Kosovo Büyük Balkanlar Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner TIA-PRN
Day 1: Istanbul - Tirana - Resne - Bitola - Ohrid
Meet in front of the airline check-in counter at Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul. Depart for Tirana, the capital of Albania, at 09:50 on flight AJet VF367. After a comfortable flight, we arrive at 09:35 local time and proceed with entry procedures. We then move to Resne and Bitola (Manastir), renowned for their stunning nature and rich historical significance. We begin our journey to Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military Lyceum, where the great leader 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, Bedesten, and Ishak Pasha Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city. After a short break here, we continue to Resne, where we will see the palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, a significant historical figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with its nature and Ottoman remnants. After our tour, we head towards Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour to explore this historical city that was one of the significant bases of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see important structures, including the statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sophia. Additionally, we will wander through the Çinar Square, the heart of the city, and have the opportunity to visit the Turkish Bazaar, where we can also see the Halveti Tekke, and closely feel the cultural fabric of the city. After walking through the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, we will witness the daily life of the local people. Lastly, the famous lake of Ohrid and its mesmerizing views will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have free time before transferring to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet of the night, take a short walk by the lakeside, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola (Manastir) Tour INCLUDED!
Tirana - Bitola: 195 km | Bitola - Resne: 30 km | Resne - Ohrid: 35 km
Total distance covered: 260 km
Day 2: Ohrid - Tirana - Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. This beautiful city, rich in history and culture, awaits us with a remarkable tour that we will explore. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit one of the city's most important symbols, the Ethem Bey Mosque. This structure, whose construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, is one of Albania's cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we see the Alexander the Great Statue proudly rising in the center of the square. Another highlight of our tour will be the Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, symbolizing the city. During this tour, you will create unforgettable memories as the modern face of Tirana and its historical past come together. After some free time, we continue our journey to 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.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid - Tirana: 135 km | Tirana - Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance covered: 235 km
Day 3: Shkodra - St. Stefan - Budva - Kotor - Medugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey towards the mesmerizing coasts of Montenegro. Our first stop is St. Stefan, known for its rich history and dazzling scenery. From a high point, we will look at this breathtaking island and capture postcard-like photos of the region. Next, we arrive at Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. After a panoramic city tour of Budva, our next stop is Kotor, a city famous for its fjords! During our walking tour of this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the historical atmosphere of its narrow streets and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and stunning sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. After some free time in Kotor, we move towards our hotel in Medugorje or its surroundings. After dinner at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km
Total distance covered: 298 km
Day 4: Medugorje - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo. Our first stop is Blagaj, located at the source of the Buna River, which is the strongest water source in Europe. After a short free time in this stunning natural scenery, we proceed to Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin. This bridge is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, which was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992; however, it was rebuilt and opened to the public in 2004, with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. After visiting the Mostar Bridge, we will visit Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Afterwards, we will move to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries. It is historically noted as the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in 1914, leading to the outbreak of World War I. During the devastating wars in 1992, Sarajevo suffered significant damage, but has largely preserved its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will visit the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, and the Catholic Cathedral, Synagogue, Husein Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings from the 40-year Austrian-Hungarian rule. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Medugorje - Blagaj: 28 km | Blagaj - Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
Total distance covered: 162 km
Day 5: Sarajevo - Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin 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 draw attention with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will discover the entire splendor of the city. You will feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that combines Belgrade’s past and present. Then, we head to one of the most impressive spots in the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube. Exploring this area, which has been a focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. As we continue to explore this ancient city, which was wounded for Fatih Sultan Mehmed's conquest but eventually fell to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, we will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as Kale Square and Tašmajdan. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and gain insight into the cultural heritage left over from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city behind and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Sarajevo - Belgrade: 287 km
Day 6: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we head towards the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. Upon arrival, we start our city tour. Skopje is an important cultural center of the Balkans, rich in Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We begin our tour with the historical places in Skopje, the city where renowned Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492, one of the largest and grandest mosques in the city. Next, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque built in the 15th century, known for its Ottoman-era ornaments and architecture. During our tour, we will see both Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These buildings are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns that were once important centers for traders to stay and conduct business. Afterwards, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. This bridge, constructed in the 15th century, connects both sides of the Vardar River. We will continue our tour by walking along the banks of the Vardar River, seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods. During our riverwalk, we will pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and central point in Skopje, surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the great statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. We will then view the Ottoman Bridge, built in the 15th century from the outside, and visit the Davut Pasha Hammam, once again feeling the glory 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 built in the 16th century, one of the symbolic structures of Skopje. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, both considered important parts of the Islamic heritage of the city, notable for their architecture. Finally, we will have free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After a pleasant time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the night.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you, featuring traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will experience the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje during this special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region's finest venues. With live performances by artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, this evening will transform into an authentic experience without playback. We are pleased to host you at Restaurant Gardenia in Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade - Skopje: 430 km
Day 7: Skopje - Pristina - Istanbul
After breakfast, we move from our hotel to Pristina. Upon arrival in Pristina, we will begin our panoramic city tour, during which we will discover both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During this tour, we will also see many valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. While exploring this historical site, we will visit the tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Battle of 1389, giving us the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its significance in Ottoman history. After our tour, we head towards Pristina Airport. Upon arrival at the airport and after boarding procedures, we will take off from Pristina to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 14:45 on AJet Airlines flight VF102. After a comfortable flight, we will arrive in Istanbul at 18:20, marking the end of our tour. We bid you farewell with hopes to meet again on your next trip.
Skopje - Pristina: 90 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation assurance package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty in any circumstance. This application allows you to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure date. In case of cancellation, the entire tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.)
**The cancellation assurance package does not apply to group reservations.**
**There are limited quotas for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide travel program covering significant cities and tourist attractions in the Balkans is offered, visiting many important cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a delightful experience for those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the exploration of the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Breathtaking natural sites like the Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The tour includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: With a guide, participants have the opportunity to acquire detailed information about cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Guests enjoy a gastronomic experience with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies during dinner.
• 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 guests from incurring extra costs while tasting local flavors.
• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend extra. Other than lunch and optional tips or souvenirs for loved ones, no additional expenses will be required.
Things to Consider
• Intense Program: Traveling to different cities each day makes the tour very rich and packed. However, this intense pace could be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are traversed with beautiful views, but there may be days with long hours spent on the bus. However, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive program, free time may be limited. Nevertheless, the opportunity to visit all critical points with a guide is provided.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on the Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable at certain times of the year. Thus, suitable clothing choices can make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected among options that reflect the region's character and local culture, but some hotels in smaller cities may not offer the same extensive facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, cleanliness and comfort are prioritized in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The opportunity to taste the unique local flavors is offered throughout the tour. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some flavors may be unfamiliar to some participants. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine, but it's beneficial to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Location Arrival Location Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Tirana 09:50 09:35
Pristina Istanbul 14:45 18:25
GENERAL TERMS
1- The General Terms are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently of the tour program.
2- In case sufficient participation for the trip is not achieved; the Agency can cancel the tour up to 21 days before the departure date. In such a case, cancellation information will be communicated to the guest. The total tour fee will be refunded to the guest. For additional services purchased outside the tour; if domestic connecting flights bought from the Agency are cancelled, they will be refunded to the guest. However, since visa services and travel health insurance services utilized for the guest’s visa application are considered used, these services cannot be refunded to the guest if the visa application has been made. If the guest has purchased the domestic connecting flight from a different provider independent of the Agency, the guest cannot demand any fee refund from the Agency in case the tour is cancelled by the Agency. The guest accepts in advance all material and moral losses arising from the cancellation of the tour when purchasing the tour and the Agency cannot be held responsible.
3- The Agency has the right to show good faith by not cancelling the tour in case sufficient participation for the trip is not achieved. In this case, since the tour will be provided individually for the guest, the included guiding service will only cover the transfers from and to the airport for the international trip.
Cancellation and Change
4- In our tours, tickets for transportation are issued at the time of reservation. Cancellations made more than 30 days before the tour departure date will incur a penalty for these flight ticket fees, which have no cancellation & change and refund rights.
5- Guests have the right to cancel without penalty by notifying the Agency in writing up to 30 days before the tour departure date, except for the airline tickets that have been paid for and/or committed to the airline. If the trip starts in less than 31 days, a penalty of 50% of the remaining tour fee will be applied, and if cancellation is made 15 days or less before the trip start date, the full tour fee will be charged as a penalty fee. In case of cancellation request, the cancellation and refund conditions of additional services such as domestic connections, visa services, and travel health insurance may vary according to the time of the cancellation request, so it is advisable to inquire beforehand about refunds. The Agency cannot make any commitment for the cancellation of additional services.
Guiding Services and Optional Tours
6- The days and hours of the tours indicated in the program can be changed by the guide depending on whether museums and ancient sites in the visited places are open or closed and weather conditions. Different guides may accompany our guests during the tours.
7- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized for the general introduction of cities and are conducted as a panoramic tour with a guide's narration from inside the vehicle, lasting no more than 2-3 hours and do not include museum or ancient site entrances. Panoramic tours, as well as other tours indicated in the program, may not take place if they cannot be visited due to local authorities' restrictions or if they are closed due to any events or bad weather. Certain tours may require transportation by public transport or on foot due to closed roads or locations where vehicle access is not permitted.
8- Based on the content of our tours, our guide may change the days of the city tour and/or additional tours according to the number of participants and the closure status of the museum and ancient sites. This rule also applies to any potential changes in flight times.
9- Guests on our tours conducted by speedboats should take note of the following; no heavy meals should be consumed immediately before boarding the boat, and excessive amounts of water should be avoided. Guests with stomach, back, or neck issues, as well as pregnant guests, should inform their guides of their condition.
10- There is no refund for participation in the services included in the price if the guest does not participate in the services specified in the tour or meal services.
About Flights
11- The Agency acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger, and in the event of disputes, the relevant provisions of Turkish legislation, as well as the Hague Protocol and Warsaw Convention, will apply.
12- Delays or changes in flight times may occur on scheduled and special flights. The Agency is obliged to inform these changes as soon as possible. The passenger has accepted the risk of changes/cancellations to the flight time while purchasing the trip.
13- Children between 0-2 years of age only pay the airport tax.
14- According to airline rules; if the outbound flight of a round-trip ticket is not used, the return flight is canceled by the airline.
15- The check-in and boarding procedures for those participating in tours with flights are personal matters, and these procedures must be carried out by the guests at the airports, at the relevant airline counters, or online via the airline's website before the flight.
16- Last minute delays and gate changes during flights are announced audibly at airports and displayed on information boards in the area. This information should be monitored by the guests themselves.
17- The Agency is not responsible for any passengers who are not present at the specified airport at the times indicated according to airline rules, who do not complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, or who complete these procedures on time but do not board the plane. All expenses related to obtaining new round-trip tickets, transfers, etc., necessary for passengers who miss the flight to participate in the tour are the responsibility of the guests.
18- The general luggage weight for flights departing from Turkey is 20 kg. This weight may vary according to the airline and the country of destination. If domestic flights are available in the destination country, this luggage weight may be reduced to 15 kg. Excess baggage weight/pricing rules are determined by airlines and are not the responsibility of the Agency.
19- For guests who wish to upgrade their airline tickets with miles (to business or first class); upgrade processes can be carried out according to the airline's availability after the tickets have been issued (please check your membership with the airline). A guarantee for upgrade for each flight cannot be provided. Please check whether the program's tickets are in an upgradeable class.
20- Eating and drinking and online check-in services may incur extra charges with some airlines.
Other Matters
21- The Agency will not accept responsibility for any changes or cancellation made by the guest directly with the hotel. In this case, the Agency's cancellation conditions will apply.
22- In cases where hotels are provided with only category information without names or presented as options for the same destination, the Agency will inform the guest 48 hours before the tour departs.
23- Hotels during special periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc. may be located further than the indicated locations or kilometers. In such cases, the Agency will inform guests 15 days before the departure date.
24- During the registration for the purchased tour; the guest is required to correctly input/disclose the name, date of birth, and passport number as stated in the passport into the system. Flight tickets are issued based on this information. The penalty for flight ticket cancellations or changes due to incorrect information will be imposed on the guests.
25- To use your mobile phone abroad, please check with your service provider before leaving Turkey to ensure your phone is open for international use.
26- The hotel check-in time is 15:00, and the check-out time is 12:00.
27- Requests regarding the room (high floor, near general areas, smoking/non-smoking, bed type) are communicated to the hotel by the Agency. It is ensured that the reserved rooms conform to the preferences of the guest according to the hotel's availability. The fulfillment of these requests depends on the availability at the time of check-in and cannot be guaranteed by the Agency.
28- Breakfast served at hotels may differ from the rich traditional breakfast in Turkish cuisine. It is generally served as a continental breakfast, consisting of limited options such as butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate salon allocated for groups.
29- In some cases, a double room may have double beds instead of two single beds. Most European hotels offer rooms that can have 2 single beds that can be combined, if necessary.
30- The child and extra bed policy may vary by hotel and room types.
31- All kinds of extra beds and baby cots are provided upon request and based on the hotel's availability, and must be approved by the hotel.
32- The capacity for additional beds or baby cots in a room is 1 at most.
33- Extra bed application exists in triple rooms, and the bed allocated for the 3rd person in these types of rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Extra beds consist of beds known as pull-out and coach beds. Our guests acknowledge that they are aware of the cramped space and bed types that may arise from extra beds added in triple room or child-inclusive reservations.
34- If the number of children and their ages to stay with adults in hotel reservations are stated incorrectly by our guests, the relevant hotels may charge extra fees. In such cases, the responsibility lies with the guest who made the incorrect declaration. The hotel may request identification to determine the child's age.
35- In reservations for 2 adults + 1 child, there may not be a separate bed for the child. Child rates apply only when the child stays with two adults. Child discounts are applicable only for “one child” who meets the age group when staying with two adults.
36- Daily currency exchange rates are reflected in TL prices. The rates applicable at the time of payment are valid. Additional requests you may have and some additional services obtained at the hotel (minibar, ironing, etc.) are subject to extra charges by the hotel. These expenses are not included in the price at the time of purchase and will be paid directly to the hotel during your stay.
37- Some countries have different applications regarding city, tourism, or local level taxes. All city, tourism, or other taxes that are applicable in this manner will be collected from the guest by the hotel upon entry or exit.
38- The distances provided in the programs are based on maps. Travel times may be extended due to traffic, weather conditions, the geographical location of the visited country, road works, and other conditions.
39- In cases where necessary or deemed appropriate, the Agency can change the order of the cities in the program without altering its content and can change the main airline to be flown.
40- Guests' personal belongings, bags, suitcases, passports/identities are under their own responsibility, and the Agency is not responsible for items that are forgotten/lost/stolen. In the event that forgotten items are found, any expenses incurred during their delivery to the country and/or the individual are the responsibility of the item owner.
41- Individuals participating in the tour are required to carry their travel health insurance policies and any prescriptions and medications for related health issues with them.
42- For potential extra expenses, official photo ID/passport and a credit card or cash deposit may be requested upon check-in by the hotel. The refund of the deposit requested during check-out is a transaction between the hotel and the guest, and the Agency has no intervention in this matter.
Visa and Passport
1- Guests must ensure their passports are valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel.
2- To have an entry-exit stamp on your passport at customs crossings/border gates, it is required to have at least 2 blank pages in your passport.
3- Being exempt from a visa or having a visa for the countries visited in this tour does not mean that entry/exit will be allowed; the passport police have the authority to deny you entry to the country; the Agency is not responsible for this situation, and the responsibility lies with the passenger.
4- Guests who are not Turkish citizens or those who have dual citizenship and are participating in the tour using their other passport must personally inquire about the visa procedures applicable by the country they will travel to, otherwise, the Agency will not be held responsible for any resulting consequences.
5- To avoid issues with customs police at the border of the visited country due to torn, worn, wet, or similarly damaged passports; passports must be renewed. Otherwise, the responsibility lies with the passenger.
6- Guests under the age of 18 traveling alone or with only one parent may be asked to provide a document showing the mutual consent of both parents at the time of entry/exit at the border, so it is advised that minors and their parents be sensitive about this matter.
Services Included:
• Round-trip plane tickets with AJet Airlines from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Tirana - Priština / Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport
• 6 Nights accommodation in a 4* hotel category: 1 Night in Ohrid, 1 Night in Shkodra, 1 Night in Medjugorje, 1 Night in Sarajevo, 1 Night in Belgrade, and 1 Night in Skopje
• Breakfasts
• Dinners at the hotel
• Balkan Night decorated with a dinner, entertainment, and folklore performances
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Tirana tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Resne Tour
• Monastery Tour
• Budva Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• International Departure Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (Includes city tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entrance fees, and operational service costs, which totals a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person, to be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour)