Gaziantep Departure Kosovan Great Balkans Tour Including AJet Extra Tours and Dinner Evenings 7 Nights

Day 1: Gaziantep - Çukurova – Skopje Meet at Uğur Mumcu Park on Gaziantep Gazi Muhtar Pasa Boulevard one day before the tour departure at 15:00. Then, travel by our private vehicle to Çukurova Airport. Upon arrival at Çukurova Airport, we complete our ticket, baggage, and check-in procedures. Our scheduled flight with AnadoluJet, flight VF5509, departs directly from Çukurova to Skopje at 22:10 without transfers. After approximately two hours of comfortable travel, we arrive at the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, at 23:30. After arrival, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Day 2: Skopje – Belgrade After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin a pleasant journey towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, still attracting attention with its vibrancy, activity, and historical texture. In this fascinating 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 discover the city's grandeur. Here, you can feel the historic atmosphere and explore the texture that combines the past and present of Belgrade. Then, we visit the spot where the Sava River meets the Danube River, offering a unique view and insight into the city’s history of conquests and victories. Continuing our exploration, we visit Belgrade Fortress, which served as an Ottoman supply center. We will pass by important landmarks like Kalemegdan Square and the Stone Square. During the tour, we will also visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important Ottoman figure. These visits will allow us to delve deeply into Belgrade's rich history and cultural heritage from the Ottoman era. At the end of the tour, we return to our hotel, where we will have dinner and spend the night. Distance Üsküp - Belgrade: 430 km Day 3: Belgrade – Srebrenica – Sarajevo After breakfast, depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the way, we will make a stop in Srebrenica, where we will visit the Bosnian War genocide memorial, commemorating the largest massacre of the 20th century where thousands of Bosniaks were killed and buried in mass graves during the Bosnian War. Upon arrival in Sarajevo, we will start a panoramic city tour. Sarajevo has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is famous for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which marked the beginning of World War I. During the 1992 war, the city suffered extensive damage due to the destructive conflicts among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks but managed to preserve much of its beauty. On our city tour, we will see the Old Bazaar (Baščaršija), Morica Han Ottoman Inn, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious diversity, the Synagogue, Hüsrev Bey Mosque, Ferhadija Mosque, the Latin Bridge where the assassination took place, the Old Library, and early Austro-Hungarian buildings. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Distance Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km INCLUDED! Srebrenica Tour! Day 4: Sarajevo – Mostar – Blagaj – Počitelj – Medugorje After breakfast, depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, renowned for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by architect Hayreddin, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. The bridge was destroyed in 1992 but was rebuilt with Turkish support in 2004. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we visit Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then, we head to Blagaj, where the Buna River originates, considered one of Europe's most powerful water sources. After a short free time, we go to Počitelj, a preserved historical Turkish village from the Ottoman period, where we will see structures dating back to the 16th century. Finally, we move to Medugorje, a peaceful place famous for religious pilgrimages. After arriving at our hotel, rest in our rooms. Overnight stay at the hotel. INCLUDED! Mostar Tour! | INCLUDED! Blagaj Tour! | INCLUDED! Počitelj Tour! Distance Sarajevo - Mostar: 130 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj - Počitelj: 30 km | Počitelj - Medugorje: 20 km Total distance traveled: 192 km Day 5: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sveti Stefan – Shkodra After breakfast, leave the hotel and head towards the enchanting Kotor. During the journey, enjoy spectacular views. Upon reaching Kotor, a walking tour of this medieval town famous for its fjords will be conducted, where you will feel the historic atmosphere of the old city. After exploration, we move to Budva, one of the most popular vacation spots in the Balkans. In Budva, we will tour the city, enjoying its spectacular beaches and vibrant nightlife. After the city tour, proceed to Sveti Stefan, a stunning island with a remarkable view from above. This postcard-like location is perfect for photos. Our next destination is Shkodra in Albania. After dinner at the hotel, relax in our rooms. Overnight stay at the hotel. INCLUDED! Kotor Tour! | INCLUDED! Budva Tour! Distance Međugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sveti Stefan: 15 km | Sveti Stefan - Shkodra: 85 km Total distance traveled: 313 km Day 6: Shkodra – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra After breakfast, depart from our hotel and head to Prizren, known as Kosovo's cultural capital. Upon arrival, discover the narrow streets reminiscent of Ottoman Istanbul, decorated with signage written in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important Ottoman structures. Other significant Ottoman monuments include Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam. After free time in Prizren, head to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, begin a panoramic city tour exploring the city's modern and historic aspects. We will visit several Ottoman-era sites, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and Yaşar Pasha Mosque from the 18th century. We will also see the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who died in 1389 during the Kosovo Battle. After exploring Pristina, return to Shkodra, transfer to our hotel, have dinner, and relax. Overnight at the hotel. INCLUDED! Pristina Tour! | INCLUDED! Prizren Tour! Distance Pristina - Shkodra: 185 km | Prizren - Pristina: 85 km | Pristina - Shkodra: 255 km Total distance traveled: 525 km Day 7: Shkodra – Tirana – Elbasan – Sveti Naum – Ohrid After breakfast, leave for Tirana, Albania's capital, known for its rich history and culture. In Tirana, visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque, built starting in 1789 and completed in 1923, representing Albanian cultural heritage. See the Skanderbeg Square with the statue of Skanderbeg in the center and the Clock Tower built by Ethem Bey in 1821. Then, proceed to Ohrid, passing through Elbasan and stopping at Sveti Naum, a monastery renowned for its natural beauty and located on Lake Ohrid's source. Enjoy the scenic views and explore the area. Continue to Ohrid, a historic city that was a major Byzantine and Ottoman center. Tour the city's highlights, including the Saint Cyril and Methodius Memorial, the Church of Saint Sofia, and the Old Bazaar. Explore the Chinar Square and the Ottoman-era Turkish Market. The stunning Ohrid Lake completes the experience. Transfer to the hotel for overnight stay and dinner. INCLUDED! Tiran Tour! | INCLUDED! Sveti Naum Tour! Distance Shkodra - Tirana: 100 km | Tirana - Ohrid: 135 km Total distance traveled: 235 km Day 8: Ohrid – Resne – Bitola – Matka Canyon – Tetovo (Departure) – Skopje – Çukurova – Gaziantep After breakfast, depart for Resne and Bitola, known for their natural beauty and cultural significance. First, visit Resne and see the Saray of Resneli Niyazi Bey in panoramic view. Resne offers both nature and Ottoman heritage. Then, travel to Bitola (Manastır), where Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum is located. Explore Turkish bazaars, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and Yeni Camii, witnessing Ottoman-era architecture. Next, visit Matka Canyon, situated among Vodno Mountain’s forests and pastures, known for medieval monasteries and lake views, offering trekking experiences in nature. Proceed to Skopje, full of history and modernity. Tour highlights include the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Old Bazaar, the Stone Bridge, and Skopje Fortress. Transfer to Çukurova and Gaziantep for the end of the journey. Special Balkan Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euros Benefits include the right to cancel reservations penalty-free up to 9 days before the tour start. Full refund of the tour fee, excluding the cancellation guarantee and additional services (visa, insurance, etc.) if canceled within the allowed timeframe. *This guarantee does not apply to group bookings.* Limited spots are available for each tour. Tour's Positive Aspects Comprehensive visits covering major Balkan cities and sightseeing points including Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, Skopje, and more. Opportunities to explore Ottoman historical sites and cultural heritage. Diverse religious and cultural sites like mosques, churches, and synagogues. Natural beauties like Lake Ohrid. Visa-free destinations simplifying travel procedures. Professional guides providing detailed information. Experience of local cuisine and Balkan hospitality at the special Balkan night event at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. All included excursions, and dinners are covered in the tour price, avoiding extra charges. Suitable for travelers who prefer not to spend additional money, with minimal optional expenses like lunch, tips, and souvenirs. Considerations Intense schedule traveling between cities often, which may be tiring but offers rich experiences. Long intercity drives with scenic views and rest stops included. Limited free time due to the compact program, but access to major sights with guided tours. Seasonal weather variability, so appropriate clothing is recommended. Accommodation reflects regional character, with some small city hotels possibly offering fewer amenities than luxury hotels. Local cuisine offers authentic tastes, which may be unfamiliar but is an integral part of the experience. Hotels and Meals: City | Hotel | Breakfast | Dinner Skopje | 4* Vlaho Hotel | Hotel | Restaurant Gardenia Ohrid | 4* Beograd Hotel | Hotel | Hotel Shkodra | 4* Holiday Koplik | Hotel | Hotel Medugorje | 4* Kaktus Hotel | Hotel | Hotel Belgrade | 4* Nobel Hotel | Hotel | Hotel Sarajevo | 4* Holiday Hotel | Hotel | Hotel Departure with AnadoluJet Departure Point | Arrival Point | Departure Time | Arrival Time Çukurova | Skopje | 22:10 | 23:30 Skopje | Çukurova | 23:50 | 03:10