Kosovo Grand Balkan Tour with AJet including Extra Tours and Dinner SKP-BEG
Day 1: İstanbul - Üsküp
Meeting at the airline counter at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport's departure terminal 3 hours before our flight. We will depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, at 12:50 PM with AJet flight number VF263. After a comfortable flight, we will arrive at 2:20 PM local time, and after entering the country, we will start our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans, with its Ottoman legacy and modern structures. We begin our tour with the historical sites in Skopje, the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop will be 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 was constructed in the 15th century. This mosque is particularly noteworthy for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. During our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, which are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, were once significant centers for merchants. Then, we 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 across Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour through the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we will pass through Macedonia Square. This square is the largest and most central point in Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Afterwards, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hammam to once again feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We will continue to explore the city by walking towards Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, one of Skopje's iconic buildings built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, which are important parts of the city’s Islamic heritage, noted for their architecture. Finally, we will have some free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending an enjoyable time at the bazaar, we will return to our hotel in the evening.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. While exploring the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje during this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the best venues in the region. With live performances by our artists composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, this evening will become an authentic experience without playback. We are pleased to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay in our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Day 2: Üsküp - Priştine - Prizren - Üsküp
After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and head to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina, we will begin our panoramic city tour, exploring both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. While exploring the historical heritage of the city, we will have the opportunity to commemorate Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, the Ottoman Sultan killed in the Kosovo Plain during the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, by visiting his Tomb. 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 town, filled with shops featuring Turkish signs. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important structures of Ottoman architecture in the city. Additionally, we will see the Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam among other significant Ottoman works. After spending some free time in Prizren, we will start our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel and after dinner we will retire to our rooms for the night. Overnight in our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Üsküp – Prištine: 90 km | Prištine – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Üsküp: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 340 km
Day 3: Üsküp – Manastır - Resne – Ohrid
After breakfast, we will set out for our tour of Resne and Manastır (Bitola), famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. We are going to Manastır, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. When we arrive in Manastır, we will visit the Military Academy where the great leader Atatürk studied, and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, you will have the chance to explore historical monuments from the Ottoman era, such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, İshak Pasha Mosque, and Yeni Mosque. While experiencing the historical fabric of Manastır, you will have the opportunity to take a pleasant walk in the city’s nostalgic streets. After a short break here, we will continue towards Resne, where we will see the Palace of Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history, from a panoramic view. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with its nature and Ottoman traces. After the tour, we will head to Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will have a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which once served as an important base for the Ottoman Empire 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, and the Church of St. Sophia. Additionally, we will stroll through the heart of the city, Çınar Square, and explore the Old Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and closely experience the cultural texture of the city. Afterward, we will explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, gaining insight into the daily lives of the local people. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its stunning views will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have some free time before transferring to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the stillness of the night, take a short walk along the lakeside, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Manastır (Bitola) Tour INCLUDED!
Üsküp – Manastır: 170 km | Manastır – Resne: 30 km | Resne – Ohrid: 35 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 4: Ohrid – Tiran – İşkodra
After breakfast, we will check out from our hotel and depart for Tirana, the capital of Albania. An impressive tour awaits us, as we will explore this beautiful city rich in historical and cultural heritage, which is considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. When we arrive 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 Skanderbeg proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built in 1821 by Ethem Bey, is also one of the highlighted points of our tour. During this tour, the modern face and historical past of Tirana will come together, allowing you to collect unforgettable memories. After some free time, we will head towards the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant you with its natural beauties and rich historical texture. Dinner and overnight in our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tiran: 135 km | Tiran – İşkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 5: İşkodra – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje
After breakfast, we will embark on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting beaches of Montenegro. Our first stop will be Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and stunning views, where we will admire the breathtaking scenery of this island from the top; it is an ideal spot to photograph every corner like a postcard. Afterward, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans, and begin our city tour. During this walking tour, we will see the stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife of Budva, one of the most famous holiday centers in the Balkans. Our next stop is Kotor, a charming city known for its fjords! During the walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the narrow streets and the historical atmosphere of the old city, discovering the heart of Kotor. After some free time in Kotor, we will head to our hotel in Medugorje or the surrounding area. After dinner at our hotel, we will retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight in our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
İşkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km
Total distance to be covered: 298 km
Day 6: Medugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we will head to Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, where we will visit and see the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. After the tour, we will head to Blagaj, established at the birthplace of the Buna River, Europe’s most powerful water source. After a short free time in this stunning natural setting, we will continue toward Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557. An architectural masterpiece of the Ottomans, this bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992; however, with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey, it was reopened in 2004. Following the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Paşa Mosque. Then, we will head towards Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic city tour. Sarajevo has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant as the place where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary took place in 1914, sparking the outbreak of World War I. The city suffered significant damage during the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in the 1992 war, yet Sarajevo has managed to retain much of its beauty. During our city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination happened in 1914, the Old Library and western-style buildings that were established during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, we will be transferred to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in our hotel.
Počitelj Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Medugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj – Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 192 km
Day 7: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and head toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, for a pleasant journey. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade still stands out today with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical fabric. Upon arrival in Belgrade, we will begin a panoramic city tour to discover the splendor of the city. Here, you can experience the historical atmosphere and uncover the blend of past and present in Belgrade. Next, we will go to one of the most impressive points in the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Exploring this area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a real pleasure. While continuing to explore this ancient city, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman fleet. You will see important spots such as the Castle Square and Stone Square while tracing the traces of history in this fortress. During our visits, we will also visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the cultural heritage left by the Ottomans. After the tour, we will return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 8: Belgrade - İstanbul
After breakfast, we will check out of our rooms and have free time until transfer time. At the hour determined by our guide, we will transfer to Belgrade Airport. After boarding procedures, we will depart for Istanbul on AJet Airlines flight number VF114 at 1:15 PM. After arriving in Istanbul at 4:55 PM, our tour ends. We bid farewell to you, hoping to see you on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euros*
(With the cancellation guarantee package, we offer guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty in all circumstances. With this application, you can cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour's departure date. In case of cancellation, the full tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The cancellation guarantee package does not apply to group reservations.**
**A limited number of slots are available for each tour.**
The Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging tour program is offered, covering important cities and tourist destinations in the Balkans, including Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, Skopje.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a pleasurable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Visits to structures of different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) allow for an exploration of the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural beauties such as 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: Participants have the opportunity to receive detailed information about cities and historical sites with the help of a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Evening meals filled with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies offer participants a gastronomic experience.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: An opportunity to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night at one of the finest restaurants in Skopje, Restaurant Gardenia.
• All Tours Included: All environmental tours and additional tours in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important points without extra costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included every day in the program, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Expenses: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend money. Except for lunch, optional tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, you won't need to spend extra money.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
• Intense Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour rich and packed. However, this intense pace can be tiring for those who wish to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for instance, between Skopje and Belgrade) are traversed amid beautiful scenery but can involve long hours on the bus. Nevertheless, breaks along the way ensure a comfortable journey.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free times may be limited. However, it offers the chance to visit every essential point with a guide.
• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans can vary at certain times of the year. Therefore, appropriate clothing choice can help make this comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected from options reflecting the character and local culture of the region, though hotels in smaller towns may not offer facilities as large as luxury hotels in Turkey. Nonetheless, these hotels prioritize comfort and cleanliness.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers an opportunity to try the region's unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may find unfamiliar flavors. This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it's useful to keep in mind that you may encounter different tastes.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel 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
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Location Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Skopje 12:50 14:20
Belgrade Istanbul 13:15 16:55
Included Services:
• Round-trip flight tickets with AJet Airlines from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Skopje – Belgrade / Sabiha Gökçen Airport
• A total of 7 nights accommodation in 4* hotel category: 2 nights in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medugorje and surroundings, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Ohrid
• Breakfasts
• Dinners
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Balkan Night embellished with a dinner, entertainment, and folklore shows
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Resne Tour
• Bitola (Manastir) Tour
• Kotor – Budva Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Počitelj Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• Overseas Exit 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 expenses, which include a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person; this will be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour.)