Great Balkans Tour Special for Eid al-Adha with THY, Extra Tours and Dinner Included SKP-BEG
Day 1: Istanbul – Skopje
Meeting at the Turkish Airlines check-in counter in the departure terminal of Istanbul Airport. We take off to the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, on Turkish Airlines flight TK1003 at 07:25. After a comfortable flight, we arrive at 07:55 local time. After completing the entry procedures, we begin our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans, with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We start our tour in Skopje, the historical city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born, by visiting its historical sites. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most majestic mosques in the city, built in 1492. Following that, we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, which is particularly noted for its Ottoman embellishments and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman-era hans, were once important centers where traders stayed and conducted commerce. Afterwards, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge, constructed in the 15th century, connects both sides of the Vardar River. We continue our tour by walking along the river bank, viewing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods. During our walk by the river, we pass through Macedonia Square, 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. Then, we see the 15th-century Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hamam, to once again feel the splendor of the Ottoman period. We continue exploring the city by heading towards Skopje's Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we 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 significant parts of the city’s Islamic heritage, noted for their architecture. Finally, we offer free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the evening.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by 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, hosted at one of the region's finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. With live performances provided by artists who are all conservatory students and teachers, this evening will be transformed into an authentic experience without playback. We are delighted to host you at our own restaurant, Restaurant Gardenia in Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Day 2: Skopje – Bitola - Resen – Ohrid
After breakfast, we set off for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for its magnificent nature and historical riches. We head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon our arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military Academy, where the great leader Atatürk studied, and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, we will also explore historical monuments from the Ottoman era, such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. You will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of Bitola while feeling its historical texture. After a short break here, we continue on to Resen, where we will see the palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history, from a panoramic perspective. Resen offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After the tour, we head towards Ohrid. Along the way, breathtaking views will accompany us. Once we arrive in Ohrid, a historical city that was an important base of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans, we will conduct a tour introducing the city. Among the notable sites we will see are the statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also stroll around Çinar 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 closely feel the cultural fabric of the city. Afterwards, we will walk through the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market to witness the daily life of the local people. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its mesmerizing view will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have free time and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner will be at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet 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 traveled: 235 km
Day 3: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodër
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this culturally rich and historic city, an impressive tour awaits us to explore Tirana, which is considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important symbols. This building, whose construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we see the statue of Skanderbeg, who proudly rises in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. Then, we visit the meaningful Peace Bell, made by children from Shkodra during the insurrection in 1999 using melted lead. During this tour, the modern and historical aspects of Tirana will come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we set off for the historical city of Shkodër in northern Albania. Shkodër, with its natural beauties and rich historical texture, will captivate you. Overnight and dinner will be at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodër: 100 km
Total distance traveled: 235 km
Day 4: Shkodër – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medjugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey to the mesmerizing shores of Montenegro. Our first stop is Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling scenery. We will admire the breathtaking view of this island from above – it is an ideal spot to capture postcard-like photos. Next, we arrive at Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. Our tour of Budva begins. During this walking tour, we will see the magnificent beaches and vibrant nightlife of Budva, one of the most famous holiday centers in the Balkans. Our next destination is Kotor, a charming city famous for its fjords in the Balkans! During our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the 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 a free time in Kotor, we move on to our hotel in Medjugorje or the surrounding area. After dinner at our hotel, we relax in our rooms. Overnight at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodër - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medjugorje: 191 km
Total distance traveled: 298 km
Day 5: Medjugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head towards Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, known for its preserved historical texture and called the Turkish Village, where we will see the structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. After the tour, we arrive at Blagaj, located at the birthplace of the Buna River, one of the strongest water sources in Europe. After a brief free time in this wonderful nature setting, we head towards Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin. This masterpiece of Ottoman architecture was destroyed by Croatian artillery in 1992 during the war but was reopened in 2004 due to significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. After visiting the Mostar Bridge, we will go to Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then we will proceed to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will conduct a panoramic city tour. Sarajevo has historically been the cultural capital of the Balkans and is noted for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs in 1914, which led to the outbreak of World War I. The city suffered great damage during the destructive wars among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in 1992, yet Sarajevo has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious diversity, a Synagogue, Husrev Bey Mosque, Ferhadiye Mosque, the Latin Bridge where the assassination occurred in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings formed during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian administration. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
Počitelj Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Medjugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj – Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
Total distance traveled: 192 km
Day 6: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and start a pleasant journey to the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and it still draws attention with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. In this captivating city, we will have the opportunity to explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, we will embark on a panoramic city tour to discover the city's grandeur. During our tour, we will first see the Old Palace, which carries traces of the Ottoman era and is known for its magnificent wooden ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that unites Belgrade's past with the present. Afterwards, we head to one of the city’s most striking points, 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 numerous conquests and victories throughout history. While continuing to explore this ancient city, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply base for the Ottoman navy. We will see important points such as the Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our visit, we will also stop by the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, a significant figure from the Ottoman period. These visits will allow us to delve deeply into Belgrade's rich history and learn about its cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. Our tour continues with a visit to the Military Museum, which is filled with artifacts illuminating Belgrade's military history and provides an impressive experience for visitors. At the end of our tour, we will move to our hotel, leaving behind the city’s history and lively atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 7: Belgrade – Istanbul
After breakfast, we check out of our rooms and have free time until the transfer time. At the time determined by our guide, we will transfer to Belgrade Airport. After completing the boarding procedures, we will depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK1080 at 16:00. We will arrive in Istanbul at 18:50, marking the end of our tour. We bid you farewell until your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euro*
With the cancellation insurance package implementation, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this implementation, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the departure date. In the case of reservation cancellation, the entire tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.
**The cancellation insurance package specified is not valid for group reservations.**
**There are limited places available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: An extensive travel program covering important cities and tourist sites of the Balkans, including Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a delightful experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Visits to structures from different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) allow for the exploration of the region's cultural diversity.
• Natural Beauties: The breathtaking Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The inclusion of destinations that do not require a visa reduces extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Detailed information about cities and historical sites is provided by a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors enrich the dinner experiences, allowing participants to enjoy a gastronomic journey.
• All Tours Included: All environmental trips and extra tours included in the program come at no additional cost, enabling participants to visit all important sites without extra expenses.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included each day, preventing participants from incurring additional expenses while tasting local delicacies.
• No Need for Extra Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who prefer not to spend. Besides lunch, tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra expenses will be incurred.
Situations to Consider
• Busy Program: Traveling to different cities every day makes the tour extremely rich and packed. However, this intense pace can be tiring for those who wish to explore more.
• Long Journeys: The distances between cities (e.g., Skopje-Belgrade) are traversed along scenic routes, but there may be days spent long on the bus. Nevertheless, rest stops will ensure comfortable travel.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free times may be limited. However, there is an opportunity to visit all significant sites with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Seasons: Weather conditions can be variable in the Balkans during certain periods. Therefore, it is advisable to make the right clothing selection to make this situation comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although hotels in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the region's character and local culture, some smaller towns may not offer amenities as extensive as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, care is taken to ensure comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Cuisine Experience: Opportunities to try the local flavors of the region are provided throughout the tour. The Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but it may include unfamiliar tastes for some participants. This presents a great opportunity to closely explore local culture and cuisine, but it is advisable to be aware of potential differences in tastes.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 5* New Star Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Medjugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Location Arrival Location Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Skopje 07:25 07:55
Belgrade Istanbul 16:00 18:50
GENERAL TERMS
1- The General Terms are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently of the tour program.
2- If sufficient participation for the trip is not achieved, the Agency can cancel the tour up to 21 days before the tour date. In such cases, cancellation information will be communicated to the guest. The entire tour fee will be refunded to the guest. If additional services purchased outside the tour are to be refunded, the domestic flight connection purchased from the Agency will also be refunded to the guest. If visa services have been utilized to apply for a visa on behalf of the guest, these services cannot be refunded as they have been consumed; however, if a visa application has not been made, the visa and travel health insurance will also be canceled, and a refund will be provided. If the guest has purchased the domestic flight connection from a different service provider independently from the Agency, in the event the tour is canceled by the Agency, the guest cannot claim any refund from the Agency. The guest accepts in advance any material and immaterial losses that may arise from the cancellation of the tour, and the Agency cannot be held responsible.
3- If sufficient participation for the trip is not achieved, the Agency has the right to show goodwill and not cancel the tour. In this case, since the tour will be arranged individually for the guest, the package includes only the airport transfers for international departure and return.
Cancellation and Changes
4- In our tours, tickets for transport are issued at the time of reservation. For cancellations made more than 30 days before the tour departure date, the flight ticket costs, which do not have cancellation & change and refund rights, will be reflected as a penalty.
5- Guests have a right to cancel without penalty, provided they notify the Agency in writing up to 30 days before the tour departure date, except for the airplane tickets that have been paid and/or committed by the airline. In the case where there are 31 days or less remaining until the start of the trip, the guest may cancel the tour with a penalty fee of 50% of the remaining tour price from the airplane ticket cost, and if there are 15 days or less remaining until the start of the trip, they may cancel by paying the full tour fee as a penalty. In case of cancellation requests, the refund conditions for additional services such as domestic connecting flights, visa services, and travel health insurance may vary depending on the timing of the cancellation request, hence it is necessary to inquire in advance about their refunds. The Agency cannot guarantee any commitments regarding refunds for additional services.
Guiding Services and Extra Tours
6- The days and times of the tours indicated in the program may change based on the opening/closing status of museums and archaeological sites to be visited and weather conditions, as determined by the guide. Different guides may accompany our guests during the tours.
7- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are conducted for the general introduction of the cities and are done panoramically with guide narration from inside the vehicle, without including museum and archaeological site admissions, and last no more than 2-3 hours. If panoramic tours, including other tours specified in the program, cannot take place on the scheduled days and times due to local authorities denying access or closed roads due to any events, or if the tour becomes impossible due to weather conditions, the Agency is not responsible for the inability to conduct these tours. Some tours may be conducted via public transport or on foot where the roads are closed or vehicle access is not permitted.
8- Our guide, depending on the content of our tours and considering the number of participants and the closure status of museums and archaeological sites, may change the days of the city tour and/or additional tours. This condition is also valid for changes that may occur in flight times.
9- Important points to consider for our tours conducted by Speed Boats include: avoiding heavy meals and excessive water intake immediately before boarding. Guests with stomach, back, or neck complaints or pregnant guests should inform their guides of their conditions.
10- There is no refund for not participating in the services stated in the prices and included tours or meals.
About Flights
11- The Agency acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger, and in case of possible disputes, the relevant provisions of Turkish legislation, as well as the Hague Protocol and the Warsaw Convention, will be applied.
12- Delays or changes in flight times may occur on scheduled and charter flights. The Agency is obliged to inform about these changes as soon as possible. The passenger has accepted the risk of changes/cancellations in flight times when purchasing the trip.
13- Children ages 0-2 only pay the airport tax fee.
14- According to airline regulations, if the outbound flight of round-trip airline tickets is not used, the return flight will be canceled by the airline.
15- Check-in and boarding procedures to be completed by participants in airline tours are personal obligations and must be performed by the guest at the airports before the flight, at the relevant airline counters or online through the airline’s website.
16- Last-minute delays and gate changes during flights will be announced audibly in the airports and displayed on information boards at the airport. This information must be followed directly by the guests.
17- The Agency is not responsible for guests who are not present at the designated airport at the times specified by the airline regulations for flight participation, who do not complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, or who have completed check-in and boarding on time but do not board the plane. All costs related to obtaining new round-trip tickets and transfers in the destination area for guests who miss their flight are their own responsibility.
18- The general baggage weight for flights departing from Turkey is 20 kg. This weight may vary depending on the airline and the country being visited. If there are domestic flights in the country to be visited, the baggage weight may be reduced to 15 kg for those flights. Excess baggage weight/price rules are determined by the airlines and are not the responsibility of the Agency.
19- For guests wishing to upgrade their tickets to business or first class using their miles; upgrades can be performed after the tickets are issued, depending on the availability of the airline (please check with the airline you are a member of). A mileage guarantee is not provided for each flight. Please check if the program's tickets are eligible for upgrades.
20- Some airlines may charge extra for meals and online check-in services.
Other Matters
21- The Agency will not accept responsibility for any changes or cancellations made directly by the guest with the hotel. In such cases, the Agency's cancellation conditions will apply.
22- When only category information is provided in the tour program without specifying hotel names and/or options are offered for the same destination, the Agency will inform the guest 48 hours before the departure of the trip.
23- During special periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used further away from the specified locations or kilometers. In such cases, information will be provided by the Agency 15 days before the departure date.
24- At the time of registering for the purchased tour; the guest must correctly enter/disclose their name, date of birth, and passport number as stated in the passport. Flight tickets are issued based on this information. Any penalty for cancellation or changes due to incorrect information will be charged to the guests.
25- To use mobile phones while abroad, it is necessary to check with the service provider before leaving Turkey to ensure that your phone is enabled for international use.
26- The check-in time for accommodation is 3:00 PM, and the check-out time is 12:00 PM.
27- Requests regarding room preferences (high floor, close to public areas, smoking/non-smoking, bed type) are communicated to the hotel by the Agency. Efforts are made to meet the preferences of the guests based on the availability of the hotel’s rooms upon check-in. The fulfillment of these requests depends on the availability at the time of check-in and cannot be guaranteed by the Agency.
28- The breakfast offered at hotels may differ from the rich Turkish breakfast usually served. Typically called a continental breakfast, it consists of limited options such as butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate room designated for groups.
29- In some situations, a double bed may be provided instead of a double room. Most European hotels offer rooms with 2 beds that can be combined when necessary.
30- The child and extra bed policies may vary by hotel and room type.
31- Any extra bed and baby cot is provided upon request and based on the hotel's availability, and must be approved by the hotel.
32- The capacity for extra beds or baby cots in the room is 1 unit (maximum).
33- In triple rooms, there is an application for an extra bed, and the bed allocated for the 3rd person is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Extra beds can be rollaway beds or coach beds. Our guests accept that they are aware of potential crowding and bed types due to extra beds added to standard rooms in reservations for triple rooms and/or those with children.
34- If the number of children and their ages staying with adults is incorrectly stated in hotel reservations, the relevant hotels may charge an additional fee. In such cases, the responsibility lies with the guest who made the incorrect declaration. Hotels may request identification to determine the ages of children.
35- In reservations for 2 adults + 1 child, there may not be a separate bed for the child. Child prices are only valid if the child is accompanied by two adults. Child discounts apply for the eligible age group of “one child” accompanying two adults.
36- Currency exchange rates throughout the day are reflected in Turkish Lira prices. The rates at the time of payment apply. Any additional requests, such as some extra services (mini-bar, ironing, etc.) provided at the hotel, are subject to additional charges determined by the hotel and are not included in the price at the time of purchase; they will be paid directly to the hotel during your stay.
37- Some countries may have different applications regarding city, tourism, or local level taxes. All such city, tourism, or other taxes currently being applied will be collected by the hotel from the guest upon entry or exit.
38- The travel distances given in the programs are based on maps. Travel times may increase due to traffic, weather conditions, geographical location of the visiting country, road works, and similar factors.
39- The Agency may change the order of the cities in the program or the main airline to be used without altering the content of the program in cases of necessity or at its discretion.
40- The personal belongings, bags, suitcases, passports/identifications of participants in the tour are their own responsibility, and the Agency is not responsible for lost/forgotten/stolen items. If forgotten items are found, all expenses for delivering them to the country and/or person will be the responsibility of the item owner.
41- Participants in the tour are required to carry their travel health insurance policies and any medical issues with prescribed medications and reports.
42- For potential extra expenses, at hotel check-in, a photo ID/passport issued by official institutions and a credit card or cash deposit may be requested by the hotel. The refund of the deposit requested at check-out is a transaction between the hotel and the guest, and the Agency has no intervention in this matter.
Visa and Passport
1- Guests must ensure that their passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date of the end of their travel.
2- In order to have entry-exit stamps applied to your passport at customs crossings/border gates, there must be at least 2 blank pages in your passport.
3- Being exempt from a visa or having obtained a visa for the countries included in this tour does not mean you will be allowed entry/exit to/from the country; border control officers have the authority to deny you entry, and the Agency is not responsible for this, the responsibility lies with the passenger.
4- Non-Turkish citizens or those with dual citizenship participating in the tour using the passport of another country must personally inquire at the relevant consulates regarding the visa procedures applied by the country they will be traveling to; otherwise, the Agency will not be held responsible for any resulting outcomes.
5- To avoid issues with customs officers at border crossings in the countries to be visited due to torn, worn, wet, and/or similarly damaged passports, it is necessary for passports to be renewed. Otherwise, the responsibility lies with the passenger.
6- Guests under 18 should be aware that when traveling alone or accompanied by only one parent, customs officers may request documents demonstrating the joint consent of the parents at border crossings; thus, both minors and their parents are advised to be cautious regarding this matter.
Excluded Services:
• Overseas Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Travel Insurance (Ages 66-75)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes