Day 1: Samsun - Skopje
Meeting 3 hours before the flight in front of the Ajet Airlines counter at the departure terminal of Samsun Çarşamba Airport. Departure from Samsun to Skopje non-stop direct with Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4278 at 23:55. After an approximately two-hour comfortable journey, arrival in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, at 01:25. After arrival, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 2: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we set off for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will explore the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During the tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this trip through the city’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to commemorate an important historical event and its place in Ottoman history by visiting the Mausoleum of Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. After our tour in Pristina, we head to Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we begin exploring Prizren’s narrow streets, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman town, with architecture and shop signs full of Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman monuments to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we start our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel, and after dinner, we retire to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. While experiencing Skopje’s fun and cultural side with this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most exclusive venues. With live performances of the best Balkan music and folklore, presented by artists composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, and performed without playback, we turn this night into an authentic experience. We will be pleased to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 340 km
Day 3: Skopje – Matka Canyon - Tetovo - Bitola - Resen – Ohrid
After breakfast, we set off toward Matka Canyon accompanied by lush green mountains. Are you ready to discover Matka Canyon, located among the enchanting forests and vast pastures of Mount Vodno? This natural wonder of about 5,000 hectares will take you to mystical monasteries dating back to the Middle Ages and peaceful lake views. While walking on rugged cliffs, you can observe the region’s endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, walking along green trails is the best way to be alone with nature. After our Matka Canyon tour, our first stop is Tetovo, one of Macedonia’s most charming towns. Here, we will visit the Painted 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 exterior colors and intricate decorations. As we explore this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we embark on a journey into the depths of history. After our visit in Tetovo, we continue to Bitola. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit from the outside the Military High School where the Great Leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this magical city, we will also discover historical Ottoman monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After our tour, we continue to Resen. In Resen, we panoramicly see the Palace of Resenli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we head to Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing this historic city, which was once one of the important outposts of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are: the Monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and important structures such as the Church of Hagia Sophia. We will also have the chance to stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar dating back to the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city’s cultural texture up close. Then, by visiting the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, you will witness the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its enchanting view will accompany our tour. After the tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you may enjoy Ohrid’s enchanting atmosphere in the silence of the night, take a short walk along the lake shore, or retire to your room to rest.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Matka Canyon: 15 km | Matka Canyon – Tetovo: 35 km | Tetovo – Bitola: 145 km | Bitola – Resen: 32 km | Resen – Ohrid: 50 km
Total distance to be covered: 277 km
Day 4: Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Elbasan - Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off on an exciting journey to St. Naum, known as “A Corner of Paradise in the Balkans,” where the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery are located. In this enchanting place, you will have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of the landscapes in the heart of nature. During our free time, we will enjoy discovering this historical and natural wonder. After a day full of unforgettable memories and wonderful photos, we head toward Tirana, the capital of Albania. Passing through Elbasan, arrival in Tirana, which is rich in history and culture. In this beautiful city, an impressive tour awaits us as we explore Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important landmarks. Begun in 1789 and completed in 1923, this structure is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly standing in the middle of the square. Another highlight of our tour is the Clock Tower, the symbol of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821. Then, we visit the meaningful Peace Bell, made in 1999 by children from Shkodra from bullets melted during the rebellion. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we set off for the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant you with its natural beauty 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 – St. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medjugorje
After breakfast, we set off on an unforgettable journey toward the enchanting shores of Montenegro. Our first stop is St. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling view. From the hilltop, we will admire the magnificent view of this islet, with every corner like a postcard, making it an ideal spot for photography. Then we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. Our Budva city tour begins. On this walking tour, we will see Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday resorts, with its magnificent beaches and vibrant nightlife. Our next stop is the charming city of Kotor, famous for its fjords in the Balkans! On our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, you will feel its narrow streets and the historic atmosphere of the old city, and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea view, this small town will take you on a journey through time. After free time in Kotor, we head to our hotel in Medjugorje or the surrounding area. After dinner at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medjugorje: 191 km
Total distance to be covered: 298 km
Day 6: Medjugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head to Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, a historically preserved village known as the Turkish Village, where we see works made by the Ottomans in the 16th century. After the visit, we continue to Blagaj, built at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe’s strongest springs. After a short free time in this magnificent natural setting, we set off for Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557. This masterpiece of Ottoman architecture was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992; however, with significant contributions from the Republic of Türkiye, it was reopened in 2004. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we continue to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, Sarajevo, which for centuries was the cultural capital of the Balkans, entered history as the place where World War I broke out after the assassination of Austria-Hungary’s heir apparent Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered great destruction due to the devastating conflicts between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet Sarajevo managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the Gazi Husrev-bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand’s assassination took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the western-style buildings formed during the city’s 40-year Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Počitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Medjugorje - 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 – Srebrenica - Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. On our route, we first stop at Srebrenica. On this tour, we will visit the Bosniak cemetery, where one of the greatest massacres of the last century took place during the Bosnian War, where thousands of Bosniaks were killed and buried in mass graves, and where the first documented genocide in Europe and the largest massacre since World War II occurred. After the visit, we continue to Belgrade. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, is also notable today for its vibrancy, dynamism, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will explore the city in all its splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that brings Belgrade’s past and present together. Then, we go to one of the city’s most impressive points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. In this unique view, it will be a great pleasure to discover this area, which has been the focus of conquest and victory many times throughout history. As we continue exploring this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded for its sake, but whose conquest belonged to Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as the Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will see the Mausoleum of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you 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 leave behind the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade : 287 km
Srebrenica Tour INCLUDED!
Day 8: Belgrade - Skopje – Samsun
After breakfast, we head to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans with its heritage from the Ottoman period and modern structures. We begin our tour with historical sites in Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques, built in 1492. Then we visit Murad Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque stands out especially for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. In the continuation of our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, fine examples of Ottoman inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Then, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects 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. This square is Skopje’s largest and most central point and is surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then, we see the Ottoman Bridge from the outside, dating back to the 15th century, and visit the Daut Pasha Bath, once again feeling the splendor of the Ottoman period. We continue exploring the city by walking toward Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje’s symbolic structures. Here, we will visit Sultan Murad Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, among the early mosques of the Ottoman Empire. These mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and stand out with their architecture. Finally, we give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After your enjoyable time in the bazaar, transfer to the airport. After ticketing, baggage, and passport procedures, direct non-stop Samsun flight with Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4279 at 02:25. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival at Samsun Çarşamba Airport at 05:50 and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests, hoping to see you again on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation guarantee package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservation without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure date. In case of reservation cancellation, the full tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The stated cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited quota is available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging tour program covering important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans is offered. Many major cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, offering an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the region’s cultural diversity to be explored.
• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural beauties such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: It includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: With a guide, detailed information about the cities and historical sites is provided.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and dinners full of local flavors.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: An opportunity is offered to enjoy local tastes and a special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of Skopje’s most exclusive restaurants.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without paying extra.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, taxes, tips if they wish, and souvenirs for their loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket.
Situations to Consider
• Busy Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, Skopje-Belgrade) are covered with beautiful views throughout the tour, but there may be days spent for long periods on the bus. Nevertheless, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Since the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, it offers the opportunity to visit all important points with a guide.
• Seasonal Weather Conditions: In the Balkans, weather conditions may vary during certain periods. Therefore, it is possible to make this comfortable with suitable clothing.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the character of the region and local culture, hotels in some small cities may not offer as many facilities as luxury hotels in Türkiye. However, comfort and cleanliness are prioritized in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, there is an opportunity to try the region’s distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is full of rich and delicious dishes, but some participants may encounter tastes they are not accustomed to. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine up close, but it may be useful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Medigorje 4* Kaktus etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Place Destination Place Departure Time Arrival Time
Samsun Skopje 23:55 01:25
Skopje Samsun 02:25 05:50