Kosovo Grand Balkans Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner BEG-SKP
Day 1: Istanbul – Belgrade
Meeting at the departure terminal of Sabiha Gökçen Airport 3 hours prior to our flight. Departure for Belgrade at 12:20 with Ajet Airlines flight VF113. After approximately one and a half hours of comfortable travel, we arrive at 12:15. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans, Belgrade still draws attention with its liveliness, movement, and historical texture. We will have the opportunity to explore this fascinating city where the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures occurs. After arriving in Belgrade, we will begin a panoramic city tour to discover the city's stunning beauty. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the fabric that combines Belgrade's past with its present. Next, we will head to one of the city’s most impressive points, where the Sava River joins the Danube River. It will be a joy to explore this area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, against this unique view. While continuing to explore this ancient city, known for the injury that Sultan Mehmed II received for its conquest, though it was ultimately accomplished by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which served as the supply center for the Ottoman fleet. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points like Kalemegdan Park and the Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Martyr Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and gain insights into the cultural heritage left from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we will leave behind the city's history and vibrant atmosphere and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Day 2: Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we will head to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will see a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is marked in history as the place where World War I erupted following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbians in 1914. The city endured significant destruction during the 1992 war, but Sarajevo has managed to largely preserve its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Husein-aga and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings formed during the 40-year Austrian-Hungarian administration. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 3: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medugorje
After breakfast, we will depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural wealth. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557. This bridge was destroyed in 1992, but it was rebuilt in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Turkey. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. We then head to Blagaj, where the Buna River, the strongest freshwater spring in Europe, rises. After a short free time here, we will proceed to Počitelj. We will visit Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, which is well-preserved with its historical fabric, and we will see the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we will move on to Medugorje, a peaceful place famous with religious visitors. On arrival at our hotel, we will pull back 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 - Medugorje: 20 km
Total distance covered: 192 km
Day 4: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv.Stefan – Shkodra
After breakfast, we will depart from our hotel towards the fascinating Kotor. Enjoy magnificent views during our journey. Upon arriving in Kotor, known for its fjords, we will make a walking tour where you can feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and seaside views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Next, we will head to Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! After a panoramic city tour, we will move on to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling views. We will enjoy the breathtaking view of this island from the top. This region, which is picturesque at every corner, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we will proceed to the beautiful city of Shkodra in Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we will rest in our rooms. Overnight at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Medugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodra: 85 km
Total distance covered: 313 km
Day 5: Shkodra – Tirana - Ohrid
After breakfast, we set off from our hotel towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. This beautiful city, rich in history and culture, offers us an impressive tour to explore Tirana, which is considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the important symbols of the city, which started construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We will take a short break in Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the statue of Skanderbeg proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, Tirana's modern face and historical past will come together to ensure you create unforgettable memories. After some free time, we will proceed to Ohrid. Along the way, breathtaking views will accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing this historic city, which was once one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Important sights during our tour include the Monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also wander around the heart of the city, Çinar Square, and have the opportunity to visit the historic Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, we can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the cultural texture of the city up close. After visiting the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, we will witness the daily life of the locals. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its enchanting view will accompany us on our tour. After our tour, we will have free time and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the tranquil night, take a short walk by the lakeside, or retire to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid : 135 km
Total distance covered: 235 km
Day 6: Ohrid – Resne – Bitola - Skopje
After breakfast, we set off for a tour of Resne and Bitola, which are famous for their magnificent nature and historical wealth. Our first stop is Resne, where we will see the palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history, panoramically. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with both its natural beauty and Ottoman traces. After a brief stop here, we will head to Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottomans. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military High School, where the great leader Atatürk studied, and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, we will also explore historical landmarks from the Ottoman period such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, İshak Pasha Mosque, and Yeni Mosque. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets while feeling the historic texture of Bitola. After our visit, we will drive to Skopje, accompanied by the lush mountains. Beautiful views of Macedonia will accompany us along the way. Upon arriving in Skopje, our first stop will be the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city. Next, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, which is especially noted for its carvings and architecture from the Ottoman period. During our tour, we will also see the Kapan Han and Sulu Han located in the heart of Skopje. These structures are excellent examples of Ottoman-era inns and were once significant centers for merchants. Then we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects both banks of the Vardar River. Walking across the Stone Bridge, our tour will continue with views of Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the riverside. During our stroll by the river, we will pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point in Skopje, surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the monument of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Later, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hamam, allowing us to feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period once again. We will continue to explore the city by heading to Skopje's Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century, and then we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are significant parts of the Islamic heritage of the city and stand out with their architecture. Finally, we will have some free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenir items. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, we will transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for a Balkan Night. Afterward, we will return to our hotel and retire to our rooms. Overnight stay in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. This special Balkan night will allow you to explore the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje while being hosted at one of the region's finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. We will enrich this night with performances by artists composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, creating an authentic experience without playback. We will be happy to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resne: 34 km | Resne – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Skopje: 70 km
Total distance covered: 134 km
Day 7: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Following our journey, we will arrive in Pristina and begin our panoramic city tour, where we will discover both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During the tour, we will also visit several valuable buildings from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. While visiting the historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to pay tribute to Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr's Tomb, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain during the Kosovo Battle of 1389, allowing us to commemorate 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 city, filled with signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important structures of Ottoman architecture in the city, as well as Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam, which are among the other significant Ottoman works to be seen. After spending free time in Prizren, we will begin our journey back to Skopje in the evening. Once we arrive, we will be transferred to our hotel and after having our 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 covered: 340 km
Day 8: Skopje - Istanbul
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head to Skopje airport. After arriving at the airport and completing the boarding process, we will fly with Ajet Airlines flight VF264 at 13:20 to Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul. After a comfortable flight, we will arrive in Istanbul at 16:50, concluding our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to meet again on your next journey.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation assurance package application, our guests are granted 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 tour departure date. The full cost of the tour is refunded in cancellation, while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The stated cancellation assurance package is not valid for group reservations.**
**A limited number of quotas are available for each tour.**
The Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: The tour offers a wide-ranging travel program covering important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans. Cities like Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje are included.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: By visiting structures of various religions (mosques, churches, synagogues), the cultural diversity of the region is explored.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural attractions like the Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The tour includes destinations that do not require visas, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: The tour offers detailed information about cities and historical sites with a guide accompanying the group.
• Local Cuisine Experience: With traditional Bosnian dishes and Balkan cuisine featured in dinner meals, participants experience a gastronomic adventure.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: Participants have the chance to enjoy local dishes and a special Balkan night at one of Skopje’s finest restaurants, Restaurant Gardenia.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours mentioned in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all significant points without additional costs.
• Dinner Meals Included: Dinner is included in the program each day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend. Except for lunch, tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, there will be no additional expenses.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
• Intense Program: Traveling to a different city each day makes the tour immensely rich and full. However, this busy pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: The intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are traveled along beautiful scenery, but there may be days spent in long bus rides. However, rest breaks along the way ensure a comfortable journey.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, there will be the opportunity to visit all significant points accompanied by a guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can vary during certain periods. Therefore, making appropriate clothing choices can make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from among options that reflect the region’s character and local culture, although some hotels in smaller cities may not offer the same extensive facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, efforts are made to ensure comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, there will be opportunities to try the unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine features rich and 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's wise to consider that you may come across different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Belgrade 4* Palace etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Hotel
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Point Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Belgrade 12:20 12:15
Skopje Istanbul 13:20 16:50
Services Included:
• Ajet Airlines round trip flight tickets from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Belgrade / Skopje – Sabiha Gökçen Airport
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights: 2 nights in Skopje, 1 night in Ohrid, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medjugorje and surroundings, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, all in 4-star category hotels
• Breakfasts
• Dinners
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• A Balkan Night embellished with dinner, entertainment, and folklore performances
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Resne Tour
• Bitola Tour
• Kotor – Budva Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Počitelj Tour
• Customs Taxes
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• Overseas Departure Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (City tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entry fees, and operational service costs, which include a mandatory payment of 20 Euro per person, to be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour)