Kosovan Great Balkans Tour with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinner, Bosnia Round Trip

Day 1: Istanbul – Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – Belgrade

After our ticketing, baggage, and boarding procedures at the International Departures Terminal of Sabiha Gökçen Airport, we depart at 14:05 on Ajet Airlines flight VF271 to Tuzla Airport in Bosnia and Herzegovina, approximately 2 hours from Sarajevo. After a flight of about 1.5 hours, we arrive at Tuzla Airport at 15:10 local time. Following entry procedures, we begin a pleasant journey with our private vehicle waiting at the airport toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, continues to stand out today with its vibrancy, dynamism, and historical texture. In this enchanting city, we will have the opportunity to discover the crossroads of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins in which we will discover the city’s full splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the fabric of Belgrade that brings together the past and the present. Then we head to one of the city’s most impressive spots, the point where the Sava River meets the Danube River. In this unique panorama, it will be a great pleasure to discover this region, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue exploring this ancient city, where Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded for its sake, but its conquest was achieved by 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 see the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the cultural heritage left from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Tuzla – Belgrade : 195 km

Day 2: 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, built in the 15th century. This mosque stands out especially with its Ottoman-era workmanship and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Suli 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 Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects the two sides of the Vardar River. Walking from 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 structures. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then we view the Ottoman Bridge from the outside, dating from the 15th century, and by visiting Davud Pasha Bath, we will 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 Murad Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, among the early-period 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 from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your 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 experiencing Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side with this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most exclusive venues. With live performances of the best music and folklore of the Balkans, delivered by artists made up entirely of conservatory students and teachers, without playback, we will turn this evening into an authentic experience. We will be delighted to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.

Balkan Night INCLUDED!

Belgrade – Skopje : 430 km

Day 3. Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set out for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will explore 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 trip through the city’s historical heritage, we will 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, and have the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we depart for Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring Prizren’s narrow streets, whose architecture evokes an Anatolian Ottoman town and whose shop signs are filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Tekke, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we start our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel and after dinner, we 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 4. Skopje – Bitola - Resen – Ohrid

After breakfast, we depart for our Resen and Bitola tour, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. We set out 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 works such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and Yeni Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets.. After a short break here, we continue to Resen, where we see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history, from a panoramic viewpoint. Resen offers an enchanting atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After our tour, we travel to Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, one of the important bases of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are: the Monument of 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 stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and have the opportunity to visit the Turkish Bazaar dating from 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, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lake shore, or retreat to your room and rest.

Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!

Skopje – Bitola: 170 km | Bitola – Resen: 30 km | Resen – Ohrid: 35 km

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 5: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodër

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set out for Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city rich in history and culture, an impressive tour awaits us in which we will discover Tirana, regarded as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important symbols. 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 standing proudly in the center of the square. The Clock Tower, the symbol of Tirana, 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 north to the historic city of Shkodër in Albania. Shkodër will fascinate you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED!

Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodër: 100 km

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 6: Shkodër – St. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje

After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey toward Montenegro’s enchanting shores. Our first stop is St. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling scenery. From the hilltop, we will admire the magnificent view of this islet, with every corner looking like a postcard and ideal for photographing this area. 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 Budva, one of the Balkans’ most famous holiday resorts, with its magnificent beaches and very colorful nightlife. Our next stop is Kotor, the enchanting city famous for its fjords! On the walking tour we will take in this magnificent medieval town, you will feel its narrow streets and the historical atmosphere of 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. After free time in Kotor, we head to our hotel in Medugorje or the surrounding area. After the dinner we will have at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!

Shkodër - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km

Total distance to be covered: 298 km

Day 7: Medugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo. Our first stop is Počitelj, preserved with its historical texture and known as the Turkish Village, where we see the works made by the Ottomans in the 16th century. After the visit, we continue to Blagaj, built at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe’s most powerful water springs. After a short free time in this magnificent natural setting, we set out for Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Mimar Hayreddin in 1557. A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, this bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery in the 1992 war; however, with major contributions from the Republic of Türkiye, it was reopened in 2004. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then we head to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, this city, which 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 Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed by the Serbs in 1914, was severely damaged in the 1992 war as a result of devastating conflicts 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, the Gazi Husrev-beg and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the 1914 Franz Ferdinand assassination took place, 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 at our hotel.

Počitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!

Medugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj – Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km

Total distance to be covered: 192 km

Day 8: Sarajevo – Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – Istanbul

After breakfast, check-out from the rooms and transfer to Tuzla Airport after breakfast. After boarding procedures, flight to Istanbul at 16:10 with Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF272. Following arrival at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 18:55, the end of our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you on your next journey.

*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, you may 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 non-refundable.)

**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 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 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, reducing extra paperwork and costs.

• Professional Guidance: Guided tours offer 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.

• All Tours Included: All surrounding excursions and extra tours included 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. Apart from lunch, and if they wish, tips and souvenirs for their loved ones, no extra money comes 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 covered with beautiful views throughout the tour, but there may be days spent a long time on the bus. Nevertheless, a comfortable journey is ensured with breaks along the way.

• Limited Free Time: Since the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, there is the opportunity to visit all important points with a guide.

• Seasonal Weather Conditions: In the Balkans, weather conditions may vary during certain periods. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing makes this situation comfortable.

• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options that reflect the character of the region and local culture, hotels in some smaller cities may not offer as many amenities as luxury hotels in Türkiye. However, comfort and cleanliness are carefully maintained in these hotels.

• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, there is an opportunity to taste 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 helpful to keep in mind that you may come across 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

Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel

Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel

With Ajet Airlines

Departure Point Destination Departure Time Arrival Time

Istanbul Tuzla 14:05 15:10

Tuzla Istanbul 16:10 18:55