Kosovo Grand Balkan Tour with Turkish Airlines Including Extra Tours and Dinner 7 Nights SJJ-OHD
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo
After the check-in, baggage, and boarding procedures at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, we depart for Sarajevo at 12:45 PM on Turkish Airlines flight TK1023. After approximately one and a half hours of flight, we arrive in Sarajevo at 1:35 PM local time and proceed through immigration. Our first stop is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will learn about the city, which has been a cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically noted as the site where World War I started in 1914 due to the assassination of Austrian-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs. The city suffered significant destruction during the 1992 war, involving devastating conflicts between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks; however, Sarajevo has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will visit the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral that reflects the city's religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the Gazi Husrev 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 emerged during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian governance. After the tour, we 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 destination will be Mostar, known for its historical, cultural, and architectural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Hayreddin, one of Mimar Sinan's students, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992 but was rebuilt in 2004, thanks to significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey, and has become a symbol of Mostar again. We will have the opportunity to explore the historic bazaar and stone streets surrounding this elegant bridge that connects the two banks of the Neretva River. After experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque, one of the city's most important religious sites, where we can examine the architectural details from the Ottoman era and enjoy a stunning view of the Mostar Bridge from the mosque's courtyard. Next, we head to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and tranquil environment, situated where the Buna River, Europe's strongest water source, emerges. After a brief free time there, we will travel to Počitelj, a site that carries its past into the present with its stone houses and historical texture. We will have the opportunity to closely observe the structures built during the Ottoman period in the 16th century and feel the unique atmosphere of Počitelj, which has largely preserved its historical texture and is known as the Turkish Village. 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 covered: 304 km
Day 3: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and embark on a pleasant journey to the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and today it stands out for its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the chance to explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins as we uncover the city's full glory. You can feel the historical atmosphere here and discover the texture that merges Belgrade's past with the present. Next, we will head to one of the city's most striking spots where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be a great pleasure to explore this region, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city, we will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as the supply base for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will also visit significant spots like the Kalemegdan Park and the Tašmajdan. 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 rare Ottoman structures that remain in Belgrade. These visits will provide us with an in-depth understanding of Belgrade’s rich history and its cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we will head to our hotel after leaving behind the city's history and vibrant 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 of the Balkans with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. Our tour will start with the historical sites in Skopje, the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the city's largest and most magnificent mosques built in 1492. Next, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, constructed in the 15th century, which stands out with its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. Continuing the tour, we will see the Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These buildings are beautiful examples of the Ottoman-era inns, which were once important centers for merchants. We will then visit the Stone Bridge, which has become Skopje's symbol, connecting both sides of the Vardar River. After crossing the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour while passing through the Turkish and Jewish quarters along the banks of the Vardar River. During our walk along the river, we will pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will come across the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Afterward, we will see the 15th-century Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hamam to experience the grandeur of the Ottoman period once again. We will continue exploring Skopje by walking to the Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje's iconic structures. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are important parts of the city’s Islamic heritage. Lastly, we will have some free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find various products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending some delightful 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 have the opportunity to experience Skopje's entertaining and cultural side during this special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region's finest venues. This evening will be turned into an authentic experience with live performances by artists, all consisting of conservatory students and teachers, without playback. We are happy to host you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje: 430 km
Day 5: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra
After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After arriving, we will start a panoramic city tour to explore both the modern and historic aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit several valuable Ottoman-era structures, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. We will also visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain following the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, providing us a chance to remember this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we will move on to Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we will start to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, which remind of an Anatolian Ottoman town filled with shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture in the city. Other significant Ottoman structures we will see include the Halveti Tekkesi, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam. After spending some free time in Prizren, we will proceed to the historical city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will fascinate 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 covered: 365 km
Day 6: Shkodra – Sv.Stefan – Kotor – Budva – Shkodra
After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and head to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above. This area, with its postcard-like scenery, is an ideal spot for photographs. After these explorations, we will proceed to the enchanting Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy the magnificent views. Upon arrival in Kotor, we will embark on a walking tour in this medieval town, famous for its fjords, where you will sense the historic atmosphere of its narrow streets and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and stunning sea view, this small town will transport you back in time. Next, we will arrive in Budva, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Balkans. Our Budva city tour begins. During this walking tour, we will see the magnificent beaches and vibrant nightlife of Budva, one of the most renowned holiday centers in the Balkans. After the tour, we will return to our hotel in Shkodra, where we will have dinner before retreating to our rooms for 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 covered: 216 km
Day 7: Shkodra – Tirana – Ohrid
After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural aspects, an impressive tour awaits us as we discover Tirana, the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit one of the city's most significant landmarks, the Ethem Bey Mosque, 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 standing in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also a highlight of our tour. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana and its historical past will come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After some free time, we will proceed to Ohrid. We will enjoy breathtaking views along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour to introduce this historic city, which was an important base for the Ottomans in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see important sites such as 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 through the vibrant Çınar Square and the old Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman era. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekkesi and closely experience the cultural fabric of the city. Later, we’ll explore the New Bazaar and witness the local people's daily lives. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its breathtaking views will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have some free time and transfer to our hotel. We will have dinner and overnight in our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quietness of the night, take a short walk by the lake, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km
Day 8: Ohrid - Istanbul
After breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we will have free time until the transfer time. After free time, we will transfer to Ohrid Airport. After the boarding procedures, we will depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK1012 at 2:30 PM. We will arrive at Istanbul Airport at 5:05 PM, marking the end of our tour. We bid you farewell until your next journey.
Total distance covered: 235 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation assurance package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, you can cancel your reservation until 9 days before the departure date of the tour. In case of cancellation, the full amount of the tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The specified cancellation assurance package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited availability exists for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: The itinerary offers a wide travel program featuring major cities and tourist destinations of the Balkans. Important cities like Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: The tour includes visits to significant structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period, providing a delightful experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Various religious structures (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited to explore the region's cultural diversity.
• Natural Beauties: Remarkable natural beauties such as Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The itinerary includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: The tour concludes with detailed information about the cities and historical sites by a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with traditional Bosnian meals, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies during dinner.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours included in the program are part of the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important sites without additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included daily in the program, preventing extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Additional Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend. You will only need extra money for lunch, tipping, and souvenirs for your loved ones.
Considerations
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour rich and full of activities. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: The distances between cities (e.g., between Skopje and Belgrade) are traversed with beautiful views, but there will be days with long hours spent on the bus. However, breaks along the way ensure comfortable travel.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. Nonetheless, it provides an opportunity to visit all essential spots with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Depending on the Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can vary at certain times. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing can make this situation comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the region's character and local culture. However, some hotels in smaller cities may not offer the wide range of amenities compared to luxury hotels in Turkey. Nevertheless, these hotels pay attention to comfort and cleanliness.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, you will have the chance to taste the region's unique local dishes. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but it may include flavors unfamiliar to some participants. It is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine, but keep in mind that you may encounter different tastes.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 5* New Star etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Place Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 1:25 PM 2:20 PM
Ohrid Istanbul 2:30 PM 5:05 PM
Services Not Included:
• International Departure Tax 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 operating service costs amounting to a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person, which will be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour)