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- Ankara Departure Kosovo Great Balkans Tour Special Kurban Bayramı with Extra Tours and Dinner Included 7 Nights 8 Days
Ankara Departure Kosovo Great Balkans Tour Special Kurban Bayramı with Extra Tours and Dinner Included 7 Nights 8 Days
Day 1: Ankara – Skopje – Tetovo – Ohrid / May 24 Meeting at Esenboğa Airport departure terminal in front of the airline counter. Departure with a special flight by Corendon Airlines at 15:15 to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. After a comfortable and smooth flight, arrive at 16:05 local time, go through customs and exit procedures, then depart from our hotel. We set on a journey to discover North Macedonia's unique nature and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of North Macedonia's most colorful towns. Here we will visit the Blue Mosque, one of the most impressive and vibrant mosques in the Balkans, built in the 15th century. The mosque’s lively colors and detailed ornaments will fascinate you, offering a deep dive into Ottoman architecture and history. After visiting Tetovo, we drive towards Ohrid. During the drive, breathtaking scenery will accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a city tour of the historic Ohrid, one of the significant Ottoman military bases in the Balkans. The tour includes: the 9th-century Byzantine Monastery of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Hagia Sophia Church. We will also walk through the Chandar Square, visit the old Ottoman-era Turkish Bazaar, and the Halveti Tekke. Then, explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, experiencing local daily life. The tour concludes with the breathtaking views of Ohrid Lake. After the tour, you will have free time and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. You can relax and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid, take a short walk along the lake, or rest in your room. Included! Tetovo (Kalkandelen) Tour! Distance from Skopje to Tetovo: 43 km, and Tetovo to Ohrid: 130 km. Total distance: 173 km. Day 2: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodra / May 25 After breakfast, depart from the hotel towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. This city is rich in history and culture, and you will enjoy an impressive city tour of Tirana, the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival, visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, built starting in 1789 and completed in 1923, one of Albania’s cultural monuments. Take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where the statue of Skanderbeg stands proudly. The Clock Tower, built in 1821 by Ethem Bey, is one of the highlights of the tour. Tirana’s modern face combines with its history, offering unforgettable memories. After free time, head towards Shkodra, North Albania’s historic city known for natural beauty and rich history. Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel. Included! Distance from Ohrid to Tirana: 135 km, and Tirana to Shkodra: 100 km. Total: 235 km. Day 3: Shkodra – St. Stephen – Budva – Kotor – Medjugorje / May 26 After breakfast, we set off on a spectacular journey along Montenegro’s enchanting coasts. Our first stop is St. Stephen, a famous island in the region with sumptuous views. We will enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the island, which looks like a postcard. Next, we will reach Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. We will explore the city through a walking tour, seeing the stunning beaches and lively nightlife. Our next destination is Kotor, renowned for its fjords and medieval old town. We will take a walking tour through this UNESCO World Heritage site, experiencing its narrow streets and historic ambiance. The city’s architecture and seaside views will seem like a journey back in time. After some free time in Kotor, we head toward Medjugorje or the nearby hotel for rest. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and relax for the night. Included! Tours in Budva and Kotor! Distance from Shkodra to Budva: 85 km, Budva to Kotor: 22 km, Kotor to Medjugorje: 191 km. Total: 298 km. Day 4: Medjugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo / May 27 After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo. The first stop is Počitelj, a historical town with Ottoman architecture, built in the 16th century. Then, we visit Blagaj, located at the source of the Buna River, renowned for its natural beauty. After a brief free time, we head to Mostar. In Mostar, we’ll see the historic Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin, an Ottoman masterpiece. The bridge was destroyed in 1992 during the war but was reconstructed and reopened in 2004 with significant Turkish contributions. Next, we visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then, we go to Sarajevo, a city that has witnessed many historic moments—such as the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 that sparked World War I. During the Bosnian War of 1992, the city suffered extensive destruction but preserved its beauty. A panoramic city tour covers Baščaršija, Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral, Synagogue, Hüsrev Beg Mosque, Ferhadija Mosque, Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, the Old Library, and the Austro-Hungarian architecture. Transfer to the hotel with dinner and overnight stay. Included! Tours to Počitelj, Blagaj, and Mostar! Distance from Medjugorje to Počitelj: 20 km, Počitelj to Blagaj: 30 km, Blagaj to Mostar: 12 km, Mostar to Sarajevo: 130 km. Total: 192 km. Day 5: Sarajevo – Belgrade / May 28 After breakfast, leave the hotel and head to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. This vibrant city has been a significant cultural and strategic hub throughout history. Upon arrival, take a panoramic city tour to explore Belgrade’s charm. Visit the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and see the Belgrade Fortress, including Kalemegdan Park, harboring important historical sites. We will also see the memorials of Ottoman influence, including the tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha. Enjoy free time in the city before relaxing at the hotel with dinner and overnight. Distance from Sarajevo to Belgrade: 287 km. Day 6: Belgrade – Skopje / May 29 After breakfast, depart for Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital. Upon arrival, an city tour begins, revealing Sarajevo’s rich history blended with its modernity. Visit the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492, and Murat Pasha Mosque, from the 15th century. See Kapan Han, Suluh Han, and other Ottoman-era structures. We also visit the Stone Bridge, which connects the old and new parts of the city, and the Vardar River. Continue to the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods, and then explore the main square. Enjoy free time in the city before heading to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Distance from Belgrade to Skopje: 430 km. Day 7: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje / May 30 After breakfast, depart for Pristina, Kosovo’s capital. Enjoy a city tour of Pristina, including visits to the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the Yaşar Pasha Mosque from the 18th century. We will also visit the tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, commemorating the Battle of Kosovo and Ottoman history. Then, we move to Prizren, known for its Ottoman architecture and Turkish signs. Tour the narrow streets, see the Sinan Pasha Mosque, Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam. Enjoy free time in Prizren before returning to Skopje for dinner and overnight. Included! Tours to Pristina and Prizren! Distance from Skopje to Pristina: 90 km, from Pristina to Prizren: 85 km, Prizren to Skopje: 165 km. Total: 340 km. Day 8: Skopje – Ankara / May 31 After breakfast, check out from the hotel, transfer to the airport as per the guide’s instructions. Complete check-in procedures and depart with a special Corendon Airlines flight at 10:20. Arrive at Esenboğa Airport at 13:10, then end of the tour… We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip. * Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euros (with this package, travelers can cancel their reservation without penalties up to 9 days before the departure date; the full amount will be refunded except for the package fee and any extra services such as visas or insurance.** The cancellation guarantee does not apply to group reservations.** Availability is limited for each tour.** Positive Aspects of the Tour: Comprehensive visits covering major Balkan cities and tourist spots, including Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, Skopje; Ottoman historical sites and cultural heritage, religious and cultural diversity (mosques, churches, synagogues), natural beauties like Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake, visa-free travel, professional guidance, local cuisine experiences, all included excursions, dinner every night, minimal additional expenses, ideal for those who do not want extra spending. Limitations include busy itinerary, long journeys between cities via scenic routes, limited free time due to a packed schedule, variable weather depending on the season, regional hotel standards, local culinary diversity, and potential unfamiliar flavors. Hotels include: In Shkodra - 4* Holiday Koplik, In Medjugorje - 4* Sole, In Sarajevo - 4* Holiday, In Belgrade - 4* Nobel, In Skopje - 4* Vlaho, in Ohrid - 4* Beograd, with breakfast at hotels and dinner at selected restaurants.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
1- The General Conditions are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered separately from it.
2- If there is insufficient participation for the tour, the Agency may cancel the tour up to 21 days before the departure date. In such a case, the cancellation information will be conveyed to the guest. The entire tour fee will be refunded to the guest. Refunds for additional services purchased outside the tour; if the domestic connecting flight ticket purchased from the Agency is canceled, it will also be refunded to the guest. If a visa service or travel health insurance has been used for visa application on behalf of the guest, these services cannot be refunded once used. If no visa application has been made, visa and health insurance fees will be canceled and refunded. If the guest obtained the domestic connecting flight separately from the Agency from a different supplier, the Agency cannot request any refund in case of tour cancellation. The guest agrees in advance to any material and moral losses that may arise from tour cancellation, and the Agency cannot be held responsible.
3- If there is insufficient participation for the tour, the Agency reserves the right to not cancel the tour in good faith. In this case, the tour will be provided solely for the guest and only the international outbound-inbound transfer included in the package will be arranged.
Cancellation and Changes
4- Tickets for transportation are issued at the time of reservation. Cancellations made more than 30 days before the tour departure date will incur penalties, and the cost of these non-refundable airline tickets will be charged as a penalty.
5- Guests can cancel without penalty up to 30 days before the departure date by written notice to the Agency, excluding airline tickets paid to and/or committed by the airline. If the departure date is less than 31 days away, the guest can cancel by paying a penalty of 50% of the remaining tour fee. If the departure date is 15 days or less away, the guest can cancel by paying the full tour fee as a penalty. Upon cancellation, the conditions for refund of additional services such as domestic connection flights, visa services, and travel health insurance may vary depending on the timing of the cancellation; it is necessary to request prior information. The Agency does not guarantee refunds for additional services.
Guiding and Extra Tours
6- The days and times of tours specified in the program may be changed by the guide due to museum and historical site opening/closing status and weather conditions. During the tours, different guides may accompany the guests.
7- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are designed to give a general overview of the city, conducted from the vehicle with guide commentary, and do not include entrance to museums or historical sites. These tours, along with other tours scheduled on the same day and time, may be canceled or shortened if local authorities do not permit visits or due to road closures caused by events or weather conditions, and the agency is not responsible for such changes. Some tours may be conducted by public transportation or on foot if roads are closed or vehicle entry is prohibited.
8- Our guide may make changes to city tours and optional excursions based on the content of the tours, the number of participants, and the closure status of museums and historical sites. This also applies to changes in flight times.
9- When participating in tours with speed boats, guests should avoid heavy meals immediately before boarding and not consume excessive amounts of water. Guests with medical conditions such as spinal, back, or neck problems, and pregnant guests should inform their guides.
10- If guests do not participate in the services such as tours or meals included in the prices, there are no refunds.
Flights Information
11- The Agency acts as an intermediary between the passenger and the airline; in case of disputes, Turkish regulations, the Hague Protocol, and the Warsaw Convention will apply.
12- Scheduled and charter flights are subject to delays or schedule changes. The Agency is responsible for informing guests as soon as possible. Guests accept the risk of flight time changes or cancellations when purchasing the tour.
13- Children aged 0-2 only pay the airport tax.
14- According to airline rules, if the outbound flight purchased as round-trip is not used, the return flight will be canceled by the airline.
15- Check-in and boarding procedures for those participating in flights are personal processes, and guests are required to complete these procedures at the airport counters or online through the airline’s website before the flight.
16- Last-minute delays and gate changes are announced audibly at airports and shown on information screens. Guests should follow these updates.
17- Guests who do not arrive at the airport at the specified times, do not complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, or do not board the plane after check-in, are responsible for any disruptions. The agency is not responsible for guests who miss their flights. Rescheduling or covering the cost of replacements for missed flights and transfers is the guest’s responsibility.
18- The standard luggage weight allowance for flights departing from Turkey is 20 kg; this may vary depending on the airline and destination country. Domestic flights within the destination country may have a limit of 15 kg. Excess baggage fees are determined by airlines and are not the responsibility of the Agency.
19- Guests wishing to upgrade their tickets using frequent flyer miles (to business or first class) must check with the airline after tickets are issued; availability is not guaranteed for all flights.
20- Some airlines may charge extra fees for meals, beverages, and online check-in services.
Other Matters
21- The Agency is not responsible for any changes or cancellations made directly by the guest with the hotel. In such cases, the hotel’s cancellation conditions will apply.
22- If the hotel name is not specified in the program but only the category is given, or if options are offered for the same destination, the Agency will notify the guest 48 hours prior to departure.
23- During special periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, and sporting tournaments, hotels may be farther from the specified locations or kilometers from the city center. In such cases, the Agency will notify the guest at least 15 days before departure.
24- When registering for the tour, the guest must correctly enter the name, date of birth, and passport number as they appear on the passport. Tickets are issued based on this information. Any cancellations or changes caused by incorrect information will be charged to the guest.
25- To use your mobile phone abroad, check with your service provider before leaving Turkey to ensure it is unlocked for international roaming.
26- The check-in time at hotels is 15:00, and check-out is at 12:00.
27- The Agency will communicate special room requests (high floor, close to common areas, smoking/non-smoking, bed type) to the hotel. While efforts are made to accommodate preferences, their fulfillment depends on availability at check-in and cannot be guaranteed.
28- Breakfast served at hotels is generally a continental style, consisting of limited options such as butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate room reserved for the group.
29- In some cases, double rooms may have a double bed instead of twin beds. Many European hotels offer rooms with beds that can be joined if needed.
30- The child and extra bed policies vary by hotel and room type.
31- All additional beds and baby cribs are provided upon request and based on hotel availability, and require the hotel’s approval.
32- The maximum capacity for extra beds or baby cribs in a room is one.
33- In triple rooms, an extra bed is available; these beds are smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms typically consist of one large bed plus one sofa bed or folding bed. Guests accept potential crowding and the specific bed types associated with these arrangements.
34- If the hotel reservation specifies a certain number of adults and children and the actual number of children or their ages are incorrectly reported, hotels may charge additional fees. The responsibility for incorrect declarations lies with the guest. Hotels may request identification of children’s ages.
35- In reservations with 2 adults and 1 child, an extra bed for the child may not be available. Child rates are only valid when the child stays with two adults. Discounts for children apply only to those in the specified age group sharing a room with two adults.
36- Currency fluctuations during the day are reflected in prices in TL; current exchange rates at the time of payment are valid. Additional services at the hotel (mini-bars, ironing, etc.) are extra and payable directly at the hotel during your stay.
37- Some countries have different city, tourism, or local taxes and fees, which are collected by the hotel at check-in or check-out from guests.
38- The distances shown in the itinerary are map-based; actual travel times may increase due to traffic, weather, roadworks, or other conditions.
39- The Agency may modify the program content, change the order of cities, or the main airline without prior notice if deemed necessary or in unavoidable circumstances.
40- Personal belongings, including bags, suitcases, passports, and identity documents, are the responsibility of the traveler. The Agency is not responsible for lost, forgotten, or stolen items. In case of misplaced items, any costs for their recovery and transportation are borne by the owner.
41- Participants are required to carry travel health insurance policies and any relevant medications and reports if they have health issues.
42- Extra expenses, such as official ID, passports, visa fees, deposit for the hotel, and additional services, may be required at check-in. The refund of deposits at check-out is an agreement between the guest and the hotel; the Agency does not intervene.
Visa and Passport
1- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the travel.
2- For border crossing, passports must have at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
3- Being exempt from visas or having a visa does not guarantee entry to the countries; border control officers have the authority to refuse entry or exit. The Agency is not responsible for this; responsibility lies with the traveler.
4- Guests with non-Turkish citizenship or dual citizenship using another passport should consult the relevant consulates about visa procedures for the countries to be visited. The Agency is not responsible for issues arising from non-compliance.
5- Passports that are torn, worn, wet, or otherwise damaged must be renewed; failure to do so may result in denied entry at border crossings, and the responsibility lies with the traveler.
6- Minors traveling alone or with only one parent should be aware that border officers may request a notarized consent form from the non-accompanying parent. Guests should prepare accordingly.
What's Included
Included Services:
• Round-trip flight tickets between Esenboğa HL. / Skopje / Esenboğa HL. with Corendon Airlines
• Accommodation in 4-star hotels for 7 nights: 1 night in Ohrid, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medjugorje or surrounding areas, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 2 nights in Skopje
• Breakfasts
• Dinners at the hotel
• Balkan Night decorated with meals, entertainment, and folklore shows
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Tirana tour
• Pristina tour
• Mostar tour
• Blagaj additional tour
• Počitelj tour
• Tetova (Kalkandelen) tour
• Budva tour
• Kotor tour
• Professional Turkish-speaking guide services
• Mandatory insurance (Professional liability)
Not Included
Non-Inclusive Services:
• Foreign Exit Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes: (City tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fee, bus entry fees, and operational service costs included in a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person, to be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour)
