Kosovo Grand Balkans Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinners SJJ-SKP
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo
Meeting in front of the airline counter at the departure terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Depart at 13:15 to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with AJet flight VF97. After a comfortable flight, arrival at 14:30 local time and, after entry procedures, we depart with our private vehicle waiting in the area. After our arrival, we will visit a city that has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and went down in history as the place where World War I broke out following the assassination of Austrian-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand by the Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered heavy damage as a result of the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo largely managed to 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, 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 administration. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 2: Sarajevo – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical, cultural, and architectural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin, one of Mimar Sinan’s students, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the 1992 war, but thanks to the major contributions of the Republic of Turkey, it was rebuilt in 2004 in accordance with the original and has once again become the symbol of Mostar today. Around this bridge, which gracefully connects the two banks of the Neretva River, we will have the chance to stroll through the historic bazaar and stone streets. After discovering the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s most important religious structures. Here, we will both examine architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy the magnificent view of the Mostar Bridge from the mosque’s courtyard. Then we continue to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment. Blagaj is an impressive settlement where history and nature intertwine, established at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s strongest water spring. After a short free time here, we proceed to Počitelj, which carries the past into the present with its stone houses and historic texture. In Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village and where the historical fabric has been largely preserved, we will have the opportunity to see up close the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and feel the unique atmosphere of the region. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Počitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Sarajevo - Mostar: 120 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj – Počitelj: 22 km | Počitelj - Sarajevo: 150 km
Total distance to be covered: 304 km
Day 3: 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, stands out today with its vitality, energy, and historic atmosphere. In this captivating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the crossroads of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will explore the city in all its splendor. Here, you can feel the historic atmosphere and discover the city’s texture that brings together the past and the present. 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 explore this region, which has been the focus of conquest and victory many times throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city, where Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded for its sake, but whose conquest was granted 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 points such as the Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will see 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. 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
Day 4: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Our city tour begins upon arrival. Skopje is one of the Balkans’ important cultural centers with its heritage from the Ottoman period and modern structures. We begin our tour with historic 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, which was built in the 15th century. This mosque especially stands out with its Ottoman-era ornaments and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Suli Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and conducted trade. Later, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects the two banks of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we 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 buildings. 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 Davut Pasha Bath to once again feel 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 provide 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 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 happy to host you at our own restaurant, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje : 430 km
Day 5 : Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodër
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, upon arriving in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will explore Kosovo’s modern and historic sides. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable Ottoman-era structures. We will see Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and Yashar Pasha Mosque, a work from the 18th century. During this tour 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 Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. After our tour in Pristina, we continue to Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, whose architecture reminds one of Anatolian Ottoman cities and whose shop signs are full of Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Lodge, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After some free time in Prizren, we continue on to the historic city of Shkodër in northern Albania. Shkodër will captivate you with its natural beauty and rich historical fabric. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Shkodër: 190 km
Total distance to be covered: 365 km
Day 6 : Shkodër – Tirana - Ohrid
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 to 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 landmarks. Begun in 1789 and completed in 1923, this structure is one of Albania’s cultural heritage sites. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue rising proudly in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, a 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 historic past come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we head to Ohrid. Breathtaking scenery accompanies us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was once one of the Ottoman Empire’s important bases in the Balkans. 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 stroll through Činar Square, the heart of the city, and have the opportunity to explore the Turkish Bazaar from the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Lodge and feel the city’s cultural texture up close. Then, by touring the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, you will witness the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and the lake’s 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 lakeshore, 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 7 : Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Ohrid
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 will have a panoramic view of the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we set off for Bitola, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and commercial centers. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit from the outside the Military High School where Atatürk, the Great Leader, studied, and the Atatürk Museum. In this magical city, we will also discover historical Ottoman-era works such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. While feeling Bitola’s historical texture, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After all these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Ohrid: 69 km
Total distance to be covered: 134 km
Day 8 : Ohrid – Skopje - Istanbul
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Skopje Airport. After arrival at the airport and check-in procedures, our flight to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport will take place at 14:00 with AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF264. After a comfortable flight, arrival in Istanbul at 16:30 and the end of our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you again on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package : 50 Euro*
(With the Cancellation Assurance 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 is refunded, while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The specified cancellation assurance package is not valid for group reservations.**
**A limited number of spots are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A broad sightseeing program covering important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans is offered. Many important 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: By visiting structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues), the region’s cultural diversity is explored.
• 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: Guided tours provide the opportunity 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 local flavors.
• All Tours Included: All surrounding excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all the important points without paying an additional cost.
• 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, and if they wish, tips 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, between Skopje and Belgrade) are covered with beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days spent for a long time on the bus. Nevertheless, a comfortable journey is ensured with breaks provided 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: In some periods, weather conditions in the Balkans may be variable. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing can make this more comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region’s character and local culture, hotels in some smaller cities may not offer as many amenities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, comfort and cleanliness are carefully maintained in these hotels.
• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, the opportunity is offered 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 up close, 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
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
With Ajet Airlines
Departure City Destination City Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 13:00 12:25
Skopje Istanbul 14:00 16:30
What's Included
Included Services:
• Round-trip flight tickets with AJet Airlines from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Sarajevo - Skopje / Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights: 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, 2 nights in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 2 nights in Ohrid, all in 4-star hotel category
• Breakfasts
• Dinners to be taken at the hotel
• Balkan Night embellished with meals, entertainment, and folkloric performances
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Pristina and Prizren (Kosovo) tour
• Tirana tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Pocitelj Extra Tour
• Mostar tour
• Customs taxes
• All highway, parking, and checkpoint expenses
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory insurance (Professional Liability)
Not Included
Excluded Services:
• Foreign Exit Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance (up to 65 years old): 20.-Eur
• Travel Insurance (ages 66-75): 40.-Eur
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes