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- Kosovo Great Balkans Tour with Turkish Airlines, Extra Tours and Dinner Included, 7 Nights SJJ-OHD
Kosovo Great Balkans Tour with Turkish Airlines, Extra Tours and Dinner Included, 7 Nights SJJ-OHD
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo
After our ticketing, baggage, and boarding procedures at the International Departure Terminal of Istanbul Airport, we depart for Sarajevo at 12:45 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1023. After a flight of approximately 1.5 hours, we arrive in Sarajevo at 13:35 local time, and after entry procedures we head to our first stop, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will see a city that for centuries was the cultural capital of the Balkans and has gone down in history as the place where World War I broke out after the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered major damage as a result of devastating conflicts between 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, 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 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 – 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 Hayreddin, one of the students of Mimar Sinan, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992, but thanks to major contributions from the Republic of Turkey, it was rebuilt in 2004 in its original form and has today 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 walk through the historic bazaar and stone streets. After discovering the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s most important religious buildings. Here, we will both examine architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy the magnificent view of Mostar Bridge from the mosque’s courtyard. We then continue 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, one of the strongest water springs in Europe. After a short free time here, we proceed to Počitelj, which carries the past into 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 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 as well with its vibrancy, movement, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, during which we will explore all the splendor of the city. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture of Belgrade that brings together its past and 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 discover this area, which throughout history has often been the focus of conquest and victory. As we continue to explore this ancient city, where Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded in the struggle for its capture, but the conquest itself fell 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, an important figure from the Ottoman period, and the Bayrakli Mosque, one of the few surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about its cultural heritage 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.
Sarajevo – Belgrade : 287 km
Day 4: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we head to 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 start our tour with historic sites in Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques, built in 1492. Then we visit the Murad Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque stands out especially for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. In the continuation of our tour, 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 traders stayed and conducted commerce. 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 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 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 view the Ottoman Bridge from the outside, dating back to the 15th century, and visit the Davut Pasha Bath, 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 emblematic structures. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murad Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, both 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 give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After your enjoyable 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 you experience 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 the best music and folklore of the Balkans presented live, and performances by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, performed without playback, we will turn this evening 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 5: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will explore the modern and historical sides of Kosovo. 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 commemorate an important historical event and its place in Ottoman history by visiting the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, 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 recalls an Anatolian Ottoman town and whose shop signs are full of 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 toward 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 6: 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 above. This area, picture-perfect in every corner, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we set off toward 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 historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town during our walking tour 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 Budva city tour begins. On this walking tour, we will see the magnificent beaches and Budva, one of the most famous holiday resorts in the Balkans with its colorful nightlife. After the tour, we proceed to Shkodra, Albania’s beautiful city. After our dinner at the 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 7: 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 historical and cultural terms, where we will discover 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. 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 statue of Skanderbeg proudly standing in the center of the square. The Clock Tower, built in 1821 by Et'hem Bey and a symbol of Tirana, is another highlight 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 continue on to Ohrid. Breathtaking scenery will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which became one of the important Ottoman bases in the Balkans. The 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 walk around Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar dating back to the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the cultural texture of the city 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, in the silence of the night, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid, take a short walk along the lake shore, or retreat to your room and rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid : 135 km
Day 8: Ohrid - Istanbul
After breakfast, room check-out and free time until transfer time. After free time, transfer to Ohrid Airport. After boarding procedures, Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK1012 departs at 14:30 for Istanbul. Following arrival at Istanbul Airport at 17:05, our tour ends. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you on your next trip.
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euro*
(With the Cancellation Assurance 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 tour departure date. In the event of cancellation, the full tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)
**The specified cancellation assurance package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited quotas are available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A broad sightseeing program covering important Balkan cities and tourist spots is offered. Many major 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 an enjoyable 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: It includes destinations that do not require a visa, which reduces extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Guided tours provide the opportunity to gain 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.
• All Tours Included: All excursions and extra tours included in the program are included in 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: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Except for lunch, tips if they wish, and souvenirs they may buy 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 fast pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are spent amid beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days with long bus rides. Even so, 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, weather conditions in the Balkans may be variable. Therefore, it is possible to make this comfortable by choosing appropriate clothing.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from among 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, attention is paid to comfort and cleanliness in these hotels.
• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, you are offered the chance 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 up close, but it may be useful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
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 Destination Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Sarajevo 13:25 14:20
Ohrid Istanbul 14:30 17:05
What's Included
Not Included
Services Not Included:
• International Departure Tax Stamp
• Travel Insurance
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (City tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entry fees, and operating service costs 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)