Ankara Departure Kosovo Grand Balkan Tour with AJet including Extra Tours and Dinner SKP-SKP
1st Day: Ankara - Skopje - Pristina - Skopje
Meeting at the check-in counter of the airline at Esenboğa Airport’s departure terminal. We will depart at 08:45 on AJet Airlines flight VF625 to the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. After a comfortable and relaxing flight, we will arrive at 13:30 local time and, following entry procedures, we will head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Upon arrival in Pristina, we will begin our panoramic city tour, where we will explore both 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 Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. While visiting these historical sites of the city, we will also take the opportunity to visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad I (Hüdavendigâr), who was killed in the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, commemorating this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we will begin our journey back to Skopje. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel, and after dinner, we will retire to our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Skopje: 90 km
Total distance to be covered: 180 km
2nd Day: Skopje - Bitola - Resen - Ohrid
After breakfast, we will set off for a tour of the magnificent nature and rich historical heritage of Resen and Bitola. We will head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit from the outside the Military Academy where our great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this magical city, we will also discover historical Ottoman artifacts such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the İshak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. You will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city, feeling the historical texture of Bitola. After a short break here, we continue to Resen, where we will have a panoramic view of the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left a mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a captivating atmosphere with its nature and Ottoman traces. After our tour, we travel towards Ohrid. Breathtaking scenery will accompany us along the way. Upon our arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour showcasing this historic city, which was one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. The places we will see during our tour include the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also stroll around the Square of the Chinar Tree, and have the opportunity to explore the Turkish Bazaar, dating back to the Ottoman period. You can visit the Halveti Tekke while deeply experiencing the cultural fabric of the city. Afterward, we will visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily lives of the local people. Finally, Ohrid's famous lake and its enchanting scenery will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have free time and then transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the magical atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of the night, take a short walk by the lake, or retire to your rooms and 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
3rd Day: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and set off for Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this historically and culturally rich city, an impressive tour awaits us as we explore Tirana, which is considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit one of the city’s most important symbols, the Et'hem Bey Mosque. This building, the construction of which began in 1789 and completed in 1923, is one of Albania’s cultural heritage sites. We will take a short break in Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the majestic Skanderbeg Statue rising proudly in the center. One of the highlights of our tour will also be the Clock Tower of Tirana, built in 1821 by Et'hem Bey. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana merges with its historical past, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we will head towards the historic city of Shkodra, located in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
4th Day: Shkodra – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey towards the captivating beaches of Montenegro. Our first stop will be Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and stunning views. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this islet from above; every corner is an ideal spot for postcards. Next, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans, where we begin our city tour. During this walking tour, we will see the stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife of Budva, one of the Balkans' most famous tourist centers. Our next stop is Kotor, a mesmerizing city known for its fjords. During our walking tour of this medieval town, you will feel the narrow streets and the historic atmosphere of the old town, discovering the heart of Kotor. After having free time in Kotor, we will proceed to our hotel in Medugorje or its surroundings. After dinner at our hotel, we will retreat to our rooms to rest for the night. Overnight stay 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
5th Day: Medugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head towards Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, where we will see preserved buildings from the 16th century built by the Ottomans. After this tour, we will visit Blagaj, located at the source of the Buna River, the strongest water source in Europe. After a short free time in this magnificent natural setting, we will travel to Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built 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 reopened in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. After visiting the Mostar Bridge, we will go to Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We will then continue to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is the site where World War I began when the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Serbs in 1914. During the brutal wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in 1992, Sarajevo faced severe destruction, but it has managed to retain much of its beauty. During our city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious diversity, a Synagogue, Husein Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings that emerged during Sarajevo’s 40-year rule by Austria-Hungary. After the tour, we will be transferred to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay 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
6th Day: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, for a delightful journey. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans, Belgrade today stands out for its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. Upon arrival, we will start a panoramic city tour to explore the full splendor of this enchanting city. Here you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that blends Belgrade's past with its present. Next, we head to one of the city's most impressive points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be a great pleasure to discover this area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important spots such as Kale Square and the Stone Square. During our visits, we will stop by the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period. Through these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about its Ottoman cultural heritage. At the end of the tour, we will return to our hotel after leaving behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
7th Day: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is an important cultural center in the Balkans with its Ottoman-era heritage and modern structures. We will begin our tour by visiting the historical sites in Skopje, the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques, built in 1492. Then, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, constructed in the 15th century, noted for its exquisite Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. During our tour, we will also visit Kapan Han and Sulu Han, which are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, once important centers for merchants to stay and trade. Afterward, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects both banks of the Vardar River. Walking across the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour while seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the riverbank. During our walk by the river, we will pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Next, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hammam, once again feeling the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We will walk towards Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar to continue our exploration of the city. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje’s emblematic structures. Here, you will visit the Sultan Murad Mosque, one of the early Ottoman Empire mosques, and the Isa Bey Mosque. These mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and notable for their architecture. Finally, we will have 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 will head back to our hotel for dinner.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the chance to explore the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje in this special Balkan night at one of the finest venues in the region, Restaurant Gardenia. This evening will be transformed into an authentic experience with live performances by our artists, composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, without playback. We are thrilled to host you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje: 430 km
8th Day: Skopje – Ankara
After breakfast, we check out of the rooms and, at the time determined by our guide, transfer to the airport. After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will fly with AJet Airlines flight VF626 at 10:35 from Esenboğa Airport. We will arrive in Ankara Esenboğa Airport at 13:20, marking the end of our tour... We bid farewell to our esteemed guests with the hope of seeing you again on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euros*
(With the cancellation assurance package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, you can cancel your reservation up until 9 days before the tour departure date. If you cancel your reservation, 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 stated cancellation assurance package does not apply to group reservations.**
**There are limited spots available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging travel program covering significant cities and tourist sites in the Balkans is offered. Many important 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 a pleasurable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Visiting structures from different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) allows the exploration of the region's cultural diversity.
• Natural Beauties: Breathtaking natural beauties such as Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: It includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: A guide offers detailed information about the cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants experience a gastronomic adventure with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies offered during dinner.
• All Tours Included: All surrounding tours and extra tours included in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important points without incurring additional costs.
• Dinner Included: Every day's dinner is included in the program, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Expenditures: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Other than lunch, tips, and souvenirs for their loved ones, there will be no additional expenses.
Important Considerations
• Busy Program: Traveling to different cities each day makes the tour very rich and full; however, this intensive pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: The intercity distances (for example, Skopje-Belgrade) are passed with beautiful views, but there may be days spent on the bus for long periods. However, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the nature of the program, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important points under the guidance of a tour guide is provided.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: In the Balkans, weather conditions can be variable at certain times. Therefore, it is advisable to choose appropriate clothing to make the most of the situation comfortably.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the region's character and local culture; however, some smaller city hotels may not offer as many amenities as luxury hotels in Turkey. Nevertheless, care is taken for comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers the opportunity to taste the unique local flavors of the region. The Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but it may introduce flavors that are unfamiliar to some participants. This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine better, but it’s advisable to keep in mind that you may encounter different tastes.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
With AJet Airlines
Departure Location Arrival Location Departure Time Arrival Time
Ankara Skopje 08:45 09:35
Skopje Ankara 10:35 13:20
Services Included:
• Round trip plane tickets with AJet Airlines from Esenboğa Airport to Skopje and back
• 7 Nights of accommodation in a 4* hotel category: 1 Night in Ohrid, 1 Night in Shkodra, 1 Night in Medugorje or its surroundings, 1 Night in Sarajevo, 1 Night in Belgrade, and 2 Nights in Skopje
• Breakfasts
• Dinner meals at the hotel
• A Balkan Night embellished with Food, Entertainment, and Folklore Shows
• All transfers indicated in the program
• City tours mentioned in the program
• Tirana tour
• Pristina tour
• Mostar tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Pocitelj tour
• Resne tour
• Monastery tour
• Budva tour
• Kotor tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• International Departure 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 entry fees, and operational service expenses are covered by the mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person, which the guide will collect in cash on the first day of the tour)