Kosovo Large Balkans Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner SJJ-PRN
Day 1: İstanbul – Sarajevo
Meet in front of the airline check-in counter at Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul. Depart for the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, on AJet flight VF97 at 13:15. After a comfortable flight, we will arrive at 14:30 local time and proceed with immigration procedures. Afterward, we will move with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Upon arrival, we will embark on a panoramic city tour. Sarajevo has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant for being the site where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs triggered World War I in 1914. The city also suffered significant destruction during the war in 1992, involving Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but it has largely maintained its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see famous sites such as Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings from the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian administration. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Sarajevo – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical, cultural, and architectural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by architect Hayreddin, one of Mimar Sinan’s students and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992 but was rebuilt in its original form in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey and has become a symbol of Mostar. We will have the opportunity to explore the historic market and cobbled streets surrounding this bridge, which elegantly joins both banks of the Neretva River. After discovering the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Paşa Mosque, one of the city's significant religious structures, where we can examine architectural details from the Ottoman era and enjoy a magnificent view of the Mostar Bridge from the mosque's courtyard. Next, we will head to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and serene environment, located at the spring of the Buna River, Europe’s strongest water source. After a short free time here, we will continue to Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, where we will have the chance to see the historical buildings built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and experience the unique atmosphere of the area. After the tour, we return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the 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 covered: 304 km
Day 3: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a delightful journey towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade today captivates with its vibrancy, liveliness, and rich historical texture. Upon arrival in Belgrade, we start a panoramic city tour where we will explore its grandeur. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and uncover the blend of Belgrade’s past with its present. Afterward, we will go to one of the city’s most striking points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Exploring this unique view, historically a focal point of conquests and victories, will be a great pleasure. Continuing our exploration of this ancient city, we will come across Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. As we trace history here, we will see important sites like Kalemegdan Park and the Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the tomb of Şehit Ali Paşa, a significant figure from the Ottoman period, and the Bayraklı Mosque, one of the few remaining Ottoman structures in Belgrade. These visits will provide an in-depth exploration of Belgrade’s rich history and allow us to learn about the cultural heritage remaining from the Ottoman era. Following our tour, we will leave behind this historically rich city and return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 4: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we head to the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. Upon arrival, we will start a city tour. Skopje, with its Ottoman heritage and modern architecture, is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans. Our tour begins with the historical sites in Skopje, the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop is the Mustafa Paşa Mosque, built in 1492, one of the largest and most glorious mosques in the city. Next, we will visit the Murat Paşa Mosque, built in the 15th century, noted for its Ottoman-period craftsmanship and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, were once significant centers for traders to stay and conduct business. We will then visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje, connecting both banks of the Vardar River, built in the 15th century. Walking across the Stone Bridge and witnessing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River will continue our tour. During our riverside walk, we will pass by Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings, where we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. We will also see the Ottoman Bridge and visit the Davut Paşa Baths to feel the splendor of the Ottoman period again. We continue to explore the Turkish Bazaar towards the Old Bazaar. Before reaching the Bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century, one of the symbolic buildings of Skopje. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, early Ottoman-era mosques that are significant parts of the city's Islamic heritage with their remarkable architecture. Finally, we will give you some free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time here, we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje: 430 km
Day 5: Skopje – Bitola – Resne – Ohrid
After breakfast, we set out for our tour of Resne and Bitola, famous for their stunning nature and historical richness. We head toward Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. 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 Ottoman sites such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Paşa Mosque, and New Mosque. As you feel the historical texture of Bitola, you will also have the chance to stroll through the city's nostalgic streets. After a short break here, we continue to Resne, where we will see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, a significant figure in Balkan history, from a panoramic view. Resne offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After the tour, we move towards Ohrid. The breathtaking views along the way will accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour of the historic city of Ohrid, which was an important base for the Ottomans in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see significant sites including the monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, the Church of St. Sophia, and the ancient theater from the Roman period. We will also stroll through the Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and have the chance to explore the Turkish Bazaar, which dates back to the Ottoman period, and visit the Halveti Tekkesi to feel the cultural texture of the city closely. Lastly, we will explore Ohrid’s famous lake and its stunning view. Following the tour, there will be free time and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. After dinner, enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of the night; take a short walk by the lakeside or retreat to your rooms for some rest.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Bitola: 170 km | Bitola – Resne: 30 km | Resne – Ohrid: 35 km
Total distance covered: 235 km
Day 6: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. A city rich in historical and cultural aspects, we will embark on an impressive tour to discover Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important symbols, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We will take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the statue of Skander Beg proudly rising in the center. The Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. Afterward, we will visit the Peace Bell, symbolizing meaningful sentiments, made by the children of Shkodra from the bullets melted during the uprising in 1999. This tour will allow you to collect unforgettable memories as Tirana's modern face meets its historical past. After free time, we will head to the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra, with its natural beauties and rich historical texture, will captivate you. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance covered: 235 km
Day 7: Shkodra – Prizren – Pristina
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Prizren. Upon arrival in Prizren, we will see historical sites that immediately give the impression of an Anatolian Ottoman town, such as Sinan Pasha Mosque, Halveti Tekkesi, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After the Prizren tour, we move on to Pristina. Upon arrival in Pristina, we embark on a panoramic city tour where we will discover the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During the tour, we will visit Germia Park, one of Pristina’s most beautiful natural spots. Next, we will visit the Kosovo Museum, which showcases Kosovo's cultural heritage. Throughout our city tour, we will also visit many valuable Ottoman-period structures including Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Paşa Mosque. During this exploration of the city's historical heritage, we will visit the tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Battle of 1389, allowing us to remember this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Prizren: 186 km | Prizren – Pristina: 85 km
Total distance covered: 271 km
Day 8: Pristina – Istanbul
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Pristina airport. Upon arrival at the airport and after boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport on AJet Airlines' scheduled flight VF102 at 15:45. After a comfortable flight, we will arrive in Istanbul at 18:25, concluding our tour. We bid you farewell with hopes to see you again on your next journey.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euros*
(With the cancellation insurance 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 departure date. In case of cancellation, the full amount of the tour is refunded, except for the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service charges (Visa, insurance, etc.).)
**The specified cancellation insurance package is not valid for group reservations.
**A limited number of places are available for each tour.
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
Pristina 4* Ador etc. Hotel Hotel
Istanbul Sarajevo 13:00 12:25
Pristina Istanbul 15:45 18:25
Services Included:
• Round-trip flight tickets on the AJet Airlines route Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen HL. / Sarajevo - Pristina / Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen HL.
• 7 Nights accommodation in a 4* hotel category: 1 Night in Skopje, 1 Night in Shkodra, 2 Nights in Sarajevo, 1 Night in Pristina, 1 Night in Belgrade, and 1 Night in Ohrid.
• Breakfasts
• Dinners to be taken at the hotel
• A Balkan Night adorned with meals, entertainment, and folklore performances
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours as specified in the program
• Pristina and Prizren (Kosovo) Tour
• Tirana tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Počitelj Extra Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Resne Tour
• Monastery Tour
• Customs fees
• All highway, parking, and check-point expenses
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• Overseas Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes