Kosovo Full Balkan Special Eid Al-Adha Tours with Turkish Airlines, Including Evening Dinners, SJJ-BEG
Day 1: Istanbul - Sarajevo
After completing our ticket, baggage, and boarding procedures at the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, we board Turkish Airlines flight TK1021, departing for Sarajevo at 07:05. Following a flight of approximately one and a half hours, we arrive in Sarajevo at 08:00 local time and proceed to enter the country. We then head to Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital, Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will explore a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant as the location where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Serbs in 1914, triggering the outbreak of World War I. Sarajevo was heavily devastated during the wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks during the war in 1992, yet it has successfully preserved much of 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, a Synagogue, the 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 the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Sarajevo – Mostar – Blagaj – Počitelj - Medjugorje
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel. Our first stop is Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural wealth. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557, which is one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but was rebuilt in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Turkey. After exploring the charming atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We then proceed to Blagaj. Blagaj is located at the source of the Buna River, which is the strongest water source in Europe. After a short free time here, we move on to Počitelj. We will visit Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, which is preserved for its historical texture, and see the structures made by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Lastly, we head to Medjugorje, a peaceful place known for its religious visitors. After arriving at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Mostar Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Počitelj Tour INCLUDED!
Sarajevo - Mostar: 130 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj - Počitelj: 30 km | Počitelj - Medjugorje: 20 km
Total distance: 192 km
Day 3: Medjugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards the stunning Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy breathtaking views. Upon arriving in Kotor, famous for its fjords, we will take a walking tour to feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and old town, discovering the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a time travel. Next, we will visit Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! After a panoramic city tour, we will move on to Sv. Stefan, renowned for its rich history and dazzling views. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this island from above. This postcard-like area is ideal for photography. After all these discoveries, we head to the beautiful city of Shkodra in Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Medjugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodra: 85 km
Total distance: 313 km
Day 4: Shkodra – Tirana - Ohrid
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. A fascinating tour awaits us in this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural aspects, where we will explore Tirana, regarded as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the cultural heritage sites of Albania, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We will take a short break at Skanderbeg Square to see the statue of Skanderbeg towering proudly in the center. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is another highlight of our tour. Next, we will visit the meaningful Peace Bell made from the melted lead of the children from Shkodra during the rebellion in 1999. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana and its historical past will come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After some free time, we head to Ohrid. The breathtaking views along the way will accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing this historically significant city, which served as an important base for the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic Alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sophia. Additionally, we will stroll around Çınar Square, and have the opportunity to explore the Old Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, you may visit the Halveti Tekke and closely feel the cultural texture of the city. We will then visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the local people. Lastly, Ohrid's famous lake and its stunning views will accompany our tour. After the tour, we have some free time and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the captivating atmosphere of Ohrid in the peaceful night, take a short walk by the lakeside, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance: 235 km
Day 5: Ohrid – Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast, we pack our luggage and embark on a journey to explore Macedonia's unique nature and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetova (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's most striking towns. Here, we will visit the Alaca Mosque, one of the most colorful and impressive mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque will mesmerize you with its vibrant colors and intricate decorations on its exterior. As we explore this exquisite example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey through history. After our visit in Tetova, we travel to Skopje while enjoying the lush mountains. Upon arriving in Skopje, our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the city's largest and most magnificent mosques. Next, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, constructed in the 15th century, which draws attention with its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. During our tour, we will also see the Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns where merchants once stayed and traded. Later, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje, constructed in the 15th century and connecting both banks of the Vardar River. We will continue our tour by walking along the river, passing through the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods. During our riverside walk, we will cross Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point in Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the grand statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Afterward, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hamam, where we will once again feel the splendor of the Ottoman era. We continue our exploration towards the Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, one of the iconic structures of Skopje, built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are essential parts of the Islamic heritage of the city and stand out with their architecture. Lastly, we will have free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find a wide range of products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the night.
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 the distinguished venue, Restaurant Gardenia. With live performances by our artists, made up of entirely conservatory students and teachers, this evening will be transformed into an authentic experience. We are pleased to welcome you at Restaurant Gardenia, which we operate. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tetova (Kalkandelen): 130 km | Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje: 43 km
Total distance: 173 km
Day 6: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head toward Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, we will start a panoramic city tour to explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo with our arrival in Pristina. During our tour, we will 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 trip through the historical heritage of the city, we will have the opportunity to visit the tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 in the Kosovo Plain, allowing us to remember this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we will head to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we will start exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman town, filled with osmanlı mimicry and Turkish signs. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important Ottoman structures. Other notable Ottoman artifacts include the Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After our free time in Prizren, we will head back to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel and have dinner before retreating to our rooms. Overnight in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance: 340 km
Day 7: Skopje - Belgrade
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and embark on a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans, and today it is noteworthy for its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will initially see the Old Palace, bearing traces of the Ottoman period and renowned for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that unites Belgrade's past with its present. Next, we will head to one of the most impressive points in the city where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Exploring this unique scene, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. While continuing to explore this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded but the conquest was destined for Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which served as the supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points like Kalemegdan and the Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the significant figures from the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and learn about the cultural heritage from its Ottoman period. Our trip will continue with a visit to the Military Museum, filled with artifacts illuminating Belgrade's military history, offering a quite impressive experience. After our tour, we head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km
Day 8: Belgrade - Istanbul
After breakfast, we check out of our rooms, and after eating, there will be free time until the transfer time. We transfer to Belgrade Airport. After completing the boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK1080 at 16:00. Upon arriving at Istanbul Airport at 18:50, our tour concludes. We say goodbye, hoping to see you on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euros*
(With the cancellation assurance 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 up to 9 days before the departure date of the tour. The total tour fee will be refunded upon cancellation, while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refundable.)
**The stated cancellation assurance package does not apply to group reservations.**
**There is a limited number of quotas available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A broad travel program covering important cities and tourist attractions in the Balkans is offered. Many crucial cities like Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje are included in the itinerary.
• Ottoman History: Significant structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a delightful experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Buildings of different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the exploration of the region's cultural diversity.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural landscapes like the Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The destinations included do not require a visa, reducing additional documentation and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Accompanied by a guide, providing detailed information about cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy dinners filled with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors, offering a culinary experience.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all significant places without extra costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included every day in the program, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend; besides lunch and optional tips or souvenirs, there will be no additional expenses.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
• Intense Program: Traveling to different cities every day makes the tour revitalizing and packed with activities. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who wish to explore further.
• Long Journeys: The intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) pass through beautiful views, but there may be days spent sitting on the bus for extended periods. However, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks during the journey.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, the chance to visit all major points with a guide is provided.
• Weather Conditions Depending on the Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can vary at certain times. Therefore, suitable clothing choices can make this situation comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the character and local culture of the region; however, some small hotels in smaller towns may not offer the same luxury level as hotels in Turkey. Nevertheless, care is taken to ensure comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Culinary and Cuisine Experience: The tour offers the opportunity to try the unique local flavors of the region. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but it may contain flavors that some participants might not be accustomed to. This is a great opportunity to closely familiarize yourself with the local culture and cuisine, but it can be useful to keep in mind that you may encounter different tastes.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 5* New Star vb. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks vb. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria vb. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday vb. Hotel Hotel
Medjugorje 4* Sole vb. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik vb. Hotel Hotel
Turkish Airlines
Departure Location Arrival Location Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 07:05 08:00
Belgrade Istanbul 16:00 18:50
Included Services:
• Round-trip flight tickets with THY from Istanbul HL / Sarajevo / Belgrade / Istanbul HL
• A total of 7 nights accommodation in 4* and 5* hotel categories: 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
• Dinner meals
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• A Balkan Night adorned with food, entertainment, and folklore performances
• Blagaj Tour
• Počitelj Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Prizren Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Kotor and Budva Tour
• Resne – Monastery Tour
• Tetovo (Kalkandelen) Tour
• Customs Duties
• All highway, parking, and check-point expenses
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Excluded Services:
• Foreign Exit Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance (up to 65 years old): 20.-Eur
• Travel Insurance (ages 66-75): 40.-Eur
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes