Kosovo Heart of the Balkans Tour with Turkish Airlines Including Extra Dinner 4 Nights OHD-SJJ
Day 1: Istanbul – Ohrid - Tirana – Shkodra
Meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter at the departure terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before our flight. We are departing for Ohrid at 10:35 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1009. After a comfortable flight, we arrive in Ohrid at 11:15 local time and, after the entry procedures, our city tour begins with our special vehicle waiting for us at the airport. We will take a tour to introduce the historical city of Ohrid, which has been one of the key Ottoman strongholds in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see important sites including the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, and the Aya Sofya Church. We will also stroll around Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and have the opportunity to explore the Turkish Bazaar from the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit Halveti Tekkesi and feel the city's cultural fabric up close. Afterward, you will witness the daily lives of local people by exploring the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market. Finally, Ohrid's famous lake and the breathtaking views of the lake will accompany our tour. After some free time, we will head to Tirana. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city's most important symbols, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923, representing Albania's cultural heritage. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly rising in the center of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built in 1821 by Ethem Bey, is another highlight of our tour. During this tour, Tirana's modern and historical sides come together, providing you with unforgettable memories. After some free time, we will head towards the historical city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra, with its natural beauties and rich historical fabric, will enchant you. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid - Tirana: 125 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 225 km
Day 2: Shkodra – Prizren - Pristina - Skopje
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren filled with architecture reminiscent of Anatolian Ottoman towns and shop signs written in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important structures of Ottoman architecture in the city. Other important Ottoman artifacts we will see include Halveti Tekkesi, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After spending some free time in Prizren, we head towards Priština, the capital of Kosovo. After a journey, we arrive in Priština and 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 era, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. While exploring the city's historical heritage, we will also visit the mausoleum of Ottoman Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, commemorating this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Priština, we start our journey back to Skopje. Upon arriving in Skopje, our first stop will be the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. Following this, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, which stands out with its intricate designs and architecture from the Ottoman period. During our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Next, we will visit the Stone Bridge, a symbol of Skopje, built in the 15th century, connecting both banks of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, our tour leads us through the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we will pass by Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point in Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. We will then view 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. Walking towards Skopje's Turkish Bazaar, we continue to explore the city. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, one of Skopje's symbol structures, built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque, one of the early Ottoman mosques, and Isa Bey Mosque. The mosques are an important part of the city's Islamic heritage and remarkable with their architecture. Finally, we will give free time at the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products from traditional crafts to souvenirs. After spending a pleasant time in the bazaar, we will transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for the Balkan Night. Afterward, we will transfer to our hotel and then retire to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the opportunity to explore the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje during this special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region's finest venues. With live performances from our artists, who are all conservatory students and teachers, this night will be transformed into an authentic experience, devoid of playback. We will be pleased to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Prizren: 186 km | Prizren – Pristina: 85 km | Pristina – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 436 km
Day 3: Skopje – Belgrade
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel for 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 with its liveliness, dynamism, and historical texture. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the city’s blend of its past and present. Next, we will go to one of the most impressive points of the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Exploring this unique view, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. While continuing to discover this ancient city, which was wished to be captured by Fatih Sultan Mehmed but was captured by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply base for the Ottoman navy. While following the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as Kale Square and Taş Meydan. During our tour, we will also visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and gain insight into its cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. After our tour, we leave behind the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km
Day 4: Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we will see the city, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant as the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Serbs in 1914, causing the outbreak of World War I. During the 1992 war, the city suffered great destruction due to the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo has largely managed to preserve its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Husein Bey and Ferhadija 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 the city’s 40-year Austro-Hungarian administration. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 5: Sarajevo - Istanbul
After breakfast, the rooms will be vacated, and we will have free time until the transfer time. Transfer to Sarajevo Airport. After check-in procedures, we will fly to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines flight TK1026 at 20:35. After a comfortable and relaxed journey, we arrive at Istanbul Airport at 23:35, concluding our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation insurance 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 to 9 days before the departure date. Upon cancellation of the reservation, while the total tour fee is refunded, the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The specified cancellation insurance package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited availability is available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging itinerary is offered that includes important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans. Many important cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited to explore the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural attractions such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Includes destinations that do not require visas, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Accompanied by a guide, providing in-depth information about the cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants experience a gastronomic journey with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies during dinner.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important sites without additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, thus preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Expenses: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Except for lunch, tips if desired, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will be spent.
Things to Consider
• Intense Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely rich and fulfilling. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who wish to explore more.
• Long Journeys: The intercity distances (for example Skopje-Belgrade) are traversed amid beautiful scenery, but there may be days when time is spent on the bus for long periods. Nonetheless, breaks will 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 sights with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can change during certain periods. Therefore, appropriate clothing selection can make this situation more comfortable.
• Quality of Accommodation and Services: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the character and local culture of the region, although some hotels in smaller cities may not offer the same extensive amenities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, these hotels prioritize comfort and cleanliness.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers the opportunity to try the region's unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and full of delicious dishes, but some participants may encounter unfamiliar tastes. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine, but it is advisable to be aware that you may come across different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik, etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 5* New Star, etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Nobel, etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday, etc. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines (All Dates with Departures on Thursday and Sunday)
Departure Place Destination Place Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Ohrid 13:05 13:40
Sarajevo Istanbul 20:35 23:35
With Turkish Airlines (All Dates with Departures on Friday)
Departure Place Destination Place Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Ohrid 10:35 11:10
Sarajevo Istanbul 20:35 23:35
Included Services:
• Round trip flight tickets with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul HL. / Ohrid – Sarajevo / Istanbul HL.
• Accommodation for a total of 4 nights: 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Sarajevo, and 1 night in Belgrade in 4 and 5-star hotel categories
• Breakfasts
• Dinners to be taken at the hotel
• A Balkan Night adorned with meals, entertainment, and folklore performances
• All transfers mentioned in the program
• City tours mentioned in the program
• Tirana tour
• Pristina tour
• Prizren tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)