Samsun Departure Kosovo Grand Balkans Tour with AJet including Extra Tours and Dinner for 6 Nights TZL-SKP
Day 1: Samsun – TZL Airport – Belgrade
Meeting at the Ajet Airlines counter at Samsun Çarşamba Airport departure terminal 3 hours before the flight. We depart from Samsun directly to TZL Airport with Ajet Airlines' scheduled flight. After approximately two hours of comfortable travel, we arrive. After completing the entry procedures, we start a pleasant journey towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans, and today it is noteworthy for its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. We will have the opportunity to explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures in this enchanting city. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that brings together Belgrade's past and present. Afterwards, we 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 area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, in this unique view. As we continue to discover this ancient city, which was the center for Ottoman naval supplies, you will come across the Belgrade Fortress. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points like Kalemegdan Park and Tašmajdan. During our tour, we will also visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period. During these visits, we will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the cultural heritage left from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we will leave the city's history and lively atmosphere behind and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Distance from TZL Airport to Belgrade: 197 km
Day 2: Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we set off for the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. After our arrival, Sarajevo will be known throughout the ages as the cultural capital of the Balkans and the place where World War I broke out when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Serbs in 1914. It suffered severe destruction due to the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks during the 1992 war, yet Sarajevo managed to preserve its beauty to a large extent. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the religious cosmopolitanism of the city, the Synagogue, Husein Bey Mosque, Ferhadija Mosque, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand occurred in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings created during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian administration. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Distance from Belgrade to Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 3: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medjugorje
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but was rebuilt 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 will head to Blagaj. Blagaj, where the Buna River, the strongest water source in Europe, springs forth. After a short free time here, we will continue to Počitelj. We will visit Počitelj, which is known as the Turkish Village and is preserved in its historical texture, and see the structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we will move to Medjugorje. Medjugorje is a peaceful place famous for its religious visitors. After arriving at our hotel, we will retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Mostar Tour 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 4: Medjugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodër
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head towards the mesmerizing Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. Upon arrival in Kotor, a medieval town famous for its fjords, we will start a walking tour where you will feel the historic atmosphere of its narrow streets and old town, and discover 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 head to Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! We arrive in Budva, and our city tour begins. During this walking tour, we will see the magnificent beaches and vibrant nightlife that make Budva one of the most famous tourist centers in the Balkans. After our city tour, we will move to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling views, where we will enjoy a magnificent view of this islet from above. This area, where every corner looks like a postcard, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these explorations, we head to the beautiful city of Shkodër in Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Distance from Medjugorje to Kotor: 191 km | Kotor to Budva: 22 km | Budva to Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan to Shkodër: 85 km
Total distance traveled: 313 km
Day 5: Shkodër – Tirana - Elbasan – Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and set off towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. This beautiful city, rich in history and culture, will offer us an impressive tour as we explore Tirana, which is considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the cultural heritages of Albania, which started construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We stop for a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we can see the statue of Skanderbeg proudly rising in the center of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built in 1821 by Ethem Bey, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, Tirana's modern face and historical past come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we pass through Elbasan and set off on an exciting journey to St. Naum, where Lake Ohrid's source and St. Naum Monastery are located, known as "A Piece of Paradise in the Balkans." Here, you will have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of the landscapes amid nature. In our free time, we will enjoy exploring this historical and natural wonder. After a day full of unforgettable memories and great photos, we head towards Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour of the historic city of Ohrid, which was one of the significant bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see important sites including the Monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to be the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also stroll around Çınar Square, where we will have the chance to explore the Turkish Bazaar, which dates back to the Ottoman period. Here we might visit the Halveti Tekke, immersing ourselves in the city’s cultural fabric. Afterward, we will walk through the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the locals. Finally, Ohrid's famous lake and its enchanting views will accompany our tour. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of the night, take a short walk along the lake’s shore, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED!
Distance from Shkodër to Tirana: 100 km | Tirana to Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance traveled: 235 km
Day 6: Ohrid - Resne - Bitola – Skopje
After breakfast, we depart for a tour of Resne and Bitola, known for their magnificent nature and historical wealth. Our first stop will be Resne, where we will see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, a significant figure who has made his mark on Balkan history. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short stop here, we set off for Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and trading centers of the Ottomans. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will view from outside the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this enchanting city, we will also explore the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, İshak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque, as they are historical artifacts left from the Ottomans. While experiencing the historical texture of Bitola, you will also have the chance to take a pleasant stroll through the nostalgic streets of the town. After our visit, we continue towards Skopje. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. Our tour will start with the historical sites in Skopje, the birthplace of famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop will be 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, particularly noted for its Ottoman architectural features and engravings. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, which are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns and were important centers for merchants. Then, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje, built in the 15th century and connects both banks of the Vardar River. From the Stone Bridge, we will continue our walk towards the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our river walk, we will pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point of Skopje surrounded by modern buildings, where we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Next, we will see the Ottoman Bridge built in the 15th century from outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hamam, feeling the grandeur of the Ottoman era once again. We will continue to discover the Turkish Bazaar in Skopje. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, one of Skopje's symbolic structures built in the 16th century. Here we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are important parts of the city’s Islamic heritage with their remarkable architecture. Finally, we grant free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find various products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending nice moments in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the night.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and folklore dance shows. You will have the opportunity to discover the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje during this special Balkan evening at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the most distinguished venues in the region. We will transform this night into an authentic experience with live performances from our artists, all from conservatory students and teachers, without playback. We will be delighted to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, our own establishment. Overnight in our hotel in Skopje.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Distance from Ohrid to Resne: 34 km | Resne to Bitola: 31 km | Bitola to Skopje: 170 km
Total distance traveled: 235 km
Day 7: Skopje – Matka Canyon – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Matka Canyon, amid lush mountains. Are you ready to explore Matka Canyon, located within the mesmerizing forests of Vodno Mountain and its vast pastures? This natural wonder, approximately 5,000 hectares, will take you to mystical monasteries from the Middle Ages and calming lake views. You can observe endemic species of plants and animals while walking through the rugged cliffs. Walking on green trails is the best way to connect with nature for nature lovers. Following our Matka Canyon tour, we will head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, we arrive in Pristina, where we will start our panoramic city tour to discover the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During this trip, we will also visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad, the Ottoman Sultan who died in the Kosovo Field as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, commemorating this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we proceed to Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we will begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, which evoke the Anatolian Ottoman city with its architecture and shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the essential Ottoman buildings in the city, which is also part of the important Ottoman structures to be seen, along with Halveti Tekkesi, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Paşa Hamam. After having free time in Prizren, we will start our return journey to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, we will have free time until the time determined by our guide. Then we will transfer to the airport.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Matka Canyon Tour INCLUDED!
Distance from Skopje to Pristina: 90 km | Pristina to Prizren: 85 km | Prizren to Skopje: 160 km
Total distance traveled: 335 km
Day 8: Skopje – Samsun
After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we take a direct flight to Samsun with Ajet Airlines. After a comfortable and relaxing flight, we arrive at Samsun Çarşamba Airport, marking the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests with the hope to see you again on your next journey.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the Cancellation Insurance package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, you can cancel your reservation until 9 days before the departure date of the tour. In case of reservation cancellation, the total amount of the tour will be refunded, while the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The cancellation insurance package does not apply to group reservations.**
**Limited quota is available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A broad travel program covering the significant cities and tourist spots of the Balkans is offered. Many important cities including Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a delightful experience for those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: By visiting structures of different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues), the cultural diversity of the region is explored.
• Natural Beauty: Amazing natural beauties like Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the trip.
• Visa-Free Travel: The itinerary includes destinations that do not require a visa, which reduces additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Accompanying guides provide detailed information about the cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Evening meals filled with traditional Balkan dishes and local delicacies offer participants a gastronomic experience.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: Participants 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 environmental excursions and extra tours listed in the program are included in the tour price, thus allowing participants to visit all important points without incurring additional costs.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while savoring local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, tax, optional tips, and souvenirs for your loved ones, no extra money will be spent from your pocket.
Considerations to Take Into Account
• 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 (for instance, the distance between Skopje and Belgrade) are traveled amid beautiful scenery, but there may be days when you spend extended periods on the bus. Despite this, breaks along the way provide a comfortable journey.
• Limited Free Time: Free time may be limited due to the comprehensive program. However, there is an opportunity to visit all significant points with a guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on the Season: In the Balkans, weather conditions can be variable in certain periods. Therefore, proper clothing choices 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 and local culture of the region, but some hotels in smaller cities may not offer as extensive facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, attention is paid to comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Dining and Culinary Experience: The tour provides opportunities to try the region’s unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious but can feature tastes that are unfamiliar to some participants. This presents a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine, but it's helpful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Belgrade 4* Nobel, etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday, etc. Hotel Hotel
Medjugorje 4* Kaktus, etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik, etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd, etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho, etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Location Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Samsun TZL Airport 01:10 03:50
Skopje Samsun 02:30 04:30
Included Services:
• Round-trip flight tickets with AJet Airlines from Samsun Çarşamba Airport / Tuzla – Skopje / Samsun Çarşamba Airport
• Accommodations for a total of 6 nights in 4* hotel category: 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Medjugorje and surroundings, 1 night in Belgrade, 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, and 1 night in Ohrid
• Breakfasts
• Dinners
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• A Balkan Night adorned with dinner, entertainment, and folklore performances
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Resne Tour
• Bitola Tour
• Matka Canyon Tour
• Sveti Naum Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Počitelj Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Budva Tour
• Professional Turkish-speaking guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Excluded Services:
• Passport Exit Fee
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (City tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entry fees, and operational service costs included in the compulsory payment of 20 Euros per person, which will be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour)