Kosovo Great Balkans Tour with THY, Extra Tours and Dinner Included, 7 Nights OHD-SJJ
Tour Detail
Day 1: Istanbul – Ohrid – Resne – Bitola – Ohrid
Meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter in the departure terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before our flight. We depart for Ohrid at 10:35 on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK1009. After a comfortable flight, we arrive in Ohrid at 11:15 local time and, after entry procedures, depart with our private vehicle waiting in the area for our tour of Resne and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. Our first stop is Resne, where we will have a panoramic view of the Palace of Niyazi Bey of Resne, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resne offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we head to Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit from the outside the Military Secondary School where Atatürk, the Great Leader, studied, and the Atatürk Museum. In this enchanting city, we will also discover Ottoman-era historical monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, 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.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resne: 35 km | Resne – Bitola: 33 km | Bitola – Ohrid : 69 km
Total distance to be covered: 137 km
Day 2 : Ohrid - Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, our city tour begins. We will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was 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 Hagia Sophia. We will also have the chance to stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar from the old Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the cultural texture of the city 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 free time, departure to Tirana. 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 proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, the symbol of Tirana, built by Et'hem 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 create unforgettable memories. After free time, we head to 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: 125 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 225 km
Day 3 : Shkodra – Sv.Stefan – Kotor – Budva – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking scenery. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this islet from the hill. This postcard-perfect region is an ideal spot for photography. After all these explorations, we head to the enchanting Kotor. During the journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. When we arrive in Kotor, on our walking tour in this medieval town, famous for the fjords of 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, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. Our city tour of Budva 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 continue to Shkodra, the beautiful city of Albania. After dinner 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 4 : Shkodra – Prizren- Pristina- Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring Prizren’s narrow streets, whose architecture resembles an Anatolian Ottoman town and whose shop signs are filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important works of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam are among the other important Ottoman monuments to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we head to 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 Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this tour through the city’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to visit the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, commemorating this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, 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 stands out especially for its Ottoman-era craftsmanship and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located 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 the symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects the two sides 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 riverside walk, 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 from the 15th century, and visit the Daut Pasha Hammam, once again feeling the splendor of the Ottoman era. We continue exploring Skopje by walking toward the 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 give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After your pleasant time in the bazaar, transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for the Balkan Night. Afterwards, we are transferred to our hotel and then retire to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance shows. While experiencing the fun and cultural side of Skopje 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 music and folklore of the Balkans, 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.
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
Day 5: Skopje – 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, still stands out today with its vibrancy, dynamism, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the chance to discover the intersection 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 Belgrade’s fabric that brings together the past and the present. 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 area, which has been the focus of many conquests and victories throughout history. As you continue to explore this ancient city, where Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded for its sake, but whose conquest was achieved by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the footprints 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 era. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the city’s cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere and go to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Skopje – Belgrade : 430 km
6. Day : Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, it has been known for centuries as the cultural capital of the Balkans and went down in history as the place where World War I broke out after the Austro-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by the Serbs in 1914. During the 1992 war, it suffered great damage due to the devastating wars among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but 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, the Latin Bridge where the Franz Ferdinand assassination took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings formed during the city’s 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
7. 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 1992 war, but thanks to major contributions from the Republic of Turkey, it was rebuilt in 2004 in its original form and has once again become the symbol of Mostar. Around this bridge, which elegantly connects the two sides of the Neretva River, we will have the opportunity to stroll through 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 examine the architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy the magnificent view of the 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, built at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s strongest water spring. After a short free time here, we move on to Počitelj, a place that brings the past to the present with its stone houses and historical texture. In Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village and largely preserving its historical character, we will have the chance to closely see 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
8.Day: Sarajevo - Istanbul
After breakfast, room check-out and free time until transfer time. Transfer to Sarajevo Airport. After boarding procedures, flight to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK1024 at 14:25. Following a comfortable journey, the tour ends upon arrival at Istanbul Airport at 17:25. 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 departure date of the tour. 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 quotas are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits : A broad travel program is offered covering important cities and tourist spots in the Balkans. Many important cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History : Important structures and cultural heritages from the Ottoman period are visited, offering a pleasant experience for those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Riches : Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, discovering the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauty : Magnificent natural beauties such as 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: With a guide, detailed information about cities and historical places is provided.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and dinners full of 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 important points without paying additional costs.
• 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, there will be no extra money 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 busy 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 long periods on the bus. Nevertheless, breaks along the way ensure a comfortable journey.
• Limited Free Time: Since the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, there is an opportunity to visit all the important points with a guide.
• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans may vary during some periods. Therefore, with proper clothing choices, this can be made 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 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 distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is full of rich and delicious dishes, but some participants may encounter tastes they are not used to. 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
Ohrid 4* Beograd Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 5* New Star etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
With Turkish Airlines
Departure Point Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Ohrid 10:35 11:10
Sarajevo Istanbul 14:25 17:25
What's Included
Included Services:
• Round-trip flight tickets on the route Istanbul HL. / Ohrid – Sarajevo / Istanbul HL. with Turkish Airlines
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights in 4 and 5-star hotel categories: 1 night in Ohrid, 2 nights in Shkodra, 1 night in Skopje, 1 night in Belgrade, and 2 nights in Sarajevo
• Breakfasts
• Dinner at the hotel
• A Balkan Night filled with meals, entertainment, and folklore performances
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours specified in the program
• Resne Tour
• Bitola Tour
• Tirana Tour
• Budva Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Sv. Stefan Tour
• Blagaj Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Počitelj Tour
• Priština Tour
• Prizren Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Not Included
Excluded Services:
• Overseas Exit Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• 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 costs amounting to a mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person, which will be collected in cash by the guide before the tour departure)