Kosovar Great Balkans Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinner Meals SKP-TZL
1st Day : Istanbul- Skopje – Tetovo(Kalkandelen) – Ohrid
Meeting 3 hours before our flight in front of the airline counter at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport departure terminal. Departure at 14:00 to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, with AJet flight VF263. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival at 13:30 local time, and after entry procedures, we depart with our private vehicle waiting at the airport to discover Macedonia's unique nature and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's most charming 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 truly captivate you with its vivid colors and detailed decorations on the exterior. As we explore this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey deep into history. After our visit in Tetovo, we head toward Ohrid, accompanied by lush green mountains and deep blue lakes. Along the way, Macedonia's breathtaking scenery will accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which once served as one of the important Ottoman bases in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour: the Monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and important structures such as the Church of Saint Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to stroll through Činar Square, the heart of the city, and explore the Turkish Bazaar dating back to the old Ottoman period. Here you may visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city's cultural fabric 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 quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lake shore, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
Tetovo (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Tetovo (Kalkandelen): 43 km | Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Ohrid: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 173 km
2nd Day : Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. At our first stop, in Resen, we view panoramically the Palace of Niyazi Bey of Resen, 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 set off for Bitola, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and trade centers. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this magical city, we will also discover historical Ottoman-era monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, the 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 stay 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
3rd Day : Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head toward Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural terms, an impressive tour awaits us where we will explore 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. Begun in 1789 and completed in 1923, this structure is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly standing in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, Tirana’s symbol, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is another highlight of our tour. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we head toward the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant 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
4th Day : Shkodra – Prizren - Pristina - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off toward 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 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 Yasar Pasha Mosque. During this tour through the city's historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to commemorate the important historical event and its place in Ottoman history by visiting the Tomb of Sultan 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, we head to Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, whose architecture reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. Also among the other important Ottoman works to be seen are the Halveti Tekke, the Bayrakli Mosque, and the Mehmet Pasha Hammam. After free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, 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 is especially notable for its Ottoman-era carvings and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han 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. This bridge was built in the 15th century and 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 riverside walk, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square, the largest and most central point of Skopje, is surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then, we view the Ottoman Bridge from the outside, dating back to the 15th century, and visit the Davut Pasha Hammam, once again feeling the grandeur of the Ottoman era. 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 Sultan Murad Mosque and 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 provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After the pleasant time you spend in the bazaar, transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for Balkan Night. Afterwards, we are transferred to our hotel and then retire to our rooms. Overnight in Skopje at our hotel.
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 select venues. With live performances of the best Balkan music and folklore, presented by artists consisting entirely of 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 Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED !
Shkodra – Prizren: 186 km | Prizren – Pristina: 85 km | Pristina – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 436 km
5th Day : Skopje – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans, and today it continues to attract attention with its liveliness, movement, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the crossroads of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins where we will explore all the city’s 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 discover the fabric of Belgrade that brings together its past and present. Then we head to one of the city’s most impressive points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. In this unique landscape, it will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which throughout history has often been the focal point of conquest and victory. As we continue to explore this ancient city, where Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded for its sake but whose conquest fell to Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, 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 Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. These visits will allow you to explore Belgrade’s rich history in depth 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 lively atmosphere and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Skopje – Belgrade : 430 km
6th Day : Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, a city that for centuries was the cultural capital of the Balkans and went down in 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. In the 1992 war, it suffered great destruction as a result of the 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 Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, 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 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
7th Day: 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 Mimar Hayreddin, one of Mimar Sinan’s students, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992, but with the major contributions of the Republic of Turkey, it was rebuilt faithfully in 2004 and has since once again become the symbol of Mostar. Around this bridge, which elegantly connects the two banks of the Neretva River, we will have the opportunity to explore the historic bazaar and stone streets. After discovering Mostar’s enchanting atmosphere, we will visit the Koski Mehmed 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 Mostar Bridge from the mosque’s courtyard. Then, we head to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Blagaj is an impressive settlement where history and nature intertwine, established at the source of the Buna River, the strongest spring in Europe. After a short free time here, we move on to Počitelj, a place that carries the past into the present with its stone houses and historical texture. In Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village and preserving much of its historical fabric, we will have the opportunity to closely see the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and feel the unique atmosphere of the region. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay 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
8th Day : Sarajevo – Tuzla – Istanbul
After breakfast, room check-out and transfer to Tuzla Airport. After boarding procedures, Istanbul flight with Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF272 at 14:35. End of the tour upon arrival at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 17:20. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you on your next trip.
*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 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.**
**Limited quota is available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits : A broad itinerary covering important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans is offered. Many key 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 those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Richness : Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, exploring the region’s cultural diversity.
• 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 learn detailed information about cities and historical sites.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with dinners full of traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and 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 additional costs.
• Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from spending extra money while tasting local flavors.
• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Aside from lunch, tips if they wish, and souvenirs for 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 spent along beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days with long hours 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, 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 suitable clothing can make this comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect 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 prioritized in these hotels.
• Food and Cuisine 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 unfamiliar tastes. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it may be useful to keep in mind that you may come across different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Place Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Skopje 14:00 13:30
Tuzla Istanbul 14:55 18:50
What's Included
• Round trip airline tickets from Sabiha Gökçen Airport / Skopje - Tuzla / Sabiha Gökçen Airport with AJet Airlines
• Total of 7 nights' accommodation including 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, 2 nights in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 2 nights in Ohrid at a 4* hotel category
• Breakfasts
• Dinner meals
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Balkan Night embellished with dining, entertainment, and folklore shows
• Prizren Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Resne Tour
• Bitola (Manastir) Tour
• Tetova Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Poçitel Tour
• Customs Taxes
• All highway, parking, and check-point expenses
• Professional Turkish guide services
• Compulsory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Not Included
Services Not Included:
• Foreign Departure Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (up to 65 years old)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes