Special Extra Tours for Eid al-Adha Across the Balkans with THY, Including Dinner SJJ-SJJ
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo – Mostar – Blagaj – Počitel - Medugorje
After completing our ticket, baggage, and boarding procedures at Istanbul Airport’s International Departures Terminal, we board Turkish Airlines flight TK1021 to Sarajevo, departing at 07:05. After approximately one and a half hours of flight, we arrive in Sarajevo at 08:00 local time, and after completing entry procedures, our first stop will be Mostar famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin, which is 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 proceed to Blagaj, which is located at the mouth of the Buna River, one of Europe's strongest water sources. After a short free time here, we move on to Počitelj. We will visit Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, which has been preserved with its historical texture and see the works built during the Ottoman period in the 16th century. Finally, we proceed to Medugorje, known for its religious visitors and peaceful ambiance. After 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 traveled: 192 km
Day 2: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodër
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head towards the enchanting Kotor. You will enjoy fabulous views during the journey. Upon arrival in Kotor, in this medieval town famous for the fjords of the Balkans, we will take a walking tour where you’ll feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and old town, discovering the heart of Kotor. This small town, with its unique architecture and sea views, will take you on a journey through time. Next, our stop is Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! After a panoramic city tour, we will head to Sv. Stefan, known for its rich history and dazzling views. We will enjoy the spectacular view of this island from above, an ideal spot for postcard-like photos. After this exploration, we will proceed to the beautiful city of Shkodër in Albania. After having dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest for the night. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Medugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodër: 85 km
Total distance to be traveled: 313 km
Day 3: Shkodër – Tirana - Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. This beautiful city, recognized for its historical and cultural richness, is known for being the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will start our impressive tour by visiting Ethem Bey Mosque, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923, being one of Albania's cultural treasures. We will take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the statue of Scanderbeg rising proudly in the center. The symbolic Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, will also be one of the highlights of our tour. Next, we visit the meaningful Peace Bell, made from lead melted by the children of Shkodër during the uprising in 1999. This tour, where modern and historical aspects of Tirana intertwine, will allow you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we head towards Ohrid, enjoying breathtaking views along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing this historic city which has been an important base for the Ottomans in the Balkans. Highlights of our tour include the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of St. Sophia, among other significant structures. We will stroll around the heart of the city, Çinar Square, and have the opportunity to visit the Turkish Bazaar dating back to the Ottoman period. There, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the cultural texture of the city closely. As we explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, you will witness the daily life of the locals. Lastly, the famous lake of Ohrid and its mesmerizing views will accompany our tour. After the tour, we enjoy free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodër – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance to be traveled: 235 km
Day 4: Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart for our tour of the magnificent nature and historical riches of Resen and Bitola. Our first stop will be Resen, where we will panoramically view the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure stamp on Balkan history. Resen offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we proceed to Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottomans. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military High School attended by Atatürk and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, we will also discover historical Ottoman relics such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk in its nostalgic streets. After all these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight stay and dinner in Ohrid at our hotel.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Ohrid: 69 km
Total distance to be traveled: 134 km
Day 5: Ohrid – Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje
After breakfast, we pack our bags and head out to explore the unique nature and cultural treasures of Macedonia. Our first stop is the dazzling town of Tetova (Kalkandelen). 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, with its vivid colors and intricate decorations on the exterior, will enchant you. As we explore this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we embark on a journey through history. After our visit in Tetova, we proceed to Skopje, accompanied by the breathtaking views of green mountains. Upon arrival in Skopje, our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city. We continue with the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is particularly notable for its decorations and architecture from the Ottoman period. During our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, which were once important centers for traders to stay and conduct business. After, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje, built in the 15th century and connecting both sides of the Vardar River. We will continue our tour wandering through the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the riverbank. As we stroll along the river, we pass by Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point in Skopje, surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Next, we will view the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit David Pasha Hamam to feel the glory of the Ottoman period once again. Continuing our exploration, we head towards Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, one of Skopje’s symbolic structures, built in the 16th century. Here, we’ll visit Sultan Murad Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are significant parts of the city’s Islamic heritage due to their architecture. Finally, we provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After a delightful time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for dinner and an evening of traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. This special Balkan night offers you the chance to discover the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje. Overnight stay in our hotel in Skopje.
Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tetova (Kalkandelen): 130 km | Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje: 43 km
Total distance to be traveled: 173 km
Day 6: Skopje - Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel for a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade today attracts attention with its liveliness, vitality, and historical texture. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins where we will explore all the splendor of the city. Firstly, we will see the Old Palace, which carries traces of the Ottoman era and is known for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, you will feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture of Belgrade, which merges its past with the present. Next, we go to one of the most impressive points of the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube. It will be a great pleasure to explore this unique view, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. While continuing to discover this ancient city, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply base for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the historical lines in this fortress, we will see significant places like the Kale Square and the Stone Square. Our visit then continues to the Tomb of Martyr Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman era, and the Bayrakli Mosque, one of the few Ottoman structures still standing in Belgrade. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and learn about the city's cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. Our visit ends with a trip to the Military Museum, filled with artifacts illuminating Belgrade's military history, providing a fascinating experience for visitors. After the tour, we head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km
Day 7: Belgrade - Sarajevo
After breakfast, we set off towards Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we face a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and marked history as the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated, leading to the outbreak of World War I in 1914. During the 1992 war, the city suffered severe devastation resulting from the destructive wars among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks; however, Sarajevo has managed to largely preserve its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the Huzrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand occurred in 1914, the Old Library, and the western-style buildings formed during 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 8: Sarajevo - Istanbul
After breakfast, we check out of our rooms and have some free time until the transfer hour. We transfer to Sarajevo Airport. After boarding procedures, we fly to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK1026 at 20:40. We arrive at Istanbul Airport at 23:40, marking the end of our tour. We bid you farewell and look forward to seeing you on your next journey.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Protection Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation protection package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty in any condition. By using this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour's departure date. In case of cancellation, while the full tour fee is refunded, the cancellation protection package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The specified cancellation protection package is not valid for group reservations.**
**There are limited number of spots available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging travel program covering the important cities and tourist destinations of the Balkans is offered. Many important cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, providing a pleasant experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different faiths (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the exploration of the region's cultural diversity.
• Natural Beauties: The tour experiences magnificent natural beauties such as Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid.
• Visa-Free Travel: Destinations do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Detailed information is provided about cities and historical sites with a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Evening meals filled with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors provide participants with a gastronomic experience.
• All Tours Included: All environmental tours and extra tours in the program are included in the price of the tour, so participants can visit all important spots without any additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included every day in the program, which prevents participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need for Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who don’t want to spend. Except for lunch, tips if desired, and souvenirs to their loved ones, no extra money is spent from your pocket.
Things to Consider
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city each day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this busy pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are traversed accompanied by beautiful views, but there may be days spent in the bus for long durations. Nevertheless, breaks will be provided along the way for a comfortable journey.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all significant points under the guidance is offered.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: In the Balkans, some periods may have varying weather conditions. Therefore, it is beneficial to select appropriate clothing to make this situation comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region's character and local culture, but some hotels in small towns might not offer as many facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, cleanliness and comfort are prioritized in these hotels.
• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, there is an opportunity to try the local flavors unique to the region. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may find unfamiliar flavors. It is useful to be aware that you may encounter different tastes to get closely acquainted with the local culture and cuisine.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 5* New Star, etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks, etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks, etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria, etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday, etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Sole, etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik, etc. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Location Arrival Location Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 07:05 08:00
Sarajevo Istanbul 20:40 23:40
1- The General Terms are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently of the tour program.
2- If adequate participation is not achieved for the trip, the agency may cancel the tour up to 21 days prior to the departure date. In such cases, cancellation information will be communicated to the guests. The full amount of the tour fee will be refunded to the guests. In the case of additional services purchased outside the tour, domestic flight connections purchased from the agency will also be refunded to the guests; however, if visa services have been utilized for a visa application made on behalf of the guest, these services will not be refunded as they are considered used. If a visa application has not been made, visa and travel health insurance will also be canceled, and the fee will be refunded. If the guest has purchased the domestic flight connection from a different provider independently from the agency, they cannot claim any fee refunds from the agency in the event of cancellation by the agency. The guest accepts in advance any material and moral losses that may occur due to the cancellation of the tour and cannot hold the agency responsible.
3- If adequate participation is not achieved for the trip, the agency has the right to show goodwill and not to cancel the tour. In this case, the tour will be arranged individually for the guest, and the guiding services included in the package will only cover the round-trip airport transfers for international travel.
Cancellation and Changes4- Tickets related to transportation are arranged at the time of reservation. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the tour departure date will incur penalties for the flight ticket fees, which do not have the right to cancellation, change, or refund.
5- Guests have the right to cancel without penalty, provided they notify the agency in writing at least 30 days before the tour departure date, except for flight tickets that have been paid for and/or committed to by the airline. If the time remaining until the tour start date is less than 31 days, the guest can cancel by paying a penalty fee equivalent to 50% of the remaining tour fee from the flight ticket price. If cancellation is requested within 15 days or less prior to the tour start date, they can cancel by paying the full tour fee as a penalty. For additional services such as domestic flight connections, visa services, travel health insurance, the refund conditions may vary based on the cancellation request period, so it is necessary to inquire in advance about refunds. The agency cannot guarantee any commitments regarding refunds for additional services.
Guiding Services and Extra Tours6- The days and times of the tours specified in the program may be changed by the guide based on the status of museums and historical sites being open/closed and weather conditions. Different guides may accompany guests during the tours.
7- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are conducted as general introductions to the cities and consist of maximum 2-3 hours of tours conducted with commentary from the guide without including entrance fees to museums or historical sites. Panoramic tours, as well as other tours specified in the program, may not be conducted if local authorities do not permit visits on the specified days and times or if closed roads or weather conditions make the tour impossible. Some tours may be conducted by public transport or on foot in areas where road closures or vehicle entry is not allowed, as availability permits.
8- Our guide may make changes to the days of city tours and/or additional tours depending on the number of participants and the status of the museum and historical sites being closed. This condition is also valid against changes that may occur in flight times.
9- Important points to consider for our tours conducted with Speed Boats include: not eating heavy meals and not drinking excessive amounts of water immediately before boarding the boat. Guests experiencing stomach, back, or neck issues, as well as pregnant guests, should inform their guides about their conditions.
10- There is no refund for non-participation in the services specified in the price section, such as tours or meal services.
Regarding Flights11- The agency acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger, and in case of any disputes, Turkish law's relevant provisions, as well as the Hague Protocol and Warsaw Convention, will be applied.
12- Delays or changes in scheduled and charter flights may occur. The agency is obliged to notify these changes as soon as possible. The guest has accepted the risk of changes/cancellations in flight times when purchasing the trip.
13- Children aged 0-2 only pay the airport tax fee.
14- According to airline regulations; if the outbound flight of a round-trip ticket is not used, the return flight will be canceled by the airline.
15- Check-in and boarding procedures are personal responsibilities for those participating in flight tours, and these procedures must be carried out by the guests at the airports in advance, at the relevant airline counters, or online via the airline’s websites.
16- Last-minute delays and gate changes during flights are announced audibly at the airports and are shown on the information screens at the location. Guests must follow this information themselves.
17- The agency is not responsible for guests who are not present at the specified airport at the hours communicated in accordance with airline regulations, do not complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, or who complete these procedures on time but do not board the plane. All expenses arising from the failure to catch the flight, such as obtaining new round-trip plane tickets necessary for participation in the tour and transfers at the destination, are the responsibility of the guests.
18- The general baggage weight for flights departing from Turkey is 20 kg. This weight may vary depending on the airline and the destination country. If there are domestic flights in the destination country, the baggage weight may drop to 15 kg for those flights. Excess baggage weight/price regulations are determined by airlines and are not the responsibility of the agency.
19- For guests who wish to upgrade their tickets using miles (to business or first class), upgrade procedures can be performed based on availability after the tickets are issued by the airline (please check with the airline to which you are a member). No guarantee of mileage for each flight is given. Please check whether the program’s tickets are in an upgradeable class.
20- Some airlines may have extra charges for food and drink and online check-in services.
Other Matters21- The agency will not accept responsibility for any changes or cancellations made by the guest directly with the hotel. In such cases, the agency's cancellation conditions will apply.
22- In cases where hotel(s) is(are) not specified by name in the tour program and only category information is provided and/or options are offered for the same destination, the agency will inform the guest 48 hours prior to the trip departure.
23- During special periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be located further than the specified locations or distances. In such cases, the agency will provide information 15 days prior to the tour departure.
24- At the time of registration for the purchased tour, the guest must accurately enter/declare their name as it appears on their passport, date of birth, and passport number in the system. Flight tickets are issued based on this information. Penalty fees for cancellations or changes due to incorrect information will be borne by the guests.
25- To be able to use your cell phones abroad, please check before leaving Turkey whether your phone is enabled for international use by contacting your carrier.
26- The check-in time for accommodation is 3:00 PM, and the check-out time is 12:00 PM.
27- The agency will inform the hotel about requests related to the room (high floor, close to common areas, smoking/non-smoking, bed type). Efforts will be made to ensure that the reserved rooms match the guest's preferences according to the hotel's availability. The realization of these requests depends on availability at the time of hotel check-in and cannot be guaranteed by the agency.
28- The breakfast served at hotels may differ from the rich breakfast typically found in Turkish cuisine. Generally, it is served as a continental breakfast, consisting of limited options such as butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate room allocated for groups.
29- In some cases, a double bed may be provided instead of a twin room. Most European hotels offer twin rooms that can be combined, if necessary.
30- The child and extra bed policy may vary depending on each hotel and room types.
31- All types of extra beds and baby cots are provided upon request and according to the hotel's availability and must be approved by the hotel.
32- The capacity for additional beds or baby cots in the room is one (maximum).
33- In triple rooms, there is an application for an extra bed, and the bed allocated to the 3rd person in such rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of one large bed plus one additional bed. Additional beds may consist of pull-out or sofa beds. Our guests accepting the additional beds added to the standard room in triple room and/or with children reservations acknowledge the possibility of crowding in the rooms due to these additional beds and the types of beds.
34- If the number of children and their ages indicated in hotel reservations with adults are inaccurately declared by our guests, the relevant hotels may charge additional fees. In such cases, the responsibility lies with the guest who provided incorrect information. Hotels may request identification for age verification of children.
35- In reservations for 2 adults + 1 child, separate beds may not be available for the child. Child prices are only valid if the child is staying with two adults. Child discounts apply only to “one child” who meets the age group while staying with two adults.
36- Daily currency fluctuations are reflected in the TL prices. The rates valid at the time of payment apply. Additional requests for some services obtained at the hotel (mini-bar, ironing, etc.) may be subject to extra charges by the hotel. These costs are not included in the purchase and are payable directly at the hotel during your stay.
37- Some countries have different practices regarding city, tourism, or local taxes. Any city, tourism, or other taxes currently being applied will be collected from the guest by the hotel during check-in or check-out.
38- The distances provided in the programs are based on maps. Travel times may be extended in cases of traffic, weather conditions, the geographical location of the country visited, road works, and conditions.
39- The agency may change the order of cities in the program without disrupting the content of the program or the main airline to be flown if deemed necessary or in compulsory situations.
40- The personal belongings, bags, suitcases, passports/identities of the participants in the tour are their own responsibility, and the agency is not responsible for items that are forgotten/lost/stolen. In cases where forgotten items are found, the costs incurred during the delivery of the items to the country and/or person are the responsibility of the item owner.
41- Participants in the tour are required to carry their travel health insurance policies and any related medications and reports if they have any health issues.
42- For possible extra expenses, a photo ID/passport issued by official institutions and a credit card or cash deposit may be requested by the hotel upon check-in. The deposit requested at check-out is a transaction between the hotel and the guest, and the agency has no intervention.
Visa and Passport1- Guests must ensure that their passports are valid for at least 6 months after the travel end date.
2- To have the entry-exit stamp affixed to your passport at customs checkpoints/border crossings, there must be at least 2 blank pages in your passport.
3- Being exempt from visa requirements or having a visa for the countries in this tour does not guarantee that entry/exit will be allowed; the passport police have the authority to deny entry or exit, and the agency is not responsible for this situation; the responsibility lies with the passenger.
4- Guests who are not Turkish citizens or have dual citizenship and will participate in the tour using another country’s passport must personally inquire with relevant consulates about the visa procedures applied by the country they will be traveling to; otherwise, the agency will not be responsible for any arising consequences.
5- To avoid issues at the customs checkpoint due to passports that are torn, worn, wet, or otherwise damaged, the passports must be renewed. Otherwise, the responsibility lies with the passenger.
6- Guests under 18 years old traveling alone or with only one parent are advised to be aware that a document showing the common consent of the parents may be requested by the police on entry-exit from the country; both the guests and the parents of guests under 18 are advised to be mindful of this matter.
Excluded Services:
• Abroad Departure Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Travel Insurance (Ages 66-75)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes