Ankara Departure Kosovo Great Balkan Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner SKP-SJJ
Day 1: Ankara - Skopje - Bitola - Resen - Ohrid
Meeting at the Ajet Airlines check-in counter at the departure terminal of Ankara Esenboğa Airport 3 hours before the flight. Departing from Ankara to Skopje directly with Ajet Airlines scheduled flight at 08:45. After approximately two hours of comfortable travel, we arrive in the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. After the entry procedures, we depart with our private vehicle for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for its magnificent nature and historical richness. We are heading towards Bitola, which was once one of the most significant cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit the Military School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, we will explore historical Ottoman monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Isak Pasha Mosque, and Yeni Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk in the nostalgic streets of the city. After a short break here, we continue towards Resen, where we have a panoramic view of the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who made a mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a captivating atmosphere with its nature and Ottoman traces. After the tour, we head towards Ohrid. Stunning views will accompany us along the way. Upon arriving in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which has been one of the important bases of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see significant sites including the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic Alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of Saint Sophia. Additionally, we will stroll around the heart of the city, Çınar Square, and have the opportunity to explore the Turkish Bazaar, which dates back to the Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Teqja and closely feel the cultural texture of the city. We will then visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the locals. Lastly, the famous lake of Ohrid and the mesmerizing view of the lake will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have free time and transfer to our hotel. Our overnight stay and dinner will be at our hotel. After dinner, you can 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.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje - Bitola: 170 km | Bitola - Resen: 30 km | Resen - Ohrid: 35 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 2: Ohrid - Tirana - Shkodra
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. A stunning tour awaits us to discover this city, which is rich in history and culture, and considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we 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 in Skanderbeg Square, where we see the statue of Skanderbeg proudly rising in the center. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built in 1821 by Ethem Bey, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana merges with its historical past, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After some free time, we set out towards the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will charm you with its natural beauties and rich historical texture. Overnight stay and dinner will be at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid - Tirana: 135 km | Tirana - Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 3: Shkodra - Prizren - Pristina - Skopje
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head towards Prizren, known as Kosovo's cultural capital. Upon arrival, we begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman town with its architecture and shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important structures of Ottoman architecture in the city. Other important Ottoman landmarks include the Halveti Teqja, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After some free time in Prizren, we head to the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, exploring both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During this tour of the historical heritage, we will also visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain during the Kosovo Battle of 1389, allowing us to commemorate this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we start our return journey to Skopje.
Overnight stay and dinner will be at our hotel.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! |
Shkodra - Prizren: 186 km | Prizren - Pristina: 85 km | Pristina - Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 436 km
Day 4: Skopje
After breakfast, our first stop will be the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city. Next, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, which notably features engravings and architecture from the Ottoman period. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, which were significant centers where merchants stayed and traded in the past. Then, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects both sides of the Vardar River. From the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour by walking to see the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the riverbank. During our walk by the river, we will pass through Macedonia Square, Skopje's largest and most central point surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Bath, experiencing the grandeur of the Ottoman period once again. We continue to explore the Turkish Bazaar of Skopje. Before we reach the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje's symbolic structures. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque, one of the early Ottoman Empire mosques, and Isa Bey Mosque. These mosques are an important part of the city's Islamic heritage, with architecture that attracts attention. Finally, we provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find various products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending some enjoyable time in the bazaar, we transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for the Balkan Night. Afterward, we will transfer back to our hotel and then retire to our rooms. Overnight stay will be at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and folk dance performances. You will have the opportunity to discover the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje at this special Balkan night held at one of the finest venues in the region, Restaurant Gardenia. The best music and folklore of the Balkans will be presented live by our performers, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, turning this evening into an authentic experience. We will be pleased to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay will be at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Day 5: Skopje - Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, for a pleasant journey. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most significant cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and today it draws attention with its liveliness, activity, and historical texture. In this captivating city, we will have the chance to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will explore the entire splendor of the city. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover Belgrade's texture that combines its past and present. Next, we go to one of the most impressive points of the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, and where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded, but whose conquest was granted to Suleiman the Magnificent. As we continue to explore this ancient city, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as Kale Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will delve into Belgrade's rich history and gain insight into the cultural heritage of the city from the Ottoman period. After our tour, we will proceed to our hotel, leaving behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city. Dinner and overnight will be at our hotel.
Skopje - Belgrade: 430 km
Day 6: Belgrade - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon our arrival, we will find ourselves in a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and gained historical significance as the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in 1914, leading to the outbreak of World War I. Sarajevo suffered significant devastation during the Bosnian War in 1992, which involved Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but 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, Synagogue, Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, Old Library, and western-style buildings developed during the 40-year rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 7: Sarajevo - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo - Ankara
After breakfast, we leave Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, known for its historical, cultural, and architectural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin, one of the students of Mimar Sinan, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992, but with the significant contributions of the Republic of Turkey, it was reconstructed in 2004 to its original state and has since become the symbol of Mostar. Elegantly connecting both banks of the Neretva River, we will have the opportunity to explore the historic market and stone streets surrounding this bridge. After discovering the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque, one of the city's most important religious structures. Here, we will examine the architectural details belonging to the Ottoman period and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mostar Bridge from the mosque’s courtyard. Afterwards, we head to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, located at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe’s strongest springs, where history and nature intersect. After spending delightful time here, we will transfer to Sarajevo airport. After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will fly from Sarajevo to Ankara directly with Ajet Airlines. Arrival at Esenboğa Airport marks the end of our tour. We bid farewell to you, our valued guests, hoping to see you again on your next journey.
Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Sarajevo - Blagaj: 135 km | Blagaj - Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 125 km
Total distance to be covered: 272 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the Cancellation Assurance 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 departure date. In case of cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The cancellation assurance package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited capacity is available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide itinerary covering important cities and tourist spots of the Balkans is offered, including visits to significant cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, Skopje.
• Ottoman History: Important Ottoman structures and cultural heritages are visited, providing an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing for the exploration of the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Marvelous natural beauties like Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Guided tours provide detailed information about the cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: With traditional Bosnian meals, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies served at dinner, participants enjoy a gastronomic experience.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: The opportunity to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night at one of the most prestigious restaurants in Skopje, Restaurant Gardenia.
• All Tours Included: All local tours and extra tours included in the program are part of the tour price, allowing participants to visit all key points without incurring extra costs.
• Dinners Included: Every day’s dinner is included in the program, preventing participants from incurring additional expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Spending: This tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Other than lunch, optional tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will be spent.
Considerations to Take Into Account
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city each day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who wish to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, Skopje-Belgrade) are traveled with beautiful views, but there may be days spent on the bus for long periods. Nonetheless, breaks given along the way ensure a comfortable travel experience.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, there is an opportunity to visit all important spots with guidance.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on the Season: In the Balkans, weather conditions can be variable in certain periods. Therefore, making a suitable clothing choice can make this situation comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected options reflecting the region's character and local culture, but hotels in smaller towns may not offer amenities as extensive as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, comfort and cleanliness are prioritized in these accommodations.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers the opportunity to taste the unique local flavors of the region. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some dishes might be unfamiliar for certain participants. This is a fantastic opportunity to closely encounter local culture and cuisine, but it is beneficial to be aware that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Place Arrival Place Departure Time Arrival Time
Ankara Skopje 08:45 09:45
Sarajevo Ankara 19:10 22:15
Services Included:
• Round-trip flight tickets on the route Esenboğa Airport / Skopje - Sarajevo / Esenboğa Airport with AJet Airlines
• Accommodation for a total of 6 nights in a 4-star hotel category: 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, 2 nights in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Ohrid
• Breakfasts
• Dinners
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours mentioned in the program
• A Balkan Night adorned with meals, entertainment, and folklore shows
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Resen Tour
• Bitola Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Professional Turkish-speaking guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• International Exit Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes: (City tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entry fees, and operational service costs, which are a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person that will be collected in cash by the guide before the tour starts)