Kosovo Great Balkans Tour with AJet including Extra Tours and Dinners PRN-PRN

Day 1: Istanbul - Pristina – Prizren - Pristina

Meet at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at the airline counter in the departure terminal. Depart for Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, on AJet flight VF101 at 14:00. After a comfortable flight, arrive at 13:45 local time and, after border entry procedures, head to Prizren with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Upon arrival in Prizren, we will see Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Halveti Lodge, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath in Prizren, which immediately gives the impression of an Anatolian Ottoman city with its architectural silhouette, the call to prayer rising from its five minarets, and the Turkish inscriptions on road and shop signs. After our Prizren tour, we then depart for Pristina. Upon arrival in Pristina, 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 the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this trip through the city’s historical heritage, we will see the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, and we will have the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.

Prizren Tour INCLUDED!

Pristina – Prizren : 85 km | Prizren – Pristina : 85 km

Total distance to be covered: 170 km

Day 2 : Pristina – Bitola - Resen – Ohrid

After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. We set off toward Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit externally the Military High School where the Great Leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this magical city, we will also discover historical Ottoman-era monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the Yeni 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 a short break here, we continue to Resen, where we will see panoramically the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a fascinating atmosphere both with its nature and Ottoman traces. After our tour, we head toward Ohrid. Stunning scenery will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historical city of Ohrid, which was one of the important bases of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. The places we will see during our tour include: the Monument to 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 opportunity to stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar remaining from the old Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Lodge 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 stay 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 lakeshore, or retire to your rooms and rest.

Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!

Skopje – Bitola: 270 km | Bitola – Resen: 30 km | Resen – Ohrid: 35 km

Total distance to be covered: 335 km

Day 3 : Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodra

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city rich in historical and cultural aspects, an impressive tour awaits us where we will discover 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 symbols. This structure, whose construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, is one of Albania’s cultural heritage sites. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue standing proudly 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, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we depart for the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will fascinate you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED!

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

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 4 : Shkodra – St. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje

After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey toward Montenegro’s enchanting coast. Our first stop is St. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling scenery. From the hill, we will admire the magnificent view of this islet, a postcard-perfect place ideal for photographing every corner of this region. Then we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. After our panoramic Budva tour, our next stop is the fascinating city of Kotor, famous for its fjords in the Balkans! On our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, 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. After the free time we will have in Kotor, we head to our hotel in Medugorje 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 - Medugorje: 191 km

Total distance to be covered: 298 km

Day 5 : Medugorje - Blagaj - Mostar – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we head to Sarajevo. Our first stop is Blagaj, built at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s strongest water source. After a short free time in this magnificent natural setting, we continue to Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Mimar Hayreddin in 1557. This bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the 1992 war; however, thanks in large part to the contributions of the Republic of Turkey, it was reopened in 2004. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we move on to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will see that for centuries it was the cultural capital of the Balkans and entered history as the place where World War I broke out following the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs in 1914. During the 1992 war, it suffered great damage as a result of 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 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 that formed during the city’s 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!

Medugorje - Blagaj: 28 km | Blagaj - Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km

Total distance to be covered: 162 km ាវ

Day 6 : Sarajevo – Belgrade

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, which has historically been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, still stands out today with its liveliness, energy, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will discover the city in all its splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the fabric of Belgrade that brings together its past and present. 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 explore this region, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded for its sake, but whose conquest came to Suleiman the Magnificent, you will come across 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 points such as the Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Martyr Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period, and Bayrakli Mosque, one of the few surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the cultural heritage remaining from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, leaving behind the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Sarajevo – Belgrade : 287 km

Day 7 : Belgrade - Skopje

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 Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We start our tour with historical places 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 stands out especially with its Ottoman-era embroidery and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han located 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 will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our walk by the river, 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 from the 15th century, and visit Davut Pasha Bath to once again feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We continue discovering Skopje by walking toward the Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, one of Skopje’s symbolic structures built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque, one of the early mosques of the Ottoman Empire, and Isa Bey Mosque. The mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and stand out with their architecture. Finally, we provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After the enjoyable time you spend 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 the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje with this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most select venues. With the finest Balkan music and folklore performed live, and performances by our artists, all conservatory students and teachers, without playback, we will 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.

Balkan Night INCLUDED !

Belgrade – Skopje : 430 km

Day 8 : Skopje - Pristina - Istanbul

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Pristina Airport. After arrival at the airport and boarding procedures, our flight to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport will depart at 15:05 on AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF102. After a comfortable flight, arrival in Istanbul at 17:40 and end of our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you again on your next trip.

Skopje – Pristina: 90 km

*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package : 50 Euro*

(With the Cancellation Guarantee package application, 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 is refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.)

**The specified cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**

**Limited quota is available for each tour.**

Positive Aspects of the Tour

• Comprehensive Visits : A broad travel program covering important cities and tourist points of the Balkans is offered. Many significant cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.

• Ottoman History : Important Ottoman-era structures and cultural heritage sites 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 Beauties : Magnificent natural beauties such as the Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.

• Visa-Free Travel: Includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.

• Professional Guidance: With a guide, the opportunity is provided to gain detailed information about cities and historical places.

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

• All Tours Included: All sightseeing and extra tours included in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without paying an extra cost.

• Dinner Included: Dinner every day is included in the program, 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. Except for lunch, tips if desired, and souvenirs for loved ones, there is no extra out-of-pocket expense.

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, between Skopje and Belgrade) are covered with beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days spent for long periods on the bus. Nevertheless, breaks along the way ensure a comfortable journey.

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

• Seasonal Weather Conditions: In the Balkans, weather conditions may vary during some periods. Therefore, it is possible to make this comfortable by choosing appropriate clothing.

• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region’s character and local culture, hotels in some small towns may not offer the same extensive facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, attention is paid to comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.

• Food and Culinary Experience: Throughout the tour, there is an opportunity to try the region’s unique local flavors. Balkan cuisine is full of rich and delicious dishes, but some participants may encounter tastes they are not used to. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it may be helpful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.

City Hotel Breakfast Dinner

Pristina 4* Ador Hotel etc. Hotel Hotel

Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel

Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel

Medugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel

Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia

With Ajet Airlines (Sunday Departure Date Flight)

Departure Place Arrival Place Departure Time Arrival Time

Istanbul Pristina 16:15 16:55

Pristina Istanbul 18:00 20:40

With Ajet Airlines (Wednesday Departure Date Flight)

Departure Place Arrival Place Departure Time Arrival Time

Istanbul Pristina 09:50 10:30

Pristina Istanbul 11:30 14:10