Kosovo Grand Balkans Tour Semester Special Including THY, Extra Tours and Dinner SJJ-SKP
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo
After completing our ticket, baggage, and boarding procedures at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, we depart for Sarajevo at 14:50 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1021. After a comfortable flight, we arrive at 14:40 local time and proceed with entry procedures. Following this, we will move with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. After our arrival, we will explore Sarajevo, a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant as the place where World War I began when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Serbs in 1914. The city suffered great destruction during the 1992 war between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet Sarajevo managed to retain much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, Synagogue, Husein Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the western-style buildings that formed during the 40-year Austrian-Hungarian rule. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our 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, a student of Mimar Sinan, which is considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992, but with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey, it was rebuilt in 2004 to its original form and has become a symbol of Mostar again. We will have the opportunity to explore the historical bazaar and stone streets surrounding this elegantly connecting bridge of the Neretva River. After discovering the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque, one of the city's most important religious structures. Here, we will examine the architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy a spectacular view of the Mostar Bridge from the mosque's courtyard. Next, we will head to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and tranquil environment, where the Buna River, Europe’s strongest water spring, originates. After a short free time here, we will move on to Počitelj, a place that carries the past into the present with its stone houses and historical texture. In Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, we will have the chance to see the masterpieces built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and feel the unique atmosphere of the region. After the tour, we will transfer back to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay 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 3: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our 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 of the Balkans, and today it attracts attention with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. In this captivating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the fabric that combines the past with the present. Then we will go to one of the most impressive points of the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be enjoyable to explore this area, which has been a focal point of conquest and victory many times throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply center for the Ottoman Navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important places such as Kalemegdan Park and Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period, and the Bayraklı Mosque, one of the few surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will delve deeper into Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the cultural heritage remaining from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we will head to our hotel, leaving behind the city's history and lively atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 4: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is an important cultural center in the Balkans with its Ottoman heritage and modern buildings. We will start our tour with the historical sites in Skopje, the city of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop will be the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city. Then, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, known for its Ottoman period embellishments and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, which were important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Later, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge, constructed in the 15th century, connects both sides of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we will pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point in Skopje, surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Additionally, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hammam to once again feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We will continue exploring the city by heading towards Skopje's Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will visit the City Clock Tower, built in the 16th century, and see the Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are early Ottoman mosques in the city. Finally, we will provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find various products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending a pleasant time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the evening.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and folk dance performances. You will experience the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje during this special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the finest venues in the region. This night will be transformed into an authentic experience with live performances by artists made up entirely of conservatory students and teachers, without playback. We will be happy to host you at our Restaurant Gardenia in Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje: 430 km
Day 5: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra
After breakfast, we will depart from our hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, we will start our panoramic city tour to explore the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit several valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During this historical tour, we will visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo in the Kosovo Plain, providing an opportunity to commemorate this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we will move on to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we will begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, which remind one of an Anatolian Ottoman city with its architecture and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important Ottoman structures. Other significant Ottoman works we will see include the Halveti Tekkesi, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam. After our free time in Prizren, we will head towards the historical city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Shkodra: 190 km
Total distance to be covered: 365 km
Day 6: Shkodra – Tirana - Ohrid
After breakfast, we will set off from our hotel towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. This beautiful city, historically and culturally rich, offers an impressive tour as we explore Tirana, recognized as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit one of the city’s most important landmarks, the Ethem Bey Mosque. This structure, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923, is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We will take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the statue of Skanderbeg proudly rising in the center. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, will also be one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana will meet its historical past, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After some free time, we will head towards Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historical city of Ohrid, which has been one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the important sites we will see during our tour are 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 around the heart of the city at Çınar Square and explore the old Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekkesi and closely experience the cultural texture of the city. Afterwards, we will visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily lives of the local people. Finally, we will be accompanied by the beautiful scenery of Ohrid Lake and its enchanting views during our tour. After the tour, we will have free time and transfer back to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy Ohrid's enchanting atmosphere in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, or retreat to your rooms to relax.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 7: Ohrid - Resne - Bitola – Skopje
After breakfast, we will depart for our tour of Resne and Bitola, known for their magnificent nature and historical riches. Our first stop is in Resne, where we will see the panoramic view of the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we will set off towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important centers of culture and trade for the Ottomans. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military Academy, where our founding leader Atatürk studied, and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this magical city, you will also have the chance to explore historical landmarks from the Ottoman era such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, İshak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the city's nostalgic streets. After experiencing all these cultural stops, we will transfer to Skopje Airport. Upon arrival at the airport and completion of boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul Airport at 20:35 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1006. After a comfortable flight, we will arrive in Istanbul at 00:15, concluding our tour. We bid you farewell hoping to see you again on your next journey.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resne: 34 km | Resne – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Skopje: 163 km
Total distance to be covered: 228 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation insurance package application, 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 tour fee is refunded while the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.)
**The cancellation insurance package stated is not valid for group bookings.**
**A limited number of spots are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide travel program covering the important cities and tourist spots of the Balkans. Many important cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a pleasant experience for those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Riches: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, discovering the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Amazing natural beauties like Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Featuring destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Accompanied by a guide, providing detailed information about cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Dinner services filled with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies allow participants to have a gastronomic experience.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours included in the program are covered in the tour price, enabling participants to visit all essential points without incurring additional costs.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, minimizing extra expenses while tasting local dishes.
• No Need for Extra Spending: Ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Besides lunch and optional tips or souvenirs for loved ones, there are no additional expenses.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
• Intensive Program: Traveling to different cities every day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this intensive pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (e.g., Skopje-Belgrade) are traversed with beautiful views, but there may be days with long periods spent on the bus. Nevertheless, comfort is provided through breaks along the journey.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, there’s an opportunity to visit all important points under the guidance of a guide.
• Weather Conditions Depending on the Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable at certain times. Therefore, appropriate clothing choices can make this comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected from options reflecting the character of the region and local culture, although some hotels in smaller cities may not offer the same facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, care is taken to ensure comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers a chance to taste the unique local flavors of the region. Balkan cuisine is rich and flavorful, but it may have unfamiliar tastes for some participants. This is a great opportunity to closely familiarize yourself with the local culture and cuisine, but it’s advisable to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
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
By Turkish Airlines
Departure Place Destination Place Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 14:50 14:40
Skopje Istanbul 20:35 00:15*
Services Not Included:
• Foreign Departure Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (up to 65 years old)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes