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- Kosovo Great Balkans Tour with Turkish Airlines, Extra Tours and Dinner Included, 6 Nights SJJ-OHD
Kosovo Great Balkans Tour with Turkish Airlines, Extra Tours and Dinner Included, 6 Nights SJJ-OHD
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo
After our ticketing, baggage, and boarding procedures at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport, we depart for Sarajevo at 12:45 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1023. After a flight of approximately 1.5 hours, we arrive in Sarajevo at 13:35 local time and, after border entry procedures, head to our first stop, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. After our arrival, we will see a city that was 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 Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand by the Serbs in 1914. During the 1992 war, it suffered major damage as a result of the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo managed to preserve much of its beauty. On 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-beg and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the west-style buildings that emerged during the city’s 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 2: Sarajevo – 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 of the Balkans, and today it continues to attract attention with its vibrancy, movement, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins in which we will explore the city’s full splendor. Here, you can feel the historic atmosphere and discover the texture that brings Belgrade’s past and present together. Then we head to one of the city’s most impressive spots, 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 many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city, where Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded in battle, but where the conquest came 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 visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period, and the Bayrakli 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 left 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 at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade : 287 km
Day 3: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. 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 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 stands out especially for its Ottoman-era embroidery and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures, fine examples of Ottoman 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 across the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our walk along 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 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 Sultan Murat 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 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 with this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at one of the region’s most distinguished venues, Restaurant Gardenia. With live Balkan music and folklore performed by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, and with no playback, we will turn this night into an authentic experience. We will be pleased to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje : 430 km
Day 4: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will explore Kosovo’s modern and historical aspects. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable Ottoman-era structures. We will see 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 Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, the Ottoman Sultan who was killed in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, 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, with architecture reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman town and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. In addition, Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we depart for Shkodra, the historic city in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Shkodra: 190 km
Total distance to be covered: 365 km
Day 5: Shkodra – Sv. Stefan – Kotor – Budva – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to the famous Sv. Stefan, known for its rich history and breathtaking scenery. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from the hill. This area, postcard-perfect at every corner, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we set off toward the enchanting Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. When we arrive in Kotor, in this medieval town famous for its fjords in the Balkans, you will feel the historic atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town during our walking tour, 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, 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 Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday resorts, with its magnificent beaches and vibrant nightlife. After the tour, 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!
Shkodra – Sv. Stefan: 77 km | Sv. Stefan - Kotor: 31 km | Kotor - Budva: 23 km | Budva - Shkodra: 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 216 km
Day 6: Shkodra – Tirana - Ohrid
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. A fascinating tour awaits us in this beautiful city, rich in history and culture, where we will discover Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our arrival in Tirana, we visit the 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 heritage sites. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue standing proudly 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, allowing you to collect unforgettable memories. After some free time, we head to Ohrid. Along the way, breathtaking views 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. 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 St. Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to stroll around Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar dating from the old Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city’s cultural texture up close. Then, by exploring 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 the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lake shore, or retire to your room and rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid : 135 km
Day 7: Ohrid - Istanbul
After breakfast, rooms are vacated and free time until the transfer time. After free time, transfer to Ohrid Airport. After boarding procedures, flight to Istanbul at 14:30 on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK1012. End of the tour upon arrival at Istanbul Airport at 17:05. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you on your next trip.
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
*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.**
**A limited number of seats are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide travel program covering the important cities and tourist spots of the Balkans 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 a pleasant experience for those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: By visiting structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues), the cultural diversity of the region is explored.
• 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 tours provide the opportunity to learn 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 excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without paying extra.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from making 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, and optionally tips and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket.
Situations to Consider
• Intensive Program: 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 throughout the tour with beautiful scenery, but there may be days spent on the bus for long periods. Nevertheless, breaks along the way ensure a comfortable journey.
• 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 some periods, weather conditions in the Balkans 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 small towns may not offer as many facilities 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 flavors may be unfamiliar to some participants. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine up close, though it may be helpful to keep in mind that you may encounter different tastes.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 5* New Star etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Point Arrival Point Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 13:25 14:20
Ohrid Istanbul 14:30 17:05
What's Included
Not Included
Services Not Included:
• Overseas Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All kinds of hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and hotel taxes: (This includes city tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entry fees, and operational service costs, which amount to a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour.)