Kosovo Great Balkans Semester Special with THY, Extra Tours and Dinners Included PRN-SKP
Day 1: Istanbul - Pristina – Prizren - Pristina
Meeting in front of the airline counter at Istanbul Airport’s departure terminal. Departure to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, on Turkish Airlines flight TK1017 at 08:25. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival at 08:05 local time and, after entry procedures, departure to Prizren with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Upon arrival in Prizren, we will see Sinan Pasha Mosque, Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam in Prizren, which immediately gives the impression of an Anatolian Ottoman city with its architectural silhouette, the call to prayer rising from its minarets five times a day, and 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 discover Kosovo’s modern and historical sides. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. 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 have the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history by visiting the Tomb of Murad I Hüdavendigâr, the Ottoman Sultan who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. After our tour in Pristina, transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.
Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Pristina – Prizren : 85 km | Prizren – Prizren : 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 170 km
Day 2: Pristina - Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Ohrid
After breakfast, we pack our suitcases and 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 exterior colors and detailed decorations. As we discover this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey deep into history. After our visit in Tetova, we head for our tour of Resne and Monastir (Bitola), famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. Our first stop is Resne, where we will see panoramically the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we continue toward Monastir, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and commercial centers. Upon arrival in Monastir, 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 explore historical Ottoman-era monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bezisten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. As we feel the historical texture of Monastir, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After all these rich cultural stops, we depart for Ohrid. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.
Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED! | Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Monastir (Bitola) Tour INCLUDED!
Pristina – Tetova (Kalkandelen): 128 km | Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Ohrid: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 258 km
Day 3: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head toward Tirana, the capital of Albania. Awaiting us in this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural terms, is an impressive tour 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 landmarks. 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 rising proudly in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, the symbol of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is another highlight of our tour. Then, we visit the meaningful Peace Bell, made in 1999 from bullets melted during the uprising by children from Shkodra. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we set off 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 – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey toward Montenegro’s enchanting coasts. Our first stop is Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking scenery. From the hilltop, we will admire the magnificent view of this islet, every corner of which looks like a postcard and is an ideal spot for photography. Afterwards, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. After our panoramic Budva tour, our next stop is Kotor, the charming city famous for its fjords! During our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and 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 depart for 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, one of Europe’s strongest water 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 in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin. A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, this bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the 1992 war; however, with major contributions from the Republic of Turkey, it was reopened in 2004. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then we head to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, this city, which 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 the Serbs in 1914, was severely damaged during the 1992 war due to the devastating conflicts among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet Sarajevo managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Bascarsija, 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 the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings formed during the city’s 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After our 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 ોખ
Day 6: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, continues to attract attention today with its vibrancy, activity, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the point where Ottoman and European cultures intersect. After arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins in which we will discover the city’s full splendor. On our tour, we will first see the Old Palace, which bears traces of the Ottoman period and is known for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the city’s 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. At this unique viewpoint, 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 to explore this ancient city where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded in the attempt to conquer it, but whose conquest ultimately fell to Suleiman the Magnificent, you will come across Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing 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. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the city’s cultural heritage from the Ottoman era. Our trip continues with a visit to the Military Museum. This museum is full of artifacts shedding light on Belgrade’s military history and offers a highly impressive experience for visitors. At the end of our tour, leaving behind the city’s history and lively atmosphere, we go 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 Balkans’ important cultural centers with its heritage from the Ottoman period 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 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 stands out especially for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. As our tour continues, 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 the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge 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 walk by the river, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is Skopje’s largest and most central point, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will come across the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then, we see from the outside the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century and visit the Davut Pasha Bath, once again feeling 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, one of Skopje’s symbolic structures, built in the 16th century. 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 ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After your enjoyable 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 Balkan music and folklore, presented by artists who are all 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 venue, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED !
Belgrade – Skopje : 430 km
Day 8: Skopje - Istanbul
After breakfast, rooms are vacated and free time until transfer time. Transfer to Skopje Airport at the time determined by our guide. After boarding procedures, flight to Istanbul at 20:35 on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK1006. Following arrival in Istanbul at 00:15, the tour ends. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you 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 cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The specified cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**A limited number of seats are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide-ranging tour program covering important Balkan cities and tourist spots is offered. Many important 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: By visiting structures of different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues), the region’s cultural diversity is discovered.
• 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 a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Guided by a professional, it offers the opportunity to learn detailed information about cities and historical places.
• Local Culinary Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with dinners full of traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and regional delicacies.
• 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 having to spend extra 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 spent enjoying beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days with 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 can be variable during certain periods. Therefore, choosing suitable clothing can make this comfortable.
• 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 cities may not offer as many 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 tastes may be unfamiliar to some participants. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, though it may be useful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Pristina 4* Ador Hotel etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 5* New Star Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Place Arrival Place Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Pristina 08:25 08:05
Skopje Istanbul 20:35 00:15
What's Included
Included Services:
• Round trip plane tickets with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul HL. / Pristina - Skopje / Istanbul HL.
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights in 4 and 5-star hotel categories: 1 night in Pristina, 1 night in Ohrid, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medjugorje, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Skopje.
• Breakfasts
• Dinner at the hotel
• Balkan Night embellished with food, entertainment, and folklore shows
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Prizren (Kosovo) Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour
• Budva Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Customs Taxes
• All highway, parking, and check-point expenses
• Professional Turkish-speaking guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Not Included
Services Not Included:
• Abroad Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes