Kosovo Balkan Heart Tour with Thy and Extra Tours, including Dinner, 5 Nights SJJ-OHD
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo
After checking in for our flight at the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, we are departing to Sarajevo at 12:45 PM with Turkish Airlines flight TK1023. After a flight of approximately one and a half hours, we arrive in Sarajevo at 1:35 PM local time and proceed with country entry processes. Our first stop is Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital, Sarajevo. After we arrive, we will explore this city, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant as the site where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbs took place in 1914, triggering the First World War. Sarajevo suffered great destruction during the 1992 war among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet it has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman caravanserai 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 occurred in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings that emerged during the 40-year Austrian-Hungarian administration. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 2: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, today also drawing attention with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will have the opportunity to feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that combines Belgrade's past and present. We then head 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 region, which throughout history has been the focal point of many conquests and victories. As we continue to discover this ancient city, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While following the traces of history in this fortress, we will see significant sites such as Kalemegdan Park and the Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Sheikh Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period, and Bayrakli Mosque, one of the few remaining Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, we will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and learn about the city's cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we will leave behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 3: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we are heading to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. After our arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje, with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures, is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans. We begin our tour with significant 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 visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, which dates back to the 15th century and is particularly noted for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. During our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era caravanserais, which were once important centers for merchants. Next, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje, connecting the two banks of the Vardar River since the 15th century. Walking across the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour while seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we will pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and most central place in Skopje surrounded by modern buildings, where we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. We will later see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Bath and once again feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We will continue to explore the city as we walk toward the Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, constructed in the 16th century, which is one of Skopje's iconic structures. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque, one of the early Ottoman mosques of the Ottoman Empire, and Isa Bey Mosque. These mosques are important parts of the city’s Islamic heritage and are noteworthy for their architecture. Lastly, we will have free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending a delightful 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 local dance performances. You will have the opportunity to explore the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje in this special Balkan night while being hosted in one of the finest establishments in the region, Restaurant Gardenia. We will transform this evening into an authentic experience with performances by artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, conducted without playback, showcasing the best of Balkan music and folklore. We are pleased to welcome you to Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje: 430 km
Day 4: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During our tour of the historical heritage, we will visit the tomb of Ottoman Sultan I. Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo in the Kosovo Plain, providing an opportunity to commemorate this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we will move on to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we will start discovering the narrow streets of Prizren, which remind us of Anatolian Ottoman towns, filled with store signs in Turkish. Among the important Ottoman structures in the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, as well as the Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After spending some free time in Prizren, we will begin our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel and after dinner, we will retire to our rooms for the night. Overnight in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 340 km
Day 5: Skopje – Bitola – Resen – Ohrid
After breakfast, we are heading to Resen and Bitola, renowned for their spectacular nature and historical riches. We start our journey towards Bitola, once one of the most vital cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will observe from the outside the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this magical city, we will also discover historical artifacts from the Ottomans such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historic texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city. After a short break here, we continue on to Resen, where we will see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, a significant figure in Balkan history, from a panoramic view. Resen offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After the tour, we move towards Ohrid, accompanied by breathtaking views along the way. Upon arriving in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour of this historical city, which was once one of the major Ottoman bases in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during the tour are the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are credited with developing the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also stroll through the heart of the city at Chinar Square and have the opportunity to explore the traditional Turkish Bazaar from the old Ottoman period. You may visit the Halveti Tekke and closely experience the cultural texture of the city. Afterwards, we will tour the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, getting a glimpse into the daily life of the local people. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its breathtaking scenery will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have some free time before transferring to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay 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 lakeside, or retreat to your rooms to relax.
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 6: Ohrid - Istanbul
After breakfast, we check out from our rooms and have free time until the transfer to the airport. After the free time, we will transfer to Ohrid Airport. After the boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul at 2:30 PM with Turkish Airlines flight TK1012. We arrive at Istanbul Airport at 5:05 PM, concluding our tour. We bid farewell to you and hope to see you on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation insurance package, 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 until 9 days before the tour departure date. In case of cancellation, the full amount of the tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) will not be returned.)
**The specified cancellation insurance package does not apply to group reservations.**
**There are limited slots available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging travel program covering important cities and tourist locations in the Balkans. Significant 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 an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures from different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the cultural diversity of the region to be explored.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural beauties such as Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Includes destinations that do not require a visa, which reduces extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Guided by a tour guide, providing an opportunity to gain detailed information about cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies during dinner.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours included in the program, allowing participants to visit all important points without any additional cost.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included every day in the program, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend extra. Apart from lunch and optionally tips or souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money needs to be spent.
Considerations
• Intensive Program: Daily travel to different cities makes the tour very rich and full. However, this intensive pace can be exhausting for those wanting to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are passed amid beautiful views, but there may be days with long durations spent on the bus. Nevertheless, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, there are opportunities to visit all significant locations with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable during certain periods. Therefore, making suitable clothing choices can make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are selected carefully from among options that reflect the region's character and local culture, although in some smaller cities, these hotels may not offer as extensive facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, these hotels are maintained with care regarding comfort and cleanliness.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, there are opportunities to taste the region’s unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may encounter unfamiliar tastes. This is a great opportunity to become closely acquainted with the local culture and cuisine, but it may be helpful to be prepared for different flavors.
Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 5* New Star etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 5* New Star etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Place Arrival Place Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 1:25 PM 2:20 PM
Ohrid Istanbul 2:30 PM 5:05 PM
Services Not Included:
• Overseas Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All kinds of hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes: (This includes city tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entry fees, and operational service costs, which amount to a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour.)