Kosovo Grand Balkan Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner SJJ-SJJ
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo – Mostar – Blagaj – Počitelj - Medugorje
After completing our ticket, baggage, and boarding procedures at Sabiha Gökçen Airport International Departures Terminal, we are departing for Sarajevo at 13:25 with AJet Airlines flight number VF97. After a flight of approximately one and a half hours, we arrive in Sarajevo at 14:20 local time, and after completing our entry procedures, our first destination is Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557 and considered one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but was reconstructed in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Turkey. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then we are heading to Blagaj. Blagaj is situated at the source of the Buna River, the strongest water source in Europe. After a short free time here, we will move on to Počitelj. We will visit Počitelj, a preserved historical site known as the Turkish Village, where we will see works from the 16th century made by the Ottomans. Lastly, we move on to Medugorje. Medugorje is a peaceful place known for its religious visitors. After arriving at our hotel, we will retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Mostar Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Počitelj Tour INCLUDED!
Sarajevo - Mostar: 130 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj - Počitelj: 30 km | Počitelj - Medugorje: 20 km
Total distance traveled: 192 km
Day 2: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv.Stefan – Shkodra
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel heading to the enchanting Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy the magnificent views. Upon arriving in Kotor, famous for its fjords, we will take a walking tour in this medieval town, where you'll feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and old city, discovering the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea view, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Next, we will move to Budva, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Balkans! After our panoramic city tour, we will head to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling views. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this island from above. This postcard-like area is ideal for photography. After all these explorations, we will head to the beautiful city of Shkodra in Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we will retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Medugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodra: 85 km
Total distance traveled: 313 km
Day 3: Shkodra – Tirana – Ohrid
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city rich in historical and cultural qualities, an impressive tour awaits us where we will discover Tirana, recognized as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city's most significant symbols, whose construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, representing Albania's cultural heritage. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the statue of Skander Bey rising proudly in the center of the square. The Clock Tower, built in 1821 by Ethem Bey, is another highlight of our tour. During this visit, the modern face of Tirana mingles with its historical past, offering you unforgettable memories. After free time, we head towards Ohrid. Along the way, breathtaking views will accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a city tour to introduce the historical city of Ohrid, which was once one of the most important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. We will see notable sites such as the statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic Alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sofia. Additionally, we will stroll around the Çınar Square, where we will have a chance to visit the Turkish Bazaar from the old Ottoman period. Here, we can visit the Halveti Lodge and feel the cultural texture of the city up close. Following this, we will explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily lives of the local people. Lastly, we will enjoy the famous lake of Ohrid and its stunning views. After the tour, we will have some free time before transferring to our hotel. Overnight and dinner 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.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance traveled: 235 km
Day 4: Ohrid – Resne – Bitola – Skopje
After breakfast, we set off for our tour of Resne and Bitola, known for their magnificent nature and historical riches. Our first stop is Resne, where we will see a panoramic view of the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman influences. After a short break here, we head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trading centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will view the Military Academy where the founding leader Atatürk studied, and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this magical city, we will also discover historic Ottoman works like the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, İshak Paşa Mosque, and Yeni Mosque. While experiencing the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance for a pleasant walk along the nostalgic streets of the city. After our visits, we travel alongside green mountains towards Skopje. As we go, the breathtaking landscapes of Macedonia will accompany us. Upon reaching Skopje, we will first visit the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. Next, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, constructed in the 15th century. This mosque is particularly noted for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. Our tour continues as we see the Kapan Han and Sulu Han located in the heart of Skopje. These structures are great examples of Ottoman period inns that used to be important centers where merchants would stay and trade. Later, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, the bridge connects both sides of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour by observing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the riverbank. While strolling along the river, we pass through Macedonia Square, which is the largest and most central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Subsequently, we will see the 15th-century Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hamam, allowing us to feel the splendor of the Ottoman period once again. We continue exploring the Turkish Bazaar in Skopje. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, which was built in the 16th century and is one of the symbolic structures of Skopje. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, both important parts of the city’s Islamic heritage, notable for their architectural features. Lastly, we will provide some free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time at the bazaar, we will transfer to the Balkan Night at Restaurant Gardenia. Afterwards, we will transfer to our hotel and retire to our rooms. Overnight in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the opportunity to explore Skopje's entertaining and cultural side during this special Balkan night, hosted in one of the region's finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. We will transform this night into an authentic experience with performances by our artists, all of whom are students and teachers from conservatories, presented live without playback. We are pleased to welcome you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resne: 34 km | Resne – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Skopje: 70 km
Total distance traveled: 134 km
Day 5: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, we will start our panoramic city tour, where we will discover both the modern and historical sides of Pristina. During our tour, we will visit various valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. Among the historical heritage, we will have the chance to visit the tomb of Sultan Murad, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain during the Kosovo Battle of 1389, commemorating this significant historical event and his place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we will head to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon our arrival, we will explore the narrow streets filled with signboards in Turkish and reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, which is among the most significant structures of Ottoman architecture in the city. Additionally, the Halveti Lodge, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam are among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After spending free time in Prizren, we will start returning to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel and after dinner, we will retreat to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance traveled: 340 km
Day 6: Skopje – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and embark on a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Historically one of the most significant cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade today is notable for its liveliness, dynamism, and historical texture. In this captivating city, we will have the opportunity to explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins where we will explore the city in all its splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the blend of Belgrade's past and present. Next, we will head to one of the most impressive points in the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be a great pleasure to explore this unique landscape, which has been a focal point of conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city, we will encounter Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing historical traces in this fortress, we will see important areas such as Kale Square and Taş Meydan. During our tour, we will also visit the tomb of Shehid Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and gain insights into the cultural heritage from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, we will leave the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city behind and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km
Day 7: Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we will explore this city, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and became historically significant as the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Serbs in 1914, triggering the outbreak of World War I. The city suffered significant destruction during the catastrophic war among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in 1992; however, Sarajevo has managed to retain much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral that reflects the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, a Synagogue, the Husein Pasha 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 in the city. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Belgrade – Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 8: Sarajevo - Istanbul
After breakfast, we check out of our rooms, and until the transfer time, we have free time. We will transfer to Sarajevo Airport. After completing the boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul with AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF98 at 15:35. Arriving at Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 18:30 marks the end of our tour. We bid you farewell until your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation guarantee package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, you can cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the departure date. In case of cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.)
**The specified cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited number of slots available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: The program offers a broad excursion itinerary covering important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans, including 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 history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Visiting structures from different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) allows for exploring the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Magnificent natural attractions such as Kotor's fjords and Ohrid Lake can be experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Destinations included do not require a visa, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: The tour offers the opportunity to gain detailed information about cities and historical sites with a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors fill dinner experiences, providing participants gastronomic experiences.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours included in the program are covered in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all significant points without paying additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local delicacies.
• No Need for Extra Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend extra. Except for lunch, optional tips, and souvenirs for loved ones, no additional money will leave your pocket.
Considerations
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes for a rich and packed tour. However, this intense pace can be exhausting for those who wish to explore more.
• Long Journeys: The intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are traversed amidst beautiful scenery; however, there may be days spent in the bus for long periods. Nonetheless, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: The comprehensive tour program may result in limited free time. However, there are opportunities to visit all important points with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on the Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can vary in some periods. Therefore, selecting appropriate clothing can make this situation more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the character of the region and its local culture, but some small city hotels may not offer amenities as luxurious as hotels in Turkey. However, comfort and cleanliness are prioritized in these accommodations.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, there is an opportunity to try the region’s unique local flavors. The Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but it may present unfamiliar tastes to some participants. This is a great opportunity to closely experience the local culture and cuisine, but it's beneficial to consider that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Location Arrival Location Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 13:25 14:20
Sarajevo Istanbul 15:35 18:30
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)