Day 1: Istanbul - Skopje
Meeting in front of the airline counter at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, departure terminal. Departure to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, at 14:00 on AJet flight VF263. After a comfortable flight, arrival at 13:30 local time and, after border entry procedures, we begin our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle waiting in the area. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans with its heritage from the Ottoman period and modern structures. We begin our tour with historical sites in Skopje, the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. 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 for its Ottoman-era embroidery and architecture. In the continuation of 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 the Stone Bridge, which has become the 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 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 Hammam 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, one of Skopje’s symbolic structures, built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are among the early mosques of the Ottoman Empire. The mosques are an important part of the city's Islamic heritage and attract attention 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 pleasant 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 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, delivered by our artists consisting entirely of 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 Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Day 2: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon our arrival in Pristina after the journey, 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 Ottoman-era structures. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this journey through the city’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to commemorate 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 to remember 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 an Anatolian Ottoman city and whose shop signs are full of Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important works of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Lodge, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam are among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel and, after dinner, 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 embark on an enjoyable journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, still stands out today with its vitality, activity, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the intersection point of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will explore all the city’s splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the 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. 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 discovering this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded in pursuit of its conquest, but whose conquest fell to Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman fleet. While tracing the footsteps of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as 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 Bayraklı Mosque, one of the few surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will explore Belgrade’s rich history in depth and learn about the cultural heritage remaining from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the city’s history and lively atmosphere and head 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, this city, which was the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and went down in history as the place where the First World War broke out after the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand by the Serbs in 1914. During the 1992 war, it suffered great damage due to devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet Sarajevo managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Bazaar, the historic Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the Gazi Husrev-bey and Ferhadija Mosques, 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-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 the 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 Turkey. After exploring Mostar’s enchanting atmosphere, we will visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Then we head to Blagaj. Blagaj was founded at the source of the Buna River, the strongest water source 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 made 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 6: Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for the 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 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. Then, our next stop is Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! After our panoramic city tour, we move on to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling scenery. From the top, we will admire the magnificent view of this islet. This region, where every corner looks like a postcard, is an ideal place for photography. After all these discoveries, we head to Shkodra, the beautiful city of Albania. After the dinner we will have at our 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 7: Shkodra – Tirana - 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 arrival in Tirana, we visit Ethem 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 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 help you create unforgettable memories. After free time, we continue toward Ohrid. Along the way, breathtaking views will accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was once one of the important bases of the Ottoman Empire 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 St. 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 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 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 shore, or retreat to your rooms and rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid : 135 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 8: Ohrid – Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje – Istanbul
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off to discover Macedonia's unique nature and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetova (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's most picturesque 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 detailed decorations on the exterior. 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 to Skopje Airport. After arrival at the airport and boarding procedures, our flight to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport will take place at 14:30 on AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF264. After a comfortable flight, arrival in Istanbul at 17:55 and the end of our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you again on your next trip.
Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tetova (Kalkandelen): 131 km | Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje: 47 km
Total distance to be covered: 178 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation guarantee package, 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 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 spots are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A broad travel program covering important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans is offered. Many important cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period 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 explored.
• Natural Beauty: 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 visas, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Guided by a professional, it offers 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 delicacies.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours included in the program are part of the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without paying additional costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need to Spend Money: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Aside from lunch, tips if desired, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket.
Situations to Consider
• Busy Schedule: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this fast 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 a long time on the bus. Nevertheless, a comfortable trip 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 is provided to visit all important points with a guide.
• Seasonal Weather Conditions: In some periods in the Balkans, weather conditions may be variable. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing can make this situation 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, comfort and cleanliness are prioritized 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 find some tastes unfamiliar. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine up close, but it may be helpful 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
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Point Destination Point Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Skopje 14:00 13:30
Skopje Istanbul 14:30 17:55
Included Services:
• Round-trip flight tickets on the route İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport / Skopje / İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport with AJet Airlines
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights including 2 nights in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medugorje, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Ohrid, in 4*/5* hotel categories
• Breakfasts
• Dinners at the hotel
• A Balkan Night embellished with food, entertainment, and folklore performances
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Pristina and Prizren (Kosovo) Tour
• Tetovo (Kalkandelen) Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Počitelj Extra Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Budva Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Professional Turkish-speaking guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• Overseas Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to Age 65)
• Lunches
• All kinds of hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel Taxes: (City tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entry fees, and operational service expenses amounting to a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person, which will be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour)