Kosovo Big Balkans Semester Special with Turkish Airlines, Extra Tours and Dinner Included PRN-SKP
Day 1: Istanbul - Pristina - Prizren - Pristina
Meet at the departure terminal of Istanbul Airport in front of the airline check-in counter. Depart for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, on Turkish Airlines flight TK1017 at 08:25. After a comfortable flight, arrive at local time 08:05 and proceed with immigration formalities. After that, we will move to Prizren with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Upon our arrival in Prizren, known for its architectural silhouette and the calls to prayer from the five minarets, we will immediately feel the impression of an Anatolian Ottoman city, marked by Turkish signage along streets and shop signs. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Halveti Tekke, the Bayraklı Mosque, and the Mehmet Pasha Bath. Following our tour in Prizren, we will proceed to Pristina. Once we arrive in Pristina, we will start our panoramic city tour where we will discover the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures dating back to the Ottoman period, such as the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During this visit to the city’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to commemorate the tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, recognizing this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After the tour in Pristina, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Pristina - Prizren: 85 km | Prizren - Pristina: 85 km
Total distance to cover: 170 km
Day 2: Pristina - Tetova (Kalkandelen) - Ohrid
After breakfast, we collect our bags and set off to explore Macedonia's unique nature and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetova (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's stunning towns. Here, we will visit the Alaca Mosque, one of the most colorful and impressive mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, the lively colors and intricate decorations on its façade will enchant you. As we explore this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey into the depths of history. After our visit to Tetova, we will head towards Resne and Bitola (Manastır), renowned for their magnificent nature and historical wealth. Our first stop in Resne will be a panoramic view of the palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we continue to Manastır, which was once one of the most significant cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Manastır, we will visit the Military İdadi where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, we will also discover historical Ottoman monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the Isak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Manastır, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city. After all these rich cultural stops, we will move towards Ohrid. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel in Ohrid.
Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED! | Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Manastır (Bitola) Tour INCLUDED!
Pristina - Tetova (Kalkandelen): 128 km | Tetova (Kalkandelen) - Ohrid: 130 km
Total distance to cover: 258 km
Day 3: Ohrid - Tirana - Shkodra
After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. This beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural significance, will offer us an impressive tour to discover the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the most important symbols of the city, 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 proudly raised in the center of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built in 1821 by Ethem Bey, is also one of the highlights of our tour. Then we will visit the meaningful Peace Bell, made from the melted lead of Shkodra’s children during an uprising in 1999. During this tour, you will create unforgettable memories as Tirana’s modern face blends with its historical past. After some free time, we will head towards Shkodra, a historic city in northern Albania with natural beauties and a rich historical texture that will fascinate you. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid - Tirana: 135 km | Tirana - Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to cover: 235 km
Day 4: Shkodra - St. Stefan - Budva - Kotor - Medugorje
After breakfast, we will embark on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting beaches of Montenegro. Our first stop will be St. Stefan, famous for its rich history and stunning landscapes. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above, as each corner is postcard-perfect, ideal for capturing this region. Next, we will arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. After a panoramic tour of Budva, our next destination is the captivating city of Kotor, renowned for its fjords in the Balkans! During our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the historic atmosphere of its narrow streets and old town, discovering the heart of Kotor. After enjoying some free time there, we will head to Medugorje or our hotel nearby. After dinner at our hotel, we will retire to our rooms for rest. Overnight stay will be at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km
Total distance to cover: 298 km
Day 5: Medugorje - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we will move to Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Blagaj, established at the birthplace of Europe’s strongest water source, the Buna River. After a short break in this marvelous natural scenery, we will depart for Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge which was built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin. An architectural masterpiece of the Ottoman era, this bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery in 1992 but was reopened in 2004 thanks to the significant contributions of the Republic of Turkey. After visiting the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then we will head to Sarajevo. Upon our arrival, we will embark on a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries. It is historically significant as the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in 1914, igniting World War I. Sarajevo was heavily damaged during the war in 1992, yet it has managed to retain much of its beauty. During our city tour, we will visit the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious diversity, 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 were shaped during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Medugorje - Blagaj: 28 km | Blagaj - Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
Total distance to cover: 162 km
Day 6: Sarajevo - Belgrade
After breakfast, we will depart from our hotel and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade attracts attention with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. Upon arrival in Belgrade, we will start a panoramic city tour to discover the grandeur of the city. First, we will see the Old Palace, which bears traces of the Ottoman period and is known for its magnificent ornate ceilings. Here, you will feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that combines Belgrade’s past with the present. Next, we will visit one of the city’s most striking locations, the point where the Sava River meets the Danube. Discovering this area, which has historically been the focus of many conquests and victories, will be a great delight. While continuing to explore this ancient city, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. During this visit, we will see important spots like the Fortress Square and the Stone Square. We will also visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period. Throughout these visits, you will deeply explore 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 houses impressive artifacts illuminating Belgrade’s military history. At the end of our tour, we will head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.
Sarajevo - Belgrade: 287 km
Day 7: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we will head to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is a significant cultural center in the Balkans, featuring a blend of its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We will start our tour with historical sites in Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. Next, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, which impresses particularly with its Ottoman characteristics and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han located in the heart of Skopje. These structures are beautiful examples of Ottoman period hans, once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Next, we will visit the Stone Bridge, a symbol of Skopje, which was built in the 15th century and connects both banks of the Vardar River. Walking across the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour through the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we will pass by Macedonia Square, which is the largest and most central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit Davut Pasha Hammam to relive the grandeur of the Ottoman era once more. We will continue our city exploration heading towards the Turkish Bazaar. Before arriving at the Bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje's symbolic structures. Here, we will visit Sultan Murad Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are significant parts of the city’s Islamic heritage with their notable architecture. Lastly, we will provide some free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying some time at the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the evening.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and regional dance performances. Enjoy discovering Skopje's entertaining and cultural side in this special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the finest venues in the area. The best music and folk traditions of the Balkans will be performed live by artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, transforming this night into an authentic experience. We are pleased to welcome you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight stay will be in our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade - Skopje: 430 km
Day 8: Skopje - Istanbul
After breakfast, please empty your rooms and enjoy some free time until the transfer time. At the time specified by the guide, we will transfer to Skopje Airport. After checking in for the flight, we will depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK1006 at 20:35. Arrive in Istanbul at 00:15, marking the end of 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, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. This allows for cancellation of your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure date. Upon 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 specified cancellation insurance package does not apply to group reservations.**
**Limited availability for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A broad travel program covering significant cities and touristic points in the Balkans. Important cities such as 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 an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Various religious buildings (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, exploring the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural attractions such as Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The tour includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: You get the opportunity to receive detailed information about the cities and historical places with an experienced guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies are included in the dinners so that participants experience a gastronomic journey.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours as per the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all significant points without paying extra costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend extra; aside from lunch, optional tips, and souvenirs for their loved ones, you won’t need to spend any extra money.
Things to Consider
• Intense Program: Traveling to different cities every day makes the tour extremely rich and full but can be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: The inter-city distances (for instance, Skopje - Belgrade) are covered amidst beautiful landscapes, though there will be days with long hours passed on the bus. However, with breaks provided along the way, a comfortable journey is ensured.
• Limited Free Time: Because the tour program is comprehensive, free times can be limited. However, there’s an opportunity to visit all important points accompanied by a guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather in the Balkans can be variable at certain times of the year. Therefore, selecting suitable clothing can make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour have been carefully chosen from options that reflect the region's character and local culture, though accommodations in smaller cities may not offer the same extensive amenities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, cleanliness and comfort are prioritized in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers opportunities to taste the unique local flavors of the region. The Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious; however, it may contain unfamiliar tastes for some participants. This is a great opportunity to closely observe local culture and cuisine; it can be beneficial to keep in mind that you might encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Pristina 4* Ador Hotel etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 5* New Star Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Place Destination Place Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Pristina 08:25 08:05
Skopje Istanbul 20:35 00:15
Included Services:
• Round trip plane tickets with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul HL. / Pristina - Skopje / Istanbul HL.
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights in 4 and 5-star hotel categories: 1 night in Pristina, 1 night in Ohrid, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medjugorje, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Skopje.
• Breakfasts
• Dinner at the hotel
• Balkan Night embellished with food, entertainment, and folklore shows
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Prizren (Kosovo) Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour
• Budva Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Customs Taxes
• All highway, parking, and check-point expenses
• Professional Turkish-speaking guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• Abroad Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes