Samsun Departure Kosovo Big Balkan Tour with AJet including Extra Tours and Dinner for 7 Nights SKP-TZL
Day 1: Samsun – Skopje
Meeting at the Ajet Airlines counter in the departure terminal of Samsun Çarşamba Airport 3 hours before the flight. Departure from Samsun to Skopje directly with Ajet Airlines scheduled flight. After approximately two hours of comfortable travel, we arrive in the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. After arrival, transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Day 2: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. Upon arrival, we start our panoramic city tour where we will discover both modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During this tour, we will visit Germia Park, one of Pristina's most significant natural beauties. Then, we will see the Kosovo Museum, which showcases Kosovo's cultural heritage. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Paşa Mosque. While exploring the city's historical heritage, we will visit the tomb of Ottoman Sultan I. Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, providing us an opportunity to commemorate this significant historical event and his place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we move to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman town, filled with shop signs in Turkish. We will visit Sinan Paşa Mosque, one of the most important Ottoman architectural structures in the city. The Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Paşa Hamam are other significant Ottoman works to be seen. After spending some free time in Prizren, we start our return journey to Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the chance to explore Skopje's entertaining and cultural side while enjoying a special Balkan night at one of the region's finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. With live performances by artists composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, this night will be transformed into an authentic experience. We are pleased to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 160 km
Total distance to be covered: 335 km
Day 3: Skopje – Matka Canyon – Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Ohrid
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Matka Canyon amidst lush green mountains. Are you ready to explore Matka Canyon, nestled among the enchanting forests and wide pastures of Mount Vodno? This natural wonder, spanning approximately 5,000 hectares, will take you to mystical monasteries from the Middle Ages and serene lake views. While walking on rugged cliffs, you can observe the region's endemic plant and animal species. Hiking on green paths is the best way to connect with nature for nature lovers. After our Matka Canyon tour, we set off to explore the unique nature and cultural treasures of Macedonia. Our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's stunning towns. Here, we will visit the Alaca Mosque, one of the most colorful and impressive mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque will enchant you with its vivid colors and intricate decorations on its exterior. While exploring this remarkable example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey through history. After our visit in Tetovo,
Tetovo (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED! | Matka Canyon Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Matka Canyon: 16 km | Matka Canyon – Tetovo (Kalkandelen): 35 km | Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Ohrid: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 181 km
Day 4: Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Elbasan - Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel for a thrilling journey to St. Naum, which houses the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery, referred to as "A Piece of Heaven in the Balkans." You'll have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of the landscapes 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 amazing photos, we head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania, passing through Elbasan. Upon reaching Tirana, a city rich in historical and cultural significance, an impactful tour awaits us where we will explore this beautiful city, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival, we will visit one of the key symbols of the city, the Ethem Bey Mosque, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923, making it one of Albania's cultural treasures. We will take a short break in Skanderbeg Square, seeing the proud Skanderbeg Statue in the center of the square. One of the highlights of our tour will be the Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, a symbol of Tirana. Then we will visit the Peace Bell, a meaningful monument made from the lead melted by children from Shkodra during a rebellion in 1999. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical background will combine to create unforgettable memories. After some free time, we will set off towards the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant you with its natural beauties and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 5: Shkodra – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting coasts of Montenegro. Our first stop is Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and stunning scenery. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above; it is an ideal spot to photograph this postcard-like region. Next, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. Our city tour in Budva begins. During this walking tour, we will see the stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife of Budva, one of the most famous holiday centers in the Balkans. Our next stop is Kotor, a city renowned for its fjords! During our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, we will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and old city, discovering the heart of Kotor. After some free time in Kotor, we will travel to our hotel in Medugorje or its surrounding area. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km
Total distance to be covered: 298 km
Day 6: Medugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head towards Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, where we observe the Ottoman-era structures built in the 16th century. After this visit, we will reach Blagaj, located at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe’s strongest water sources. After a short free time in this stunning natural setting, we head towards Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557. This bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, was destroyed during the war in 1992 by Croat artillery; however, thanks to significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey, it reopened in 2004. After seeing Mostar Bridge, we will visit Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We will then continue to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo, which has served as the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is noted for being the site where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs marked the beginning of World War I in 1914. Sarajevo suffered extensive damage during the war in 1992, yet it has managed to retain much of its beauty. During our tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious cosmopolitanism, Synagogue, Hüsrev Bey 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. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Počitelj Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Medugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj – Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 192 km
Day 7: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade has been one of the most significant cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans throughout history, and today, its liveliness and historical texture attract attention. Upon arrival in Belgrade, we start a panoramic city tour to discover the city's grandeur. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the fusion of Belgrade's past and present. Next, we head to one of the most impressive points in the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube. Exploring this area, which has been the focal point for many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. While continuing to explore this ancient city, you will come across the Belgrade Fortress, used as the Ottoman fleet's supply center. During this castle tour, we will visit important spots like the Fortress Square and Tašmajdan Park. Additionally, we will see the tomb of Shehit Ali Pasha, one of the significant figures of the Ottoman period. While visiting these sites, you will deeply explore the rich history of Belgrade and learn about the cultural heritage left from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we will return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km
Day 8: Belgrade - Sremski Karlovci – Novi Sad – Tuzla – Samsun
After breakfast, our first stop is Sremski Karlovci. In this beautiful town, the Karlowitz Peace Treaty was signed in 1699 after 72 days of negotiations between the Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary, Venice, and Poland. During our visit, we will see the four-gated location where the treaty was signed, as well as the square, four lion fountains, the historic high school, and both Orthodox and Catholic churches. After a coffee break, we continue our journey. Along the way, we will see Petrovaradin Fortress, Belgrade Gate, clock tower, upper town, long barrack, and Leopold Gate. Then we arrive in Novi Sad. Vojvodina is a multi-ethnic region in northern Serbia, economically the most developed, with Novi Sad as its capital. During our walking tour in Novi Sad, we will see the Liberty Square, the National Theatre, Danube Street and shoreline, the Svetozar Miletić Statue, the Catholic Cathedral, the Orthodox St. George Cathedral, the St. Nicholas Church, and the Synagogue panoramically. After our tour, we will transfer to the airport. Following ticket, luggage, and passport procedures, we will take a direct scheduled flight with Ajet Airlines back to Samsun. Following a comfortable flight, we arrive at Samsun Çarşamba Airport, concluding our tour. We bid farewell to our esteemed guests with the hope of seeing you again on your next trip.
Sremski Karlovci Tour INCLUDED! | Novi Sad Tour INCLUDED!
Belgrade- Sremski Karlovci: 78 km | Sremski Karlovci – Novi Sad: 13 km | Novi Sad – Tuzla: 180 km
Total distance to be covered: 271 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euros*
(With the cancellation insurance package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without a penalty in any circumstance. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the departure date. Upon cancellation, the entire tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The cancellation insurance package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited quotas are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging itinerary covering significant cities and tourist spots of the Balkans is offered. Important cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Major structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a delightful experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Various religious structures (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing an exploration of the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Spectacular natural attractions such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Includes destinations that do not require a visa, thus reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Accompanied by a guide, who provides detailed information about the cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants experience a gastronomic journey with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies during dinner.
• Experience at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje: The chance to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night at one of the finest restaurants in Skopje, Restaurant Gardenia.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours included in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all major points without incurring additional costs.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while enjoying local flavors.
• No Need for Extra Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend extra. Except for lunch, taxes, tips if desired, and souvenir purchases for their loved ones, there are no extra costs.
Considerations:
• Intensive Program: Traveling to different cities each day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this intense pace might be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, Skopje-Belgrade) are traversed with beautiful views, but some days may involve spending long hours on the bus. Nevertheless, rest stops along the way ensure comfortable travel.
• Limited Free Time: Free times may be limited due to the tour's comprehensive itinerary. However, an opportunity to visit all important points with the guidance of a tour guide is provided.
• Weather Conditions Depending on the Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can vary during some periods. Therefore, choosing suitable clothing can help make the experience comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the character and local culture of the area, but hotels in smaller cities may not offer the same amenities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, attention is paid to comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: The tour offers a chance to try the region's unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious; however, some participants may encounter unfamiliar tastes. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine, but it may be beneficial to be aware of potential exposure to different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel -
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Kaktus etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Location Arrival Location Departure Time Arrival Time
Samsun Skopje 01:10 03:50
Sarajevo Samsun 02:30 04:30
Services Included:
• Round trip flight tickets from Samsun Çarşamba Airport / Skopje – Tuzla / Samsun Çarşamba Airport with AJet Airlines
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights in 4* hotel category: 1 night in Ohrid, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medjugorje and surroundings, 2 nights in Skopje, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Sarajevo
• Breakfasts
• Dinners
• All transfers mentioned in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• A Balkan Night embellished with dinner, entertainment, and folklore performances
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Resne Tour
• Bitola Tour
• Sveti Naum Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Matka Canyon Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Poçitel Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Budva Tour
• Sremski Karlovci Tour
• Novi Sad Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• International Departure Tax Stamp
• 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 operating service costs amounting to a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person, which will be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour)