Balkan Tour from Ankara with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinner
Day 1: Ankara – Belgrade – Skopje
Meeting at Esenboğa airport departure terminal 3 hours before our flight. Departure from AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF507 to Belgrade at 1:00 PM. After a comfortable flight, arrival at 1:10 PM and after the entry procedures, our private bus departs for Skopje. After arrival, we start our panoramic city tour with our special vehicle waiting at the airport. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We start our tour with historical sites in Skopje, the hometown of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492, which is one of the largest and most majestic mosques in the city. Then we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, known for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns that were once important centers where traders lodged and conducted business. Next, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects both sides of the Vardar River. Walking across the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour by viewing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our walk along the river, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is the largest and central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Afterward, we will view the Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Bath, where we will once again feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We continue discovering the city as we walk toward the Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje's iconic structures. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are early Ottoman Empire mosques, and important parts of the city's Islamic heritage with their distinct architecture. Finally, we give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. You can find a wide range of products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs in this bazaar. After spending an enjoyable time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the night.
Day 2: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head toward Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, we arrive in Pristina and begin our panoramic city tour where we will explore the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this tour of the city’s historical heritage, we will visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain after the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, and take the opportunity to commemorate this significant 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 start exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman town, filled with shops displaying Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. Other significant Ottoman artifacts to be seen include Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After spending free time in Prizren, we begin our journey back to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel and after dinner, we will retire to our rooms for the night. Overnight in our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and folk dance performances. During this special Balkan night, you will have the opportunity to explore the fun and cultural side of Skopje, hosted in one of the region's finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. Experience the best music and folkore of the Balkans performed live by our artists consisting entirely of conservatory students and teachers, turning this night into an authentic experience. We are delighted to host you at our Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight in 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 to be covered: 340 km
Day 3: Skopje – Tetovo (Kalkandelen) - Ohrid
After breakfast, we gather our luggage and set off to explore the unique nature and cultural treasures of Macedonia. Our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's most stunning towns. Here, we will visit the Alaca Mosque, known as 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 on its exterior. While discovering this exquisite example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey into history. The Pena River, which winds through Tetovo and runs close to the Alaca Mosque, adds a special beauty to the town. During our short walk alongside the cool waters of the river, we will experience peaceful moments surrounded by nature. Following this, we will see the Isa Bey Bath, an important structure from the Ottoman period. This historic bath, with its elegant details and atmosphere reflecting the architecture of the era, will take us back in time. After our visit in Tetovo, we head towards Ohrid amidst green mountains and azure lakes. The breathtaking views of Macedonia accompany us along the way. Upon arriving in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historical city of Ohrid, which has been an important base for the Ottomans in the Balkans. The notable sights we will see during our tour include the Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to be the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of Saint Sophia. We'll also stroll around the Cinar Square, the heart of the city, and have the chance to explore the old Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the cultural fabric of the city up close. Afterward, we will visit Yeni Çarşı and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the locals. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its stunning views will accompany us on our tour.
After our tour, there will be free time, and we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you may enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet of the night, take a short walk by the lakeside, or retire to your rooms to rest.
Tetovo (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Tetovo (Kalkandelen): 43 km | Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Ohrid: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 173 km
Day 4: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city rich in history and culture, we have an exciting tour where we will explore Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the most important symbols of the city, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we see the statue of Skanderbeg, proudly rising in the center of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana and its historical past will come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we depart for Shkodra, a historic city in northern Albania that will captivate you with its natural beauty and rich historical background. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 5: Shkodra – St. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey towards the mesmerizing shores of Montenegro. Our first stop is St. Stefan, known for its rich history and breathtaking scenery. From above, we will admire the stunning views of this island, ideal for photography as every corner looks like a postcard. Following this, we arrive in Budva, one of the Balkans' most popular holiday destinations. Our walking tour of Budva begins as we explore its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Next, we head to Kotor, a city famous for its fjords! During our walking tour in this charming medieval town, we will feel the historical atmosphere of its narrow streets and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. After our free time in Kotor, we will head to our hotel in Medugorje or the surrounding area. After dinner at our hotel, we will retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km
Total distance to be covered: 298 km
Day 6: Medugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we set off for Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, known for its preserved historical texture and referred to as the Turkish Village, where we will see the constructions made by the Ottomans in the 16th century. After the tour, we continue to Blagaj, located at the birthplace of the Buna River, which is Europe’s strongest water source. After a short free time amidst this magnificent natural scenery, we head towards Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557. This masterpiece of Ottoman architecture was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992 but was reopened for service in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then we depart for Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will have a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically notable as the site where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand occurred in 1914, leading to the outbreak of World War I. The city also suffered substantial damage during the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in 1992, yet Sarajevo has largely preserved its beauty. During our tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious diversity, the Synagogue, the Husein Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, and the Old Library, along with western-style buildings shaped during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After our 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 7: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and enjoy 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 for its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. In this enchanting city, we will have the opportunity to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, we begin a panoramic city tour where we will explore the entire grandeur of the city. Here, you will feel the historical atmosphere and discover the fabric that intertwines Belgrade's past with the present. Then, we visit one of the most impressive points in the city where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Discovering this region, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. As we continue to explore this ancient city, we will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the footprints of history in this fortress, we will see important spots such as Kale Square and Stone Square. During our visits, we will also visit the Tomb of Ali Pasha, one of the prominent figures of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will delve deep into Belgrade's rich history and gain insight into the cultural heritage left by the Ottomans. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city and proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 8: Belgrade – Ankara
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport. After ticket, luggage, and passport procedures, we depart on Ajet Airlines flight VF508 at 2:00 PM for a direct flight to Esenboğa. Arrival at Esenboğa airport at 6:00 PM marks the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests and hope to see you again on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation guarantee package application, guests are offered the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under all circumstances. With this application, you can cancel your reservation until 9 days before the tour departure date. In case of cancellation, the full tour fee will be refunded while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**There are a limited number of slots available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide travel program covering significant cities and tourist destinations in the Balkans is offered. Important cities like Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a delightful experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Different religious structures (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, exploring the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Breathtaking natural landscapes like the Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The inclusion of visa-free destinations reduces additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Accompanied by a guide, participants have the opportunity to obtain detailed information about cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies are offered at dinner, providing participants a gastronomic experience.
• All Tours Included: All environmental tours and extra tours included in the program are part of the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important points without additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Each day’s dinner is included in the program, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend. Aside from lunch, optional tips, and souvenirs for their loved ones, no extra money will need to come out of their pockets.
Points to Consider
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city each day makes this tour rich and full of experiences. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who wish to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, the distance between Skopje and Belgrade) are covered amidst beautiful scenery, but there may be days when time is spent for extended periods on the bus. Nevertheless, there will be breaks along the way for a comfortable journey.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all notable points with a guide is offered.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable during certain periods. Therefore, suitable clothing selections can help make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected from options reflecting the region's character and local culture, but some hotels in smaller towns may not offer the extensive amenities found in luxurious hotels in Turkey. However, a focus on comfort and cleanliness is maintained in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour provides an opportunity to taste the region's unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may encounter unfamiliar tastes. This offers a wonderful opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine, but it’s helpful to keep in mind that you'll be faced with diverse flavors.
Included Services:
• AJet Airlines round-trip flight tickets from Ankara to Belgrade / Belgrade to Ankara
• 2 Nights accommodation in Skopje, 1 Night in Ohrid, 1 Night in Shkodra, 1 Night in Medjugorje or surroundings, 1 Night in Sarajevo, 1 Night in Belgrade at 4* hotel category, totaling 7 nights
• Breakfasts
• Dinners
• All transfers mentioned in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• A Balkan Night filled with food, entertainment, and folklore shows
• Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Kotor – Budva Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• Foreign Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (City tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entrance fees and operational service costs which require a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person, will be collected in cash by the guide before the tour starts)