Gaziantep Departure Kosovo Great Balkan Tour with AJet, including Extra Tours and Dinner for 6 Nights

Day 1: Gaziantep - Çukurova - Skopje – Belgrade  

Following our meeting at 15:00 at Uğur Mumcu Park on Gaziantep Gazi Muhtar Paşa Boulevard, we depart for Çukurova Airport in our private vehicle. Upon arriving at Çukurova Airport, we complete our ticketing, baggage, and boarding procedures. We depart directly and non-stop from Çukurova to Skopje at 22:10 on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF5509. After a comfortable journey of approximately two hours, we arrive in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, at 23:30. Following the entry procedures, we begin a pleasant journey toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, in our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the Balkans’ most important cultural and strategic centers, and today it continues to attract attention with its vibrancy, lively atmosphere, and historic texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will discover the city’s full splendor. Here, you can feel the historic atmosphere and explore Belgrade’s texture, which brings together its past and present. We then proceed to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube River, one of the city’s most impressive locations. Discovering this unique area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. As we continue exploring this ancient city, for whose conquest Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded but which was ultimately conquered by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will see important locations such as Kalemegdan and Taş Meydan. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Martyr Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will explore Belgrade’s rich history in depth and learn about the city’s cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, leaving the city’s history and lively atmosphere behind, we proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km

Day 2: Belgrade – Srebrenica – Sarajevo

Following breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along our route, we first stop in Srebrenica. During this tour, we will visit the Bosniak cemetery where thousands of Bosniaks were massacred and buried in mass graves during the Bosnian War, the site of the first documented genocide and largest massacre in Europe since World War II, and one of the greatest massacres of the last century. Upon arriving in Sarajevo, a city that was the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and went down in history as the place where World War I broke out after Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by Serbs in 1914, we begin exploring the city. Sarajevo suffered extensive destruction during the devastating war between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in the 1992 war, but it managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the Gazi Husrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings constructed during the city’s 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. Following our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km

Srebrenica Tour INCLUDED!

Day 3: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medugorje

Following breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by architect Hayreddin and considered one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. The bridge was destroyed in 1992 but rebuilt in 2004 with the contribution of the Republic of Türkiye. After exploring Mostar’s enchanting atmosphere, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We then depart for Blagaj. Blagaj was established at the source of the Buna River, one of the most powerful water sources in Europe. Following a short period of free time here, we continue to Počitelj. Visiting Počitelj, preserved with its historic character and known as the Turkish Village, we will see structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we depart for Medugorje. Medugorje is a peaceful place famous for its religious visitors. Upon arriving at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay 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 to be covered: 192 km

Day 4: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodër

Following breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off toward enchanting Kotor. You will enjoy magnificent views during our journey. Upon arriving in Kotor, during our walking tour of this medieval town famous for the fjords of the Balkans, you will feel the historic atmosphere of the narrow streets and old town and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Afterwards, our next stop is Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! We arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. Our Budva city tour begins. During this walking tour, we will see Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday centers, with its magnificent beaches and colorful nightlife. Following our city tour, we depart for Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above. With every corner resembling a postcard, this area is ideal for photography. Following all these discoveries, we continue to Shkodër, a beautiful city in Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!

Međugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodër: 85 km

Total distance to be covered: 313 km

Day 5: Shkodër – Tirana – Elbasan – Sveti Naum – Ohrid

Following breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off toward Tirana, the capital of Albania. An impressive tour awaits us in this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural terms, where we will discover Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arriving in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important landmarks. Construction of this building began in 1789 and was completed in 1923; it is one of Albania’s cultural heritage sites. We take a short break in Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue rising proudly in the center of the square. The Clock Tower, a symbol of Tirana commissioned by Ethem Bey in 1821, is another highlight of our tour. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together to help you create unforgettable memories. Following free time, we embark on an exciting journey toward St. Naum, passing through Elbasan, to the place where the source of Lake Ohrid and the St. Naum Monastery are located, known as “A Corner of Heaven in the Balkans.” In this fascinating place, you will have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of the landscapes nestled in the heart of nature. During our free time, we will enjoy exploring this historic and natural wonder. After a day filled with unforgettable memories and wonderful photographs, we head toward Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arriving in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was one of the Ottoman Empire’s important bases in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are significant structures such as the Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, the 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of Hagia Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and explore the old Turkish Bazaar dating from the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the city’s cultural character up close. We then explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its enchanting views will accompany our tour. Following our tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy Ohrid’s enchanting atmosphere in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lakeside, or retire to your rooms to rest.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED !

Shkodër – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 6: Ohrid – Resen – Bitola – Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Skopje

Following breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. At our first stop, Resen, we will view panoramically the Palace of Niyazi Bey of Resen, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. Following a short break here, we set off for Bitola, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and commercial centers. Upon arriving in Bitola, we visit from the outside the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this enchanting city, we will also discover historic Ottoman structures such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. While experiencing Bitola’s historic character, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. Following our visit, we set off to discover Macedonia’s unique natural and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia’s striking towns. Here, we will visit the Painted Mosque, one of the most colorful and impressive mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque will fascinate you with the vivid colors and detailed decorations on its exterior. As we explore this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey into the depths of history. Following our visit to Tetovo, we set off toward Skopje. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is one of the Balkans’ important cultural centers, with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We begin our tour with the historic sites of Skopje, the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques. We then visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is especially notable for its Ottoman-era ornamentation and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and conducted trade. We then visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects the two banks of the Vardar River. We will continue our tour on foot from the Stone Bridge, seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is Skopje’s largest and most central point and is surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. We then view the Ottoman Bridge dating from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Daut Pasha Hamam, once again experiencing the splendor of the Ottoman period. We continue discovering the city by walking toward Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje’s symbolic structures. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, among the early mosques of the Ottoman Empire. The mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and attract attention with their architecture. Finally, we have free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying time in the bazaar, we return to our hotel in the evening.

Dinner: An unforgettable dinner accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances awaits you. You will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most distinguished venues, where you will have the opportunity to discover Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side during this special Balkan night. We will transform this evening into an authentic experience with live performances of the Balkans’ finest music and folklore by artists consisting entirely of conservatory students and teachers, performed without playback. We will be delighted to welcome you at our own establishment, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.

Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! | Tetovo Tour INCLUDED ! | Balkan Night INCLUDED !

Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Tetovo: 145 km | Tetovo – Skopje: 40 km

Total distance to be covered: 250 km

Day 7: Skopje – Matka Canyon – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje

Following breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off toward Matka Canyon, accompanied by lush green mountains. Are you ready to explore Matka Canyon, located among the enchanting forests and wide meadows of Mount Vodno? This natural wonder, covering approximately 5,000 hectares, will take you to mystical medieval monasteries and tranquil lake views. While walking among the rugged cliffs, you can observe the region’s endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, walking along the green trails is the best way to spend time surrounded by nature. Following our Matka Canyon tour, we set off toward Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arriving in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, during which we will discover Kosovo’s modern and historic sides. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the Yaşar Pasha Mosque, an 18th-century work. During this tour through the city’s historical heritage, we will visit the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain following the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, providing an opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. Following our tour of Pristina, we depart for Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we begin exploring Prizren’s narrow streets, with architecture reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. The Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam are also among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. Following our free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje. Upon arriving in Skopje, free time until the time determined by our guide. We then transfer to the airport.

Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Matka Canyon Tour INCLUDED !

Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 160 km

Total distance to be covered: 335 km

Day 8: Skopje – Çukurova – Gaziantep

Following ticketing, baggage, and passport procedures, non-stop direct flight to Çukurova at 23:50 on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF5510. After a comfortable flight, upon arriving at Çukurova Airport at 03:10, transfer to Gaziantep in our private vehicle waiting at the airport, marking the end of our tour. We say goodbye to our valued guests, hoping to see you again on your next journey..

*Balkan Special Cancellation Protection Package: 50 Euros*

(With the Cancellation Protection Package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under all circumstances. With this application, you may cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure date. In the event of cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation protection package fee and any additional service fees, if applicable (visa, insurance, etc.), are non-refundable.)

**The stated cancellation protection package is not valid for group reservations.**

**A limited number of places are available for each tour.**

Positive Aspects of the Tour

• Comprehensive Visits: An extensive itinerary covering the Balkans’ important cities and tourist attractions is offered. Many significant cities, such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje, are visited.

• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, offering an enjoyable experience for those interested in history.

• Religious and Cultural Riches: The region’s cultural diversity is explored by visiting structures belonging to different religions, including mosques, churches, and synagogues.

• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural attractions such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.

• Visa-Free Travel: The tour includes destinations that do not require visas, reducing additional paperwork and costs.

• Professional Guidance: Accompanied by a guide, participants have the opportunity to obtain detailed information about the cities and historical sites.

• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience through dinners filled with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors.

• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: Guests have the opportunity to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of Skopje’s most distinguished restaurants.

• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours included in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all the important sites without paying an additional fee.

• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program 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 wish to spend money. Apart from lunch, taxes, optional tips, and souvenirs purchased for loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket.

Points to Consider

• Busy Schedule: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this busy pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more extensively.

• Long Journeys: Intercity distances, such as the journey between Skopje and Belgrade, pass amid beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days when considerable time is spent on the bus. Nevertheless, a comfortable journey is ensured through breaks along the way.

• Limited Free Time: As the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, it offers the opportunity to visit all the important sites accompanied by a guide.

• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans may be variable during certain periods. Therefore, choosing suitable clothing can make this situation more comfortable.

• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected from options reflecting the character and local culture of the region, hotels in some smaller cities may not offer facilities as extensive as luxury hotels in Türkiye. However, comfort and cleanliness are given careful attention at these hotels.

• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to try the region’s distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is full of rich and delicious dishes, but some flavors may be unfamiliar to certain participants. This is a wonderful opportunity to become closely acquainted with the local culture and cuisine, but it may be useful to bear in mind that you may encounter different flavors.

City Hotel Breakfast Dinner

Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel

Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel

Medugorje 4* Kaktus etc. Hotel Hotel

Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia

Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

With Ajet Airlines

Departure Location Arrival Location Departure Time Arrival Time

Çukurova Skopje 22:10 23:30

Skopje Çukurova 23:50 03:10