Trabzon Departure Kosovo Great Balkans Tour with AJet including Extra Tours and Dinner for 6 Nights TZL-SKP
Day 1: Trabzon – TZL Airport – Belgrade
Meeting at Trabzon airport departure terminal in front of Ajet Airlines counter 3 hours before the flight. We are departing directly from Trabzon to TZL Airport with Ajet Airlines scheduled flight. After approximately two hours of a comfortable journey, we arrive. After completing the entry procedures into the country, we begin a pleasant journey to 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 attracts attention with its liveliness, dynamism, 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 to discover all the splendor of the city. Here, you can feel the historic atmosphere and explore the texture that brings together Belgrade's past and present. Next, we head to one of the city's most striking points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which has been the focus of many conquests and victories throughout history, from this unique viewpoint. While continuing to explore this ancient city, which was wounded for the sake of Fatih Sultan Mehmed but was conquered by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as the supply center of the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important spots such as Kalemegdan Park and the Stone Fortress. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and gain insight into the cultural heritage of the city from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the city's history and vibrant atmosphere 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 our morning breakfast, we are heading to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Upon our arrival, we will see that Sarajevo has become known as the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and as the place where World War I broke out after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbs in 1914. Sarajevo suffered significant damage due to the destructive wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks during the war in 1992, yet it has managed to preserve its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will visit the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, and Husein Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, as well as 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 city’s 40-year rule by Austria-Hungary. After our tour, we 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 our breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, known for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992, but it 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. Next, we move on to Blagaj. Blagaj is situated at the source of the Buna River, which is known as Europe’s strongest water source. After a short free time here, we proceed to Počitelj. We will visit Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, which is preserved with its historical texture, where we will see the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we head to Medjugorje. Medjugorje is a peaceful place known for its religious visitors. Upon arrival at our hotel, we retire to our rooms for rest. Overnight stay 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 – Shkodra
After our breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards the enchanting Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy breathtaking views. Upon arrival in Kotor, we will discover this medieval town, famous for its fjords, with a walking tour, experiencing the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town, and feeling the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this little town will take you on a journey through time. Next, we head to Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! Upon arriving in Budva, our city tour commences. In this walking tour, we will see the stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife of Budva, one of the most famous holiday centers in the Balkans. Following our city tour, we will move on to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling views. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this island from above. This area, which looks like a postcard in every corner, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we head to the beautiful city of Shkodra in Albania. After our dinner at the hotel, we will retire to our rooms for rest. Overnight stay 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 Shkodra: 85 km
Total distance traveled: 313 km
Day 5: Shkodra – Tirana – Elbasan – Ohrid
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in history and culture, we will have an impressive tour to explore Tirana, regarded as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of Albania's cultural heritages, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We take a short break in Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue, which rises proudly in the center of the square. The Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana intertwined with its historical past will create unforgettable memories for you. After some free time, we proceed to St. Naum, known as "A Corner of Paradise in the Balkans," via Elbasan, which is home to the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery. You will have the opportunity to photograph the unique natural beauty here. During our free time, we will enjoy exploring this historical and natural wonder. After a day filled with unforgettable memories and amazing photos, we head towards Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Once we arrive in Ohrid, we will have a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see significant sites, including the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sophia. Also, we will stroll around the heart of the city, Çinar Square, and have the chance to explore the Old Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the cultural texture of the city closely. Afterward, we will explore the Yeni Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily lives of the local people. Lastly, the famous lake of Ohrid and its breathtaking views will accompany us during our tour. Following our tour, we will have free time and then transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay 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 lake, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED!
Distance from Shkodra to Tirana: 100 km | Tirana to Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance traveled: 235 km
Day 6: Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Skopje
After breakfast, we move on to our tour of Resen and Bitola, known for their magnificent nature and historical riches. Our first stop is Resen, where we will view the palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history, panoramically. Resen offers a captivating atmosphere with its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we proceed to Bitola, one of the most significant centers of culture and trade during the Ottoman era. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military Academy where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this enchanting city, we will also discover historical artifacts from the Ottoman era, such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and Yeni Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city. After our visit, we head towards Skopje. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is one of the significant cultural centers of the Balkans with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. Our tour starts with the historical sites in Skopje, known as the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop is Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of Skopje’s largest and most magnificent mosques built in 1492. Next, we visit Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century, characterized by its Ottoman-era designs and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era hans that were important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Then, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects both sides of the Vardar River. Walking across the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour while observing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our walk next to the river, we will pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and most central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Afterward, we view the Ottoman Bridge built in the 15th century from the outside and visit Davut Pasha Hammam to feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period once again. We continue exploring the Turkish Bazaar by walking towards it. Before arriving at the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, one of Skopje’s iconic structures built in the 16th century. Here we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are significant parts of the city’s Islamic heritage and draw attention with their architecture. Lastly, we will have free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After an enjoyable time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the night.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the opportunity to experience the entertaining and cultural aspects of Skopje during this special Balkan night at one of the region’s finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. With live performances by artists, all of whom are students and teachers from conservatories, we aim to transform this evening into an authentic experience without playback. We look forward to welcoming you to Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Distance from Ohrid to Resen: 34 km | Resen 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 towards Matka Canyon, accompanied by lush mountains. Are you ready to explore Matka Canyon, located amidst the fascinating forests and vast meadows of Vodno Mountain? This natural wonder, covering approximately 5,000 hectares, will take you to mystical monasteries from the Middle Ages and tranquil lake views. While walking through the rugged cliffs, you will be able to observe the region's endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, hiking along the green paths is the best way to connect with nature. After our Matka Canyon tour, we will head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, we will launch a panoramic city tour, discovering both the modern and historical aspects of Pristina. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures dating back to the Ottoman period. We will see Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yasar Pasha Mosque. During our visit to the historical heritage of the city, we will also stop by I. Murad Hüdavendigâr’s Tomb, where the Ottoman Sultan was killed in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, giving us the opportunity to commemorate this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we move on 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, with its architecture and shop signs in Turkish. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important Ottoman structures in the city. Other significant Ottoman artifacts to see include Halveti Tekkesi, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam. After spending some free time in Prizren, we begin our journey back 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 – Trabzon
After ticket, luggage and passport procedures, we board the Ajet Airlines scheduled flight for a direct flight to Trabzon. After a comfortable and smooth flight, we arrive at Trabzon airport and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to you, our valued guests, hoping to see you on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation insurance package application, our guests are granted the right to cancel their reservations without penalty in any case. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation until 9 days before the departure date of the tour. While the full cost of the tour is refunded upon cancellation, the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The specified cancellation insurance package does not apply to group reservations.**
**There are limited quotas for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: The tour offers a wide range of travel programs covering the important cities and tourist spots of the Balkans. Cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Significant 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 different religious structures (mosques, churches, synagogues), the region's cultural diversity is explored.
• Natural Beauties: Stunning natural beauties, such as Lake Ohrid, are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: The tour includes destinations that do not require visas, reducing additional paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Accompanied by a guide, detailed information about cities and historical places is provided.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian meals, Balkan cuisine, and local dishes are a part of dinner, offering a gastronomic experience.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: The opportunity to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night at one of the finest restaurants in Skopje, Restaurant Gardenia.
• All Tours Included: All surrounding tours and extra tours included in the program are part of the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important points without incurring additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local dishes.
• No Need for Expenses: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, taxes, tips, and souvenirs for relatives, there will be no extra money needed.
Things to Keep in Mind
• Intensive Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour very rich and full. However, this busy tempo may be exhausting for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (e.g., Skopje-Belgrade) are passed with beautiful views, but there may be days spent in long periods on the bus. Nonetheless, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive nature of the tour program, free time may be limited. However, participants have the opportunity to visit all important points with the guidance of a tour guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans may be variable in some periods. Therefore, appropriate clothing selection is essential to make this enjoyable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: The hotels included in the tour have been carefully selected from among those reflecting the region's character and local culture. While they may not offer facilities as extensive as luxury hotels in Turkey, they ensure comfort and cleanliness.
• Food and Cuisine Experience: The tour offers the chance to try the region's unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious; however, it may have tastes that some participants are unaccustomed to. It's beneficial to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors, as it is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Medjugorje 4* Kaktus etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Location Arrival Location Departure Time Arrival Time
Trabzon TZL Airport 01:10 03:50
Skopje Trabzon 02:30 04:30
Included Services:
• Round-trip flight tickets from Trabzon Airport / Tuzla – Skopje / Trabzon Airport with AJet Airlines
• Accommodation for a total of 6 nights in 4* hotel category: 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Medjugorje and surrounding area, 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 embellished with meals, entertainment, and folklore performances
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Resen Tour
• Bitola (Manastir) Tour
• Matka Canyon Tour
• Sveti Naum Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Počitelj Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Budva Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Non-Included Services:
• International Departure Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person covering city tax, check point fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entrance fees, and operational service costs, will be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour)