Kosovo Great Balkan Tour with AJet including Extra Tours and Dinner SKP-SKP

Day 1: Istanbul - Skopje

Meeting in front of the airline counter at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport departure terminal. Departure at 12:50 to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, on AJet flight VF263. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival at 14:20 local time and, following entry procedures, we begin our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Skopje is one of the Balkans' important cultural centers with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We start 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 Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque especially stands out with its Ottoman-era embroidery and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures, fine examples of Ottoman-era inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Later, we visit 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 Stone Bridge, we 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 buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then we see the Ottoman Bridge from the outside, dating from the 15th century, and visit the Daud Pasha Baths to once again feel the splendor of the Ottoman era. 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. The 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 from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After your pleasant time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel in the evening. 

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 distinguished venues. With live performances of the best music and folklore of the Balkans, delivered by artists made up entirely of conservatory students and teachers, and performed without playback, we will turn this night into an authentic experience. We will be pleased to host you at our own restaurant, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje. 

 Balkan Night INCLUDED!

Day 2: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head toward Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon our arrival in Pristina after the journey, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will explore Kosovo's modern and historical aspects. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable Ottoman-era structures. We will see Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and Yaşar Pasha Mosque, a work from the 18th century. During this excursion in 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 Tomb of 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, with their architecture reminiscent of Anatolian Ottoman cities and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important works of Ottoman architecture. In addition, Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman monuments to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and after dinner, we retire to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.

Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!

Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km

Total distance to be covered: 340 km

Day 3: Skopje – Belgrade

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off on a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans throughout history, still attracts attention today with its vibrancy, movement, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. After arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins in which we will discover the city's full splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore Belgrade's texture that brings together the past and present. Then we head to one of the city's most impressive points, where the Sava River joins the Danube River. In this unique view, it will be a great pleasure to explore this region, which has been the focus of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue to discover this ancient city, where Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded for the sake of conquest but whose conquest fell to Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will see important places such as Kale Meydan and Taş Meydan. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb 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 remaining from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the city's history and lively atmosphere and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km

Day 4: Belgrade – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, it has for centuries been the cultural capital of the Balkans and has gone down in history as the place where World War I broke out after the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered great destruction due to the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo 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 Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Gazi Husrev-beg 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 our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km

Day 5: Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medugorje

After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see Mostar Bridge, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture, built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin. This bridge was destroyed in 1992, but was rebuilt in 2004 with the contribution of the Republic of Türkiye. After exploring Mostar's enchanting atmosphere, we will visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we head to Blagaj. Blagaj was established at the source of the Buna River, the strongest water source in Europe. After a short free time here, we move on to Počitelj. By visiting Počitelj, preserved with its historical texture and known as the Turkish Village, we will see works made by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we head to Medugorje. Medugorje is a peaceful place famous for its religious visitors. After arrival at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight 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 covered: 192 km

Day 6: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodër

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off toward enchanting Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. When we arrive in Kotor, on our walking tour in this medieval town famous for its fjords in the Balkans, you will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea view, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Afterwards, our next stop is Budva, one of the Balkans' most popular holiday destinations! After our panoramic city tour, we head to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling scenery. We will watch the magnificent view of this islet from above. This area, which looks like a postcard at every corner, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we continue to the beautiful Albanian city of Shkodër. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!

Međugorje - 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 7: Shkodër – Tirana - Ohrid

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head toward Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural terms, an impressive tour awaits us as we discover Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our arrival in Tirana, we visit Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city's most important symbols. This structure, whose construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, is one of Albania's cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, the symbol 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 to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we travel on to Ohrid. Breathtaking landscapes will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are: the 9th-century Byzantine monks Saints Cyril and Methodius Monument, believed to have developed the Cyrillic Alphabet, and important structures such as Holy Sophia Church. We will also have the opportunity to stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and explore the Turkish Bazaar remaining from the old Ottoman period. Here you can visit Halveti Tekke and feel the city's cultural fabric 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 can enjoy Ohrid's enchanting atmosphere in the silence of the night, take a short walk along the lake, or retreat to your rooms and rest.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED!

Shkodër – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid : 135 km

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 8: Ohrid – Tetova (Tetovo) – Skopje – Istanbul 

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off to discover North Macedonia's unique nature and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetova (Tetovo), one of Macedonia's eye-catching 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 fascinate you with its vibrant exterior colors and detailed decorations. As we explore this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey into the depths of history. After our visit in Tetova, we head toward Skopje Airport. After arrival at the airport and boarding procedures, our flight to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport will take place at 14:20 on AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF264. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival in Istanbul at 16:50 and the end of our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you again on your next trip.

Tetova (Tetovo) Tour INCLUDED!

Ohrid – Tetova (Tetovo): 131 km | Tetova (Tetovo) – Skopje: 47 km

Total distance to be covered: 178 km

*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*

(With the Cancellation Guarantee package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the departure date of the tour. 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 capacity is available for each tour.**

Positive Aspects of the Tour

• Comprehensive Visits: A broad travel program covering important Balkan cities and tourist spots is offered. Many major cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, 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 the Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.

• Visa-Free Travel: It includes destinations that do not require visas, which reduces extra paperwork and costs.

• Professional Guidance: Guided by a professional guide, the opportunity is provided to gain detailed information about cities and historical sites.

• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with dinners full of traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors.

• 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 an extra cost.

• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from having extra expenses while tasting local flavors.

• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Other than lunch, tips if they wish, and souvenirs for their loved ones, there is no extra money out of your pocket.

Points to Consider

• Busy Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely 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 spent amid beautiful scenery during the tour, but there may be days spent a long time on the bus. Nevertheless, comfortable travel is ensured with breaks given along the way.

• Limited Free Time: Since the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important points with a guide is provided.

• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans may vary during certain periods. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing can make this comfortable.

• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the region's character and local culture, hotels in some small towns may not offer as many facilities as luxury hotels in Türkiye. However, care is taken to ensure comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.

• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, participants are given the opportunity to try the region's distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is full of rich and delicious dishes, but some tastes may be unfamiliar to some participants. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it may be useful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.

City Hotel Breakfast Dinner

Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia

Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Hotel

Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

Medugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel

Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel

Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel

With Ajet Airlines

Departure Place Destination Departure Time Arrival Time

Istanbul Skopje 12:50 13:20

Skopje Istanbul 14:20 16:50