Kosovo Big Balkan Tour with Turkish Airlines Including Extra Tours and Dinner for 6 Nights SJJ-OHD
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo
After our ticket, luggage, and boarding processes at the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, we depart for Sarajevo at 12:45 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1023. After approximately a one and a half hour flight, we arrive in Sarajevo at 13:35 local time and proceed to entry procedures. Our first stop is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Upon our arrival, we begin a panoramic city tour of a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries, famously known as the site where World War I began in 1914 when the Austrian-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Serbs. It suffered significant destruction during the 1992 war among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks; however, Sarajevo has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious cosmopolitanism, a Synagogue, Huseinv Beg 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 administration. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Day 2: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we check out of 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. Today, it attracts attention with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will explore the full glory of the city. Here, you can feel the historic atmosphere and discover the blend of Belgrade's past and present. Then, we proceed to one of the most impressive spots in the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. While continuing to explore this ancient city, which was the supply center for the Ottoman navy, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, where significant traces of history can be followed, including the Kalemegdan and Stone Square. During our tour, we will also visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period, and the Bayraklı Mosque, one of the rare Ottoman structures that still stand in Belgrade. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and gain insights into the cultural heritage remaining from the Ottoman period. At the end of the tour, we leave behind the city's history and vibrant atmosphere and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 3: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we head to the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. After arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje, with its Ottoman-era heritage and modern structures, is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans. Our tour begins with the historical sites in Skopje, the city where famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city. Then we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque built in the 15th century, known for its Ottoman period carvings and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see the Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, which are beautiful examples of Ottoman inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Afterwards, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects both banks of the Vardar River. While walking from the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we will pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. 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 Davut Pasha Bath, once again feeling the splendor of the Ottoman period. We 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 symbolic structures built in the 16th century. We will visit Sultan Murat Mosque, one of the early Ottoman mosques, and Isa Bey Mosque. These mosques are an important part of the Islamic heritage of the city and are notable for their architecture. Finally, we provide free time at the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After this enjoyable time in the bazaar, we return to our hotel for the night.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you, accompanied by traditional Balkan music and folk dance performances. You will get the chance to discover the fun and cultural side of Skopje this special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region's finest establishments. This evening will become an authentic experience with performances by artists composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, conducted live without playback. We are delighted to welcome you to Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight in our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED !
Belgrade – Skopje: 430 km
Day 4: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon our arrival in Pristina, we start a panoramic city tour where we will explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. While touring the historical sites, we will visit the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I, who was killed in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo in the Kosovo Plain, giving us the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its significance in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we proceed to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we start exploring 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 important Ottoman artifacts to be seen include Halveti Tekkesi, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After spending some free time in Prizren, we 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 5: Shkodra – Sv. Stefan – Kotor – Budva – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling views. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from a height. Every corner of this area looks like a postcard, making it an ideal spot for photography. After this exploration, we will proceed to the mesmerizing Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. Upon arriving in Kotor, we will take a walking tour in this medieval town known for its fjords. You will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town, discovering the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and seascape, 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 city tour of Budva begins. During this walking tour, we will see the stunning beaches and the vibrant nightlife that make Budva one of the most famous tourist centers in the Balkans. After the tour, we return to the beautiful city of Shkodra. After our dinner at the hotel, we withdraw to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Sv. Stefan: 77 km | Sv. Stefan – Kotor: 31 km | Kotor – Budva: 23 km | Budva – Shkodra: 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 216 km
Day 6: Shkodra – Tirana - Ohrid
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in history and culture, an impressive tour awaits us as we explore Tirana, recognized as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arriving in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of Albania’s cultural heritage sites, which started construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we see the statue of Skanderbeg proudly towering in the middle. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built in 1821 by Ethem Bey, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana will blend with its historical past, creating unforgettable memories. After some free time, we head towards Ohrid. The breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon reaching Ohrid, we will have a tour introducing the historical city of Ohrid, which has been one of Ottoman strongholds in the Balkans. The places we will see during our tour include the statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to walk through Çınar Square, the heart of the town, and visit the old Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Tekkesi and closely feel the cultural texture of the town. Afterward, we will explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily lives of local residents. Finally, we will enjoy the famous lake of Ohrid and its breathtaking scenery. After the tour, there will be free time and then transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the tranquility of the night, take a short walk by the lake, or retreat to your rooms for rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km
Day 7: Ohrid - Istanbul
After breakfast, we check out of our rooms, and after breakfast, we have free time until the transfer time. After the free time, we will transfer to Ohrid Airport. After boarding procedures, we fly to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK1012 at 14:30. After arriving at Istanbul Airport at 17:05, our tour ends. We bid you farewell until we meet on your next trip.
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Security Package: 50 Euros*
(With the cancellation security package application, 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 up to 9 days before the tour departure date. In case of cancellation, the entire tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation security package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The mentioned cancellation security package is not valid for group reservations.**
**There are limited quotas for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging travel program covering important cities and tourist attractions of the Balkans is offered. Cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje are all visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a pleasant experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Buildings belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the exploration of the region's cultural diversity.
• Natural Beauties: Incredible natural attractions like the Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Opportunities to obtain detailed information about cities and historical sites with a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with dinner featuring traditional Bosnian meals, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours included in the program are covered in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important sites without incurring additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra costs while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Expenses: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend money. Except for lunch, tips if desired, and gifts for loved ones, no additional money will be spent.
Things to Consider
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Although intercity distances (for example between Skopje and Belgrade) are traversed alongside beautiful views, there may be days where long periods need to be spent on the bus. Nevertheless, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Free time may be limited due to the comprehensive nature of the tour. However, there is an opportunity to visit all significant sites with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable at certain times of the year. Thus, suitable clothing choices can make this situation comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: While the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region's character and local culture, some hotels in smaller towns may not offer the same extensive amenities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, care is taken to ensure comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers an opportunity to try distinctive local flavors. The Balkan cuisine is rich with delicious meals, but some participants may find the tastes unfamiliar. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine, but it is helpful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 5* New Star or similar Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel or similar Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday or similar Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd or similar Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Place Arrival Place Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 13:25 14:20
Ohrid Istanbul 14:30 17:05
Services Not Included:
• Overseas Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All kinds of hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes: (This includes city tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entry fees, and operational service costs, which amount to a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour.)