Kosovo Big Balkan Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner PRN-SJJ
Day 1: Istanbul - Pristina - Prizren - Shkodra
Meeting at the departure terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport in front of the airline check-in counter. Departing at 14:00 on AJet flight VF101 to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Following a comfortable flight, we arrive at 13:45 local time and, after customs procedures, we start our panoramic city tour to explore Kosovo's modern and historical aspects with our private vehicle. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During our exploration of the city’s historical heritage, we will visit the tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I, who was killed in the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, allowing us to commemorate this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we move on to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city, filled with shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important Ottoman structures in the city. Other notable Ottoman sites to be seen include the Halveti Tekke, the Bayrakli Mosque, and the Mehmet Pasha Bath. After our free time in Prizren, we head towards the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Pristina - Prizren: 85 km | Prizren - Prizren: 85 km | Prizren - Shkodra: 190 km
Total distance to be covered: 170 km
Day 2: Shkodra - Tirana - Ohrid
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. An impressive tour awaits us in this beautiful city, which is rich in historical and cultural aspects and is considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our arrival in Tirana, we visit Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important landmarks, which started construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We take a brief break at Skanderbeg Square, where we see the statue of Skanderbeg proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, a symbol of Tirana built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. This tour combines Tirana's modern face with its historical past, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After our free time, we continue our journey to Ohrid, with breathtaking views along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour to introduce this historically significant city, which was once an important base of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Places to be seen during our tour include the statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of St. Sophia, among other important structures. We will also stroll around the vibrant square, the heart of the city, where we can explore the Old Bazaar from the Ottoman era. Here, you may visit Halveti Tekke and experience the cultural fabric of the city closely. We will also visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market to witness the daily life of the locals. Lastly, the famous lake of Ohrid and its mesmerizing scenery will accompany our tour. After the tour, we’ll have free time and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of the night, take a short walk along the lakeside, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra - Tirana: 100 km | Tirana - Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 3: Ohrid - Resen - Bitola - Ohrid
After breakfast, we set off for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for its magnificent nature and historical wealth. Our first stop is in Resen, where we will see the palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, a significant figure in Balkan history, from a panoramic viewpoint. Resen enchants with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a brief stop here, we proceed to Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trading centers of the Ottomans. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military Idadi where the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Atatürk, was educated, and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, you will also have the chance to discover historical Ottoman structures like the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk in the nostalgic streets of Bitola while feeling the city’s historical texture. After all these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid - Resen: 34 km | Resen - Bitola: 31 km | Bitola - Ohrid: 69 km
Total distance to be covered: 134 km
Day 4: Ohrid - Tetovo (Kalkandelen) - Skopje
After breakfast, we collect our luggage and set out to explore North Macedonia's unique nature and cultural treasures. Our first stop will be Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's picturesque towns. Here, we will visit the Alaca Mosque, one of the most colorful and striking mosques in the Balkans. Dating back to the 15th century, this mosque will enchant you with its vibrant external colors and intricate decorations. While discovering this unique example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey through history. After our visit in Tetovo, we continue our journey to Skopje, surrounded by lush mountains. Along the way, breathtaking views of Macedonia will accompany us. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is an important cultural center in the Balkans, with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We will start our tour with the historical sites in Skopje, where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop will be Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. We will then visit Murat Pasha Mosque, which attracts attention with its Ottoman period carvings and architecture, built in the 15th century. During our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns that once served as important centers for traders. Afterwards, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje, built in the 15th century, connecting both sides of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by exploring the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the riverbank. During our walk by the river, we will pass by Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Next, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the David Pasha Bath to once again feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We will continue to explore the Turkish Bazaar of Skopje. Before we reach 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 important parts of the city’s Islamic heritage due to their architecture. Finally, we will have free time at the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find numerous products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your 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 explore Skopje's entertaining and cultural side during this special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the best venues in the region. The best music and folklore of the Balkans will be presented without playback by our artists, consisting entirely of students and teachers from the conservatory, turning this night into an authentic experience. We are pleased to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia in Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Tetovo (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Ohrid - Tetovo (Kalkandelen): 130 km | Tetovo (Kalkandelen) - Skopje: 43 km
Total distance to be covered: 173 km
Day 5: Skopje - Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and begin 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 is known for its liveliness, dynamism, and historical texture. In this mesmerizing city, we will have the opportunity to explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will first see the Old Palace, which carries traces of the Ottoman period and is known for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that combines Belgrade's past with the present. Next, we will head to one of the city’s most impressive points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Discovering this unique view, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be an exhilarating experience. While continuing to explore this ancient city, where Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded but whose conquest was destined for Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which served as the supply base of the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as Kale Square and the Stone Square. During our tour, we will also visit the tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period. While making these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and gain insights into the cultural heritage left by the Ottomans. At the end of our tour, we head to our hotel, leaving behind the city's history and vibrant atmosphere. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Skopje - Belgrade: 430 km
Day 6: Belgrade - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head towards Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we will see the city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant as the place where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs took place in 1914, leading to the outbreak of World War I. The city suffered extensive damage during the destructive wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in the 1992 war; however, Sarajevo managed to preserve 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, the Synagogue, Husein-beg Mosque, Ferhadija Mosque, the Latin Bridge where the assassination occurred in 1914, the Old Library, and the western-style buildings formed during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian administration. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 7: Sarajevo - Počitelj - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical, cultural, and architectural wealth. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Hayreddin, one of the students of Mimar Sinan and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992 but was rebuilt in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey, becoming the symbol of Mostar once again. This elegantly connects both sides of the Neretva River, and we will have the opportunity to stroll through the historic bazaar and stone streets. After experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque, one of the most important religious structures in the city. Here, you can explore the architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy a magnificently view of the Mostar Bridge from the courtyard of the mosque. Next, we proceed to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment, established at the source of the Buna River, which is Europe's most powerful water source. After a brief free time here, we will move on to Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, where we can closely see the structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century while feeling the unique atmosphere of the region. After our tour, we will return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Počitelj Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Sarajevo - Mostar: 120 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj - Počitelj: 22 km | Počitelj - Sarajevo: 150 km
Total distance to be covered: 304 km
Day 8: Sarajevo - Istanbul
After breakfast, we check out of our rooms and have free time until the transfer time. At the time determined by the guide, we will transfer to Sarajevo Airport. After check-in procedures, we depart for Istanbul on AJet Airlines flight VF98 at 14:15. After arriving in Istanbul at 18:05, our tour ends. We bid farewell with the hope of seeing you on your next journey.
*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, you can cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the trip date. While the full tour fee is refunded upon cancellation, the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refundable.)
**The mentioned cancellation insurance package does not apply to group reservations.**
**Limited availability exists for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide trip program covering major cities and tourist spots in the Balkans is offered, visiting several important towns like Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje.
• Ottoman History: This tour includes visits to significant structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period, providing an enjoyable experience for those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: By visiting structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues), the cultural diversity of the region is explored.
• Natural Beauties: Magnificent natural beauties, such as Lake Ohrid, are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The tour includes destinations that do not require visas, thus reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: With a guide, you get the opportunity to learn detailed information about cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian foods, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies are featured in dinner meals, allowing participants to have a gastronomic experience.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours mentioned in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without extra costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included every day in the program, which prevents participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Additional Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money, so aside from lunch, tips and souvenirs for loved ones, there is no extra money to spend.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city each day makes the tour extremely rich and packed. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Distances between cities (for example, Skopje to Belgrade) are traveled with beautiful views, though there may be days spent in long bus rides. Nevertheless, the provided breaks along the way ensure a comfortable travel experience.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, there is an opportunity to visit all significant points with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Depending on the Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable at certain times. Therefore, suitable clothing choices can help make this situation comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the region's character and local culture, but some hotels in smaller towns may not have the amenities of luxury hotels in Turkey. Nonetheless, these hotels pay attention to comfort and cleanliness.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, participants have the chance to try local dishes unique to the region. The Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may find the tastes unfamiliar. This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine, but it may be helpful to be aware that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Sileks Hotel etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Sileks Hotel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Location Destination Location Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Pristina 14:00 13:45
Sarajevo Istanbul 14:15 18:05
Included Services:
• Round trip flight tickets with AJet Airlines from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Pristina - Skopje / Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport
• Total of 7 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels: 2 nights in Ohrid, 1 night in Shkodra, 2 nights in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Skopje
• Breakfasts
• Dinner at the hotel
• Balkan Night decorated with meals, 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
• Počitelj Tour
• Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour
• Resne Tour
• Monastery Tour
• Customs Fees
• All highway, parking, and check-point expenses
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Excluded Services:
• Abroad Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Lunches
• All kinds of hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes