A Jet-Operated 6-Night Great Balkans Tour from Samsun with Kosovo, Including Extra Tours and Dinner Meals

Day 1: Samsun - Skopje – Belgrade

Meet 3 hours before departure in front of the Ajet Airlines counter at the departures terminal of Samsun Çarşamba Airport. Depart from Samsun at 23:55 on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4278, nonstop direct to Skopje. After an approximately two-hour comfortable journey, arrive at 01:25 in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. After passport control, we begin a pleasant journey with our private vehicle waiting at the airport toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, stands out today with its vibrancy, bustle, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the crossroads of Ottoman and European cultures. After our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will discover the city’s full splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that brings Belgrade’s past and present together. Then we head 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 throughout history has often been the focus of conquests and victories. As you continue to explore this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded for its sake but whose conquest fell to Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center by the Ottoman navy. While following the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as the Fortress Square and Taş Square. 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 period. At the end of our tour, leaving behind the city’s history and lively atmosphere, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km

Day 2: Belgrade – Srebrenitsa – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we head to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along our route, we first stop in Srebrenica. On this tour, we will visit the Bosnian memorial 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 Europe’s first documented genocide and largest massacre since World War II occurred. After our arrival in Sarajevo, a city that for centuries was the cultural capital of the Balkans and entered 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 as a result of devastating wars among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet Sarajevo managed to largely preserve 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, 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 years under Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km

Srebrenica Tour INCLUDED!

Day 3: 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 the Mostar Bridge, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin. This bridge was destroyed in 1992, but rebuilt in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Türkiye. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we head to Blagaj. Blagaj was established at the source of the Buna River, the strongest water spring in Europe. After a short free time here, we continue to Počitelj. By visiting Počitelj, preserved with its historical texture and known as the Turkish Village, we will see the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we head to Medugorje. Medugorje is a peaceful place famous for its religious visitors. After arriving at our hotel, we retire 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 4: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodra

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for the fascinating Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. When we arrive in Kotor, you will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town on our walking tour in this medieval town famous for the fjords of the Balkans, and you will 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 most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! 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 the magnificent beaches and the lively nightlife of Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday centers. After our city tour, we head to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling scenery. From the hilltop, we will admire the magnificent view of this islet. With every corner like a postcard, this area is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we continue to the beautiful Albanian city of Shkodra. After our dinner at the hotel, we retire 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 - Shkodra: 85 km

Total distance to be covered: 313 km

Day 5: Shkodra – Tirana – Elbasan – Sveti Naum – Ohrid

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for 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 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 proudly standing in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, a symbol of Tirana built by Et'hem 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, passing through Elbasan, we embark on an exciting journey to St. Naum, where the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery are located, known as “A Corner of Paradise in the Balkans.” In this fascinating 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 to Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans. Throughout the journey, breathtaking landscapes will accompany us. 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 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. In addition, we will 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 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 can enjoy Ohrid’s enchanting atmosphere in the silence of the night, take a short walk along the shore of the lake, or retire to your rooms and rest.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED!

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

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 6: Ohrid – Resen – Bitola – Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje

After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. Our first stop is Resen, where we see panoramically the palace of Resneli 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 continue to Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon our arrival in Bitola, we visit from the outside the Military High School where the Great Leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this enchanting city, we will also discover Ottoman-era historical monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling Bitola’s historical texture, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After our visit, we set off to explore North Macedonia’s unique nature and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetova (Kalkandelen), one of North Macedonia’s most striking 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 colors and intricate decorations on the exterior. As we discover this exquisite example of Ottoman architecture, we will take a journey into the depths of history. After our visit in Tetova, we continue on to Skopje. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is one of the Balkans’ important cultural centers with its Ottoman heritage 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 the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques, built in 1492. Then we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is especially notable for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. In the continuation of our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures, fine examples of Ottoman caravanserais, were once important centers where traders stayed and conducted business. Later, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects the two sides 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 walk by the river, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is Skopje’s largest and most central point, surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Afterwards, we see the Ottoman Bridge from the outside, dating back to the 15th century, and visit the Davut Pasha Bath to once again feel the splendor of the Ottoman period. We continue discovering 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 the Sultan Murat Mosque and the 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 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 fun and cultural side of Skopje through this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most select venues. With the best Balkan music and folklore performed live, and with performances by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, without playback, we will turn this night into an authentic experience. We will be happy to host you at our own restaurant, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.

Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! | Tetova Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!

Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Tetova: 145 km | Tetova – Skopje: 40 km

Total distance to be covered: 250 km

Day 7: Skopje – Matka Canyon – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off toward Matka Canyon surrounded 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 approximately 5,000 hectares will take you to mystical medieval monasteries and calming lake views. While walking on rugged cliffs, you can observe the region’s endemic plant and animal species. For nature lovers, walking on the green trails is the best way to be alone with nature. After our Matka Canyon tour, we head to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will discover 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 Yasar Pasha Mosque. During this trip through the city’s historical heritage, we will visit the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, giving us the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we head to Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we begin exploring Prizren’s narrow streets, whose architecture recalls Anatolian Ottoman towns and whose shop signs are filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important works of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman works we will see. After the free time we will spend in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, free time until the time determined by our guide. Then transfer to the airport.

Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Matka Canyon Tour INCLUDED!

Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 160 km

Total distance to be covered: 335 km

Day 8: Skopje – Samsun

After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, scheduled Ajet Airlines flight VF4279 at 02:25, nonstop direct flight to Samsun. 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 journey.

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

**Limited availability for each tour.**

Positive Aspects of the Tour

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

• Ottoman History: Important Ottoman-era structures and cultural heritage sites are visited, offering a pleasant 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 discovered.

• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural beauties such as 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, there is an opportunity to gain detailed information about cities and historical sites.

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

• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: The opportunity is offered to enjoy local flavors and a special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of Skopje’s most select 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 costs.

• 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. Aside from lunch, taxes, tips if they wish, and souvenirs to buy for loved ones, there is no extra money 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, between Skopje and Belgrade) are covered throughout the tour with beautiful views, but there may be days spent a long time on the bus. Nevertheless, a comfortable journey is ensured with breaks along the way.

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

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

• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from among options reflecting the region’s character and local culture, hotels in some small cities may not offer as many facilities as luxury hotels in Türkiye. However, comfort and cleanliness are emphasized in these hotels.

• Food and Cuisine 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 find some flavors unfamiliar. 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

Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

With Ajet Airlines

Departure Place Arrival Place Departure Time Arrival Time

Samsun Skopje 23:55 01:25

Skopje Samsun 02:25 05:50