Day 1: Istanbul - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
Meet at the Turkish Airlines check-in counter in the departure terminal of Istanbul airport. Depart for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, on Turkish Airlines flight TK1017 at 07:20. After a comfortable flight, we arrive at 08:25 local time and, after completing immigration procedures, depart for Prizren with our private vehicle. Upon arrival in Prizren, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam, which create an immediate impression of an Anatolian Ottoman town with its architectural silhouette and the sounds of calls to prayer from minarets. After our tour of Prizren, we will head to Pristina. Upon arrival in Pristina, we start our panoramic city tour to explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During this tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. We will visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad I, who was killed in the Kosovo Field as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, and have the opportunity to remember this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. We will continue our journey to North Macedonia's capital, Skopje. Upon arrival, an unforgettable dinner awaits you, accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will experience Skopje's entertaining and cultural side during this special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region's finest venues. The best Balkan music and folklore will create an authentic experience with performances by our artists, composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, without playback. We will be delighted to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Priština - Prizren: 85 km | Prizren - Skopje: 120 km
Total distance to be covered: 205 km
Day 2: Skopje - Bitola - Resen - Ohrid
After breakfast, we set off for Resen and Bitola (Monastir), famous for their stunning nature and historical riches. We head toward Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military Academy, where the great leader Atatürk studied, and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, you will also discover historical Ottoman structures such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, İshak Pasha Mosque, and Yeni Mosque. As you feel 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 Resen, where we will have a panoramic view of the Palace of Niyazi Bey, a significant figure in Balkan history. Resen offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After our tour, we head towards Ohrid. The breathtaking views along the way will accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historic city, which was an important base for the Ottomans in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see significant sites such as the statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of St. Sophia. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to wander around the heart of the city, the Chinar Square, and explore the Old Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Tekke and closely experience the cultural texture of the city. After that, we will visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, where you can witness the daily lives of the locals. Finally, the famous Ohrid Lake and its mesmerizing views will accompany our tour. After the tour, we have free time and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the night's silence, take a short walk by the lake, or retire to your rooms to rest.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje - Bitola: 170 km | Bitola - Resen: 30 km | Resen - Ohrid: 35 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 3: Ohrid - Tirana - Shkodra
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. An impressive tour awaits us to explore this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural heritage, which is considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arriving in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city's most important symbols. This building, whose construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, is one of the cultural treasures of Albania. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the statue of Skanderbeg, which rises proudly in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, a symbol of Tirana built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. Then we will visit the meaningful Peace Bell, made from bullets melted by children from Shkodra during the rebellion in 1999. During this tour, we will create unforgettable memories as the modern face of Tirana merges with its historical past. After free time, we will head towards the historic 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 to be covered: 235 km
Day 4: Shkodra - Sveti Stefan - Budva - Kotor - Medjugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey to the stunning beaches of Montenegro. Our first stop is Sveti Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling scenery. From a high viewpoint, we will admire the magnificent view of this islet, an ideal spot for photographing every corner like a postcard. Next, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Balkans. Our city tour of Budva begins. During this walking tour, we will see the stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife that make Budva one of the most famous resorts in the Balkans. Our next stop is Kotor, a captivating city known for its fjords! During our walking tour of this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the historical atmosphere as we explore its narrow streets and uncover the heart of Kotor. After free time in Kotor, we proceed to our hotel in Medjugorje or the surrounding area. After dinner at our hotel, we retire to our rooms for relaxation. Overnight at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medjugorje: 191 km
Total distance to be covered: 298 km
Day 5: Medjugorje - Počitelj - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we set off for Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, where we will see the preserved historical structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. After the tour, we visit Blagaj, where the Buna River, Europe's most powerful water source, springs forth. After a brief period of free time in this stunning natural scenery, we head towards Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557. This bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992; however, with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey, it was reopened to the public in 2004. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We will then head to Sarajevo. Upon our arrival, we will take a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has been a cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically marked as the site where World War I broke out after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs in 1914. The city suffered great devastation during the war among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in 1992 but has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our city tour, we will visit the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the synagogue, 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 the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Počitelj Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Medjugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj - Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 192 km
Day 6: Sarajevo - Belgrade
After breakfast, we check out and start a pleasant journey to Belgrade, Serbia's capital. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans, and today it captivates with its liveliness, activity, 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, during which we will first see the Old Palace, which bears traces of the Ottoman period and is known for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the fabric that combines Belgrade's past with the present. Next, we will visit the point where the Sava River meets the Danube River, one of the city's most striking points. Exploring this unique view, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be great fun. While continuing to explore this ancient city, we will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. We will see important locations such as the Castle Square and the Stone Square while tracing the city's history. During our tour, we will also visit the Tomb of Martyr Ali Pasha, one of the notable figures from the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will delve deep into the rich history of Belgrade and learn about the cultural heritage left from the Ottoman era. Our tour will continue with a visit to the Military Museum, which is filled with artifacts shedding light on Belgrade's military history, providing visitors with a highly impressive experience. At the end of our tour, we will leave behind the history and lively atmosphere of the city and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo - Belgrade: 287 km
Day 7: Belgrade - Istanbul
After breakfast, check out of the rooms and have free time until the transfer time. At the time determined by your guide, we will transfer to Belgrade Airport. Following boarding procedures, we will depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK1080 at 16:00. Arriving in Istanbul at 18:50 marks the end of our tour. We bid farewell to you with hopes of seeing you on your next journey.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euros*
(With the cancellation insurance 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, while the entire tour fee is refunded, the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.)
**The cancellation insurance package is not valid for group reservations.**
**There are a limited number of places available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide tour program covering the important cities and tourist spots of the Balkans, including Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, Skopje.
• Ottoman History: Visiting significant structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period, offering an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Visiting structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) to explore the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Experiencing magnificent natural beauties such as the Kotor fjords and Ohrid Lake during the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: It includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: The opportunity to receive detailed information about cities and historical sites with a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Dinner filled with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies, providing a gastronomic experience for participants.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours included in the program are part of the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important spots without paying additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, optional tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will be spent.
Points to Consider
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour very rich and packed. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (e.g., of Skopje to Belgrade) are passed through beautiful scenery, but there may be days with long time spent on the bus. Nevertheless, regular breaks provide a comfortable traveling experience.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, there are opportunities to visit all important sites with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Seasons: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable during certain periods. Therefore, selecting appropriate clothing can make this situation comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region's character and local culture, though some smaller city hotels may not have as many facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, care is taken for comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, you will have the chance to taste the region's unique local flavors. The Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may encounter unfamiliar tastes. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it's helpful to be aware that you may come across different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 5* New Star Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Medjugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure City Arrival City Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Pristina 07:50 08:25
Belgrade Istanbul 16:00 18:50
GENERAL CONDITIONS
1- The General Conditions are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently of the tour program.
2- If adequate participation for the trip is not achieved, the Agency may cancel the tour up to 21 days prior to the tour departure date. In such a case, the cancellation information will be communicated to the guest. The full tour price will be refunded to the guest. In the case of additional services purchased outside the tour, the domestic flight connection purchased from the Agency will also be refunded to the guest, visa services, and travel health insurance will not be refunded if services have been utilized by applying for a visa on behalf of the guest; if no visa application has been made, a refund will be issued for visa and travel health insurance upon cancellation. If the guest has purchased domestic flight connections from a different provider independent of the Agency, they cannot claim any refund from the Agency if the trip is canceled by the Agency. The guest accepts and acknowledges in advance that they will not hold the Agency responsible for any material or moral losses arising from the cancellation of the tour.
3- In the event that adequate participation for the trip is not achieved, the Agency has the right to show goodwill and not to cancel the tour. In this case, since the tour will be provided individually for the guest, the included guiding service will only cover the international round-trip airport transfer.
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 as these flight ticket costs do not have cancellation & change and refund rights.
5- Guests have the right to cancel without penalty until 30 days prior to the tour departure date, provided that they notify the Agency in writing. In case of cancellation less than 31 days before the start date of the trip, they can cancel by paying a penalty fee of 50% of the remaining tour price from the airline ticket price, and in case of cancellation 15 days or less before the start date of the trip, they can cancel by paying the full amount as a penalty fee. If a cancellation request is made, the refund conditions for additional services such as domestic connections, visa services, and travel health insurance may vary based on the cancellation request period; thus, the guest is required to inquire in advance about the refund conditions. The Agency cannot make any commitments regarding the refund of additional services.
Guide Services and Extra Tours
6- The days and times of the tours indicated in the program may be changed by the guide according to the conditions of entry/exit for museums and historical sites, as well as the 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 presentation of the cities and are conducted with guided commentary from the vehicle, lasting a maximum of 2-3 hours without entrance to museums or historical sites. Panoramic tours, as well as other tours specified in the program, will not be the responsibility of the Agency if they cannot be carried out due to local authorities not allowing visits, roads being closed for any activities, or if it becomes impossible to conduct the tour due to weather conditions. Some tours may be conducted through public transportation or on foot where roads are closed or vehicle access is not permitted.
8- Our guide, depending on the content of our tours and the number of participants, and the status of museum and historical sites, may change the schedule of city tours and/or additional tours. This also applies to potential changes in flight times.
9- Important considerations for our tours conducted by speed boats include: avoiding heavy meals and excessive water intake right before boarding the boat. Guests with stomach, back, or neck complaints, as well as pregnant guests, should inform their guides of their conditions.
10- There is no refund for services included in the prices if participation in tours or meal services is not provided.
About Flights
11- The Agency acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger, and in the event of disputes, Turkish legislation and the relevant articles of the Hague Protocol and Warsaw Convention will apply.
12- Delays or changes in flight times may occur on scheduled and charter flights. The Agency is obliged to inform of such changes as soon as possible. The passenger accepts the risk of changes/cancellations in flight times when purchasing the trip.
13- Children aged 0-2 only pay the airport tax fee.
14- According to airline rules; if the outbound flight of a purchased round-trip ticket is not utilized, the return flight will be canceled by the airline.
15- Check-in and boarding procedures for participants on flights are personal responsibilities and must be performed by the guests at the airports or online through the airline's website before the flight.
16- Last-minute delays and gate changes for flights are announced at the airports and displayed on information boards. Guests are responsible for following this information themselves.
17- The Agency is not responsible for guests who do not arrive at the airport on time, do not complete check-in and boarding procedures in a timely manner, or have checked in and boarded on time but fail to board the plane. All costs related to obtaining new round-trip flight tickets or transfers required for guests who miss their flight are their own responsibility.
18- The general baggage allowance for flights originating from Turkey is 20 kg. This weight may vary according to the airline and the country of destination. If there are domestic flights in the destination country, the baggage allowance may be reduced to 15 kg. Additional baggage weight/price rules are determined by the airlines, and the Agency is not responsible for any issues.
19- For guests wishing to upgrade their tickets using miles (to business or first class); upgrade procedures can be carried out based on the airline’s availability after the ticket is issued (please check with the airline you are a member of). There is no guarantee of mileage for each flight. Please check if the tickets of the program are in an upgradeable class.
20- In some airlines, meal and online check-in services may incur extra charges.
Other Matters
21- The Agency will not assume responsibility for any changes or cancellations made directly by the guest with the hotel. In this case, the cancellation terms of the Agency will apply.
22- In cases where the hotel(s) are listed only by category information without providing names, and/or options are presented for the same destination, this will be communicated to the guest by the Agency 48 hours before the departure of the trip.
23- During special periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, and sports tournaments, hotels may be utilized from distances greater than those specified. In such cases, information will be provided by the Agency 15 days prior to the departure date.
24- During the registration for the purchased tour; the guest must accurately enter/bear their name as it appears on the passport, date of birth, and passport number into the system. Airplane tickets are issued based on this information. Penalty fees arising from incorrect information leading to ticket cancellation or changes will be charged to the guests.
25- To use your mobile phones abroad, you should check before leaving Turkey that your phone is activated for international use by contacting your service provider.
26- The check-in time at hotels is at 15:00, and the check-out time is at 12:00.
27- Requests regarding the room (high floor, near common areas, smoking/non-smoking, bed type) are communicated to the hotel by the Agency. Efforts will be made for the reserved rooms to align with the guest's preferences based on the hotel’s availability. The fulfillment of these requests depends on availability upon check-in and cannot be guaranteed by the Agency.
28- The breakfast offered at hotels differs from the conventional rich Turkish breakfast. It is generally served as a limited selection consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea or coffee, known as continental breakfast, and may be served in a separate hall designated for groups.
29- In some situations, a twin bed room may be given instead of a double bed. Most European hotels offer rooms with 2 beds that can be combined if necessary.
30- The child and extra bed policy may vary by hotel and room types.
31- All extra beds and baby cribs are provided upon request and subject to the hotel’s availability and require hotel approval.
32- The capacity for extra beds or baby cribs in the room is one (maximum).
33- Extra bed application exists in triple rooms; the bed allocated to the 3rd person is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Extra beds consist of folding and beds described as couch beds. Our guests acknowledge their acceptance regarding any crowding and bed type issues that may arise due to the extra beds added to the standard room in reservations for triple rooms and/or with children.
34- If the number of children to be accommodated with adults and their ages is incorrectly declared in the hotel reservations, the relevant hotels may charge additional fees. In such cases, the responsibility lies with the guest who made the incorrect declaration. Identification may be requested by the hotel for age verification of children.
35- In reservations for 2 adults + 1 child, there may not be a separate bed available for the child. Child rates apply only when the child is accommodated alongside two adults. Child discounts are only valid for single children complying with the age group staying with two adults.
36- Daily exchange rates will be reflected in TL prices. The rates applicable at the time of payment will be valid. Any additional requests or extra services (minibar, ironing, etc.) provided by the hotel may incur extra charges. 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 practices regarding city, tourism, or local taxes. All applicable city, tourism, or other taxes that apply in this manner will be collected from the guest by the hotel during entry or exit.
38- The road distances provided in the programs are map-based. Travel durations may be extended due to traffic, weather conditions, the geographical position of the visited country, road works, and other circumstances.
39- The Agency may change the order of cities in the program or the main airline to be flown if deemed necessary or in compulsory situations without altering the content of the program.
40- Personal belongings, bags, suitcases, passports/identities of individuals participating in the tour are their own responsibility, and the Agency is not liable for lost/forgotten/stolen items. If found, costs incurred for delivering forgotten items to the country and/or individual will be borne by the owner of the item.
41- Individuals participating in the tour are required to carry their travel health insurance policies and any medications and prescriptions related to their health issues with them.
42- For any potential extra expenses, the hotel may request a photo ID/passport issued by official authorities and a credit card or cash deposit upon check-in. The deposit requested upon departure will be a matter between the hotel and the guest, and the Agency will have no intervention.
Visa and Passport
1- Guests must ensure that their passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date of the end of the trip.
2- To be stamped with entry/exit stamps by customs at border crossings, there must be at least 2 blank pages in your passport.
3- Being exempt from a visa or having a visa for entry into these countries does not guarantee entry/exiting; the passport police have the authority to deny entry/exit, and the Agency is not responsible for this situation; the responsibility lies with the passenger.
4- Guests who are not Turkish citizens or dual citizens using another country’s passport must inquire about the visa procedures applied by the country they will be visiting at the relevant consulates, otherwise, the Agency will not be responsible for any consequences arising from this.
5- To avoid issues with customs authorities at the border due to damaged, torn, wet, or similarly damaged passports, it is necessary to renew the passports. Otherwise, the responsibility lies with the traveler.
6- For guests under the age of 18 traveling alone or with only one parent, it is recommended that they and their parents be aware that they may be asked to provide a document showing the mutual consent of both parents upon entry/exit from the country.
Included Services:
• Round trip airline tickets for Turkish Airlines Istanbul - Pristina / Belgrade - Istanbul route
• Total of 6 nights accommodation consisting of 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Ohrid, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medjugorje or surroundings, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade in 4 and 5* hotel categories
• Breakfasts
• Dinner
• All transfers as specified in the program
• City tours mentioned in the program
• Balkan Night embellished with dinner, entertainment, and folklore shows
• Monastery Tour
• Resne Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Prizren Tour
• Kotor - Budva Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Customs taxes
• All highway, parking, and check-point expenses
• Professional Turkish-speaking guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Excluded Services:
• Overseas Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Travel Insurance (Ages 66-75)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes