Trabzon Departure Kosovo Great Balkan Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner 7 Nights TZL-SKP
Day 1: Trabzon – TZL Airport – Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Meeting at the Ajet Airlines counter in the departure terminal of Trabzon airport 3 hours before the flight. We depart from Trabzon directly to TZL Airport on a scheduled flight with Ajet Airlines. After about two hours of comfortable travel, we arrive. After completing the country entry procedures, we transfer to our hotel in Tuzla with our private vehicle waiting at the airport.
Day 2: Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – Belgrade
After our breakfast, we leave the hotel and start our pleasant journey towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade today stands out with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. We will have the opportunity to explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures in this captivating city. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins where we will discover the city’s grandeur. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that combines Belgrade's past with its present. Then, we go to one of the most impressive spots in the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be a great pleasure to discover this area, which has been the focal point of conquests and victories throughout history, in this unique view. While continuing to explore this ancient city, which Fatih Sultan Mehmet was wounded for, but whose conquest was granted to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as Kalemegdan Park and the Stone Square. During our tour, we will also see 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 left from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Tuzla – Belgrade: 197 km
Day 3: Belgrade – Sarajevo
After our breakfast, we move towards Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon our arrival, we encounter a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and is historically known as the place where World War I broke out following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 by the Serbs. The city suffered great destruction during the wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in the 1992 war, yet Sarajevo has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Cathedral representing the city's religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the 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-year rule of Austria-Hungary. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 4: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medjugorje
After our breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is the historically and culturally rich city of Mostar. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Mimar Hayreddin in 1557 and one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but was reconstructed in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Turkey. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Paşa Mosque. We then move on to Blagaj. Blagaj is located at the source of the Buna River, the strongest water source in Europe. After a short free time here, we proceed to Počitelj. Visiting Počitelj, which is known as the Turkish Village and retains its historical texture, we will see the works built by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. Finally, we head to Medjugorje. Medjugorje is known for its religious visitors and is a peaceful place. After arriving at our hotel, we retreat 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 - Medjugorje: 20 km
Total distance to be covered: 192 km
Day 5: Medjugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodër
After our breakfast, we depart from the hotel and head towards the mesmerizing Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy the stunning views. Upon our arrival in Kotor, known for the fjords of the Balkans, we will take a walking tour through this medieval town, where you will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town, discovering the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Afterward, 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 of Budva, one of the most famous holiday centers in the Balkans. After the city tour, we will move on to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling views. From the top, we will enjoy the magnificent view of this island. This region, where every corner looks like a postcard, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these explorations, we will transfer to the beautiful city of Shkodër in Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Medjugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodër: 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 313 km
Day 6: Shkodër – Tirana - Elbasan – Sveti Naum – Ohrid
After our breakfast, we leave the hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural aspects, we will have an exciting tour of Tirana, which is considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our arrival in Tirana, we will visit Ethem Bey Mosque, one of Albania's cultural heritage sites, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the statue of Skander Bey proudly rising in the center. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we continue our exciting journey towards Sveti Naum, where Ohrid Lake's spring and the St. Naum Monastery are located, a place dubbed "A Corner of Heaven in the Balkans." Here, you will have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of the landscapes in the heart of nature. We will enjoy exploring this historical and natural wonder during our free time. After a day filled with unforgettable memories and great photos, we will travel towards Ohrid, with breathtaking views accompanying us along the way. Upon our arrival in Ohrid, we will have a tour introducing us to the historical city, which has been one of the important bases of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see important sites including the Monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sophia. Additionally, we will stroll around Çınar Square, where we will have the chance to explore the Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, we can visit the Halveti Tekke, feeling the cultural texture of the city up close. Afterwards, we will visit New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily lives of the local people. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its mesmerizing view will accompany us during our tour. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel after free time. 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 lakeshore, or return to your rooms to rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED !
Shkodër – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 7: Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Matka Canyon - Skopje
After our breakfast, we move on to the tour of Resen and Bitola, known for their stunning nature and historical richness. Our first stop is Resen, where we will see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure in Balkan history, from a panoramic view. Resen presents a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military Academy and the Atatürk Museum, where the founder of modern Turkey, Atatürk, studied, from the outside. In this enchanting city, we will also explore historical Ottoman structures 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 will head toward Matka Canyon, surrounded by lush mountains. Are you ready to explore Matka Canyon, a natural wonder located among the enchanting forests and vast meadows of Vodno Mountain? This natural marvel of approximately 5,000 hectares will take you to medieval mystical monasteries and serene lake views. You can observe the endemic plant and animal species while walking on the rugged cliffs. Walking on the green trails is the best way to connect with nature for nature lovers. After our Matka Canyon tour, we will proceed to Skopje. Upon our arrival, a city tour will begin. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans, with its Ottoman-era heritage and modern structures. Our tour begins with Skopje's historical sites, including the famous poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı’s birthplace. Our first stop is 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, which particularly stands out with its carvings and architecture from the Ottoman period. The tour continues with visits to Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These buildings, great examples of Ottoman-era inns, were important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Following that, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje, connecting the two banks of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Afterwards, we see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hammam, experiencing the splendor of the Ottoman era once again. We will continue to explore the city walking towards Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century, which is one of the symbols of Skopje. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and İsa Bey Mosque, which are important parts of the Islamic heritage of the city and are noteworthy for their architecture. Finally, we provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find a variety of products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the evening.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you, accompanied by traditional Balkan music and folk dance performances. You will experience the cultural side of Skopje during this special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the finest venues in the region. With performances by artists composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers that are presented live without playback, we will transform this night into an authentic experience, and we will be delighted to host you at our Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! | Matka Canyon Tour INCLUDED ! | Balkan Night Included !
Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Skopje: 170 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 8: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje - Trabzon
After our breakfast, we leave the hotel and head towards Pristina. After our journey, upon our arrival in Pristina, we will start a panoramic city tour to explore the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures dating back to the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Paşa Mosque. During our exploration of the city's historical heritage, we will also visit the Tomb of Murad I, the Ottoman Sultan who was killed in the Kosovo Field as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, giving us the opportunity to commemorate his important place in our history. After our visit in Pristina, we will move on to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we will begin to discover the narrow streets of Prizren, which remind us of Anatolian Ottoman towns, adorned with Turkish signage. In this city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most significant structures of Ottoman architecture. Additionally, Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam will also be important Ottoman sites to visit. After our free time in Prizren, we will begin our journey back to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, we will have free time until the time specified by our guide. Afterwards, we will transfer to the airport. After completing ticket, luggage, and passport procedures, we will fly directly from Skopje to Trabzon with Ajet Airlines on a scheduled flight. After a comfortable flight, we arrive at Trabzon Airport, and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests with hopes to see them again on their next journey.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 160 km
Total distance to be covered: 335 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation guarantee package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under all circumstances. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation until 9 days before the departure date. In case of cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, but the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**There is a limited number of seats for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide travel program 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: Significant structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, providing an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Different religious structures (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, exploring the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Magnificent natural wonders like Ohrid Lake are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Includes destinations that do not require visas, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Provides the opportunity to gain detailed information about cities and historical sites with an experienced guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local delicacies are enjoyed during dinner, offering participants a gastronomic experience.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: An opportunity to enjoy local flavors and special Balkan night at one of Skopje's finest restaurants, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje.
• All Tours Included: All environmental tours and additional tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without paying extra costs.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included every day in the program, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Necessity for Extra Spending: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend, as only lunch, taxes, optional tips, and souvenirs for loved ones are not covered, leaving no extra money to be spent from your pockets.
Considerations
• Busy Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour very rich and full of activities. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who wish to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (such as Belgrade-Skopje) pass amid beautiful views, but there may be days with prolonged hours spent on the bus. However, by giving breaks along the way, comfortable travel is ensured.
• Limited Free Time: Due to the comprehensive tour program, free times may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important points is provided with the guidance of an expert guide.
• Weather Conditions Dependent on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable in certain periods. Therefore, appropriate clothing choices can make this situation comfortable.
• Quality of Accommodation and Services: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from those reflecting the region's character and culture, some hotels in small towns may not offer facilities as extensive as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, care is taken to ensure comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Opportunities are provided to try the region's unique local flavors throughout the tour. The Balkan cuisine is rich and delicious, but some participants may find unfamiliar flavors. This presents a great opportunity to closely experience local culture and cuisine, yet it may be beneficial to consider the potential to encounter different tastes.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) 4* Hotel Tuzla etc. Hotel -
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 Place Arrival Place 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 7 nights in 4* hotel category: 1 night in Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina), 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
• Dinner Meals
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• A Balkan Night adorned with dining, entertainment, and folklore performances
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Resen Tour
• Manastir (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)