Kosovo Grand Balkan Tour with THY Including Extra Tours and Dinner - 7 Nights OHD-SJJ
Day 1: Istanbul - Ohrid - Resne - Bitola - Ohrid
Meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter at the departure terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before our flight. We depart for Ohrid on Turkish Airlines flight TK1009 at 10:35. After a comfortable flight, we arrive in Ohrid at 11:15 local time. After completing the entry processes into the country, we set off with our private vehicle for a tour of beautiful Resne and Bitola (Manastir), famous for its stunning nature and historical richness. Our first stop is the palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history, which we will view panoramically. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon our arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military School where the founder of modern Turkey, 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, the Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the Yeni Mosque. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city while feeling the historical texture of Bitola. After all these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola (Manastir) Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid - Resne: 35 km | Resne - Bitola: 33 km | Bitola - Ohrid: 69 km
Total distance to be covered: 137 km
Day 2: Ohrid - Tirana - Shkodra
After breakfast, our city tour begins. We will have a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was one of the significant bases of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. Important sites we will see during our tour include the statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also stroll around the main square of the city, Çınar Square, and have the chance to explore the historical Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the cultural fabric of the city up close. Following that, we’ll explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the local people. Finally, the magnificent lake of Ohrid and its captivating views will accompany our tour. After free time, we will move to Tirana. Once we arrive in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important symbols, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We take a short break in Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the Skanderbeg Statue that stands proudly in the center of the square. The Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past combine to help you create unforgettable memories. After free time, we head towards the historic city of Shkodra, in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant you with its natural beauty and rich historical fabric. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid - Tirana: 125 km | Tirana - Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 225 km
Day 3: Shkodra - Sv. Stefan - Kotor - Budva - Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling scenery. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this islet from above. This area, which looks like a postcard from every corner, is an ideal spot for photography. After these explorations, we set off for the enchanting city of Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy stunning views. Upon reaching Kotor, known for its fjords, we will take a walking tour in this medieval town, feeling the historical atmosphere of its narrow streets and discovering the heart of Kotor. This small town, with its unique architecture and sea views, will take you on a journey through time. Next, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Balkans. Our city tour in Budva begins. During this walking tour, we will see the stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife that make Budva one of the most famous holiday centers in the Balkans. After the tour, we head back to the beautiful city of Shkodra. Following our dinner at the hotel, we retreat to our rooms to relax for the evening. 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 4: Shkodra - Prizren - Pristina - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head toward Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we start exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Ottoman city, filled with shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most significant structures of Ottoman architecture in the city. The Halveti Tekke, the Flag Mosque, and the Mehmet Pasha Hammam are also among the other important Ottoman structures to be seen. After some free time in Prizren, we will proceed to the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. After our journey, we arrive in Pristina and start our panoramic city tour where we will explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During this tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During our tour of Pristina’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to visit the tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I, who was killed in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, commemorating this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour of Pristina, we begin our return journey to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the largest and most magnificent mosque in the city, built in 1492. We then visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, notable for its decorations and architecture from the Ottoman period. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, which are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns located in the heart of Skopje. Later, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects both sides of the Vardar River. While walking across the Stone Bridge, we will see the Turkish and Jewish quarters along the riverbank. During our walk by the river, we will pass through Macedonia Square, 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. Then we will see the Old Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and finally visit the Davut Pasha Hammam, where we once again feel the splendor of the Ottoman period. We continue our city exploration as we walk toward Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, one of the symbolic structures of Skopje, 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 and notable for their architectures. Lastly, we give free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find a variety of products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, we will transfer you to Restaurant Gardenia for the Balkan Night. Later, we will transfer back to our hotel and go to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you, accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. With this special Balkan night experience, you will have the opportunity to explore Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side while being hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most distinguished venues. The best music and folk from the Balkans will be presented live by our performers, composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, turning this evening into an authentic experience. We will be pleased to host you at our own outlet, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Shkodra - Prizren: 186 km | Prizren - Pristina: 85 km | Pristina - Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 436 km
Day 5: Skopje - Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin our delightful journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans, known for its vibrant life and historical fabric. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, we will begin a panoramic city tour to explore the city’s magnificence. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that combines Belgrade’s past and present. Following that, we will go to one of the most impressive spots in the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube. Exploring this unique view, which has historically been the focal point of many conquests and victories, will be a great pleasure. While discovering this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was injured, but its capture was destined for Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, we will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply center for the Ottoman fleet. During our visit to this fortress, we will see important locations like Kale Square and Taş Meydan. We will also visit the tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the notable figures of the Ottoman period. While visiting these sites, you will deeply explore the rich history of Belgrade and gain insight into the city’s cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. After our tour, we will leisurely head to our hotel, enjoy dinner, and spend the night there.
Skopje - Belgrade: 430 km
Day 6: Belgrade - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we set off for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon our arrival, Sarajevo has historically become the cultural capital of the Balkans and is noted as the site where World War I broke out when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Serbs in 1914. During the devastating wars of 1992, significant destruction was caused among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet Sarajevo has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand occurred in 1914, the Old Library, and western-style buildings that emerged during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 7: Sarajevo - Istanbul
After breakfast, rooms should be vacated, and until the transfer time, you will have free time. Transfer to Sarajevo Airport. After completing the boarding procedures, Turkish Airlines flight TK1024 departs for Istanbul at 14:25. Following a comfortable and pleasant journey, we arrive at Istanbul Airport at 17:25, concluding our tour. We bid you farewell with the hope of seeing you on your next travel.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation guarantee package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the departure date. In the event of cancellation, the entire tour fee is refunded, but the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refundable.)
**The cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited availability for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide travel program covering important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans, including Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje.
• Ottoman History: Significant structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a delightful experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Sites of different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the discovery of the region's cultural diversity.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural attractions, such as Lake Ohrid, are experienced during the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Opportunity to gain detailed information about cities and historical sites with a guided tour.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and regional flavors are included in the dinners, offering a gastronomic experience.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours within the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all significant points without extra costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Spending: Ideal for guests who do not want to spend, only requiring payment for lunch, tips (if desired), and souvenirs for loved ones.
Considerations
• Intensive Program: Traveling to different cities 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: Intercity distances (e.g. between Skopje and Belgrade) are accompanied by beautiful views, but there may be days with long hours spent on the bus. However, breaks along the way ensure a comfortable travel experience.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive tour program, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important points is provided with the guide.
• Weather Conditions Depend on the Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable during certain periods. Therefore, suitable clothing choices can make this situation comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected to reflect the region's character and local culture, although hotels in some smaller cities may not offer amenities as extensive as luxury hotels in Turkey. Nevertheless, these hotels place importance on comfort and cleanliness.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, participants have the opportunity to taste the region's unique local dishes. Balkan cuisine is rich and flavorful, but the tastes may be unfamiliar to some participants. This presents a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine, but it can be useful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Ohrid 4* Beograd Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik vb. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 5* New Star vb. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Nobel vb. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday vb. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday vb. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure City Arrival City Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Ohrid 10:35 11:10
Sarajevo Istanbul 14:25 17:25
Included Services:
• Round-trip flight tickets on the route Istanbul HL. / Ohrid – Sarajevo / Istanbul HL. with Turkish Airlines
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights in 4 and 5-star hotel categories: 1 night in Ohrid, 2 nights in Shkodra, 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Belgrade, and 2 nights in Sarajevo
• Breakfasts
• Dinner at the hotel
• A Balkan Night filled with meals, 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
• Blagaj Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Počitelj Tour
• Priština Tour
• Prizren Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Excluded Services:
• Overseas Exit Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All kinds of hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (City tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entry fees, and operational service costs amounting to a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person, which will be collected in cash by the guide before the tour departure)