Kosovo Great Balkans Tour with AJet including Extra Tours and Dinners PRN-PRN
Day 1: Istanbul - Pristina - Prizren - Pristina
Meet at the airline counter at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport departure terminal. Depart for the capital of Kosovo, Pristina, at 14:00 with AJet flight VF101. After a comfortable flight, arrival at local time 13:45 and after entering the country, we will proceed to Prizren with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Upon arrival in Prizren, which gives an immediate impression of an Anatolian Ottoman city with its architectural silhouette and the calls to prayer rising from the minarets, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, Halveti Lodge, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam. After our Prizren tour, we will proceed to Pristina. Upon arrival in Pristina, we will start our panoramic city tour to discover Kosovo's modern and historical aspects. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Mosque of Fatih Sultan Mehmed and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During this journey through the historical heritage of the city, we will see the tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, and have the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Pristina - Prizren: 85 km | Prizren - Pristina: 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 170 km
Day 2: Pristina - Bitola - Resen - Ohrid
After breakfast, we set off for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. We head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military Academy, where the great leader Atatürk studied, and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this magical city, we will also explore historical monuments left from the Ottoman period, such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historical 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 to Resen, where we will see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who made his mark in Balkan history, from the panoramic view. Resen offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After our tour, we head to Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historic city, which has been an important stronghold of the Ottoman Empire 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, and the Church of St. Sophia. Additionally, we will stroll around the main square of the city, Çınar Square, and have the opportunity to explore the old Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. You can also visit the Halveti Lodge and closely feel the cultural texture of the city. After exploring the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, you will witness the daily lives of the local people. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its enchanting views will accompany our tour. After the tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the captivating atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of the night, take a short walk along the lakeside, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje - Bitola: 270 km | Bitola - Resen: 30 km | Resen - Ohrid: 35 km
Total distance to be covered: 335 km
Day 3: Ohrid - Tirana - Shkodra
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, which is rich in history and culture, we will discover Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe, with an impressive tour awaiting us. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the most important symbols of the city, which started construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We briefly stop at 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, the modern face of Tirana and its historical past will blend together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we continue our journey towards the historical city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will fascinate you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid - Tirana: 135 km | Tirana - Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 4: Shkodra - St. Stephen - Budva - Kotor - Medugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey to the stunning beaches of Montenegro. Our first stop is St. Stephen, famous for its rich history and dazzling views. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this peninsula from above, an ideal spot for photographing this postcard-like region. Next, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. After our panoramic Budva tour, our next stop is the mesmerizing city of Kotor, known for its fjords! During our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and views of the sea, this small town will take you on a journey through time. After some free time in Kotor, we move to Medugorje or a nearby hotel. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km
Total distance to be covered: 298 km
Day 5: Medugorje - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we proceed to Sarajevo. Our first stop is Blagaj, located at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s most powerful water source. After a short free time in this magnificent natural setting, we head to Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557. This bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, was destroyed by Croat artillery during the war in 1992; however, with the significant contributions of the Republic of Turkey, it was reopened in 2004. After visiting the Mostar Bridge, we will visit Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We then proceed to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will have a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant as the place where World War I broke out with the assassination of the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914. The city suffered extensive damage during the 1992 war among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks; however, Sarajevo has largely managed to preserve its beauty. During our tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious diversity, the Synagogue, the Husein Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand’s assassination took place in 1914, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings from the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Medugorje - Blagaj: 28 km | Blagaj - Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 170 km
Day 6: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and start a pleasant journey to Serbia's capital, Belgrade. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade today attracts attention with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the blend of past and present. We then head towards one of the most striking points of the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Discovering this unique view, historically a focal point of conquests and victories, will be delightful. While continuing to explore this ancient city, which was once the supply center of the Ottoman navy, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, and during our tour, we will see significant places such as Kalemegdan Park and the Stone Town. We will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period, and Bayraklı Mosque, one of the few remaining Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and learn about its cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city and proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo - Belgrade: 287 km
Day 7: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we head towards Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje, with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures, is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans. Our tour starts at historical sites in Skopje, the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop is Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. We then visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, which is notable for its Ottoman-era adornments and architecture. As the tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, which are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns and were once important centers for merchants to stay and trade. Next, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects both sides of the Vardar River. Walking over the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour by observing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the river. During our walk, we pass through Macedonia Square, 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. Afterward, we see the Ottoman Bridge, built in the 15th century from the outside, and visit Davut Pasha Bath, once again feeling the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We continue to explore Skopje by heading towards the Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, one of Skopje's symbolic structures built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque, an early Ottoman Empire mosque, and Isa Bey Mosque. These mosques are an important part 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 crafts to souvenirs. After a pleasant time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the evening.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the opportunity to experience the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje with this special Balkan night at one of the finest venues in the region, Restaurant Gardenia. With the best Balkan music and folklore presented live, our artists, consisting entirely of conservatory students and teachers, will turn this night into an authentic experience without playback. We are delighted to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade - Skopje: 430 km
Day 8: Skopje - Pristina - Istanbul
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Pristina airport. Arriving at the airport and completing the boarding process, we will fly with AJet Airlines on flight VF102, scheduled to depart at 15:05 to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport. After a comfortable flight, we will arrive in Istanbul at 17:40, marking the end of our tour. We bid you farewell with hopes to meet again on your next journey.
Skopje - Pristina: 90 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation guarantee package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under all circumstances. This application allows you to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour's departure date. Upon cancellation, the entire tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The specified cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**A limited number of spots are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide travel program covering important cities and tourist attractions of the Balkans is offered. Many 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 those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Different religious structures (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited to explore the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural wonders like Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The tour includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Participants have the opportunity to receive detailed information about the cities and historical sites with a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Evening meals with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies offer participants a gastronomic experience.
• All Tours Included: All environmental tours and extra tours included in the program are part of the tour price, allowing participants to visit all significant places without extra costs.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included daily, preventing participants from incurring additional expenses while trying local flavors.
• No Need for Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend; aside from lunch, tips, and any souvenirs for loved ones, there will be no additional expenses.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
• Intensive Program: Daily travel to different cities makes the tour extremely rich and packed. However, this intensive pace may be tiring for those wanting to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are traveled along with beautiful views, but there may be days spent in the bus for extended periods. Nevertheless, regular stops are provided for a comfortable journey.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, there's great opportunity to visit all major sites with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Depending on the Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable at certain times of the year. Thus, appropriate clothing choices can make this condition comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels featured in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region's character and local culture, though some hotels in smaller cities may not offer amenities as broad as luxurious hotels in Turkey. However, care is taken for comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Cuisine Experience: The tour provides opportunities to try local flavors unique to the region. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious; however, some participants may find unfamiliar tastes. This is a great opportunity to closely experience the local culture and cuisine, but it's beneficial to be aware that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Pristina 4* Ador Hotel, etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd, etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik, etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Sole, etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday, etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel, etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel, etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Location Arrival Location Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Pristina 13:30 14:05
Pristina Istanbul 15:05 17:40
Included Services:
• Round trip flight tickets with AJet Airlines from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Pristina and back to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights in 4* hotel category: 1 night in Pristina, 1 night in Ohrid, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medugorje, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Skopje
• Breakfasts
• Dinners to be taken at the hotel
• Balkan Night adorned with a dinner, 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
• Resne Tour
• Monastery Tour
• Budva Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
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.)