Kosovo Big Balkan Tour with Turkish Airlines Including Extra Tours and Dinner 6 Nights OHD-SJJ
Day 1: Istanbul - Ohrid - Resne - Bitola - Ohrid
Meeting at the Turkish Airlines check-in counter at Istanbul airport 3 hours before our flight. We depart for Ohrid at 10:35 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1009. After a comfortable flight, we arrive in Ohrid at 11:15 local time and, after completing customs procedures, we proceed with our special vehicle for the tour of magnificent Resne and Bitola. Our first stop is Resne, where we 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 head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we 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 from the Ottoman era, such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. You will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city while feeling the historical texture of Bitola. After these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Distance from Ohrid to Resne: 35 km | Distance from Resne to Bitola: 33 km | Distance from Bitola to Ohrid: 69 km
Total distance: 137 km
Day 2: Ohrid - Tirana - Shkodra
After breakfast, our city tour begins. We will have a tour of the historic city of Ohrid, which was one of the important strongholds of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see landmarks such as the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of St. Sophia. We also have the opportunity to stroll around Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the old Turkish Bazaar. Here, we can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the cultural texture of the city up close. Afterward, we’ll visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the local people. Lastly, the famous lake and the stunning views of Lake Ohrid will accompany our tour. After some free time, we proceed to Tirana. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city's most important symbols, which started construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923, being a cultural heritage of Albania. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we see the statue of Skander Bey proudly rising in the center of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical background will merge, providing you with unforgettable memories. After some free time, we head towards the historical city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will charm you with its natural beauties and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Distance from Ohrid to Tirana: 125 km | Distance from Tirana to Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance: 225 km
Day 3: Shkodra - Sv. Stefan - Kotor - Budva - Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to the famous Sv. Stefan, known for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will enjoy a stunning view of this islet from above. This area, postcard-worthy at every corner, is perfect for photography. After exploring, we head towards the enchanting Kotor. Along the way, you will enjoy magnificent views. Upon arriving in Kotor, a medieval town renowned for its fjords, we will embark on a walking tour where you will feel the historical atmosphere in the narrow streets and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Next, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. Our walking tour begins in Budva, where we will see the amazing beaches and vibrant nightlife of this famous resort. After the tour, we proceed back to the beautiful city of Shkodra. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Distance from Shkodra to Sv. Stefan: 77 km | Distance from Sv. Stefan to Kotor: 31 km | Distance from Kotor to Budva: 23 km | Distance from Budva to Shkodra: 85 km
Total distance: 216 km
Day 4: Shkodra - Prizren - Pristina - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman town, filled with shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important Ottoman buildings in the city, along with Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam, which are also notable Ottoman artifacts. After some free time in Prizren, we set off towards Kosovo’s capital, Pristina. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin a panoramic city tour that will allow us to explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During the tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. We will have the opportunity to commemorate the significant event of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo by visiting the tomb of Ottoman Sultan I. Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain. After our tour in Pristina, we start our journey back to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. Following that, we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, which attracts attention with its decorations and architecture from the 15th century. During our tour, we will also see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns that once served as important centers for merchants. Next, we will visit the Stone Bridge, symbolizing Skopje, built in the 15th century, which connects both sides of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour through Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the riverbank. During our walk by the river, we pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter a large statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. We then see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hammam, feeling the magnificence of the Ottoman period once again. We still continue our exploration of Skopje by walking towards the Turkish Bazaar. Just before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, one of Skopje's symbolic structures built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are important parts of the city’s Islamic heritage due to their striking architectural designs. Finally, we give you free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After our enjoyable time at the bazaar, we transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for the Balkan Night. Later, we transfer to our hotel and retreat to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner with traditional Balkan music and regional dance performances awaits you. During this special Balkan night, you will have the opportunity to explore Skopje's entertaining and cultural side while being hosted in one of the finest venues in the region, Restaurant Gardenia. We will transform this night into an authentic experience with performances by artists composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, conducted live without playback. We will be pleased to host you at our Restaurant Gardenia in Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Distance from Shkodra to Prizren: 186 km | Distance from Prizren to Pristina: 85 km | Distance from Pristina to Skopje: 165 km
Total distance: 436 km
Day 5: Skopje - Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and embark on a pleasant journey towards the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and it continues to attract attention with its liveliness, mobility, and historical texture. Upon arrival in Belgrade, we begin a panoramic city tour to discover all the splendor of the city. Here, you will feel the historical atmosphere and discover the unique texture that merges Belgrade's past and present. We then head to one of the most impressive points in the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be a great pleasure to explore this unique view, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. Continuing the exploration of this ancient city, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracking the traces of history in this fortress, we will see significant points such as Kale Square and Tašmajdan Park. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Shakir 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 that has survived from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, we head to our hotel, leaving the history and lively atmosphere of the city behind. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Distance from Skopje to Belgrade: 430 km
Day 6: Belgrade - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we find ourselves in a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically significant for being the place where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary took place in 1914, which triggered the outbreak of World War I. During the 1992 war, Sarajevo suffered extensive damage due to the destructive wars involving Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks; however, it has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will explore the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Husein Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand occurred in 1914, the Old Library, and the western-style buildings created during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Distance from Belgrade to Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 7: Sarajevo - Istanbul
After breakfast, we check out of our rooms and have free time until the transfer time. We transfer to Sarajevo Airport. After completing boarding procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 14:25 with the Turkish Airlines flight TK1024. After a comfortable journey, we arrive at Istanbul Airport at 17:25, concluding our tour. We bid farewell, hoping to see you on your next trip.
* Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euros *
(With the cancellation guarantee package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under all circumstances. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation until 9 days before the tour date. In the cancellation of the reservation, while the full tour fee is refunded, the cancellation guarantee package fee and any extra service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
** The cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations. **
** There are a limited number of slots available for each tour. **
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: The tour offers a wide range of attractions covering the major cities and tourist sites of the Balkans. Many important cities like Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Significant structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a delightful experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Buildings of different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, uncovering the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Amazing natural wonders such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: This tour covers destinations that do not require a visa, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Participants have the chance to get detailed information about the cities and historical sites with the help of a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants can enjoy traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies with the dinner, providing a gastronomic experience.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important points without additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Spending: This tour is ideal for guests who don't want to spend money. Besides lunch, tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money needs to be spent.
Things to Consider
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour very rich and fulfilling. However, this intensive pace may be exhausting for those wanting to explore more.
• Long Journeys: The intercity distances (for example, Skopje to Belgrade) pass with beautiful views, but there could be long hours spent on the bus. However, comfortable travel is ensured with provided breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. Nevertheless, there’s an opportunity for visiting all key points with the guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: The weather in the Balkans can vary during some periods. Hence, appropriate clothing selection can help make the experience comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected to reflect the region's character and local culture, but some hotels in smaller cities may not offer the amenities available in luxury hotels in Turkey. However, comfort and cleanliness are emphasized in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Participants will have the chance to try the local delicacies unique to the region throughout the tour. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may encounter unfamiliar tastes. This is a great opportunity to closely experience the local culture and cuisine, but it's beneficial to keep in mind that you might face different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Ohrid 4* Beograd Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik, etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 5* New Star, etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Nobel, etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday, etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday, etc. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Location Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Ohrid 10:35 11:10
Sarajevo Istanbul 14:25 17:25
Included Services:
• Round trip flight tickets with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul HL. / Ohrid – Sarajevo / Istanbul HL.
• A total of 6 nights accommodation in 4 and 5* hotel categories: 1 night in Ohrid, 2 nights in Shkodra, 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Sarajevo
• Breakfasts
• Dinner at the hotel
• Balkan Night filled with Dinner, Entertainment, and Folklore Performances
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Resne Tour
• Bitola Tour
• Tirana tour
• Budva Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Sv.Stefan Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Prizren Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• Outgoing International Departure Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All types of hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (City tax, check point fees, local service charges, handling fee, bus entry fees, and operational service costs, which include a mandatory payment of 20 Euro per person, will be collected in cash by the guide before the tour departs)