Kosovo Balkan Heart Tour with Thy Extra Tours Including Evening Meals 5 Nights OHD-SJJ
Day 1: Istanbul – Ohrid - Tirana – Shkodër
Meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter in the departure terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before our flight. We are departing for Ohrid at 10:35 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1011. After a comfortable flight, we arrive in Ohrid at 11:15 local time and after completing the entry procedures, our city tour begins with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. We will conduct a tour introducing the historical city of Ohrid, which was one of the important bases of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. Places we will see during our tour include: the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic Alphabet, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to stroll around the Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar, which dates back to the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the cultural texture of the city up close. Afterwards, we will explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, allowing you to witness the daily life of local people. Finally, Ohrid's famous lake and its stunning view will accompany our tour. After free time, we will proceed to Tirana. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the most important symbols of the city, which started 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 center of the square. 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 blends with its historical past, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we head towards the historical city of Shkodër in the north of Albania. Shkodër, with its natural beauties and rich historical texture, will charm you. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid - Tirana: 125 km | Tirana – Shkodër: 100 km
Total distance covered: 225 km
Day 2: Shkodër – Prizren- Pristina- Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we start to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman town, with shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important structures of Ottoman architecture in the city. Other important Ottoman works to be seen include the Halveti Tekke, the Flag Mosque, and the Mehmet Pasha Hammam. After spending some free time in Prizren, we will set off towards the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. After our journey, upon arrival in Pristina, we will begin our panoramic city tour to explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit many valuable buildings dating back to the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the Yaşar Pasha Mosque, built in the 18th century. During our trip through the historical heritage of the city, we will visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, providing an opportunity to commemorate this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we will begin our return journey to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, our first stop will be the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the largest and most magnificent mosque in the city, built in 1492. Then, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, which stands out for its decorations and architecture from the Ottoman period. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman period inns, were once important centers where merchants resided and traded. Later, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge, built in the 15th century, connects both banks 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 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 great statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Afterwards, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside, and we will visit the Davut Pasha Hammam to once again feel the splendor of the Ottoman period. We will continue to explore the city as we walk towards the Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, another of Skopje’s symbolic structures built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, both early Ottoman period mosques that form an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and stand out with their architecture. Finally, we will have free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying a pleasant time in the bazaar, we will be transferred to Restaurant Gardenia for the Balkan Night. Afterwards, we will be transferred to our hotel and then retire to our rooms. Overnight in our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance shows. You will have the opportunity to discover the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje with this special Balkan night at one of the finest venues in the region, Restaurant Gardenia. With the best music and folklore of the Balkans presented live by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, we will turn this night into an authentic experience without playback. We are happy to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight in our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Shkodër – Prizren: 186 km | Prizren – Pristina: 85 km | Pristina – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance covered: 436 km
Day 3: Skopje – Belgrade
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and embark on a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade today draws attention with its liveliness, dynamism, and historical texture. In this enchanting city, we will have the opportunity to explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, through which we will discover the splendor of the city. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that merges Belgrade's past with its present. Afterwards, we will head to one of the most impressive points of the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Exploring this unique view, historically a focal point of many conquests and victories, will be a great pleasure. As we continue to explore this ancient city, we will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which served as the supply center of the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important sites such as Kale Square and the Stone Square. During our tour, we will also visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and gain insight into the cultural heritage remaining from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city as we return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km
Day 4: Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we set off for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the religious cosmopolitanism of the city, the Synagogue, the 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 emerged during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 5: Sarajevo – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, known for its historical, cultural, and architectural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin, one of the students of Mimar Sinan, which is considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992 but was reconstructed in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey, becoming the symbol of Mostar again. Gracefully connecting both banks of the Neretva River, you will have the opportunity to explore the historic market and stone streets surrounding this bridge. After discovering the captivating atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque, one of the most significant religious structures in the city. Here, you will be able to examine both the architectural details of the Ottoman period and enjoy a magnificent view of the Mostar Bridge from the mosque’s courtyard. Afterwards, we will move on to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment, situated at the birthplace of the Buna River, Europe's strongest water source. After some free time here, we will then go to Počitelj, a location that carries its historical texture into the present with its stone houses and rich history. In Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village and maintained largely intact since the 16th century by the Ottomans, we will have the opportunity to closely see the region's unique atmosphere. After our tour, we will transfer back to our hotel. Dinner and overnight 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 6: Sarajevo - Istanbul
After breakfast, check out of the rooms. After breakfast, free time until transfer time. Transfer to Sarajevo Airport. After boarding procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 20:35 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1026. After a comfortable flight, we arrive at Istanbul Airport at 23:35, marking the end of our tour. We bid farewell with the hope of seeing you on your next journey.
*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. With this application, you can cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure. In case of reservation cancellation, the entire tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The specified cancellation insurance package does not apply to group reservations.**
**There are limited seats available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide range of travel program encompassing significant cities and tourist spots of the Balkans is offered. Many important cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a delightful experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures from different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing exploration of the region's cultural diversity.
• Natural Beauties: Wonderful natural beauties like Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: It includes destinations that do not require a visa, thus reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Accompanied by a guide, providing the opportunity to gain detailed information about the cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies during dinners.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional 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 savoring local flavors.
• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend money. Except for lunch, tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will be spent from your pocket.
Points to Consider
• Intense Program: Traveling to a different city each day makes the tour extremely rich and packed. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those wanting to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (e.g., Skopje-Belgrade) pass through beautiful landscapes, but there may be days when long hours are spent on the bus. However, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, there is the opportunity to visit all important places accompanied by a guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable during certain times of year. Therefore, appropriate clothing choices can make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected from options reflecting the character and local culture of the region, though hotels in some small towns may not offer as many amenities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, care is taken for comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers the opportunity to taste the unique local flavors of the region. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but it may feature unfamiliar tastes for some participants. This presents a great opportunity to closely experience local culture and cuisine, but it may be helpful to keep in mind that you could encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Shkodër 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 (All Dates Departing on Friday)
Departure Place Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Ohrid 10:35 11:10
Sarajevo Istanbul 20:35 23:35
With Turkish Airlines (All Dates Departing on Thursday and Sunday)
Departure Place Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Ohrid 13:05 13:40
Sarajevo Istanbul 20:35 23:35
Services Not Included:
• Foreign Departure Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (city tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fee, bus entrance fees, and operational service costs, which include a mandatory payment of 20 Euro per person that will be collected in cash by the guide before the tour departure)