nights in Skopje, 2 nights in Ohrid, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Trebinje or Medjugorje, 1 night in Sarajevo, and 1 night in Belgrade
• Breakfasts
• Dinner meals
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours mentioned in the program
• Balkan Night adorned with meals, entertainment, and folklore shows
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Resne Tour
• Bitola (Monastir) Tour
• Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour
• Kotor – Budva Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Počitelj Tour
• Customs Taxes
• All highway, parking, and check-point expenses
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Excluded Services:
• Foreign Exit Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance (up to 65 years old): 20.-Eur
• Travel Insurance (ages 66-75): 40.-Eur
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes