Day 1: İzmir – Sarajevo – Mostar – Blagaj – Počitelj - Medjugorje
After completing the check-in procedures for tickets, luggage, and boarding at Adnan Menderes Airport International Departure Terminal, we depart for Sarajevo on Sunexpress Airlines flight XQ826 at 10:35. After approximately one and a half hours, we arrive in Sarajevo at 11:30 local time and go through entry procedures. 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. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but rebuilt in 2004 with contributions from the Republic of Turkey. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then, we move to Blagaj, which is built at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s most powerful spring. After a short free time in Blagaj, we head to Počitelj, a historic town known for its preserved Ottoman structures, built during the 16th century. Finally, we proceed to Medjugorje, famous for its religious pilgrims and peaceful atmosphere. After arriving at our hotel, we rest in our rooms. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Included! | Blagaj Tour Included! | Počitelj Tour Included!
Distance from Sarajevo to Mostar: 130 km | Mostar to Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj to Počitelj: 30 km | Počitelj to Medjugorje: 20 km
Total distance traveled: 192 km
Day 2: Medjugorje – Kotor – Budva – St. Stephen – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head towards the enchanting Kotor. During the journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. Upon arrival in Kotor, we will explore this medieval town famous for its fjords with a walking tour of the old city, where you will feel the historic atmosphere of narrow streets and ancient walls. The architecture and seaside views of Kotor will take you on a journey through time. Next, we move to Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. After a panoramic city tour, we head to Sveti Stefan, known for its stunning views from the hillside. This island offers picture-perfect scenery, making it ideal for photos. After exploring these spots, we will go to Shkodra, a beautiful city in Albania. We will enjoy dinner at our hotel and rest in our rooms.
Included! | Budva Tour Included!
Distance from Medjugorje to Kotor: 191 km | Kotor to Budva: 22 km | Budva to Sveti Stefan: 15 km | Sveti Stefan to Shkodra: 85 km
Total distance traveled: 313 km
Day 3: Shkodra – Tirana – Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart from the hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this culturally rich city, we will explore the central sights including the Ethem Bey Mosque, which started construction in 1789 and completed in 1923, and is an important cultural heritage. We will also see Skanderbeg Square, with the prominent statue of Skanderbeg erected in 1821, and the Clock Tower built in 1821 by Ethem Bey. This tour will allow you to experience both the modern and historic faces of Tirana. After free time, we continue to Ohrid, enjoying breathtaking scenery en route. Upon arrival, we will take a tour of the historic city of Ohrid, which served as an important Ottoman base in the Balkans. We will see sites such as the 9th-century Church of Saint Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of Holy Sophia. We will stroll through Chinar Square, visit the Ottoman-era Turkish Bazaar, Halveti Tekke, and the New Bazaar. The stunning lake and its mesmerizing views will accompany our tour. After completing the tour, we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay. The evening is perfect for enjoying Ohrid’s serene atmosphere, walking by the lake, or relaxing in your room.
Included! | Ohrid Tour Included!
Distance from Tirana to Ohrid: 135 km | Shkodra to Tirana: 100 km
Total distance traveled: 235 km
Day 4: Ohrid – Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast, we pack our luggage and depart to explore North Macedonia’s unique nature and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetova (Kalkandelen), known for its colorful and impressive Ottoman mosques such as the Alaca Mosque built in the 15th century, renowned for its vibrant exterior and intricate decorations. We will explore this exquisite example of Ottoman architecture. Then, we proceed with a scenic drive to Skopje. Upon arrival, we will visit the Mustafa Pasha Mosque built in 1492, and the Murad Pasha Mosque from the 15th century. We will also see the Kapan Han and Suluh Han, historic Ottoman inns that once hosted merchants. We will continue to the Stone Bridge, an iconic Ottoman structure over the Vardar River, and take a walk along the river to see Turkish and Jewish quarters. Our tour includes Macedonia Square, the city’s central area with modern structures, and the statue of Alexander the Great. We will also see the Ottoman-era Sultan Murad and Isa Bey mosques, symbols of the city’s Islamic heritage. In the evening, we visit the Skopje Bazaar for some free time and shopping before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Included! | Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour Included
Distance from Ohrid to Tetova: 130 km | Tetova to Skopje: 43 km
Total distance traveled: 173 km
Day 5: Skopje – Prizren – Pristina – Skopje
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head towards Pristina, Kosovo’s capital. We will take a panoramic city tour including Ottoman architecture such as the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. We will visit the tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who died during the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, and learn about this important event in Ottoman history. After exploring Pristina, we proceed to Prizren, a city often called Kosovo’s cultural capital, with its Ottoman-style old town and Turkish-influenced shop signs. We will see the Sinan Pasha Mosque, Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam. After some free time in Prizren, we return to Skopje, where we check into our hotel, have dinner, and rest.
Included! | Prizren – Pristina Tour Included
Distance from Prizren to Pristina: 85 km | Pristina to Skopje: 165 km
Total distance traveled: 340 km
Day 6: Skopje – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and travel to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Known as a significant cultural and strategic hub throughout history, Belgrade is vibrant and rich in history and modernity. We will take a panoramic city tour, visiting the Old Palace with Ottoman influences, the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, the Belgrade Fortress, and the Market Square. We will also see the remains of the Ottoman period, including Şehit Ali Pasha’s Tomb. Our tour will deepen your understanding of Belgrade’s remarkable past and present. We transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Distance from Skopje to Belgrade: 430 km
Day 7: Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we travel to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Known as the cultural center of the Balkans for centuries and the location of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which sparked World War I, Sarajevo endured heavy damage during the 1992 war but has preserved its beauty. We will take a panoramic city tour covering the famous Baščaršija bazaar, Morica Han, Catholic Cathedral, Synagogue, Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, the Old Library, and the city’s Austro-Hungarian buildings. We transfer to our hotel, have dinner, and stay overnight.
Distance from Belgrade to Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 8: Sarajevo – İzmir
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and have some free time until transfer. We transfer to Sarajevo Airport for our flight. We depart on Sunexpress Airlines flight XQ827 at 12:30, arriving in İzmir at 15:20. Upon arrival at Adnan Menderes Airport, our tour concludes. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip and bid farewell.
* Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euros
(With this cancellation insurance, guests can cancel their reservation penalty-free under any circumstances until 9 days before the departure date. When cancelling, the entire tour fee is refunded, but the insurance fee and any extra services (visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.)
**This cancellation insurance does not apply to group bookings.**
**Limited quotas are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: The program includes major Balkan cities and tourist sites such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje.
• Ottoman Heritage: Significant Ottoman sites and cultural heritages are visited, appealing to history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Diversity: Visits to mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase the region’s cultural richness.
• Natural Beauty: Fjords of Kotor and Lake Ohrid’s stunning scenery are experienced.
• Visa-Free Travel: The destinations do not require visas, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Guided tours provide detailed information about cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and regional flavors are offered, providing a culinary adventure.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and additional tours are included in the package price, allowing participants to visit important sites without extra charges.
• Dinner Inclusions: Every evening includes dinner, preventing participants from incurring extra costs for tasting local dishes.
• No Extra Spending Required: The tour is ideal for those who do not wish to spend extra money, as only lunch, tips, and gifts are additional.
Points to Consider
• Intensive Program: Visiting a different city daily makes the tour rich and full but may be tiring for those who want to explore more leisurely.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances are covered with scenic views, but some days involve long bus rides with breaks for comfort.
• Limited Free Time: The extensive schedule means free time is limited but all major sites are visited with a guide.
• Weather Conditions: Balkan weather can be variable depending on the season, so appropriate clothing is recommended.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Hotels are carefully selected to reflect regional character and culture, though some smaller towns’ hotels may offer fewer amenities than luxury hotels in Turkey. Nonetheless, comfort and cleanliness are maintained.
• Culinary Experience: The tour offers a chance to taste regional flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some unfamiliar tastes may be encountered. This is an excellent opportunity to experience local culture and cuisine, keeping in mind the possibility of different flavors.
Hotels
City | Hotel | Breakfast | Dinner
Uskup | 4* Vlaho etc. | Hotel | Restaurant Gardenia
Ohrid | 4* Beograd etc. | Hotel | Hotel
Belgrade | 4* Nobel etc. | Hotel | Hotel
Sarajevo | 4* Holiday etc. | Hotel | Hotel
Medjugorje | 4* Sole etc. | Hotel | Hotel
Shkodra | 4* Holiday Koplik etc. | Hotel | Hotel
SunExpress Airlines
Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Time
İzmir | Sarajevo | 10:35 | 11:30
Sarajevo | İzmir | 12:30 | 15:20
Included Services:
• Round-trip airfare between İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport / Sarajevo / İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport with SunExpress
• 7 nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels: 1 night in Ohrid, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Trebinje or Medjugorje, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, 2 nights in Skopje
• Breakfasts
• Dinners
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours as indicated in the program
• Balkan Night featuring meals, entertainment, and folklore shows
• Blagaj Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Poçitel Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Kotor and Budva Tour
• Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour
• Customs duties
• All highway, parking, and checkpoint expenses
• Professional Turkish-speaking guide services
• Compulsory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Non-Inclusive Services :
• Exit Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance (up to 65 years old): 20 EUR
• Travel Insurance (66-75 years old): 40 EUR
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes
GENERAL CONDITIONS
1- The General Conditions are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently of it.
2- If sufficient participation is not achieved for the trip; the Agency may cancel the tour up to 21 days prior to the departure date. In such a case, the cancellation information is communicated to the guest. The full amount of the tour fee is refunded to the guest. For additional services purchased outside the tour; if domestic connection flights purchased from the Agency are refunded, they are also refunded to the guest. Visa services, travel health insurance, if visa applications have been made on behalf of the guest, are non-refundable once used; if no visa application has been made, these services can be canceled and refunded. If the guest purchased domestic connection flights from a provider other than the Agency, and the tour is canceled by the Agency, no refund can be claimed from the Agency. The guest accepts in advance any material or moral losses resulting from the tour cancellation, and the Agency cannot be held responsible.
3- If sufficient participation is not achieved for the trip; the Agency, acting in good faith, has the right not to cancel the tour. In this case, the tour will be provided to the guest on a one-by-one basis, and the guided service included in the package will only cover transfers to and from the outside-of-country airports.
Cancellation and Changes
4- Tickets related to transportation are issued at the moment of reservation. Cancellations made more than 30 days before the start date of the tour will result in the full cost of the flight tickets being charged as a penalty, as these are non-refundable.
5- Guests can cancel without penalty by notifying the Agency in writing up to 30 days before the departure date, excluding payments made for airline tickets paid directly or committed to the airline. If the departure date is less than 31 days away, cancellation can be made by paying a penalty of 50% of the remaining tour fee; if the departure date is 15 days or less, the full tour fee must be paid as a penalty to cancel. In case of cancellation, the conditions related to the refunds of additional services such as domestic connection flights, visa services, travel health insurance may vary depending on the cancellation period, and prior information should be sought. The Agency bears no responsibility for refunds of additional services.
Guidance Services and Extra Tours
6- The days and times of tours specified in the program may be changed by the guide due to museum, ruin open/closed status, or weather conditions in the destinations. During the tours, different guides may accompany guests.
7- Panorama city tours included in the tour package are designed for general city overview without museum or archaeological site entry, lasting no more than 2-3 hours. These tours, including other tours in the program, are subject to local authority permissions. If sites are closed because of restrictions or weather conditions, the Agency is not responsible for these tours not being conducted. Some tours may be conducted via public transportation or on foot where roads or access are restricted.
8- Our guide may make changes to city and optional tours based on the content of the tours, number of participants, or the closed/open status of museums and sites. This also applies to changes in flight times.
9- For tours conducted with Speed Boats; do not eat heavy meals immediately before boarding and do not drink excessive water. Guests with stomach, back, or neck problems, or pregnant guests, should inform their guides.
10- Services listed as included in the price, such as specific tours or meals, cannot be refunded if not participated in.
Flights
11- The Agency acts as an intermediary between passengers and airlines; in case of disputes, Turkish regulations, the Hague Protocol, and the Warsaw Convention will be applied.
12- For scheduled and charter flights, delays or changes in departure times may occur. The Agency is obliged to notify these changes as soon as possible. Passengers accept the risk of flight time changes or cancellations and purchase the tour accordingly.
13- Children aged 0-2 only pay for the airport tax.
14- According to airline rules; if the outbound flight of a purchased round-trip ticket is not used, the return flight is canceled by the airline.
15- Passengers participating in air tours must personally perform check-in and boarding processes at airports or online via airline websites; these are mandatory procedures.
16- Possible last-minute delays or gate changes are announced via loudspeaker and displayed on information screens at airports. Guests are responsible for following these updates.
17- Participants who do not appear at the airport on time for check-in or boarding, or who do not board despite completing procedures, cannot be held responsible for the missed flight. Any costs related to booking new tickets, transfers, or other arrangements needed for rejoining the tour after missing the flight are their responsibility.
18- The general baggage allowance for flights departing from Turkey is 20 kg; this may vary depending on the airline and destination country. Domestic flights within the destination country may have a limit of 15 kg. Excess baggage fees are determined by the airline and are not responsible by the Agency.
19- Guests wishing to upgrade their tickets with miles (to business or first class) can do so after ticket issuance, depending on airline availability; no mileage guarantee is provided. Check whether the program tickets are eligible for upgrade.
20- Some airlines may charge extra for in-flight meals, services, or online check-in.
Other Matters
21- The Agency is not responsible for any changes or cancellations made directly with hotels; such cases are subject to hotel cancellation policies.
22- In cases where hotel names are not specified but only category information is given, or options are provided for the same destination, the Agency will notify guests 48 hours before departure.
23- During special periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be located at greater distances from specified locations or kilometers. In such cases, the Agency will notify guests at least 15 days before departure.
24- When booking a tour, the guest must accurately enter/passport name, date of birth, passport number into the system. Tickets issued based on incorrect information may be canceled or changed with applicable penalties, at the guest’s expense.
25- To use your mobile phones abroad, check with your service provider before leaving Turkey whether your device is internationally enabled.
26- Hotel check-in time is 15:00, check-out time is 12:00.
27- The Agency relays requests regarding rooms (high floor, near common areas, smoking/non-smoking, bed types) to the hotel. Based on availability, the hotel will try to accommodate preferences but these are not guaranteed and depend on hotel availability at check-in.
28- Hotel breakfasts offer a continental style with limited options like butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a dedicated room for groups.
29- In some cases, double rooms may have double beds rather than two separate beds. Many hotels in Europe offer rooms where beds can be combined.
30- Child and extra bed policies vary by hotel and room type.
31- Extra beds and cribs are provided upon request within available capacity and require hotel confirmation.
32- the capacity for additional beds or cribs is up to 1 per room.
33- In triple rooms, additional beds are smaller, often consisting of one large bed plus a foldaway or coach bed; these arrangements are accepted by guests, understanding possible limitations.
34- If the number of children and their ages are incorrectly stated during booking, hotels may surcharge; responsibility lies with the guest providing false information. Hotels may request ID for age verification.
35- In reservations with 2 adults + 1 child, a separate bed for the child may not be available; child rates are valid only when the child stays with two adults, and discounts apply only for children in the specified age group sharing with two adults.
36- Exchange rate fluctuations affect prices during the day. Payments are based on current rates at time of payment. Additional services at the hotel (mini bar, iron, etc.) are extra and paid directly to the hotel.
37- Some countries impose city, tourism, or local taxes; these are collected by hotels upon entry or exit from the country.
38- Mileage distances in programs are map-based; travel times may increase due to traffic, weather, geography, or road work.
39- The Agency may modify the program's sequence or change the main airline without altering the overall content when necessary.
40- Personal belongings, luggage, passports, and identities are the responsibility of the guest. The Agency is not responsible for lost, forgotten, or stolen items. Costs for retrieving lost items are borne by the owner.
41- Participants are required to carry their travel health insurance policies, medications, and reports if applicable.
42- Extra costs at the hotel, such as deposits for official ID or passport and credit card cash deposits, may be requested at check-in and are refunds are handled directly between guest and hotel. The Agency has no role in this process.
VISA and Passport
1- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the end date of travel.
2- To obtain entry/exit stamps at customs and border crossings, passports must have at least 2 blank pages.
3- Being visa-exempt or holding a visa for the visited countries does not guarantee entry; border officials may refuse entry or exit; responsibility does not fall on the Agency.
4- Guests who are non-Turkish citizens or hold dual citizenship and plan to use a different passport for the tour must consult the relevant consulates regarding visa procedures; the Agency is not responsible for any resulting issues.
5- Passports that are torn, worn, wet, or damaged must be renewed to avoid problems at border crossings; responsibility lies with the guest.
6- Guests under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent may be asked for a notarized consent letter from the parent(s) at entry/exit; attention is advised to minors and their guardians regarding this.